Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get pricing?
Can't I just go to your price list?
I call and I always get voice mail, why don't you answer the phone?
How long is the lead time?
Will you come out to measure?
What are your payment terms?
So you deliver?
Do you install?
Can I get my doors/windows clad on the exterior?
But isn't maintenance free a great idea?
Will you finish these doors with ______ color paint on the outside and
_______ color stain on the inside?
What is the proper finishing method?
You mean finishing does more than just look pretty?
How do I get pricing?
Please call, fax, or email us with approximate sizes and a description
of your needs. If you want doors or intricate windows, a rough sketch
is VERY helpful!
Can't I just go to your price list?
We make so many different products, with almost limitless variations. Literally,
pricing is done by adding in all of the different components along with a
labor cost.
I call and I always get voice mail, why don't you answer the phone?
As the message indicates, we are busy in the shop. If we are close to
the phone, we DO answer. Please, leave your name and number – speak
slowly and clearly. Your call will be returned.
How long is the lead time?
This depends – on what you need, and what our existing backlog is
when you are ready to order. Please remember, we are a small shop, and
our products require much labor. Our normal backlog is 4-6 weeks, but
that grows to 8-10 weeks in the fall. Also, very large jobs can monopolize
our shop. So please take this into account when planning your project
– we would love to work with you!
Will you come out to measure?
Once we have given you a quote on your order, yes we will measure. It
is always best to have the installing carpenter at this meeting, so
their input can be accommodated.
What are your payment terms?
Our standard terms are 1/2 deposit to begin production, with the balance
due upon final delivery. We accept checks and Visa/MasterCard up to $1,000.00.
So you deliver?
Yes, within western PA. Delivery means that we will come to your site
with your goods on our truck, and we will get as close to your building
as possible. You must provide the manpower to take your goods from
our truck to wherever you would like them placed.
Do you install?
No, we do not. The majority of our business is done with companies that
have their own carpenters, and we do not compete with them. We can
supply you with the names of several reputable and experienced finish
carpenters, who will be happy to handle your installation needs. Remember,
unlike, vinyl products (for example), there are many different ways
that wood windows and doors can be installed and trimmed.
Can I get my doors/windows clad on the exterior?
We do not believe it is a good idea to clad wood products – if
the cladding opens at a joint (which frequently happens), the unfinished
wood underneath decomposes quickly. Even if we did think that it was
useful, with the choices of shapes, profiles, and differing stile and
rail dimensions that we offer – claddings would be very costly
to produce.
But isn't maintenance free a great idea?
Maintenance free also means non-maintainable. There is nothing that you
can do to prolong the life of the product – when it fails, you
must replace it. If you maintain the goods that we fabricate for you,
you can expect a lifetime of service.
Will you finish these doors with ______ color paint on the outside and
_______ color stain on the inside?
We can supply our products either unfinished or primer painted both sides.
Finished goods will usually require much touching up after transport and installation,
and stains are VERY difficult to match off site, under different lighting condition.
Therefore it is in the customer's best interest to finish the doors and windows
on site.
What is the proper finishing method?
3 coats are mandatory – for paint that means one coat of primer,
and two of finish paint. For clear finishes, the first coat is usually
a thinned sealer coat, again with two coats of finish. Clear finishes,
while showing the beauty of the wood, are usually not as durable as paint,
and therefore will need to be maintained more frequently.
You mean finishing does more than just look pretty?
A brief overview of wood stability and decay is in order. The woods that
we use are all kiln dried, to a very specific range of moisture 
content
(usually 6 -10%). This content has been determined (over centuries!)
to allow the best stability and strength for a particular wood. Changes
in moisture cause woods to move (warp, twist, expand and contract).
Wood decay is a series of fungi that are airborne, and omnipresent. These fungi require three things to begin growing: food (the wood), air (or oxygen), and at least 25% moisture content. Wood that never gets wet will not decay – there is no such thing as "dry rot" of wood. The fungus simply cannot grow in kiln or air dried wood that remains under 25% moisture content.
PROPER FINISHING ACCOMPLISHES TWO THINGS: FIRST, THAT YOUR
WINDOWS AND DOORS WILL NOT WARP OR TWIST, AND SECONDLY - THAT YOUR
WINDOWS AND
DOORS CAN NOT BEGIN TO DECAY!
