AWI developing new standards

The Architectural Woodwork Institute is developing 12 woodworking standards through an American National Standards Institute-approved process on a three-year schedule. For the first time, these new standards will include product testing as basis for casework performance duty levels.

“Objective results from product testing will increase casework manufacturers’ tolerance understanding of their own company’s products,” according to a statement from AWI. “The standards will fit what they produce, not the other way around. This makes it possible to market products based on performance data rather than anecdotal field experience.”

These new or “next generation” of AWI standards are being developed for digital and mobile use with increased functionality and responsiveness to on-screen and in-hand viewing.

The Architectural Woodwork Standards, Edition 2 (2014) remain in effect unit the new standards are released.

Volunteers are needed to help develop the new standards.

“The ANSI process is an open/transparent process,” according to AWI. “Two groups of volunteers are needed to develop standards. Subject Expert review Teams will review content of initial drafts, contributing their experience to create content and revise what exists.

“Canvassers will be selected for a ‘use group’ and will comment on and vote on the final draft of the standards.”

The AWI represents nearly 3000 members, including architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world.

For more, visit www.awinet.org. 

This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue.