Our off the grid doors

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What’s best about custom work is the collaboration between us and our clients to create a new door. We call these our “off the grid” doors because they are different from the ones we usually make. Inspired by our clients’ requests and made through collaboration, we want to share some of these pieces with you.

Dual purpose

Most of these designs are made upon clients’ request. That’s why we love the process: These unique doors are usually brought to life by the clients’ vision for their space.

Most of our doors are both aesthetic and functional highlights of a room. Our sliding doors usually cover up a space or divide one to create a new room, for instance. But there are some that go the extra mile, like our sliding bookcase (see right). Our client wanted a bookcase that also encloses a walk-in closet. Made of reclaimed ash, the modern design is as effective as it is functional. The two boxes built into the shelf add interest to the otherwise simple design.

The collaboration process shines through here and we are proud to show you the results.

Style meets function: our “off the grid” Sliding bookcase.

Style meets function: our “off the grid” Sliding bookcase.

Creating something new

The metal quilted door, also known as the scrap metal door (see in slideshow), is made of sheet metal on heavy metal barn door hardware. Our client wanted an entry door to their home interior from the sunroom. We worked with them to understand what they wanted and then figure out how we were going to create the desired piece. In this case, we paid extra attention to the placement of the metal sheets. How and where the lines meet affects the “quilted” appearance and we wanted the piece to look polished.

Our chevron doors (see in slideshow) use the placement of natural wood pieces to create a sense of movement, which we love. We also love seeing where our “off the grid doors” will take us next!

If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Now US patented: Single Track Bypass system

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Four years to the day since applying, the U.S. patent for our Single Track Bypass system has been allowed. The Canadian patent for this hardware was granted in May 2018.

These patents are utility patents: the hardware’s use and function are protected. The Single Track Bypass system allows for two doors to bypass on a single track instead of two.

Our single track bypass hardware in solid brass. the client had enough wall space for one large sliding door but wanted to create visual interest by layering two doors instead.

Our single track bypass hardware in solid brass. the client had enough wall space for one large sliding door but wanted to create visual interest by layering two doors instead.

About the hardware

We saw a need for sliding door hardware that could hold two doors without being bulky. Then we created the hardware which has become our specialty. Invented by Rock Huynh (co-founder of 1925Workbench), the Single Track Bypass system holds two sliding doors on a single track, allowing them to bypass each other. There are many instances which may require this, such as closets and large spaces that clients wish to divide.

Offers a solution to the following:

  • Large openings lacking sufficient wall space for a single door to slide open

  • Openings lacking space on both sides for two doors to slide outward (bi-part system)

Traditional double track bypass hardware requires a separate track for each door, meaning two would be needed for two doors. This often looks bulky and is tedious to install. It also distracts the eye from the door. Since our sliding doors often become the focal point of a space, and the hardware plays an important role in the finished look.

With aesthetics in mind, we created our system to maintain balance between the hardware and doors. The design allows both to be seen as a harmonious unit.

We created our system to maintain balance between the hardware and doors.

Available in the following finishes: Solid Brass, Heavy Metal, Stainless Steel and Arrowhead (raw steel).

Obtaining the US patent required much persistence and patience. We are proud to be the owner of both Canadian and US patents and the maker of the hardware.

The importance of a patent

There are many imitators making our single track bypass hardware. Achieving this patent taught us that protecting your creative output from copycats is important as much as it is difficult. The process also brought to light our values as a small business and the importance of integrity in what we do.

We therefore hope that everyone would support original creators so that together we can create a more conscious consumer society.

And lastly…

single_track_bypass_raw_barnboard_uspatent.jpg

We are proud to develop and manufacture our hardware in Canada and will continue to do so.

Note: We are still open for business during this time, although email response times may be longer than usual. If you would like us to make something for you, please email us at info@1925workbench.com with pictures of your space and dimensions.

Find us on Instagram: @1925workbench