We are very excited to introduce this month’s Shell Spotlight: Knock on Wood Pergolas and Decks! This is a family run business, where their work ethic and creativity provide homeowners with innovative designs that leaves the homeowner saying “It looks better than I ever imagined” – which leads to their slogan – “Why WOOD you choose anyone else?” We sat down with Knock on Wood (KOW) to learn more about an exciting recent project and how Shell Lumber helped them along the way.
Client Name: Mike Haley / Lake Catalina – Miami, Florida
Q: What was the scope of the project? How did you approach it?
A: The scope of the project was to give the homeowner a space in which he can relax and enjoy some of the best sunsets in town. This 16 x16 foot space needed to include enough shade to block the scorching Miami sun all while not impeding the beautiful lake view from inside the home. The design includes a classic style pergola canopy with a modern twist including bar tops on each post as well as a 9-foot swinging bench that also converts into a bed. The approach was to first anchor and secure the post. Being on the waters edge, we built and painted the canopy on the ground level and used a pulley system to hoist and secure the final product. The last installment was the swinging bench, which we wanted to make sure could hold a good amount of weight. Our fellow KOW employees were the perfect test samples after two men, who weigh in at 300 lbs. each, were able to pass the test. The bench needed to have integrated side tables with a spill proof lip. The client also requested to have the choice to use it as a standard upright bench, and 45-degree lounger, as well as a completely flat bed.
Q: Is there a story behind the design process/collaboration between you and the client? How did you end up with that design in particular?
A: Our client for this project is an avid musician and artist. With breathtaking views of one of the few motorized lakes in the City of Miami, it is no wonder he was looking for inspiration within his own backyard. He is a creative client with a clear vision of what he wants, yet always open to suggestions. After a few meetings and brainstorming sessions, he knew KOW was the right for him and we were thrilled to take him on as a client.
Q: What materials did you buy at Shell Lumber for the project?
A: Shell Lumber is our go to supplier for wood. We work hand in hand with Juan G who helps us keep our customers happy. With a quick phone call or email we know our service needs will be taken care of. The quality of the products we are giving our customers is our top priority and we know that Shell Lumber is giving us the top-notch quality our clients expect. For this particular project we used PT1, the dimensions are:
- 6x6x12 Posts
- 2x8x16 Beams and Rafters
- 2x6x16 Shade Planks
- ½ Inch Plywood
- Simpson Strong Tie Post Base
- 2x4x16 for Bench
- 1x6x16 for Bench
Q: How does the Shell Lumber team simplify the process of getting the materials that you need for your projects?
A: Shell Lumber helps simplify our process of getting materials we need by selecting the best top quality wood for us. We just send an email to Juan with our list of materials and he sends us back an estimate. Once we give him the ok, he sets up delivery date and that’s it. We have a credit card on file for our account, so that eliminates yet another step from having to deal with Shell’s competitors. In the past we have purchased from other suppliers, which in turn became an entire day ordeal sorting through wood ourselves that in the end didn’t meet the Shell Lumber quality. Also, having the ability to have the wood delivered is time that we save, and we all know that time is money.
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How We Got Started:
Knock on Wood Pergolas and Decks is a family run business. Roger had a love and passion for woodwork at a very young age after watching his father work with wood for multiple projects. For the past 28-years he has always worked on projects for friends, family and even for fun. Eric shares same love and passion for woodwork and after the two brother in laws worked on their first project together, they knew there was an opportunity to do something great. Their work ethic and creativity provide homeowners with innovative designs that will leaves the homeowner saying “It looks better than I ever imagined” – so then…this leads us to our slogan “Why WOOD you choose anyone else?”