Heritage millwork in Toronto and the GTA
Every house built before 1930 has a moulding profile that no mill runs today. A heritage millwork shop grinds a custom knife from a sample of your baseboard or casing and runs new stock that matches exactly, which is why one salvaged offcut is worth protecting through a whole renovation.
The GTA has the densest concentration of custom millwork capability in Ontario, largely in Woodbridge, Bradford and the northwest industrial belt. Typical heritage jobs: grinding knives to replicate baseboard, casing, crown and picture rail; reproducing panelled doors to match the surviving ones in the house; turning newel posts and balusters; rebuilding window sashes and jambs to original section; and matching species, usually pine and occasionally oak or butternut, to what is already in the room. Bring the shop a real sample rather than a photograph. A clean offcut a few inches long is all a knife grinder needs, and photographs consistently lose the small steps and quirks that make a profile read as original.
What to ask before you hire
- Will you grind a custom knife, or match from your existing profile library? Both work, but a library match should be confirmed against your sample before the run.
- What is the minimum run for a custom knife? Knife setup is a fixed cost, so it pays to order every profile the house will need in one go.
- What species and grade are you running, and is it kiln dried? Matching old-growth tight-grain pine takes a deliberate material choice, not whatever is in the rack.
Interior millwork is eligible where the designation by-law protects interior features. Toronto, Markham, Oakville and Caledon all fund exterior millwork such as doors, sashes and trim as conservation work under their heritage grant programs.
Contractors on this page
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Renossance Inc.
Millwork, trim, turnings, windows, doors, staircases, lime mortar masonry
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A & D Woodturning
Pillars, balusters, mouldings duplicated from originals
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Balmoral Lumber and Millwork
Custom mouldings, curved arches, doors, cabinetry
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Brenlo Custom Wood Mouldings
Mouldings and interior doors matching historic styles
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Decor Group Inc.
Replacement pillars, mouldings, doors
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Imperial Architecture
Wood and plaster mouldings, columns, carvings, cornices, tin ceilings
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Mister Wood
Interior wood refinishing - panelling, staircases, balustrades
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Royal Woodworking
Custom and standard trim work
Also serving this area
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Great Works Fine Carpentry
Exterior woodwork
Part of
More in the GTA & York region
- Heritage carpentry and joinery in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage foundation repair in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage restoration contractors in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage masonry contractors in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage masonry cleaning in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage metalwork and ironwork in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage plaster restoration in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage roofing in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage specialty materials in Toronto and the GTA
- Stained glass restoration in Toronto and the GTA
- Heritage window restoration in Toronto and the GTA
- All heritage grants, trades and consultants in the GTA & York region
Get quotes for your project
Tell us about the job and we will pass it to up to three listed heritage trades who work in your area. It is free and there is no obligation.