Tag: Smith & DeShields

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.