Somerset Door & Column Company

For over a century Somerset Door & Column Company (Somerset) has been adding character to residential and commercial buildings through wood specialties. The Pennsylvania-based company is a premier manufacturer of architectural wood columns, pilasters, decorative capitals, porch posts, custom doors, fine wood entryways and accompanying millwork. Founded in 1906, Somerset has 107 years of experience creating custom fabrications.

Although the company’s home manufacturing site is located in Somerset, Pa., the team has the capability to ship worldwide. “Our products are predominantly in the Midwest, New England and the greater Washington, D.C., area,” details Bob McVicker, general manager for Somerset. “But you can see our work in all 50 states, as well as other countries.”

McVicker has been with the company for over 20 years, diving right into the industry out of high school. McVicker started his career in production, eventually working his way up to production manager and beyond, allowing him to understand all aspects of the business. McVicker attributes Somerset’s century of success to quality and specialized products.

Creating Custom Work

According to McVicker, customization sets Somerset apart from its competitors. The creation of a door, entryway or column originates with an idea, allowing the team at Somerset to explore the ways to make an idea a reality.

The professional artisans at Somerset examine endless options in materials and design concepts, developing shop drawings and price quotes. “We’ll revise shop drawings multiple times, working with customers to make sure the end product matches their vision,” explains McVicker.

According to McVicker, client requests have changed over the years, with demand shifting toward columns made from plastic or fiberglass materials. Somerset’s StaveCast columns are less expensive, composite columns crafted to the same Orders of Architecture as the classic wood columns. “When a unique design in fiberglass is desired, we begin by constructing a wood column as a mold,” offers McVicker. “This offers nearly limitless design options with the higher durability of fiberglass.”

Somerset works closely with a handful of trusted suppliers to find cost-effective materials to create lasting, everyday works of art. While some manufacturers outsource components in the production process, Somerset fabricates all wood parts on site.

The team of about 15 individuals at Somerset is made up of fabrication artisans and a sales staff with thorough knowledge of production. Many Somerset employees began woodworking in the mill, aiding to the depth of the company’s background. The staff is hands on and accessible to ensure that customer’s wants are fully accommodated.

Tradition Built Around One-of-a-kind Products

While Somerset is built around years of tradition and authenticity, the manufacturing process used today is modern and second to none. Trained craftsmen utilized state-of-the art machinery and computer-controlled profilers to create the most accurately constructed doors and columns possible.

Beautiful custom doors start with the highest quality wood species, including African mahogany, red oak, hard white maple, walnut, popular, Spanish cedar, cherry, white ash and others. Along with a wide array, Somerset offers eco-friendly FSC-certified lumber for green projects.

“Our design flexibility is unparalleled when it comes to doors,” explains McVicker. “Although there are general design concepts used as a basis for various doors, each is made one at a time with customization the norm rather than the exception.”

Columns add elegance to any building, from historic buildings to residential. Somerset offers styles, including round, square, straight, tapered and true entasis. Designs are available in sizes up to 40 inches in diameter and 40 feet in length. If a client requires a more custom design, scale drawings can be prepared for approval.

Custom, one-of-a-kind products have made Somerset an industry leader in the restoration of period homes. “We can replicate a door or column to match nearly any existing,” shares McVicker. “Our products are a natural fit to historic restorations, as we have over 100 years of manufacturing experience to draw upon.”

For over 100 years Somerset has been satisfying architects, construction companies and homeowners alike. A skilled staff of talented craftsmen dedicated to quality, custom work has made Somerset Door & Column Company a trusted industry standout.