Sassy Switchplates!

You use them every day, they come in a number of different sizes, and you don't even think about using them when you do......what are they? Outlets and switches, of course!

Here at The Hut we sell covers for these. The actual switch, or outlet, or receptacle can be purchased at a typical "big box" store. The covers are the fun part anyway. So, first of all what are these darn things called. I usually call them all "switchplates" as a general term, and some people call them wall plates.

I will break down the different configurations for you so you can familiarize yourself with the industry terms. We'll start with "Toggle" switches, these really don't go by any other name. These are the small rectangle cut out that you use on bedrooms for example.



Another type is called a "Rocker" or a "Decora" or a "GFI/GFCI" or a "Paddle" switch. They are called rockers because they are look like a large rectangle paddle that rocks up and down as opposed to flipping up and down. They are called GFI's because that is the technical name for the type of electrical component that goes in the rectangle cutout. As far as Decora, I'm not sure why some people call them that. I'm sure someone out there has an answer though.



And of course, there's the "Outlet" which is two circles that are used for plug-in items. This, very much like the toggle is pretty self explanatory.



All of these configurations come in singles, doubles, triples, and sometimes quads. The pictures below depict the some of the configurations in the different sizes.





You can also mix and match configurations, for example a common mixed configuration would be a double toggle and an outlet on one plate.



The next time you turn on a light or plug something in, maybe you'll have a fancy new plate. Not only do they come in plain styles, but you can get some fairly funky covers to add a little personality to your place.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Towel Warmer Time!

This time of year seems to be a good time to buy towel warmers, it's probably due to the fact that the mornings are chilly. You step out of the shower and the tile is cold on your bare feet. Large quantities of hot chocolate and tea are consumed in an effort to keep ourselves warm as the weather turns cold. Towel warmers are a great gift idea as well as practical for everyday use. Most towel warmers use as much energy as a standard light bulb, they keep your towels toasty warm when you're ready to use them, they dry undergarments, and some even help keep a small room warm.

I will focus on three brands that we carry; Amba, Warmrails, and Wesaunard. The first brand I'll talk about is Warmrails.

Warmrails is what I would call an economy towel warmer. They offer a good product for a good price. The average price for a Warmrails unit is around $160. Warmrails only offers electric units, some of them softwired (meaning they plug into a wall) and some of them are hardwired (they are wired directly into your electrical system.) Warmrails has a limited selection of styles and color choices and they are manufactured in China.

Wesaunard is what I would call the deluxe towel warmer. They are a custom made brand, when you order from them almost every item is hand made in the UK. They are made from solid brass and come come in about six color choices.

Wesaunard also offers a big selection of size and style choices, as well as having the option to either electric hardware the units or getting a hydronic model. Hydronic means that the unit is hooked up to your radiant heating and water flows through it to heat it up and keep it warm.

The last brand that I'll talk about is Amba. Amba is the middle of the road priced brand. You get a great quality for a reasonable price.

Amba tends to carry more modern styled warmers in polished & brushed stainless, as well as oil rubbed bronze & white. Amba's average price is about $500, but you get a number a style and size options. Amba products are made out of stainless steel in Italy, South Africa, and some parts from the US.

The important things to consider when purchasing a towel warmer are:
1. Size-you have to keep in mind the space you have and what you can fit.
2. Utilization-what will you be using your towel warmer for. Will you be using your warmer for keeping towels warm, drying clothes, or keeping a space warm.
3. Material and color choices-Solid Brass & Stainless Steel are better conductors of heat so you're more likely to get a more even heated surface with something made out of these materials. Unfortunately, with a material like Stainless Steel your finish choices are very limited.
4. Price-the bottom line is what can you afford. While there is a great variance in price from brand to brand, the basic functions of a towel warmer are all basically the same. In order for a towel warmer to be UL listed they all have to heat to a specific temperature and have the same core features.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is the time of year when we are all supposed to take the time to think about our loved ones, all the blessings we have in our lives, and everything that we are thankful for. From all of us here at Spokane Hardware and The Hardware Hut would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You for all of your support.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Hey November, What's New?

November is already shaping up to be a busy month for us here at the Hut. We've added quite a few unique pieces of hardware that I'm willing to bet you'd have a hard time finding someplace else.

Let's just say you need a door knocker in oil rubbed bronze, that's not so difficult but let's just say you need an oil rubbed bronze door knocker that says Mozart (because that just happens to be your last name....it could be) Well then, you've come to the right place. The Hardware Hut now offers three choices for engraved door knockers. The differences being; one is pretty large-8", one is a "normal" size, and the last is a "normal" size but with a door viewer built in.


How about cabinet lock that can hold either a padlock or a combination lock. Yeah, cabinet locks are pretty common but if you've got a storage shed or a rental property with cabinets and you just want to use a combination lock as opposed to worrying about carrying a key then this is the right item for you. It's pretty neat, you just drill a 3/4" diameter hole through the cabinet and when the two front pieces are lined up for the padlock to go through the door will be locked. When you remove the padlock and rotate one of the front pieces about 45 degrees the cam inside the cabinet rotates as well and allows the door to open.


Another really cool new item is the Warmrails Dual Position towel warmer. Not only is it a standard freestanding towel warmer where your towels are draped over the top of the unit but each panel folds down into what is essentially a heated towel shelf. You can fold both panels or just one or neither. Also, the top rail is heated on this model which in previous versions of this style it was not.


And, a little more on the mundane side of hardware but still cool are a couple of hardware pieces by Emtek. They've added an entry set called Apollo to round out their modern line of hardware. I really like this! Emtek has also come out with an affordable version of Mortise pocket door locks. You can get these dummy, passage, privacy, and keyed functions.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

EPCO Stainless Steel Cabinet Hardware

Stainless steel is a material that is timeless; it's durable, versatile, as well as functional. Today's kitchens all seem to feature a stainless appliance or two. Stainless steel typically is used in a modern design setting but it can be used in a traditional room as well.

EPCO (Engineered Products Company) has the largest offering of stainless steel styles in cabinet hardware that we carry. They've embraced the idea that people love the stainless look but they also want choices. The Bar pull type of handle has traditionally been what people have ordered because, for a while that was the only design choice. If you choose the bar pull design, I have seen kitchens with one length on all of the doors and drawers and I have seen kitchens where multiple lengths are used that cover almost the entire length of the door or drawer. This offering still has largest number of size options available, ranging from a 5 1/2" to a 33 3/8".

EPCO's arch pull comes in five size offerings and tends to be used in either a minimalist setting or at the opposite end of the spectrum in a traditional setting. The arch design seems to be a softer look than a straight pull does.

Square, angular shapes have also become increasing popular. The square designs are pretty much exclusive to a modern design but because they are so simple they could pass on a neat piece of furniture of a built in that wouldn't typically be considered modern. EPCO's square design comes in five different lengths as well, ranging from 5 3/8" to 14 3/16". Because these are offered in larger sizes and with the square design they definitely give the impression of being heavy duty.

EPCO offers another four Stainless Steel style choices that are shown below. They've got another style that is a combination of round bar with square posts for those of you that can't decide which look you want to go with. Whether it's round or square or both that you choose, Stainless Steel is a great choice for cabinet hardware. The material itself will last practically forever.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Schlage's New Deadbolt

Schlage has introduced a new deadbolt this year to take the place of their B360 & B362 model. It is now the B60 or B62. The B60 is the single cylinder version and the B62 is the double cylinder version. The difference between the two is that the single cylinder has a key on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside, the double cylinder has a key at both sides.

The reason for the change over is that they have improved the deadbolt. The first difference from the old style to the new is that is looks slightly more decorative. As seen below, the B360 was very simple with no decoration. The new B60 has an extra "lip" around the base for added decoration.


Another difference is that it can be easily installed by one person, Schlage has designed the new deadbolt with an internal lip that holds the exterior piece onto the door while you are screwing on the inside half.
On the new deadbolt, Schlage has also upgraded the latchbolt that comes with to a grade 1 commercial latch. The diameter of the latchbolt changed from 3/4" to 1". The new B60-B62 can now fit into either a 1 1/2" or a 2 1/8" diameter face hole as well. And, as always Schlage offers a lifetime finish and mechanical warranty.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”

Hey October, What's New?

I can't believe it's fall already, where does the time go? It's starting to get gloomy and cold, it's dark when we come to work and dark when we leave. Next thing you know, it'll be snowing. Towel warmers are perfect for this time of year. I've never really given towel warmers much thought before I started working here. They seem like such a frivolous item, but now that I've seen them in use I can't believe everyone doesn't own one. A warm towel or robe right after your shower when it's 30 degrees outside is one of the best feelings! Not only are they great for warming up your items, but they're good dryers for small items. If you've got children, and they've got wet socks or mittens from playing in the snow you can lay them on the warmer and they'll dry. Items that can't go in the dryer such as undergarments can dry on the warmers. Some models even help heat up a room. Amba has come out with some new styles that I just love. They're not your traditional bar type so they've got a modern look.


We've also added an Oil Rubbed Bronze curved shower rod by Taymor, we've carried the satin nickel and chrome version for some time and it seems to be a fairly popular item. These are great because it gives you a little more room inside the shower without touching the curtain. You see these a lot in hotels.


Deltana makes a number of different door stops in pretty much every finish that's made. We added a new style to their line. This floor mounted type is easy to install, it's relatively discreet, and it comes in a variety of colors to match all types of decor.


As I've mentioned in a few previous posts, we've been adding items from our print catalog to our online catalog, this month we've added a ton to our Pemko selection of door shoes, door bottoms, and weatherstripping.

The last item I'll talk about is the Grass Unisoft door bumper. These are a great way to customize/upgrade your existing cabinets. They allow the door to slowly close and not slam shut. They are universal in the sense that you can use them on both a framed and frameless cabinet and the tension is adjustable so it will work on almost any cabinet door.

Erica
“Leave the Details to Us”