Tag: Wood Paneling

Selecting Door Hardware with Smith & DeShields

If you’re looking to enhance the security, as well as the style of your home, it’s important to consider the type of door hardware you utilize. The proper hardware can not only add an aesthetic appeal to your door but can also provide greater protection against the outdoors.

From handles and locks to hinges and kickplates, there are a variety of options from which to choose.


Smith & Deshields, a reputable source for custom architectural products, provides a few tips to help you gain a deeper understanding of door hardware.

By following their expert advice and recommendations, you can learn everything you need to know about selecting high-quality door hardware that provides both security and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to upgrade your door hardware, these tips are essential in helping you make informed decisions to achieve optimal results.

Types of Locks

When it comes to choosing door hardware, it’s essential to consider the many different types of locks that are available. Some of the most common options include deadbolts, handle sets, and smart locks.

Each of these has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s worth taking some time to explore the options to make a decision that works best for you.

Whether you’re looking for maximum security, convenience, or a combination of both, there’s sure to be a lock that fits the bill.

Materials

When it comes to selecting the best materials for door hardware, there are several options available. Brass, steel, and aluminum are among the most commonly used materials. Each has its own unique set of advantages that should be considered before making a final decision.

Ultimately, the material you choose will impact the overall look, durability, and functionality of your door hardware, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Finishes

When deciding on the hardware for your door, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the finish, as it too can significantly affect the overall look of your door. You might want to consider some popular finishes such as polished brass, which gives off a shin, luxurious feel; satin nickel, which has a more subtle and modern look; or oil-rubbed bronze, which adds a rustic, antique touch.

All of these finishes have their own unique qualities that can give your door the perfect finishing touch.

Security Features

It is of utmost importance to carefully choose door hardware that is equipped with top-notch security features. Regarding security, reinforced strike plates, anti-pick pins, and smart lock technology are key elements to consider.

These features provide an additional layer of protection against potential intruders while enhancing the overall security of your home or business. Therefore, it is highly recommended to invest in high-quality door hardware that ensures solid security measures.

Smith & DeShields

If you’re looking for custom door hardware for your home or office, you can trust Smith & DeShields to guide you in the selection process. With their expertise and knowledge, you can be sure that you’ll find the ideal hardware to suit your needs.

Choose from our unparalleled selection of doors, hardware, moulding, and other architectural accents and building supplies as well. Many of which are in stock, available immediately, and local exclusives to Smith & DeShields. Quality permeates every facet of our business, and it’s no different when it comes to choosing top-quality hardware manufacturers.

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. Contractors, architects, and homeowners alike are invited to experience the wide variety of quality products showcased in each of our four Florida showrooms. Visit SmithandDeShields.com to learn more.

Professional Builders Share Their Experiences with Poplar Wood

Poplar wood is one of the most popular wood types commonly used in making furniture, toys, plywood, decorations, cabinets, etc. Even though Poplar is considered a hardwood, its workability is easy as softwoods like pine. Here is what the experienced professionals at Smith & DeShields have learned about working with Poplar wood.

What is Poplar Wood?

Poplar wood is often light in color, with green or light brown streaks running through it. Poplar is uniform and medium in density, making it an excellent option for multiple uses.


There are many types of Poplar, including Balsam, Black, White and Yellow. Smith & DeShields handpicks specific Poplar products from a variety of our top-quality vendors to create the finest finished products available.

What Is Poplar Wood Used For?

Smith & DeShields offers a wide variety of products made from Poplar, such as Applied Panels, Poplar Bases, Poplar Casings, Poplar Chair Rails, Poplar Crowns, and more. Each application is handcrafted for your home or commercial building for a personalized approach to Poplar mouldings and other products.

Poplar is utilized because of its stability, lightweight, and affordability. It is often used for internal components in furniture like sofa frames, cabinet parts, millwork and even trim work. Poplar is commonly used as trim because it is more durable than most woods and is easier to find without imperfections such as knots. Smith & DeShields offers many trim applications made from Poplar to enhance the look of your home or commercial building.

A few other examples of Poplar wood usage are:

  • Built-Ins
  • Baseboards
  • Casework

Benefits of Poplar Wood

There are many benefits with this fine wood, including its availability, its rapid growth and height (which allows for longer lumber pieces), its hardness on the Janka Hardness Value, and its workability, which allows for highly detailed millwork. It is also extremely lightweight making it one of the most accessible hardwoods to work with, and it can also be used inside and outside your home depending on the climate.

With many kinds of soft woods out there, Poplar wood ranks at 540lb on the Janka Hardness Value Scale, which puts Poplar wood higher than pine. Because Poplar is softer than most hardwoods, it takes manipulation with a lather, router, or saw well.

Due to its light color, it is necessary to sand Poplar wood, as well as paint it. Staining cannot be used for Poplar woods. Stain grade Popular is available but as a special order only.

Smith & DeShields

If you are interested in adding custom Poplar wood into your home, trust Smith & DeShields.

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. 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.

Visit SmithandDeShields.com to learn more.

How to Personalize Your Home with Architectural Millwork

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.