Testing

Empowering Members To Lead the Way in Innovative Construction Practices

As part of AWI's commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards, we’re introducing a groundbreaking shift towards performance-based standards for architectural woodwork construction. This evolution empowers members to develop innovative construction methods that meet rigorous performance guidelines, verified through testing to earn AWI Performance Duty Levels.

By leveraging the collective expertise of our members, AWI strives to promote best practices and ensure that architectural woodwork projects meet the highest standards of craftsmanship, durability, and functionality in accordance with industry guidelines and expectations.

Test Your Casework Construction Method

Testing your casework construction method is now easier than ever with AWI's streamlined process.

For all testing options, a compliance inspector must audit the casework construction in the manufacturer’s facility prior to issuance of final testing reports. Audits are to confirm the construction method tested is being adhered to within the facility. They are separate from a typical qcp project inspection for certification.

Original Designs

One (1) FREE Set of Tests

Requirements:

Available for Manufacturer and Industry Members only

Includes the following:

(1) Base Cabinet Battery
(1) Wall Cabinet Battery
(1) Tall Cabinet Battery
(1) Drawer Box Battery
(1) Shelf Suspension System Battery

Ship them to the National Testing Center (shipping fees are the responsibility of the member)

If you take advantage of this, your passing results will be given a generic name and added to the AWI Method Library as a resource for all members.

Test Your Casework Construction Method

Testing your casework construction method is now easier than ever with AWI's streamlined process.

For all testing options, a compliance inspector must audit the casework construction in the manufacturer’s facility prior to issuance of final testing reports. Audits are to confirm the construction method tested is being adhered to within the facility. They are separate from a typical qcp project inspection for certification.

Original Designs

One (1) FREE Set of Tests

Requirements:

Available for Manufacturer and Industry Members only

Includes the following:

(1) Base Cabinet Battery
(1) Wall Cabinet Battery
(1) Tall Cabinet Battery
(1) Drawer Box Battery
(1) Shelf Suspension System Battery

Ship them to the National Testing Center (shipping fees are the responsibility of the member)

If you take advantage of this, your passing results will be given a generic name and added to the AWI Method Library as a resource for all members.

How We Do It

Testing & Construction Methods

Click to Learn More About Our Testing Methods

Testing Policies

Click to Learn More About Our Testing Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

We are following the lead of the design communities as they are gravitating towards validating their designs with performance data. The design community is utilizing standards that incorporate and provide validation of associations like ISO and ANSI.

You go through the initial process then manufacture and ship two base cabinets, two wall cabinets, two tall cabinets, six drawer boxes, and a shelf suspension system to the AWI lab. Your results will be given a generic name and made public to the AWI method and materials resources for all. You will receive five testing reports that will be valid for one year, list AWI as the original rights holder and your company name as grant use rights. Results are made public under a generic name to help aid other members.

YES, YOUR WAY! MAXIMIZE YOUR EFFICIENCIES. ELIMINATE WASTE AND ENSURE EVERY STEP IS VALUE ADDED TO YOUR PRODUCT. The new standard allows for innovation of manufacturing methods, material types, fasteners and installation. Engineer, build, and have your method tested to your selected duty level desired. This is your member benefit, make the most out of it for you. If you choose to follow the AWS2 Standards, you may also be eligible for free shipping.

Testing is core specific. Meaning the test result is only applicable to casework with the same core. Our studies have proven that different core types react differently to the exact same construction method. Each core has unique properties that perform differently in each test. You must match the material grade you provided for testing and as specified in your Testing Report (typical grades are PB M-2, MDF Grade 130, Veneer core 7ply etc.) You can use NAUF, FIre rated, Moisture Resistant or Standard as long as the grade doesn’t vary (PB-M2).

Member benefit testing will be placed in a queue based on the date they are received. The process has many variable factors prior to the lab testing. But the duration at the lab is three days acclimation, 24 hours testing recording and reporting of data, then five days publication time of report. In total, 8-10 working days, once your turn is up in the queue. Proprietary testing will supersede member benefit testing in the job queue. Timelines are estimates.

Unfortunately that does not qualify for this benefit. The intent is to assist those members who complied with the previous standard and wish to continue their methods with the new standard. The engineered drawings/cabinets must meet AWS2 requirements 100% to be eligible for the free shipping. However, you would still qualify for free testing by utilizing your 1-time free testing membership benefit for an original design.

The decision to pursue proprietary testing or AWI methods will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Several things to consider while making this decision include your current manufacturing processes and efficiencies, the number of jobs you produce that must comply with current AWI Standards, your current construction methods, the level of adjustments that would need to made to current methods to match AWI methods, etc. If you would like to further discuss which method of compliance may be right for you, please contact Hunter Morrison at hunter@awinet.org

Ensure the quality and performance of your architectural woodwork

Test your construction methods with AWI to meet industry standards and demonstrate the excellence of your craftsmanship.  

Contact our Technical Director Hunter at hunter@awinet.org.

Get Your Products Tested