Category Archives: Building Materials

If you’re in the process of starting a business or home renovation project or simply doing maintenance or upgrading existing infrastructure, Deelat Industrial has you covered when it comes to building materials! Whether it’s for making improvements to utility rooms using our access doors and panels, or changing carpet or ceiling tiles, Deelat offers high-quality building materials at low, affordable prices.

Access Doors and Access Panels: Types, Install, and Considerations

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Access panels are a commonly used building device that provide easy access to plumbing, electrical, HVAC or duct systems. An access door or panel is installed into the existing drywall, mortar, tile or ceiling, and they have concealed-hinge or snap-in-place doors that open to plumbing valves, wiring or duct systems encased in the wall.

Deelat Access Panel
Deelat Access Panel

Typically, access panels are installed during the initial construction of a home or commercial building. But often, due to plumbing, electrical or HVAC renovations, new access doors must be installed to provide electricians, plumbers or HVAC technicians with convenient access to concealed systems. There are many different types of access doors, and there are several considerations that installers must make to ensure the door they purchase works properly.

If you’re planning on installing an access panel in your home or office, here are a few things you should know:

Access Panels and Doors: Types and Considerations

Access panels are constructed from a variety of materials, including steel and aluminum, sturdy plastic, and gypsum board. They’re available in many different sizes and colors, which help installers match the access panel to the existing wall finish. Typically, steel, aluminum and wooden access panels can be painted to match the existing wall color, as well.

Flush Access Panel Installed
Flush Access Panel Installed

Aside from material, color and size, the biggest consideration is weight. Drywall and gypsum – a material often used in the construction of ceilings – aren’t the sturdiest building materials, which makes it difficult to attach an access panel made from heavy steel or aluminum. More lightweight options like gypsum ceiling panels or drywall-specific access doors are designed for these types of installations. When considering an access door for weight, determine the type of material it will be attached to, as well as the anchoring system.  Types of access panels include:

How Do I Install a Drywall Access Door?

Installing drywall access panels is a quick, convenient DIY job that requires just a few tools and very little carpentry expertise. The majority of access doors that are available come with installation directions, but often, installation steps are fairly similar:

  • Measuring – Access doors typically come with a template to help installers measure the hole. Doors can be installed flush or picture frame. Picture frame means the frame is installed on top of the existing drywall, while flush means the frame is installed within the wall. Flush installations require more accurate measurements.
  • Cutting ­­– To cut drywall, you will need a jab saw. To cut around your outline, you can push the jab saw through the existing drywall or create starter holes with a drill.
  • Sanding ­­– Once, you’ve cut the holes, it’s important to sand the edges. This will ensure your frame fits securely in the hole.
  • Anchoring the Frame – The frame can be anchored in one of three ways: Via an anchor screw in the drywall, with adhesive, or by a tape bead that comes prepackaged on the frame. Tape beads and adhesive are typically used for lightweight access doors, while anchor screws, which prevent screws from slipping from the drywall, are used for heavy duty frames.

Find low-cost drywall access panels on Deelat.com. We provide a huge selection of private-label access doors, designed to meet the needs of contractor and home improvement DIYers. Start shopping and save today!

Double Action Spring Hinges: What Are They and How Are They Different

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Double action spring hinges are a specialized type of spring-loaded hinge that allow a door to open in both directions. For this reason, they’re often called “saloon door hinges” or “café door hinges,” as they’re commonly used in both locations. For example, restaurant kitchen doors – which swing open both ways, and automatically close – are often hung with double action spring hinges.

These hinges differ from standard door hinges in a number of ways, and they’re available in all different sizes, finishes and weights. The size of the double-action hinge you will use depends on the size and weight of your door.

Double Action Spring Hinge
Double Action Spring Hinge

What Are Double Action Spring Hinges Used For?

Spring loaded hinges enable a door to open in both directions. These hinges are made with two spring-loaded pivots, enabling the 180-degree range of motion in either direction. They’re fashioned to a door and jamb like standard hinges, often in a mortise or indention, and they’re made from a variety of materials, including:

  • Satin or Polished Brass
  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze
  • Stainless Steel
  • Zinc Copper

Plus, another feature is that the spring tension increased. The double springs in each door can be adjusted for either more tension or less tension, for a faster or slower closing action. For example, high-tension spring hinges close more quickly and with greater force. In kitchens, the hinges are often tightened with less tension, so they swing slowly and freely in either direction.

Double Acting Doors in Restaurant
Double Acting Doors in Restaurant

Why Double Action Spring Hinges Are Different

The biggest differences between spring-loaded hinges and standard hinges are, of course, their ability to open in both directions and the self-closing action. That’s why double-action hinges are used in highly trafficked areas – like kitchens and industrial facilities – where the door will be opened and closed frequently and traffic will be coming in either direction.

Another difference is that a trio of double-action hinges is often used on each door, especially heavier doors. Plastic kitchen doors that are lightweight can often be attached with just two hinges, but for heavier doors, three hinges are needed to position the door. You can refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the size and number of hinges to use.

The reason that three hinges are often used is because they’re open and closed frequently. Often with just two hinges, the joint can quickly become loose. In this three-hinge installation, one is installed close to the top of the door, and a second is installed just below. The third hinge is attached lower to the ground. In this type of installation, the top hinge holds the brunt of the door weight.

Deelat.com has the lowest prices online for double-action spring door hinges. We offer a range of sizes from 3 inches to 8 inches in a variety of quality finishes.

Fly Traps and Fly Catchers: Types and Uses for Insect Control

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Spring and summer are fly season throughout North America, and during the year’s warmer months, flies can become problematic pests in homes, barns, workplaces and gardens. So what can you do to control flies at home or work?

A Typical Fly
A Typical Fly

One effective method for pest control is a fly trap or fly catcher. Fly traps are convenient, low-cost devices that can be used in a variety of locations to control problem insects. Often, they use bait – whether a chemical scented bait or electronically – which lure flies into the trap. Today’s traps are more sophisticated and hygienic than those sticky, hanging paper traps you might remember from your grandpa’s barn. In fact, you can choose a number of devices, from electronic indoor/outdoor fly traps and easy-to-hide plastic bait stations, to discrete hanging traps and bottle fly catchers.

But which type of trap is right for your home, barn or workplace? Some devices are created to be used in home, because they employ non-toxic, non-smelling bait and are built with concealed stations. Other traps are designed for industrial – they’re made to catch flies fast and efficiently, yet may not be the most attractive.

Deelat Electric Fly Catcher
Deelat Electric Fly Catcher

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fly Trap

The type of fly trap you use depends on the location you’re targeting the pest. For instance, indoor locations, whether in the home or at the office, require traps that are designed to be used indoors, while indoor/outdoor traps should be used in barns and commercial properties. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Type of Bait: Many fly catchers use scented baits to attract flies into the trap. Some of these traps may have strong odors, and in these cases, the traps should be used for outdoor applications. Also, fly trap bait is often chemical, and therefore, you should find a trap that is designed to protect users from coming in contact with the bait. This is especially important in areas where people are more likely to come into contact with the trap, like homes where small children or pets are present.

    Deelat Bait Station Fly Catcher
    Deelat Bait Station Fly Catcher


  • Concealability: Many traps are designed to blend into their surroundings and be as discrete as possible. For example, fly bait stations are made of a sturdy plastic, and the pests enters into an enclosed house. Thus, once the insect enters the trap, the flies aren’t visible to people passing by. That makes more concealable traps ideal for indoor applications. In outdoor locations like barns or industrial facilities, concealability isn’t usually as much of a factor.3
  • Location of Use: Often, traps are designed to be used in a certain location, whether a windowsill or area a door jamb. For instance, bait stations and bottle traps can be placed near problem areas like windows, while hanging traps are designed to be hung in open air near the problem locations. Plus, be sure to choose a trap that is designed for indoor or outdoor use, depending on where you’ll be putting it.
  • Electronic vs. Baited Traps: Today, electronic traps are becoming more common, and they’re just as cost-effective as baited traps. Electronic traps use lights and suction systems to lure pests into the trap. The biggest difference is cost. Baited traps usually cost a few dollars per trap, while top-of-the-line electronic traps can cost $50 or more. Plus, electronic traps may not be suited for outdoor locations, where weather extremes can cause malfunctions.

Shop an assortment of fly traps and fly catchers on Deelat.com. We have electronic fly catchers, as well as some of the most effective baited fly traps on the market. Here, you’ll find some of the best prices on the web – we guarantee it.

How Aluminum Stair Nosing Can Protect Your Staircase

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Stair nosing is the part of the step that overhangs from the riser, or the front of the step. It’s very common for interior stairs to have nosing, and you see it on all types of staircases, from hardwood steps to carpeted staircases.

Aluminum Stair Nosing
Aluminum Stair Nosing

The overhang serves a few purposes. First, it provides better footing and signals that a step is about to end. For this reason, these types of steps are usually safer and they better prevent falls. Plus, it helps to protect the riser and the nosing provides a finished look. The nose is often the part of the stair that receives the most wear and tear.

Luckily, since the nosing takes a lot of wear and tear, there are applications you can take to protect your steps. For instance, adding a stair nosing covering, like aluminum stair nosing strips can protect against wear and provide treaded footing.

When to Use Aluminum Stair Nosing and Stair Tread?

L-shaped stair nosing is made from all types of materials, including rubber, vinyl, wood and steel. But one of the most common is aluminum stair nosing with built-in tread.

Deelat Aluminum Stair Nosing D1143223
Deelat Aluminum Stair Nosing D1143223

Aluminum nosing is commonly used because it’s extremely durable, easy to work with, and it can be applied to nearly every type of staircase, from concrete, to tile and hardwood. Plus, aluminum nosing can also be used inside and out, and it’s an extremely affordable building material.

Generally, aluminum nosing strips are attached to the tread, or top of the step, as well as the riser, the front of the step. They can be used in a variety of locations, and for a variety of reasons, from protection to providing better footing. Luckily, there are many different types of nosing strips and they can be applied to just about any type of staircase. They are commonly used in public facilities, for added protection against falls, and they can be added to the home to protect the staircase.

Stair Nosing Maintenance and Installation Tips

Installing and maintaining aluminum stair nosing is very easy, but proper application and maintenance are important for best results. For instance, improper installation of stair nosing and tread can cause the strip to become loose, which creates a potentially dangerous tripping hazard.

Here are a few things to consider when installing nosing thread:

  • Consider Building Codes: A stair’s nosing can have a maximum overhang of 1.25 inches, according to International Building Code. This figure may be different in your location, but in most cases, the length includes the aluminum nosing. That means you must compensate the added length of the stair nosing mold, so you don’t overextend the nose.
  • Avoid Aluminum Burring: Generally, aluminum nosing comes in long strips that need to be cut down to fit each step. This can be done with a hacksaw, but this process can create a sharp edge. Be sure to smooth these edges with a file before installing.
  • Clean Before Application: Any irregularities in the step, caused by dirt and grim, or chips and cracks can cause the nosing strip to fit improperly. Before installation, you should clean the step thoroughly, as well as repair holes, chips and cracks.
  • Use the Right Shape: Your nosing should match the shape of the step. Generally, L-shaped aluminum nosing fits most standard steps that create a 90-degree angle. For steps with curved nosing, a specially shaped nosing strip might be necessary.
  • Ensure a Tight Fit: The integrity of the stair nosing requires a proper fit. That means the treading and nosing strip should sit flush on both the tread and the riser of the stair. Plus, gaps or space should not exist in between the nosing strip and the stair.

At Deelat.com, you’ll find low-cost, premium aluminum stair nosing and stair treading for interior and exterior staircases. We carry a variety of nosing strip styles, at the best prices, in of any length – guaranteed.