Category: News

How to Accessorize your Kitchen Cabinetry with Beautiful Hardware

Posted on November 18, 2022 by - News

If you’re looking to replace old, dated hardware with new hardware in your kitchen, look no further. Endless choices await you. Knobs or Pulls? Nickel or Brass? You’ll also want to be mindful of previous holes created by the old hardware. These questions are crucial when determining which style of hardware is best for your kitchen. We’ve created a general guide to updating hardware, including some of our favorite hardware shared with you below.

Trends for Kitchen Hardware

You might want to think of the hardware as jewelry for your cabinetry. Getting dressed up and adding jewelry is a way to be noticed and to be the center of attention. New hardware just might be what your cabinetry needs to turn heads. Here are a few modern hardware designs that are becoming incredibly popular in new homes.

  • Matte black finishes
  • Satin black finishes
  • Latches instead of knobs
  • Mixing and matching knobs and pulls
  • Square bar pulls instead of tubular

Handles

Whether your home is fashioned with wood, marble, or ceramic features, there’s an enormous array of options for homeowners. Handles also come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to choose from many possible combinations for your home. Finishes can also come in numerous shades. There’s matte or satin, antique, champagne, traditional, lacquered and more. Some of the most popular are:

  • Glass
  • Brass
  • Chrome
  • Nickel
  • Stainless Steel

Pulls

Choosing pulls over knobs can have many benefits. Firstly, pulls typically are a little easier to use than knobs, which makes them an exceptional choice for homes with fragile or arthritic hands. Pulls can decrease the amount of contact your hands have with your cabinets, which helps to keep your cabinetry spotless, thereby creating less hassle overall. Lastly, pulls are available in a wider selection of designs than knobs. With so many unique designs and finishes, it is easier to give your cabinets a designer touch.

Knobs

Knobs are typically small in size, which gives them a more refined appearance than pulls. If you have stunning cabinetry or a stunning backsplash that you’d prefer to have to stand out, choose a knob that fits the style of your home. No matter which finish you decide on for your kitchen hardware, one thing is sure: each choice offers a unique look and feel. The many options make it easy to find the perfect interior door hardware to suit your taste and décor.

Featured Brands

Smith & DeShields offers you competitive pricing and the best-in-the-industry experience. Because quality matters to our clients and to us, we proudly note our top-quality vendors:

  • Emtek
  • Baldwin Hardware
  • OMNIA Industries Inc
  • Ashely Norton
  • Rocky Mountain Hardware
  • AHI Hardware
  • SIMONSWERK
  • Karcher Design
  • Schlage
  • Unison Hardware

Smith & DeShields

Finding the right aesthetic for your home can be a bit overwhelming, so leave it to the professionals to help you choose the proper hardware.

For more than 65 years, Smith & DeShields has built a reputation around the constant evolution of its product lines to match the latest technology, designs, and hardware that stand the test of time. Contractors, architects and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms. If you are interested in installing our custom hardware for your home, visit one of the four showrooms throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, and Jupiter. Visit SmithandDeShields.com to learn more.

Why Smith & DeShields is the Best Hardware Store in Fort Myers

Posted on November 15, 2022 by - News

Smith and DeShields Retail Displays

Why buy from a national chain when you can purchase quality products from a local supplier that is trusted and reliable? As a family owned builders’ supply firm with over 60 years of expertise, Smith & DeShields is the leader in Southwest Florida for many products, including moulding, cabinets and door hardware.

Smith and DeShields Retail Displays

Located on the west side of Metro Parkway, just north of Daniels Parkway, our Smith & DeShields Fort Myers showroom is well-appointed, with a multitude of displays that allow clients to touch and feel many of our products.

Smith & DeShields also offers a large inventory of in-stock mouldings available for your convenience. We welcome you to take home moulding samples of our products to see how they would look in your home firsthand. Our mouldings, as well as our other products, stand the test of time and offer style, selection, and service for all clients, big or small.

Style

Our Fort Myers showroom offers a vast selection of hardware samples on display. Smith & DeShields specializes in all popular brands and also many smaller, unique lines that can give your home a personalized touch. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the showroom floor, Smith & DeShields can acquire it from almost any manufacturer worldwide. Our extensive inventory makes Smith & DeShields one of the largest and finest hardware-stocking dealers in Florida.

Selection

At the Fort Myers showroom, you can choose from an unparalleled selection of doors, hardware, moulding, and other architectural accents and building supplies. Many products are available immediately, and local exclusives to Smith & DeShields can be found in stock. Smith & DeShields also offers pricing that cannot be beat, unlike expensive chain hardware stores.

Service

Smith & DeShields’ sales associates are among the best in the industry and are quick to offer valuable advice and insights. They are highly knowledgeable about the many products available at Smith & DeShields’ Fort Myers showroom and they’re ready and eager to help you you’re your architectural products selections that fit your specifications. If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, they are happy to help you explore the various options available so that your decision is an informed one.

Smith & DeShields delivers in Southwest Florida to Fort Myers, Estero, Cape Coral, Sanibel/Captiva, and Bonita Springs, making getting your doors, millwork, or hardware even easier.

Smith & DeShields

If you are interested in installing custom hardware in your home, visit Smith & DeShields, the #1 family owned and operated door manufacturer in South Florida.

For over 65 years, Smith & DeShields has been well-respected for evolving its product lines to match the latest technology, designs, and hardware that stand the test of time. As such, contractors, architects, and homeowners alike revel in the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms.

If you are interested in visiting our Fort Myers showroom, visit us at 1790 Metro Parkway, Unit B, Fort Myers, FL 33966. You can also visit one of our showrooms in Naples, Boca Raton or Jupiter. Visit smithanddeshields.com to learn more.

How to Personalize Your Home with Architectural Millwork

Posted on September 26, 2022 by - News

Wainscoting, trim work, crown molding, and cabinetry — are all examples of custom millwork that can be manufactured directly into the structure of your home. Millwork has been in homes for hundreds of years, taking shape in many different forms. This can also include millwork which is produced in a mill to create wooden detailing, meaning it can add texture and depth. Exude the timeless elegance of fine craftsmanship, create unique storage solutions, and even increase your home’s value. Here are 5 ways to incorporate architectural millwork into your Florida home. 

  1. Columns & Trim 

When building a home, columns and trim can enhance your home with an elegant touch. Millwork can turn any home from ordinary to extraordinary. Baseboards and trim are an easy way to incorporate millwork into your custom home. Installing custom columns can also add distinctive character to a home as interior structural supports, mantels, or even room dividers. 

Trim can be beneficial in more than one way when designing a custom home. When installing trim, it typically is used to cover gaps between 2 areas. Covering gaps creates a more uniform space and can be highly decorative in setting the style and tone. Quality trim is made from treated wood but comes in many different synthetic materials now like plaster, polystyrene, or PVC. Trim and columns tailored to the client’s style can transform a home drastically. 

  1. Built-in Cabinets

Built-in cabinets create functionality with a sophisticated twist on storage. Custom cabinets or built-ins help utilize each square foot of your property. Designing a space with cabinets can add emphasis to a specific area in your home. They can also create a focal point in the center of the room which draws you into the space. Cabinets can be custom installed in your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, garage and even outdoors. A few built-ins you may generally see in a home include:

  • Bookshelves
  • Cubby storage
  • Benches
  • Kitchen table or booth
  • Under-stairway storage
  • Media or TV units
  • Cabinets
  • Closets
  • Window benches
  • Vanities
  • Office storage
  1. Shiplap, Wood Paneling & Beams 

Wood paneling, board and batten, wainscoting, beams, and shiplap are all exceptional and custom treatments you can easily incorporate. 

Shiplap produces a uniform look and has been seen in the interior design industry for many reasons. This paneling has an eye-catching look that brings elegance and texture to any room. 

Wood paneling can also transition an area because it gives a clean formal feel. There are a few styles of paneling including wainscoting as well as board and batten. Wood paneling can visually break up larger wall expanses while still adding a decorative element. Wainscoting establishes a classic “high-end” look for years to come. 

Lastly, wood beams might be your preferent. With such remarkable size, exposed wood beams bring a visually exquisite feature to the room. Beams intensify personality and charm in your home which creates an effortless design. 

  1. Sliding Doors/Wood Doors

When installing a custom door with millwork, the choice of door ushers in your design style. Beyond conventional doors, millwork doors are custom-made to enhance the look of an entryway. Doors can be equipped with custom glass panels or sidelights. The sizing of the door depends on what can be custom-made to fit the entryway. A broader door allows for larger panels letting more natural light into your space. Doors are the first feature your guests see and millwork will catch everyone’s eye. 

  1. Mullioned Windows

In window design, a mullion is a vertical divider that breaks apart the opening. The technology needed to manufacture large panes of glass was not developed during the Victorian Era. Before that, large windows were constructed by forming small, individual panes of cut glass held together by supportive mullions. Mullioned windows can take shape of a rectangle or square depending on the opening. Acting as load-bearing elements to support an arch, mullioned windows add a cathedral-like finish to any home. 

Smith & DeShields

Adding our millwork can seem like a hassle – but in the end – it can transform your space like you never imagined. 

If you are interested in installing custom millwork into your home, visit Smith & DeShields, the #1 family-owned and operated door manufacturer in South Florida.

Smith & DeShields is home to a wide array of doors to suit all your needs, whether it be exterior or interior doors, simple or fancy, impact-resistant, and more. All of our exterior doors are built to exceed Florida Building Code and are sourced from the most respected vendors.

For over 65 years, Smith & DeShields is well-respected for evolving its product lines to match the latest technology, designs, and hardware that stand the test of time. This is why contractors, architects, and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms. If you are interested in installing our custom millwork into your home, visit one of the four showrooms throughout Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton and Jupiter. Visit smithanddeshields.com to learn more.

5 Benefits of Having Fire-Rated Doors in Your Home

Posted on September 16, 2022 by - News

Fire-Rated Doors in Your Home

Fire-rated doors are part of a passive fire protection system and are designed to reduce the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building or structure. ‘Fire-rated’ means that the door, when installed properly, will not combust during a certain time frame in the case of a fire. While time ratings vary, the standard ratings include 20- to 90-minute doors. Fire-rated doors are more common in commercial buildings but installing them in a residential home can have major benefits as well.

Fire-Rated Doors in Your Home

Benefit #1: Contains Smoke

When installing fire-rated doors in your home, the main benefit lies in containing the fire. These specialized doors are built to endure fire, to manage risk and minimize damage. Toxic gases can spew from anywhere in your house, which can cause severe damage to anyone inside. The doors are constructed of a few heavy metals like gypsum which can withstand severe flames. Fire-rated doors also help contain smoke. Installing these doors will allow anyone inside to evacuate before any toxic gases or smoke reaches them and will minimize damage to your home and lower the risk of injury.

Fire-rated doors go through various tests to see if they meet the standards and safety requirements of the National Fire Protection Association 80. The NFPA 80 standard regulates the installation and maintenance of assemblies and devices used to protect openings in walls, floors, and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke. The rating is the duration for which a passive fire protection system can withstand a fire-resistance test. It is most often a measurement of time. Fire ratings can be 20, 45, 60, 90, or 180 minutes. A third-party agency examines doors to guarantee they meet the requirements.

Benefit #2: Soundproofing

Seeing that fire-rated doors can endure severe flames; they also help insulate a room. Constructed of solid materials, doors are therefore virtually soundproof. With a strong interior core it creates a barrier between you and the next room or the outdoors. The depth of the fire-rated door also establishes how soundproof the room will be. This should allow for a peaceful night of sleep throughout your home.

Benefit #3: Safety with Luxurious Looks

A fire-rated door is great for both safety and aesthetics as fire-rated doors are available in a wide range of finishes and styles. So while diminishing safety risks, you can also create a modern aesthetic in your home.

Benefit #4: Increase Property Value

Installing a fire-rated door can significantly increase your property’s value. The door helps protect property and assets, which in return results in increased value of your home.

Swapping a normal door with a specialized fire-rated door can also help reduce fire insurance premiums because due to decreases in risks within your home.

Benefit #5: Provide enhanced security

It’s recommended that you install a fire door between sleeping areas and places where a fire is  likely to erupt. Most fire doors are interior doors that lead into the attached garage, but other possible locations include the top and bottom of stairwells or at either end of long hallways.

If you have a two-story home, fire doors become even more important, as upper levels can be arduous to evacuate.

Be sure to check local building codes before installing a fire door. They may specify a minimum required rating for certain types of entryways. Consult the National Fire Protection Association for their standards for fire doors to make sure your doors pass regulations.

Smith and DeShields

If you are interested in installing fire-rated doors into your home, visit Smith and DeShields, a family owned and operated door manufacturer in Southwest Florida.

Smith & DeShields is home to a wide array of doors to suit all your needs, whether it be exterior or interior doors, simple or fancy, impact-resistant, and more. All of our exterior doors are built to exceed Florida Building Code and are sourced from the most respected vendors.

For over 65 years, Smith and DeShields has developed a reputation for evolving its product lines to match the latest technology, designs, and hardware that stand the test of time. This is why contractors, architects and homeowners alike experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms. If you are interested in fire-rated doors, please visit one of the four showrooms throughout Florida in Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton or Jupiter. Visit smithanddeshields.com to learn more.

Learn How Replacing Exterior Doors Can Increase The Value of Your Home

Posted on August 22, 2022 by - News

Exterior doors are truly the focal point of the outside of the home as it is the first and last thing your guests see when coming or going. But your exterior door is more than good design and a great first impression. In fact, replacing your exterior door can have an impact on the value of your home. Here’s how.

Resale Value

When potential buyers visit a home, the first thing they notice is the curb appeal. When they ask, “do I see myself living here?” it is often answered within the first couple seconds of seeing the home from the outside. This is why having a stunning exterior door is so important when selling your home.

Studies show that replacing your exterior front door has an average ROI of 63.8%, according to Remodeling Magazine. Whether you are replacing your exterior doors with steel, wood, or glass – buyers and homeowners alike love this addition.

Energy Efficient

Another example of how replacing your exterior door can increase the value of your home is that the home will be more energy efficient with certain types of doors. No matter where your home is located, it is important that your exterior doors are not losing heat or leaking your air conditioning outdoors.

One of the best types of thermal insulated doors is a fiberglass door. Although more expensive, fiberglass doors offer the best insulation for your home which will, in turn, save money on your electric bill. Other types of energy-efficient doors include steel, iron, or solid wood doors.

Increased Protection

Whether you live in sunny Southwest Florida or the snowy northeast, your exterior doors need to be able to withstand even the toughest of storms. From hurricanes to high winds, your door is the only thing standing between you and mother nature.

This is why it is important to purchase a good exterior door. If your doors are lacking in protection and strength, your home, and your wallet, could suffer after the toughest of tests.

Smith and DeShields

If you are interested in replacing the exterior doors of your home, visit Smith and DeShields, a family-owned and operated door manufacturer in Southwest Florida.

Smith & DeShields is home to a wide array of doors to suit all your needs, whether it be exterior or interior doors, simple or fancy, impact-resistant, and more. All of our exterior doors are built to exceed Florida Building Code and are sourced from the most respected vendors.

For over 65 years, Smith and DeShields is well-respected for evolving their product lines to match the latest technology, designs, and hardware that stand the test of time. This is why contractors, architects, and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms.

If you are interested in replacing your exterior doors, visit one of the four showrooms throughout Florida in Boca Raton, Naples, Jupiter, or Fort Myers. Visit smithanddeshields.com to learn more.

The No Casing Door Case

Posted on July 15, 2022 by - News

We have seen over the course of many, many years all of the different ways that door frames can be designed and utilized to either improve flow, match the aesthetic of the room, or provide additional functionality such as security, insulation, and sound cancellation. On the other hand, just recently, we have noticed something new! There is absolutely no casing on the doors!

Initially door casings were intended to serve the purpose of shielding and encasing the door hinges within a strong frame. This would allow the door to open and close without causing any harm to the walls or the door itself as a result of the door swinging back and forth. Over time, these door casings would transition from ornate and decorative frames into those that are more flush and unobtrusive. This was done to conform to the more current or modern perspective of today’s design aesthetics. Because people are increasingly working from home, it is important to maintain some semblance of order and eliminate any potential sources of distraction. Door casings are now so flush to the wall that you can’t even tell that they are there.

This new design is much more involved than you may think. Because the door’s frame isn’t visible to the naked eye, companies that manufacture and sell doors came up with a solution that would protect the door and insulate it in the same way that a typical door would be, but would do so in a way that wouldn’t reveal any of the door’s structural components. The result? A casing that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically complex is built into the wall itself. The casing is placed into the drywall at the doorway, taking the place of the framing that would normally go there. Hinges attached inside the casing move and rotate out of the socket from the wall. This allows the door to hinge in and out without the requirement for a frame that is positioned outside of the wall. It is necessary to construct the door frame (jamb) in such a manner that it allows the drywall to attach to it without leaving a visible seam. This can be accomplished by building the jamb in accordance with certain guidelines. Additionally, hinges are utilized that do not protrude. These kinds of hinges are frequently referred to as “hidden hinges” or “concealed hinges”.

While the aesthetic of a door frame with no casing is quite trendy, it is significantly more expensive than a standard door frame. Door frames with no casing must be planned in advance of the construction of the home; otherwise, the drywall will have to be reconfigured to fit the inner portion of the casing.

After the flush door casing installation, the individual who finishes the task should be one with a good skill set and who has great attention to detail in their craft. Otherwise, the end result could fall short of your expectations. If you’re interested in the no casing, casing look, contact Smith & DeShields today. From doors to hardware and molding, visit our 4,000 SF showroom in Naples to view our selection, or call (239) 591-2224 for more information.

How Hardware Can Change the Look and Feel of Your Space

Posted on July 5, 2022 by - News

Hardware is an important part of the overall aesthetic of a home or business. It can, however, do more than just look fantastic. It may serve to convey a brand image to people who enter your home or office leaving them with a lasting impression.

Hardware is equally important for performance and durability. It’s vital that your hardware gives your appliances, doors, and cabinets the functionality they deserve. For durability, it must be ergonomic, secure, and long-lasting. Performance could be anywhere from auto-closing drawers and cabinets to door hinges that are extremely silent for the sake of good work or home environment.

Finishes

A different metallic finish may be required depending on the colors and concept of your home or business design. For example, if you have a more classic kitchen with a luxury aesthetic, you may choose to use gold metallic knobs, handles, and hinges with a more intricate design.

For businesses, perhaps a more sophisticated, practical doorknob design could be a black metallic finish with an ergonomic grip and clean lines.

Materials

Hardware is also available in a variety of materials; if you want to spend less while still getting more from your hardware, you can always pick a robust plastic that looks beautiful on your doors and cabinetry. Plastic can now be easily created in a variety of designs and finishes that look fabulous but keep costs to a minimum. This is especially useful for companies that require a large quantity of hardware for an office space or building.

For those who love tradition, brass hardware may be just the ticket. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is long-lasting, durable, looks great with a variety of home styles and it develops a rather beautiful patina over years of use.

Nature lovers may go for a bit of rustic look with wooden hardware. Although more costly due to the craftsmanship of the wood, it can stand out in the home and its natural finish can bring warm and earthy tones to your interior.

Styles

Hardware, like finishes and materials, can come in a number of styles. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with clean lines and a simple color palette, you may choose to pick a geometric or square handle in black or silver to match the aesthetic of the area. If you have a traditional-styled home, you may wish to utilize elaborate hardware with flourishes and complicated designs in brass or metallic finishes.

Utility

One thing unites our kitchens, doors, and cabinets throughout the house: hardware. Anything that opens, closes, turns, twists, and shuts requires hardware. This might include anything from sophisticated hinges and sliding drawers to handles and knobs on a range of home utilitarian pieces.

The materials used to build these devices determine their quality. For example, most basic model houses include low-cost fittings like cabinet knobs made of PVC plastic, which can discolor and break after extensive use. Replace these knobs with a more ergonomic and metallic finish, making your cabinets pop, a simple trick to brighten up your kitchen.

An all-too-common occurrence in any home happens when a cabinet breaks off its hinges. Normally you would want hinges that can close a door with ease while also remaining durable. Modern hinges come with a dual twisting locking mechanism that prevents cabinets and doors from opening up further than necessary, thereby protecting the integrity of the hinge. These mechanically advanced hinges also slow your cabinet doors from slamming against their frame when they’re closed to prevent those pesky dents and marks from happening over years of use. If you are interested in a large selection of hardware perfect for your home or business, visit Smith and DeShields’ 4,000 square foot showroom in Naples, or call (239) 591-2224 to learn more about our product offerings.

How to Choose the Perfect Hardware for Your Doors

Posted on June 27, 2022 by - News

Door knobs play an important part in the security of your home or property. They are not only practical, but they also add to the aesthetic of a place. There are many various types of doorknobs available to match your needs, whether you’re repairing damaged doorknobs or updating the look and design of the doors in your new house. In this article, we’ll look at the many types and functions accessible to you, as well as how to select the best door knob function for each door.

What You Should Know Before Buying Door Knobs

  • Check that the door hardware will fit your door thickness.
  • Take note of the necessary borehole size for the doorknob.
  • Verify that the replacement door knobs are compatible with your door.
  • Check the required backseat for replacement door knobs.
  • Determine if the bolt or lock is round-cornered or square-cornered.
  • Purchased door knobs should be appropriate for the application.
  • Examine the security grade of several types of entrance door knobs.
  • Look for premium-security designs with finishes that complement the style of your home.

Half Dummy Door Knobs

Non-locking door knobs that do not need to be spun or turned while opening or shutting a door are known as half dummy door knobs. To open the door, you simply pull on it. Half-dummy door knobs are most commonly found on double doors that close side by side, such as cabinet and wardrobe doors. These stylish doorknobs are excellent for situations that do not require a latch. They come in a number of trendy designs and finishes that will readily fit your interior décor and architectural aesthetic. They’re also easy to install and a low-cost choice for non-locking uses in your house.

Door Knobs for Passage

There is no key for a passage knob; it is a non-locking interior door knob. They have a latch and require the handle to be rotated to open the door. This type of door has two non-locking knobs on either side of the door and is best suited for hallways, closets, and other areas where privacy is not a concern. These door knobs are also available in a number of designs and finishes to complement your architectural style and interior decor. These knobs, unlike half-dummy knobs or levers that do not turn, just lack the locking capability.

Door Knobs for Privacy

Privacy door knobs are intended for use on interior doors. An emergency key on the exterior and a push-button or turn button on the interior may lock and open them. This knob is intended for privacy rather than security. In an emergency, an emergency key or a narrow item inserted through a tiny hole on the outside knob can be used to unlock the lock from the outside.

This sort of doorknob is widely used in bedrooms, baths, and other private areas. They come in a range of designs, styles, and finishes to match your home’s interior decor.

Door Knobs for Storage

Storeroom door knobs are used on storage doors when the outside door should always be kept shut unless accessed with a key. The doorknob lock returns to its locked position when the key is withdrawn. The door will always open freely from the inside. Even if the door is unlocked from the inside, as soon as it shuts, it is locked again. This protects somebody from becoming trapped in a storage area with no windows. These door knobs are commonly found in storage areas and have a UL 3-hour fire certification, as well as a range of designs and finishes to fit your needs. Storeroom knobs and other types of locks should be rated to offer the best possible security.

Keyed Entry Door Knobs

A key on the outer knob or a turn button on the interior knob is used to lock or unlock keyed entrance knobs. This function includes an inside emergency escape in the event of a fire or other emergency. In some circumstances, the lock/key mechanism may be on both sides of the door. These knobs are typically seen on doors that require more protection, such as those with nearby windows or glass panels that are close enough for someone to shatter, reach inside, and unlock the door. These door knobs are often found on external doors, however, they can also be found on inside doors. They have a deadlatch, which increases the lock’s security. Doorknobs that require a key are commonly equipped with a variety of security mechanisms, including security grades. If you’re interested in choosing from a wide selection of door hardware that is durable and unique, Smith and DeShields has you covered! From doors to hardware and molding, visit our 4,000 SF showroom in Naples to view our selection or call (239) 591-2224 for more information.

Benefits to Building with Name Brand Wood Products

Posted on February 16, 2022 by - News

When it comes to building your dream home, every aspect of the project should be met with attention to detail and professional finishes. Every corner of your home should be luxurious and exactly how you want it to be. At Smith and DeShields, we supply our customers with the right doors, millwork, and hardware to create spaces that you can be proud of. Since 1957 we have been serving to Southwest Florida community and have seen the numerous benefits of using specific materials in every build. Here are the benefits of building with name-brand wood products in your project.

Sustainability

When it comes to updating your home or building one from the ground up, you want to be sure that the materials which are used are going to last for countless years. Sustainability, although more delicate and difficult to incorporate, is worth the endeavor to ensure your newly built or renovated home can be passed down to your children. Name brand wooden products can be utilized from the foundation to the smallest details in your home. The reason name brand wooden products have a reputation is due to their capabilities of producing and manufacturing the highest quality of products with the precision and the haste that people deserve.

Investing in name-brand wooden products, whether it’s doors, moldings, or trims, is also investing in the longevity of your home. Homeowners don’t want to use their hard-earned money on replacing old worn-out doors, they want to build a house and not have to worry about it after its completion.

Wooden products are also beneficial because any leftover waste or extra pieces from your moulding cuts are biodegradable. Knowing leftover products won’t ruin the environment is a great feeling and easier to manage.

Speed of Construction

Sometimes we are in a time crunch. To the best of our knowledge, we know that most places prefer time to produce and transport goods well before the due date. Understanding that we all have difficult lives, our timelines are catalyzed by various other factors that threaten to minimize our progress. One of the other benefits of using name-brand wooden products is that they are readily available and can ship with minimal time! Also not to mention using wood as a building material puts you at an advantage because wood is the most durable and yet forgiving material in construction. Its reputation makes it easy to install and lasts for a long time. you won’t be wondering where the time went and you’ll get back to your regularly scheduled programming after swiftly completing your projects with semi-custom wooden doors, molding, and trims at your disposal.

Insulation

Living in Southwest Florida is a privilege. The sun shows itself every day, the temperature is perfect and the sky is always blue, well, most of the time. Wherever there is sun, there most surely is a storm on the horizon in Florida. This signifies you need the most heat-resistant, and moisture-resistant wood products in your home. High-grade wooden door frames, doors, and hardware can keep those doors tightly sealed preventing your precious aircon from escaping through the cracks.

Bragging rights

We all love to entertain our guests and show off the conversation pieces in our homes. Using name-brand wood products in your home gives you another reason to brag to your guests about the quality and the craftsmanship that goes into your hardware, doors, and moldings in your home. From design and composition to placement and color selection, your name-brand wooden products will elevate your home and get your guests talking.

Peace of Mind

Each and every homeowner deserves the peace of mind when it comes to the maintenance in their home. Ten years down the road, you don’t want to have to worry about replacing or upgrading your home with all new trim after rot and decay. Name-brand wooden products are sealed and meant to last, which implies you can worry less about the efficacy of your home features and more about your life.

Smith and DeShields have been in the hardware business for more than 60 years. Providing you with the highest fidelity service and name-brand knowledge for all of your home customization needs. Decades of dedicated service to our clients and our partners allow us to give you unparalleled access to name-brand products with ease and speed. Choosing your desired products is less of a hassle and more of an experience, getting the feel of the product in one of our four showrooms will ensure that you are left satisfied and confident in your purchases. If you’re interested in customizing your home with name-brand wooden products, visit Smith and DeShields at 2360 Trade Center Way, Naples, FL 34109 or call 239-591-2224 to learn more about what we can offer you.

Solid Core & Hollow Core Doors: What’s the Difference?

Posted on February 1, 2022 by - News

Solid and Hollow-Core Doors

Unless you’re planning on building a new home or renovating your existing one, you may not be thinking about the type or quality of the doors in your home. Typically, doors are not often thought of as the most important part of a new build and are usually chosen as the last feature to install when finishing a room.

There is a myriad of door options that can benefit a wide variety of homes and what people want from their homes. From solid wood to solid core and hollow core doors, these interior door options are important to consider before finishing off your home renovation or new home build. So, what’s the difference between the two?

The Rundown

Solid core doors are typically wood-framed and vinyl coated with a synthetic solid inner core. This provides great sound and heat insulation while also keeping the look of a traditional solid wood door. The solid core door is on the heavier side, but comparatively lighter than a typical solid wood door. These doors are more damage resistant and tend not to fluctuate in size based on heat and moisture content. Solid core doors are great options for private rooms, bathrooms, and office spaces within the home and an ideal option for Florida.

Hollow core doors are exactly what you’d expect. They are often wood-framed and vinyl-coated however the inner core is hollow, often filled with a honeycomb-like cardboard structure. Hollow core doors are often used as an economic alternative to solid wood and solid core doors. That doesn’t mean they are less effective.

Utilizations for Hollow Core VS. Solid Core

Hollow doors are great for spaces such as a pantry, laundry room, or closet as these spaces do not need to sustain heat and don’t require sound suppression. Hollow-core doors can also be used in scenarios where you need a luxurious-looking door that doesn’t break the bank. Doors that are hollow are, with no doubt, less damage resistant. However, since there is no internal source of extra weight, hollow core doors are quick and easy to install by one person.

Residents of Florida may be familiar with the types of doors to be in homes across the region. Since solid core doors have a track record of expanded and warping due to heat and humidity fluctuations, these doors are typically not chosen for interior sections of homes. Most solid wood doors would be used as entryway doors and would be the most expensive door in the home. Often pressure treated and sealed to withstand the elements and prevented from warping due to heat and humidity.

A Healthy Balance

The door you choose for your home is essential to your privacy, security, and may save you money on your electricity bill for insulation. Keep in mind that whether you choose solid core or hollow core doors, both have pros that will fit with your specific circumstance.

The most optimal choice for your Florida home would be solid core doors for the bedrooms and other, more occupied spaces in the home. While on the other hand, usage of hollow core doors in spaces such as the pantry, closets, and other less commonly inhabited spaces would be efficient in aligning with your budget.

If you’re interested in finding out which doors would best fit your home’s needs, contact Smith and DeShields today. With over 60 years of door supply experience and knowledge, Smith and DeShields will help you find the most optimal and effective hardware and doors.

Visit our 4,000 square-foot showroom at 2360 Trade Center Way, Naples, FL 34109 if you are interested in our grand selection of door casings, millwork, and hardware. Do you have a question about our offerings? Call 239-591-2224 for additional information.