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How AWI Standards Work
The AWI Standards are a set of best practices in the architectural woodworking industry published by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). They ensure quality in woodworking projects and are enforced by the AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP).
Each standard has a specific scope and covers different aspects related to woodworking and interior finishes. They have specific requirements related to materials, construction, installation, and performance. These requirements establish the guidelines for quality in woodworking projects which are inspected and verified for compliance by the AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP).
How to Navigate AWI Standards
Aesthetic Grades
The AWI Standards are based on three aesthetic grades:
Economy Grade
Custom Grade
Premium Grade
These grades indicate the level of control over materials, workmanship, and manufacture, with Premium Grade having the highest level of control.
Performance Duty Level
The performance duty levels indicate the structural performance of products like casework, drawer boxes, shelf suspension systems, and panels:
Duty Level 1: Light Commercial
Duty Level 2: Commercial
Duty Level 3: Institutional
Duty Level 4: Laboratory
These levels are determined through laboratory testing and provide information to architects and designers.
In conformance with American National Standards Institute requirements for standards development, AWI is following procedures that require openness, balance, consensus, and due process.
About the American National Standards Institute
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards in the United States to ensure product and service quality, safety, and compatibility. ANSI does not develop standards itself but instead accredits development organizations (SDOs) and industry groups, such as the Architectural Woodwork Institute, in creating and maintaining these standards.
These standards are essential in various fields, including engineering, manufacturing, telecommunications, and information technology, and are crucial for trade, product quality, safety, and environmental protection.
Learn More About ANSI
Compliance with ANSI Essential Requirements
AWI follows procedures in line with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements for openness, balance, consensus, and due process and outlines its own specific procedures for developing, revising, reaffirming, or withdrawing American National Standards.
Openness
The standards development process is open and does not favor any single interest category, individual, or organization.
Balance
AWI aims for a balance of interests among participants. No single interest category should dominate the consensus body.
Coordination and Harmonization
Efforts are made to resolve conflicts between existing American National Standards and candidate standards.
Notification
Timely and adequate notice of standards development activities is provided to all interested parties.
Consensus
- A balanced consensus body is established, consisting of participants from various interest categories.
- Consensus is reached through a voting process, with specific requirements for approval.
Appeals Procedures
There are procedures in place for individuals or organizations to appeal actions or inactions related to standards development.
Metric Policy
AWI uses the International System of Units (SI) in its standards, with SI units preceding Imperial units.
Administration
AWI's Technical Committee, professional staff, and Board of Directors oversee the standards development process.
Your input is valuable in helping us maintain the high quality and integrity of our standards.
To keep AWI Standards consistent and in compliance with industry best practices, we would greatly appreciate your suggestions and insights.
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