RSSFirst impressions
Karen Cummings and Pamela Blythe
The textural beauty of wood, superior joinery, and clever detailing with iron hardware make these doors a stunning focal point for custom homes in the Grand Valley and across the western slope.
CREDIT: All photos courtesy of Woodsmith Custom Millwork, Grand Junction.
Your home’s first impression is the front door. The beauty and quality of the door, the feel of the hardware, and the appearance of fine wood is a prediction of what lies beyond. Will it be the Beauty or the Beast?
Amid the buzzing and whirring of machines, you can see for yourself many skillful examples created and produced by owner/craftsman Eric Land of Woodsmith Custom Millwork. Eric has 12 years’ experience and loves to blog and share shopisms about his creations.
Eric’s doors are made in Grand Junction and he uses domestic materials whenever possible. Once every two years or so, a client will request a highly figured exotic wood, or what he calls the “fancy” wood, like Iroco, Anigre, or Sapele which may require ordering overseas, but he says that is quite uncommon. In the Grand Valley, the wood of choice for entry doors is knotty alder. While the best wood for a door is determined by the tree, some of the more durable woods are mahogany, cedar, lyptus, and white oak.
In our sometimes harsh climate, the sun, heat, and snow are not an exterior door’s best friend. Doors exposed to harsh environmental elements require maintenance at least one time each year. Not maintaining a fine wood door produces the same results as not changing the oil in your car — the result can be devastating.
In our new home, the front porch is 15 feet square, so the door will be well protected. The style I have chosen is contemporary, with a nod to Craftsman style, and it will be made of premium alder and walnut with bronze hardware.
Eric’s finisher provides superior end product by using the highest quality coatings available which are buffed to a smooth satin sheen. Even the most skillfully executed custom door can be ruined by a poor finish, so be sure to inquire about this if you are pursuing a custom door. Custom finishes that match the interior of the home are unlimited.
At Woodsmith you’re not limited to choices from a catalog. Eric will help you realize any design and configuration you can imagine. Add the variable of some incredible choices of wood species, and eye-popping finishes, and you can understand why he has a sparkle in his eye and loves the chance to talk about creating beautiful works of art.
You’ll only find superior materials and well-crafted joinery at Woodsmith. No paper-thin veneers or low quality hardware. Their door will have four hinges, each 5-by-5 inches with a ball bearing to support the weight of the 4-foot by 8-foot by 2-1/4-inch thick slab of wood. The sheer weight of the door and its flawless operation on grade-A hardware is impressive — something you should try out.
Value or price? Beauty or the Beast? As always, if we can help you make that important first impression decision, just call.
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