A CUT ABOVE

The secret weapon behind many successful building projects, Deas Millwork is more than a local gem. A full service, custom millwork and casework facility servicing the Southeast and beyond, owner and operator, Zach Deas has never experienced a challenge he couldn’t meet when it comes to building the seemingly impossible. Daring us all to dream big, Zach and his team of over forty employees are here to make the magic happen. With his toothpaste commercial worthy smile and authentic Southern charm, Zach opens his custom doors to reveal the skills behind all those glorious wooden home details we love so much and more.

By Hayley Hill 

As the Access team has become acquainted with Zach, we’re simply mesmerized by all that he can do. At first we assumed that he simply built cabinets and those special wood features only found in old homes. Think a curved stair banister or a special molding. Much to our surprise, he and his team are super skilled craftsmen able to build custom arbors, bookshelves, corbels, pergolas, mantles, furniture, doors, windows, wall paneling, medallions, and so much more — in just about any wood or other materials imaginable. And, he can make them modern, too.

Not one to brag, Zach’s talents often stretch far beyond even the most dedicated home design enthusiasts comprehension. For starters, his skill level not only enables him to recreate something historically meaningful, but he can install it the way it was originally installed. And he uses the same tools used in yesteryear. With his incredible knowledge of how things were and are now built, he could seriously have a PhD in hardware alone. Due to his humble nature, perhaps we should just call him the Accidental Historian.

And boasting an affinity for technology, he also has countless partnerships with the absolute best home supply companies. Yep, Deas Millwork is a lot to digest — regardless of your Architectural Digest subscription. For example, if you have big hassle-free deck dreams, he has a partnership with Accoya, the highly acclaimed sustainable wood giant based in the Netherlands. Knowing everyone is obsessed with those sleek black steel frame doors and windows, Zach has a partnership with Brombal where renowned Italian craftsmanship meets the highest technical standards available. If you’re wanting to line the back of your home with doors that fully open to the outside area, he can do that, too. Looking for custom shutters? He can build those from scratch or source them from his partners at the Southern Shutter Co., too. Fancy a custom column? Check that too! 

And don’t get us started on windows. Able to rebuild those deemed historically significant by historic preservation organizations, Zach and his team can even transform windows from the weight-and-pulley era. Clearly, the range of Zach’s vendor partnerships is truly a mile long which makes it easy for architects, builders, and homeowners to achieve their custom goals.

A favorite of local home builders that offer custom options, Zach has also left a handprint on countless local businesses from the RSA Tower in downtown Mobile to the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, and beyond. We will never check into a hotel again without wondering if Zach’s team built the front desk. If it’s beautiful, chances are he and his team did. 

Founded in 1998, the company began as a small general contracting business as Zach had been around construction his entire life. Interestingly, it was during the 2008 financial crisis that Zach quickly realized his passion and strength was in millwork. “After finishing five homes in October of 2008, my phone stopped ringing but I had a long backlog of millwork. It was at that time we decided to develop our millwork capabilities and now we’re able to do what others can’t,” Zach shares.

With no time to look back, Zach adds, “We stay very busy and absolutely love what we do. From the builders and architects to the family’s we serve, the team and I love going to work every day. Since no two jobs are alike, we become completely engaged and welcome a challenge. With 40 employees, some have been with me for over 20 years!”

Originally from Mobile, Zach is dad to three daughters; Mattie Grace, Allie, and Emie. “I hated Mobile when I was growing up! I even moved to Hawaii for three years and traveled extensively only to realize that we have a great place to live here!” Zach jokes. And while his feet are firmly planted in the Bay area, he still likes to travel. An avid surfer and scuba diver, Zach has gone as far as Indonesia and as nearby as Key West. Naturally, he loves to hunt and fish as well. Afterall, you can take the boy out of Alabama, but you can’t take Alabama out of the boy. But perhaps most importantly, no job is too big or too small for Zach and his team. So go ahead and pull out those sketches and give Zach a ring, you’ll be glad you did.

Deas Millwork

3180 Snow Road North, Semmes, AL , 36575

251.478.1060 | DeasMillwork.com