Frequently Asked Questions
What finishes and colors do you offer?
We offer a number of high-quality finishes. We have done cerusing, pickling, antiquing, glazing, and many others. We can paint in any color or provide primed material for you to apply your own paint. If you want your unit sanded and ready for you to finish, we can do that too. Please see our stain options that we offer as a standard. If you don’t see anything that works for your project, let us know. We mix our own stains on-site.
What kinds of finish do you use and how many coats?
Below are general guidelines, but certain projects require different materials.
Interior stained products: We apply the stain coat and 3 coats of pre-catalyzed laquer.
Exterior stained products: We apply the stain coat and 3 coats of post catalyzed 2 part polyurethane.
Our interior primer is either a water base or oil base depending on various factors, and our exterior primer is an oil base. We apply 2 coats. Both primers are white unless you specify otherwise. If there are any concerns with the compatibility of your paint, let us know and we will check that for you.
Painted products: There are many different types of products for various applications, but generally we will use pre-catalyzed varnish, interior/exterior catalyzed polyurethane or conversion varnish.
What are your standard mullion sizes?
By mullions, we mean the wood pieces that hold glass panels together. We produce a true divided light, not the applied types found on lesser quality products. Our mullions are generally 1 1/2″ wide, but there are some cases where the profile is bigger or smaller depending on the profile you choose. Of course we can provide widths to meet your specific design needs – just let us know what you require. Please see our sticking profiles page for our stock options.
What is stave core construction?
Stave core provides the most stable, longest-lasting, solid wood door construction which has been developed over centuries. This has been imitated in recent years with MDF or chip board cores that are of lesser quality and value and will not stand the test of time. Our stiles and rails are made up of 1 1/8″ thick pieces of wood, glued together and then veneered with a thick veneer in the species of your choice.
How many species of wood do you offer?
We offer any specie available on the market. However, we specialize in African Mahogany, which is an excellent choice for both beauty and durability, although all Tropical African species are available to us. Domestic wood species include Cherry, Walnut, White Oak, Red Oak, Ponderosa Pine, Chestnut, Poplar, among many others.
How difficult is it to maintain wood doors and windows?
Your Starke Millwork Inc. doors and windows have been manufactured to last for years. As for any piece of wood, the finish requires periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best and to protect the wood from the elements. We recommend refinishing your products after the first year and then periodically depending on the conditions in which your products are installed. We have finishers available to come out on site to refinish. They will use the same products as were used originally, and bring your doors back to looking new.
How well do wood doors and windows hold up?
As long as your unit is properly finished and maintained, our wood doors and windows will last as long as your home or business.
How long does it take to get a door or window?
Typical lead times range from 16 to 18 weeks. Production and delivery times will vary based on the number, type and complexity of the units. Please call us and we will do whatever is possible to ensure your order is delivered in a timely manner. Expedited ship times can generally be arranged.
How long does it take to get molding?
Typical lead times range from 1 to 2 weeks. Production and delivery times will vary based on the footage and if you require a custom cutter or not. Please call us and we will do whatever is possible to ensure your order is delivered in a timely manner. Expedited ship times can generally be arranged. Shop for Moldings.
What hardware do you supply?
We can supply you with Baldwin or Emtek products at a discounted rate and as a standard, we provide Hager hinges for our interior and exterior doors in the finish of your choice. You can of course get any other hinge that will suite your application. For exterior doors we supply either Accurate sectional or Accurate ADA saddles in 5 available finishes. We use Q-LON weather stripping in either black, brown or white. For twin doors, we will install astragals and flush bolts. We will machine for any other hardware of your choice, including mail slots, specialty hinges (Tectus, RIXSON, etc…), lock sets, etc. to meet your design requirements. Ask for pricing.
Do I buy from you directly or from a retailer/distributor?
We sell our products directly to our customers to ensure you get our great products and services at exceptional prices. We do have a showroom located in New York City, but that is operated by us and not any 3rd party.
Do you have doors, windows and moldings in stock?
No we don’t. We make everything to order.
What is the ordering process?
It really depends on the complexity of your project. Give us a call to start, and tell us what style, size, wood species and whatever other information that could be relevant. The more information we have upfront, the more accurate the initial quote will be. We will provide a quote, and if the price is accepted and the terms are agreed upon (generally we require 50% deposit before drawings and 50% on delivery), we will (in most cases) draw up detailed shop drawings for your review and approval. Once approved, we will begin the manufacturing process.
