Author: b2

The doors in your home see a lot of wear and tear. Whether it be because you’ve kicked it open for years while your hands were full of groceries or your toddler used it as a canvas, time after time, the doors in our homes could use an upgrade. Replacing them is a great way to add a new and refreshed look to your home.

If you live in Naples or in Southwest Florida in general, the Naples door experts at Smith & DeShields, Inc. are here to give you the pros and cons of prefinished doors to help you upgrade your home.  

Pro #1 – Prefinished doors are more budget friendly

If you’re on a tight budget, prefinished doors are more budget friendly and have a few that unfinished doors do not, which leads us into con #1.

Con #1 – Unfinished doors require more work

According to the Naples door experts at Smith & DeShields, unfinished doors have no finish features such as pre-cut holes for hardware and locks, there are no recesses for hinges and they are not painted, stained or weather-treated for Florida’s elements — meaning you’ll need to undertake this work yourself or you will need to seek a professional out to assist you.

Pro #2 – Unfinished doors are more customizable

If DIY is an attractive thought for you, then unfinished doors may be just what the doctor ordered. Coming in as a blank slate, you’re able to customize the hardware, paint and stain to perfectly match your home and fit your unique aesthetic.

Con #2 – Prefinished doors must be handled with extreme care

It’s all in the installation when it comes to prefinished doors. They must be handled with extreme care to avoid scratches. Despite being solid wood, they are very delicate so don’t lose the touch-up kit the door comes with.

Pro #3 – Both prefinished and unfinished doors come in a variety of quality, durable materials

The good news about prefinished and unfinished doors is that they both come in a variety of durable materials like oak and pine.

Oak looks gorgeous in their natural state and requires little finish work. If you’re a Southwest Florida homeowner that wants to go with an unfinished oak door, consider staining or coating the door, as it can warp in our humid environment.

Pine is less durable than oak, but more budget friendly. In this humid environment, homeowners may want to consider going for a hollow wood door that’s reinforced from within to withstand the elements.

At Smith & DeShields, we have a wide variety of doors to suit all your needs, whether it be interior or exterior doors, simple or fancy, impact-resistant and more. With your safety in mind, our exterior doors are Florida building code compliant. We pride ourselves on the quality of products we offer which is why we only work with top-quality vendors.

Smith & DeShields has four locations to best serve you in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

Smith & DeShields, Inc. has been serving the Southwest Florida building industry for over 60 years. If you’re searching for products such as moulding or cabinet and door hardware, here are four reasons to choose them as your Fort Myers hardware store.

You’ll find high-quality products here

At Smith & DeShields’ Fort Myers hardware store, the company has taken the time to select high-quality products from quality vendors thereby taking the guess work out of things. Unlike that of big-box stores, where the focus is on quantity and not quality, the goal of Smith & DeShields is to ensure you leave with a quality product that you love.

The knowledgeable associates make for a personalized and enjoyable experience

If you do find yourself unsure of what products are right for you and your home, the knowledgeable associates are more than happy to help you find what you’re looking for. The Smith & DeShields associates are best in the business and experts in their craft. If the right product for you cannot be found in their store, they are happy to order it for you.

Their Fort Myers location features extensive displays

The Fort Myers showroom, which opened in 2017, is well appointed with an extensive number of displays. This affords you the opportunity to touch and feel many of our hardware products. A large inventory of in-stock mouldings is also available for your convenience.

Smith & DeShields is a family owned, small business

When you shop at Smith & DeShields’ you’re supporting a small business. By purchasing from a local, family owned and operated hardware store, you’re getting all of the benefits listed above while also supporting a small business in your very own community.

Smith & DeShields, Inc. prides itself on the quality of the products they offer in door, hardware and moulding lines, working solely with top-quality vendors. Smith & DeShields has four locations to best serve you in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

Millwork is oftentimes better known as crown moulding, baseboards and casing. A seemingly overlooked area of the home is actually one that plays a large role in your home’s aesthetic and overall appearance. If you’re looking to personalize your home with architectural millwork, here is some key advice from the Boca Raton millwork experts at Smith & DeShields.

Explore the various styles

While millwork may be overlooked – or eliminated completely — in what’s considered today’s trendier designs, it’s always a classic. There are various styles of moulding you can add to your home to best meet the aesthetic you’re looking for. Examples of the types of millwork you might add to your home include crown moulding or wainscotting.

Crown moulding is a common and decorative finish for traditional homes. It finishes the room by forming an eye-catching transition between the walls and the ceiling. A single strip of crown moulding will work in smaller spaces, however, homeowners with high ceilings might want to consider a more dramatic or layered moulding.

If you’re tired of staring at plain walls, wainscotting might be the answer for you. Wainscotting adds dimension to plain walls by combining stock lumber and moulding to achieve this classic, yet timeless look.

Work with high-quality vendors

The Boca Raton millwork experts at Smith & DeShields only work with high-quality vendors. After all, any project worth doing is worth doing right, so Smith & DeShields selects top-quality millwork to take the guess work out of your project.

Smith & DeShields offers a vast selection of mouldings to complement your home décor in many sizes, styles, and materials. Should you not find what you are looking for in their extensive in-stock selection, their experienced associates are happy to order it for you. Their product catalog can also be explored conveniently online before visiting our store.

Serving South Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples, and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

When you’re in need of products such as moulding or cabinet and door hardware, your first thought may be to visit a big-name hardware store. While certainly convenient, your best bet may be to visit a local store. If you’re in South Florida, here are four reasons to shop at Smith & DeShields’s Boca Raton hardware store.

High-quality products are found here

At Smith & DeShields’ Boca Raton hardware store, customers will find only high-quality products from high-quality vendors. Their selection of millwork is the widest in the area. While big-name stores may have a vast selection of products, they don’t take the time or put the energy necessary into their inventory selection, frequently overlooking products that provide a better value to their customers. Big-name stores have a single-focus goal of making a profit. Profits, in turn, which make investors happy. At Smith & DeShields, their goal is to make sure you leave with a product you’re proud of.

Knowledgeable associates provide you with a more personalized, friendlier experience

When shopping at big-name stores, it’s easy to become overwhelmed as you face literally thousands of options. The situation is made worse when employees are not experts in hardware. Smith & DeShields associates are the best in their class, friendly, knowledgeable and are more than happy to work with you to find that perfect piece for your project.

Not to mention, Smith & DeShields’ Boca Raton showroom consists of two buildings with more than 60,000 square feet of both showroom and inventory. Quality displays allow you to touch and feel the products before they are installed in your home. If the product you’re searching for is not immediately available, associates are more than happy to order them for you. 

You’re supporting a small business

Perhaps the greatest benefit of shopping at a Smith & DeShields hardware store is that you’re supporting a small business. By purchasing from a local, family-owned and operated hardware store, you’re getting all of the benefits listed above while also supporting a small business in your very own community.

Serving the South Florida building industry for over 60 years, Smith & DeShields, Inc. prides itself on the quality of the products they offer in door, hardware and moulding lines, which is why they work solely with top-quality vendors. Smith & DeShields has four locations to best serve you in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

Millwork, otherwise known as crown moulding, baseboard and casing, can make or break your home’s aesthetic. If you’re searching for the perfect finish for your home, here are three reasons to work with Smith & DeShields, Inc. for all your Jupiter millwork needs. 

Smith & DeShields offers an extensive in-stock selection

The extensive selection of Jupiter millwork at Smith & DeShields is second to none. Their products come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials to compliment your home’s décor.

Because there are so many products to choose from, as an added benefit you can browse through your options online in their product catalog. This will allow you to come into the store with a better idea of what you’re looking for. However, if you are still unsure, the associates at Smith & DeShields are happy to help. 

They employ a team of passionate and knowledgeable associates

When shopping for Jupiter millwork at Smith & DeShields, you’ll be comforted knowing that the individuals working there are the best in their class. They are more than happy to spend extra time with you to decide which product is perfect for your home and best fits your budget.

It is rare to not find the product you’re looking for in their vast selection, but should this occur, the associates at Smith & DeShields are happy to source out additional products for you to consider. 

Smith & DeShields only works with high-quality vendors

Quality matters to Smith & DeShields as much as it matters to their clients. And for that reason, the company only recommends top-quality vendors. By working with the best in the industry, shopping at Smith & DeShields takes the guess work out of not being an expert in Jupiter millwork.

Serving South Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples, and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

As the first impression of your home, your front door should be one that sets the standard in your neighborhood. In addition to its looks, a front door should also be able to stand the tests of time, weather and would-be intruders.

If you live in Boca Raton, Florida, or in the surrounding area, you can trust the experts at Smith & DeShields, Inc. to help you select the highest quality doors for your home. Keep reading for a number of the top brands to choose for your Boca Raton doors, hand selected by Smith & DeShields.

Exclusive Wood Doors

If you’re looking for authentic, expertly crafted solid wood doors, look no further than Exclusive Wood Doors. Guided by the principle that all their exterior doors are built solidly; this produces an added value of exceptional craftsmanship. Each of their doors are created individually with alternating grain patterns to ensure balance and stability in every door, resulting in a unique Boca Raton door for every home.

Vintage Iron Doors

For those looking for a classic look, consider Vintage Iron Doors. Not only do they look good, but their doors are Miami Dade hurricane tested and approved as the strongest iron doors on the market. They offer the largest engineered sizes with unlimited design options for your Boca Raton doors.

Clark Hall Doors

Another recommendation for your Boca Raton doors is the unique Clark Hall Doors. The company offers fully customizable, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind doors. They range in style from ornate, traditional, contemporary, craftsman and patio style.

Because quality matters to us – and to our clients – we proudly note and recommend top-quality vendors, such as the ones listed above and additional ones on our website for your Boca Raton door needs. 

Smith and DeShields sales associates, as well as our large showrooms, are among the best in the industry to help you pick the perfect interior and exterior doors for your home. We are more than happy to help you explore the various options available to help you make an informed decision and choose the right products that will stand the tests of time in Florida.

Serving Southwest Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples, and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

When it comes to door hardware, you don’t want to cut corners. If you are unsure about paying more for quality door hardware, here are four reasons why you should, from the Jupiter hardware experts at Smith & DeShields, Inc.

The little details matter

Door hardware is considered the “finishing touch” for both your main entrance as well as the interior doors of your home. For your home to look its very best, these little details matter and are worth spending more.  You will instantly elevate your home’s overall aesthetic and make a statement about you. When searching for door hardware, be sure to consider both the style and comfort as well as appearance. This seemingly small piece of your home will be used and displayed proudly for years to come.

You get what you pay for

When you choose to spend more on door hardware, you get what you pay for – quality products that will last for decades. If you’re overwhelmed by the many options for your door hardware, look here for vendors we highly recommend.

If you shop at a local hardware store, you’re also paying for expertise

When searching for door hardware, it’s strongly recommended you shop at a local store like Smith & DeShields, Inc. If you shop for your door hardware with Smith & DeShields, you’re also getting the expertise of our Jupiter hardware experts. Prices may be a little higher than a big-name store, but it’s because we’ve hand-picked the products in our stores for their quality, durability and look, so you don’t have to.

Our Jupiter hardware experts, as well as our large showrooms, are among the best in the industry to help you pick the perfect hardware for your doors. We are more than happy to help you explore the various options available to help you make an informed decision and choose the right products that will stand the tests of time in Florida.

We proudly supply top-quality vendors

Because quality matters to us – and to our clients – we proudly note and recommend top-quality vendors, such as the ones mentioned previously and on our website for your door hardware needs.

Serving Southwest Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples, and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

Owning a home in Florida comes with a number as challenges, as well as great reward. We love the 237 days of sunshine we get on average throughout the year, but the sun is quick to dull the paint and finishes on our homes. We love living near the beach, but the salty air wreaks havoc on certain metals. 

If you live in Jupiter, Florida or the surrounding area and are looking for the best door hardware for your home, trust the experts at Smith & DeShields to point you in the right direction. Because we know the little details matter, we’re here to recommend the best products for your Jupiter doors both online and in our showrooms. 

Inox (unison) Hardware 

For the contemporary and modern home Inox (unison) hardware is second to none. Their stunning designs, and stainless-steel based hardware is a perfect match for interior and exterior applications. A wide variety of custom finishes are available; with concealed fasteners they are the perfect match for a clean and contemporary interior. 

Baldwin Hardware

For discriminating homeowners looking for a modern, luxury look for their Jupiter doors, trust Baldwin Hardware. Their products offer superior design, craftsmanship and functionality. There is no predetermined combination of knobs, levers, rosettes and finishes as customers can mix and match according to their individual tastes. Baldwin also offers a lifetime warranty on certain finishes

OMNIA Industries Inc

The stylishly designed, yet exceptionally functional hardware has been impressing the industry since 1964 and are available in a range of finishes to best fit your Jupiter home’s design.

Ashley Norton

If you’re looking for door hardware in Jupiter made of solid bronze or brass, Ashley Norton is the leading manufacturer. Their offerings include hardware in contemporary, transitional, and traditional themes.

Rocky Mountain Hardware 

Rocky Mountain Hardware offers hardware expertly crafted in America using only the finest art-grade bronze and precision-quality mechanisms. Florida homeowners will be happy to hear that all products are backed by a lifetime guarantee. Each piece is individually cast for one-of-a-kind character and then given a hand-applied patina that grows richer and more lustrous in response to the environment.

Emtek Hardware

Emtek, a hardware company based out of Southern California, custom assembles their products helping bring your personal style to life for your Jupiter doors. There is no predetermined combination of knobs, levers, rosettes and finishes as customers can mix and match according to their individual tastes.

Because quality matters to us – and to our clients – we proudly note and recommend top-quality vendors, such as the ones listed above and on our website for your Jupiter door needs. 

Smith and DeShields sales associates, as well as our large showrooms, are among the best in the industry to help you pick the perfect hardware for your Jupiter doors. We are more than happy to help you explore the various options available to help you make an informed decision and choose the right products that will stand the tests of time in Florida.

Serving Southwest Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples, and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

After spending more time in our kitchens than ever this past year, you may have come to realize this space could use a bit of an upgrade. If you’re looking for some kitchen makeover ideas, here are three that won’t break the bank.

Update your artwork

A simple way to update your kitchen is to update the artwork. In fact, many don’t even have artwork in their kitchens at all because it’s not the first place you’d think to hang a painting. A new picture, sculpture or another art piece can really make a statement in your kitchen and help it feel like new. For extra savings, consider shopping at local thrift stores, on Facebook Marketplace or even craft a DIY project for your kitchen makeover.

Give the cabinets a fresh coat of paint

If your cabinets are outdated, adding a fresh coat of paint is an easy and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a makeover. Not to mention, color is often neglected in the kitchen, left bland and boring. Adding a pop of color to your cabinets is an easy way to makeover your space and brighten it up.

Install new cabinet hardware

If you decide to paint your cabinets and now your hardware doesn’t match or just want an upgraded look, updating your cabinet hardware is a great way to accomplish this. There are many styles, colors and metals to choose from, so if you’re unsure of where to start with picking new cabinet hardware, look here.

Begin your kitchen makeover at Smith and DeShields, Inc., a family-owned business that has proudly served the South Florida building industry and has been offering competitive pricing for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we offer in door, hardware and moulding lines, which is why we only work with top-quality vendors. For more information, contact us.

The rise of big-name, chain hardware stores have taken the industry by storm. While going to a chain hardware store may seem more convenient, in reality, it’s in your best interests to shop at a local hardware store. Here are four reasons why.

1) You’ll get a more personalized, friendlier experience

In a big-name hardware store, it’s easy to get lost and feel unnoticed by employees. When you shop at a local hardware store, the knowledgeable, friendly and well-versed employees are more than happy to show you around and help you find exactly what you’re looking for whether it be for replacing simple cabinet hardware or starting a big DIY project.

2) High-quality products

Another reason to choose your local hardware store is because their stores are stocked only with the highest quality products and have the widest selections available in both style and color. Big-name stores can stock a countless number of options but won’t put as much thought into what’s the best bang for your buck or what’s going to get the job done right. Their goal is to make a profit where as a local hardware store’s goal is to make sure you leave with the highest-quality product, so your project is one you’re proud of.

3) Competitive pricing

Chain hardware stores across the country will have the same price at a store in Florida as they will in California. This ensures consistency, but it’s not the best option. Many local hardware stores set their prices based on their location. You’re likely to score a better deal at your local hardware store because the business owners know the best way to beat the competition is to offer better pricing. Not to mention, you’re also getting the personalized experience of a local hardware store, as well as high-quality products at a great price.

4) You’re supporting a small business

In previous years, customers knew they could always rely on their local hardware store, but creative advertising tactics have pulled away from family owned businesses and put money in the pockets of the big names. By returning to your local hardware store, you’re getting all the benefits above plus you’re supporting a small business in your community in the process.

Smith and DeShields, Inc. is a family-owned local hardware store that has proudly served the South Florida building industry for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we offer in door, hardware and moulding lines, which is why we only work with top-quality vendors. We have four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples and Fort Myers. For more information, contact us.