Articles

Enhancing Your Showroom with Inspirational Product Displays

June 3rd, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

SHOW, don’t just Tell. This is a business slogan that resonates throughout our industry when it comes to selling building materials. Customers having the ability to handle a roof shingle, see the exact shade of brown on a deck board, or test the sturdiness of a piece of siding can make all the difference when it comes to their purchasing decision.

At Lumbermen’s, we recognize the importance of a good product display, and we partner with our dealers to showcase our products to their customers in creative and informative ways within their showroom space.

Looking for inspiration? Check out some of the displays that we’ve created:

AZEK & TimberTech Decking and Railing

Great American Spaces

Evolve Stone

Outdoor Living

Interested in a display for your showroom? Connect with your Lumbermen’s sales rep and let’s work together!

 

AI for Building Materials Marketing: 5 Best Practices

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most valuable marketing tools available, especially for building materials dealers who don’t have a dedicated marketing person or department.

Decora & Mid Continent Cabinetry Now Available

Lumbermen’s is pleased to introduce two new cabinet lines, including Decora and Mid Continent.

Lumbermen’s Expands Door Solutions with New EMTEK Hardware Partnership

Lumbermen’s is pleased to announce a new partnership with EMTEK, giving customers access to premium door hardware that perfectly complements the doors we manufacture.

Training Made Easier: Downloadable Diagrams for Your Team

We’ve created a series of visual training guides that break down the key components of decks, roofs and siding systems. These diagrams are designed to help new team members quickly become familiar with industry terminology, product components, and construction basics.

5 Ways to Upsell Your Deck Jobs

Margins on standard decks can be tight, but there’s an easy way to improve your bottom line. By adding a few high-value features, you can turn a basic deck into a more functional, finished outdoor space your customers will appreciate.

Making Social Media Manageable (Free Template Download for Dealers and Builders)

When I talk with our dealers about their social media efforts, most already understand its importance and the role it plays in building a brand. Where they tend to struggle, however, is with two simple questions: What should we post? and Who’s going to do it?

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Building Materials: Insights from Lumbermen’s Leadership

How can companies support the next generation while honoring the industry’s deep expertise? And what can job seekers learn from those already leading the way? We asked Lumbermen’s leadership to share their insights.

Residential Cabinetry Offerings by Lumbermen’s

With countless styles, materials, construction methods, and price points available, choosing the right cabinetry can sometimes feel overwhelming. For homeowners, the decision often balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Top Dealers Recognized for Cabinet Sales

Last month, following our annual Product Fair, we hosted a special event to celebrate our top-performing dealers at The Atrium at Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids.

Making Safety Personal: Lumbermen’s Winter Safety Challenge

This winter, Lumbermen’s launched a Winter Safety Challenge designed to help employee owners reconnect with their personal “why” for working safely.

Lessons From the Show Floor: Rethinking Marketing in the New Year

Fresh conversations at our Product Fair revealed a few surprising marketing lessons. One simple mindset shift could change your results.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

A Dealer’s Guide to Getting Found Online: Understanding SEO

A quick, plain-English guide to SEO basics that help your business show up in search and turn clicks into calls and quotes.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Don’t Let Customers Pass You By: Keep Your Google Business Profile Fresh

An estimated 92% of all online search traffic happens via Google, which is why it is so important to make sure that your business is easy to find with robust and correct information.

Why Do Entry Doors Leak—And What Can Be Done About It?

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner—or for the Dealer or installer involved—than discovering that an entry door is leaking. It’s especially concerning during heavy rainstorms, which are common in the hot summer months.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.

Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s

After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.

3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business

Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.

4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers

When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

Decking season is upon us and if the forecasts are accurate, the opportunities will be immense. In this article, we’ll share actionable steps and valuable insights to help you elevate your sales game and drive success in 2025.

Q&A with Shawn Klysen, Senior Sales Advisor, Minnesota Door Division

As part of Lumbermen’s exciting expansion of Door Manufacturing and Distribution operations in Minnesota, we were thrilled to welcome Shawn Klysen to our team as Senior Sales Advisor in December.

In this Q&A, Shawn shares his insights on the industry, his plans for driving success in Minnesota, and what excites him most about joining the Lumbermen’s family.

Preventing Frost and Condensation: Tips for Homeowners with Therma-Tru Entry Doors

When temperatures drop to zero degrees or below, it’s common for door dealers to receive calls from homeowners concerned about condensation and frost forming on their windows and doors. Aluminum components like ADA sills and astragals are more likely to form frost during these conditions due to the transference of exterior cold, mixed with warm moist air in the home.

Rethinking Relationship Building: Creating Unique Experiences Beyond the Golf Course

Are the events you plan aligned with what your customers really want? It’s important that they genuinely enjoy their time with you, so why not ask them what they’d like to do? You might be surprised by their suggestions.

4 Strategies to Boost Storm Door Sales

As the weather cools and we prepare for what’s predicted will be a particularly cold winter, now is a great time to promote your storm door offerings. In this article, we share actionable steps and valuable tools to help you elevate your sales game and drive sales!

4 Simple Tips to Elevate Your Marketing

We asked the Lumbermen’s Marketing team members to each share one tip Dealers can consider when amping up their marketing efforts this fall.

Lumbermen’s & Therma-Tru Launch Social Media Campaign Aimed to Drive Leads to Dealer

Lumbermen’s and Therma-Tru have recently initiated a dynamic social media campaign with the goal of enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales leads for dealers. This approach uses digital marketing strategies to emphasize the distinctive qualities and benefits of their products.

Navigating Your Business in Uncertain Times

While the ride in the building materials industry has been pretty incredible the past couple of years, the truth is that a potential slowdown is looming. We can hope for changes addressing inflation and high interest rates, but in the meantime the focus should be on what you can control. Choose to take this time to finally take a breath and reevaluate your business and strategy.

Unlocking Innovation: Door Industry Highlights from the International Builders Show 2024

Every year, Las Vegas welcomes members of the building industry to the International Builders Show, and Lumbermen’s was there, along with thousands of other folks from around the world! There is so much to see and do, it is hard to take it all in, so here are some highlights from our friends in the Door industry and what they are excited about in 2024.

Taking Door Frames To The Next Level

Lumbermen’s toured GM Wood Products, showcasing their DuraFrame rot-resistant door jambs and DuraTech laminated jambs, offering durability and long-term warranties.

3 Ways to Add Warmth with Stone, Beams and Wood Paneling Accents

When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, few design elements rival the timeless appeal of natural elements like stone and wood. Not only do they bring a touch of elegance, but they also add warmth and character to any space. Here we explore the transformative power of these products when used as accents – just in time when interior home projects are on the rise.

6 Advantages of Storm Doors

Storm doors are often an overlooked feature in many homes, yet they offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. Here we explore the many advantages of storm doors, from energy efficiency and security to natural light and improving indoor comfort.

Door Color Trends

            Time to talk door color trends and in this article, we shine a light on popular exterior door colors. Last year, we saw Black become the color of choice for homeowners when it came to painting their exterior door, and according to Fixr.com, Black was once again king in […]

Holiday Door Décor Recommendations

Spread some holiday cheer this season without scratching your beautiful front door! ‘Tis the season to decorate, and that means sprucing up your front door! As homeowners, we want the entryway to our home to appear merry and bright, especially when the in-laws arrive. Here are some holiday tips from Lumbermen’s Door Division to ensure […]


Navigating Your Business in Uncertain Times

April 24th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman

While the ride in the building materials industry has been pretty incredible the past couple of years, the truth is that a potential slowdown is looming. We can hope for changes addressing inflation and high interest rates, but in the meantime the focus should be on what you can control. Choose to take this time to finally take a breath and reevaluate your business and strategy.

 

Here are my favorite tips for how dealers can plan for continued success now and in the future!

Don’t be afraid to diversify and pursue new channels of business.

Review your sales percentages by channel, i.e. new construction, remodel, multi-family, etc. Identify ways to get more involved in each channel of business to help insulate yourself in the event there is a slowdown in one of the channels.

Review all operating costs and ensure you are maximizing your spend at every turn.

Oftentimes we see sales growth on the topline and are very happy with those results. But with sales growth comes increased operating costs, so be sure you are dialed into the operating costs as a % of sales. That number is very important to pay attention to in order to drive incremental profit to your bottom line.

Are you able to stay cost-neutral but still grow your level of service to your customers?

For example, is there someone who is in a position today that could be better utilized in a different role? Or are there inventory dollars in a product line that is not turning and you would like help exiting that line and getting into a new line?  This type of creative thinking allows you to potentially offer an improved level of service to your customers without adding any cost to the bottom line.

Take advantage of your opportunities and use your connections.

Lumbermen’s is positioned to ensure you have a low-risk program and partner. One of our mottos is, “It’s about you, not me.” This means we will identify dealer-specific programming strategies that will help your business have the right product mix at the right price.

Identify new customers or new products.

Think of it in these terms…if I sell the same amount of pieces of the same products to the same customers in the coming year, will my business increase or decrease and will I be happy with those results? If you want to grow your market-share, one of the ways is to identify new customers or new products. Partner with Lumbermen’s to display a new product without stocking it and train up your sales team and customers to capitalize on new opportunities.

Marketing – sales is a contact sport!

Find new and innovative ways to connect with your customers via social media, e-mail campaigns, direct-mail, etc. If you do not have the resources to do this yourself, Lumbermen’s is willing to help. Reach out to marketing@lumbermens-inc.com to connect with our marketing team today!

Can my Distributor partner help me drive sales? YES, WE CAN!

We have Field Sales Reps (FSR’s) and an Events Coordinator that can help drive more leads and engagement to your location.  In addition to our Outside Sales Reps, we have layered on additional investments to help you sell more of the things you buy from us.

lumbermen thumbs up

The goal at Lumbermen’s is to walk alongside our dealer partners and to continue to offer top-notch service and support to help you grow your business. If you haven’t already, please schedule a time to meet with your Sales Rep to discuss a strategy that works for you.

Written by: Shawn Montague, VP of Building Materials

AI for Building Materials Marketing: 5 Best Practices

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most valuable marketing tools available, especially for building materials dealers who don’t have a dedicated marketing person or department.

Decora & Mid Continent Cabinetry Now Available

Lumbermen’s is pleased to introduce two new cabinet lines, including Decora and Mid Continent.

Lumbermen’s Expands Door Solutions with New EMTEK Hardware Partnership

Lumbermen’s is pleased to announce a new partnership with EMTEK, giving customers access to premium door hardware that perfectly complements the doors we manufacture.

Training Made Easier: Downloadable Diagrams for Your Team

We’ve created a series of visual training guides that break down the key components of decks, roofs and siding systems. These diagrams are designed to help new team members quickly become familiar with industry terminology, product components, and construction basics.

5 Ways to Upsell Your Deck Jobs

Margins on standard decks can be tight, but there’s an easy way to improve your bottom line. By adding a few high-value features, you can turn a basic deck into a more functional, finished outdoor space your customers will appreciate.

Making Social Media Manageable (Free Template Download for Dealers and Builders)

When I talk with our dealers about their social media efforts, most already understand its importance and the role it plays in building a brand. Where they tend to struggle, however, is with two simple questions: What should we post? and Who’s going to do it?

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Building Materials: Insights from Lumbermen’s Leadership

How can companies support the next generation while honoring the industry’s deep expertise? And what can job seekers learn from those already leading the way? We asked Lumbermen’s leadership to share their insights.

Residential Cabinetry Offerings by Lumbermen’s

With countless styles, materials, construction methods, and price points available, choosing the right cabinetry can sometimes feel overwhelming. For homeowners, the decision often balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Top Dealers Recognized for Cabinet Sales

Last month, following our annual Product Fair, we hosted a special event to celebrate our top-performing dealers at The Atrium at Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids.

Making Safety Personal: Lumbermen’s Winter Safety Challenge

This winter, Lumbermen’s launched a Winter Safety Challenge designed to help employee owners reconnect with their personal “why” for working safely.

Lessons From the Show Floor: Rethinking Marketing in the New Year

Fresh conversations at our Product Fair revealed a few surprising marketing lessons. One simple mindset shift could change your results.

Deck the Door with Care: 5 Holiday Decorating Tips

The holidays are the perfect time to add warmth and cheer to your home’s exterior. But before you hang that wreath or wrap your garland, it’s important to make sure your décor won’t harm your door’s finish. These tips will help you create a festive look, without leaving a mark.

A Dealer’s Guide to Getting Found Online: Understanding SEO

A quick, plain-English guide to SEO basics that help your business show up in search and turn clicks into calls and quotes.

Managing Client Expectations in the Fall: A Guide for Residential Contractors

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, fall often becomes one of the busiest seasons for residential builders and contractors. While this seasonal rush can create valuable opportunities, it also brings challenges when it comes to managing client expectations.

Shaping the Future: Recruiting and Developing Emerging Leaders in the Building Materials Industry

We asked our young Employee Owners and interns what it will take to attract top talent and shape the future of building materials.

6 Benefits of Stock and Semi-Custom Cabinets vs. Fully Custom Cabinetry

Whether you’re a designer helping clients bring their vision to life or a homeowner thinking about your own renovation, stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a smart alternative to fully custom cabinetry—providing the look, functionality, and durability you want, often with less stress and at a more accessible price.

Don’t Let Customers Pass You By: Keep Your Google Business Profile Fresh

An estimated 92% of all online search traffic happens via Google, which is why it is so important to make sure that your business is easy to find with robust and correct information.

Why Do Entry Doors Leak—And What Can Be Done About It?

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner—or for the Dealer or installer involved—than discovering that an entry door is leaking. It’s especially concerning during heavy rainstorms, which are common in the hot summer months.

Snap, Store, Share: A Simple Marketing Habit for Builders

For builders and contractors, the busy season often leaves little time for anything beyond the work at hand. But while your crews are pounding deck boards, raising frames, and wrapping up beautiful transformations, you’re also surrounded by a powerful marketing asset: your jobsite.

Culture, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Q&A with Jeff Malloch, VP of Building Materials

Eight months into his new role, Lumbermen’s VP of Building Materials Jeff Malloch discusses the company, market trends, and dealer opportunities.

Spring for Storm Doors—2 Great Options from Larson & Lumbermen’s

After a long, dark winter, Midwest homeowners are eager for fresh air and sunlight, making spring the perfect time to promote storm doors to your customers.Lumbermen’s proudly offers a comprehensive inventory of Larson Storm Doors, ensuring we are your go-to source for their products.

3 Strategies to Grow Your Decking Business

Growing your decking business requires more than just quality craftsmanship—it takes strategic planning and effective customer engagement. Whether you’re looking to attract new clients, improve your sales approach, or enhance your brand’s visibility, having the right tools and knowledge at your disposal is essential. Here we explore three key strategies to help you expand your reach and increase your success.

4 Reasons Dealers Should Use Email Marketing to Connect with Customers

When meeting with Dealers to talk about marketing, I usually ask if they are using email marketing. Often, they aren’t—despite having a decent list of names and email addresses. The truth is, email marketing is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships with customers.

4 Steps to Elevating Your Decking Sales

Decking season is upon us and if the forecasts are accurate, the opportunities will be immense. In this article, we’ll share actionable steps and valuable insights to help you elevate your sales game and drive success in 2025.

Q&A with Shawn Klysen, Senior Sales Advisor, Minnesota Door Division

As part of Lumbermen’s exciting expansion of Door Manufacturing and Distribution operations in Minnesota, we were thrilled to welcome Shawn Klysen to our team as Senior Sales Advisor in December.

In this Q&A, Shawn shares his insights on the industry, his plans for driving success in Minnesota, and what excites him most about joining the Lumbermen’s family.

Preventing Frost and Condensation: Tips for Homeowners with Therma-Tru Entry Doors

When temperatures drop to zero degrees or below, it’s common for door dealers to receive calls from homeowners concerned about condensation and frost forming on their windows and doors. Aluminum components like ADA sills and astragals are more likely to form frost during these conditions due to the transference of exterior cold, mixed with warm moist air in the home.

Rethinking Relationship Building: Creating Unique Experiences Beyond the Golf Course

Are the events you plan aligned with what your customers really want? It’s important that they genuinely enjoy their time with you, so why not ask them what they’d like to do? You might be surprised by their suggestions.

4 Strategies to Boost Storm Door Sales

As the weather cools and we prepare for what’s predicted will be a particularly cold winter, now is a great time to promote your storm door offerings. In this article, we share actionable steps and valuable tools to help you elevate your sales game and drive sales!

4 Simple Tips to Elevate Your Marketing

We asked the Lumbermen’s Marketing team members to each share one tip Dealers can consider when amping up their marketing efforts this fall.

Lumbermen’s & Therma-Tru Launch Social Media Campaign Aimed to Drive Leads to Dealer

Lumbermen’s and Therma-Tru have recently initiated a dynamic social media campaign with the goal of enhancing customer engagement and increasing sales leads for dealers. This approach uses digital marketing strategies to emphasize the distinctive qualities and benefits of their products.

Unlocking Innovation: Door Industry Highlights from the International Builders Show 2024

Every year, Las Vegas welcomes members of the building industry to the International Builders Show, and Lumbermen’s was there, along with thousands of other folks from around the world! There is so much to see and do, it is hard to take it all in, so here are some highlights from our friends in the Door industry and what they are excited about in 2024.

Taking Door Frames To The Next Level

Lumbermen’s toured GM Wood Products, showcasing their DuraFrame rot-resistant door jambs and DuraTech laminated jambs, offering durability and long-term warranties.

3 Ways to Add Warmth with Stone, Beams and Wood Paneling Accents

When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, few design elements rival the timeless appeal of natural elements like stone and wood. Not only do they bring a touch of elegance, but they also add warmth and character to any space. Here we explore the transformative power of these products when used as accents – just in time when interior home projects are on the rise.

6 Advantages of Storm Doors

Storm doors are often an overlooked feature in many homes, yet they offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. Here we explore the many advantages of storm doors, from energy efficiency and security to natural light and improving indoor comfort.

Door Color Trends

            Time to talk door color trends and in this article, we shine a light on popular exterior door colors. Last year, we saw Black become the color of choice for homeowners when it came to painting their exterior door, and according to Fixr.com, Black was once again king in […]

Holiday Door Décor Recommendations

Spread some holiday cheer this season without scratching your beautiful front door! ‘Tis the season to decorate, and that means sprucing up your front door! As homeowners, we want the entryway to our home to appear merry and bright, especially when the in-laws arrive. Here are some holiday tips from Lumbermen’s Door Division to ensure […]


Unlocking Innovation: Door Industry Highlights from the International Builders Show 2024

March 12th, 2024 by Caleb Krugman
IBS entrance

Every year, Las Vegas welcomes members of the building industry to the International Builders Show, and Lumbermen’s was there, along with thousands of other folks from around the world! There is so much to see and do, it is hard to take it all in, so here are some highlights from our friends in the Door industry and what they are excited about in 2024.

Simpson Door Company

One of the first booths we visited was Simpson Door Company, producers of some of the best wood doors in North America. The display that immediately caught our eye was the pivot door system, featuring a Monster XL-sized door for the entry or special space in a customer’s home. In addition to the impressive size, the door opened and shut smoothly and easily. Simpson also offers plenty of customizable options when it comes to style or operations of these pivot doors. Exciting stuff to see from a wood door and truly a differentiating feature!

Neuma Doors

The next stop on the floor were our friends from Neuma Doors, makers of high quality fiberglass entry doors. These guys are known for the style and energy efficiency when it comes to their gliding door systems, and that portion of their display was a big focus of visitors during our time there. A popular topic was Neuma’s Full Lite Gliding Panel door system, as natural light and a maximum viewing area continue to be top priorities for customers in the market.

Therma-Tru & LARSON Doors

Certainly one of the most impressive and comprehensive designs for a booth at all of IBS this year was the one that featured Therma-Tru, Larson Doors, and other products. The massive display offered examples of different Therma-Tru products, with the highlight for most attendees being the massive Veris door display that featured the product’s ability to fold and slide, creating an epic entry option for porches or backyard. Another big hit was the English-style garden display, with its impressive entry door and panel of windows. A big theme for Therma-Tru and Larson in 2024 is connecting the indoors to the outdoors, and they certainly showed off their capabilities to do so!

IBS has us excited for what is to come this year in terms of styles and functionality in the door category. For more information on any of these products, connect with a Lumbermen’s door sales representative.

AI for Building Materials Marketing: 5 Best Practices

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most valuable marketing tools available, especially for building materials dealers who don’t have a dedicated marketing person or department.

Decora & Mid Continent Cabinetry Now Available

Lumbermen’s is pleased to introduce two new cabinet lines, including Decora and Mid Continent.

Lumbermen’s Expands Door Solutions with New EMTEK Hardware Partnership

Lumbermen’s is pleased to announce a new partnership with EMTEK, giving customers access to premium door hardware that perfectly complements the doors we manufacture.

Training Made Easier: Downloadable Diagrams for Your Team

We’ve created a series of visual training guides that break down the key components of decks, roofs and siding systems. These diagrams are designed to help new team members quickly become familiar with industry terminology, product components, and construction basics.

5 Ways to Upsell Your Deck Jobs

Margins on standard decks can be tight, but there’s an easy way to improve your bottom line. By adding a few high-value features, you can turn a basic deck into a more functional, finished outdoor space your customers will appreciate.

Making Social Media Manageable (Free Template Download for Dealers and Builders)

When I talk with our dealers about their social media efforts, most already understand its importance and the role it plays in building a brand. Where they tend to struggle, however, is with two simple questions: What should we post? and Who’s going to do it?

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Building Materials: Insights from Lumbermen’s Leadership

How can companies support the next generation while honoring the industry’s deep expertise? And what can job seekers learn from those already leading the way? We asked Lumbermen’s leadership to share their insights.

Residential Cabinetry Offerings by Lumbermen’s

With countless styles, materials, construction methods, and price points available, choosing the right cabinetry can sometimes feel overwhelming. For homeowners, the decision often balances aesthetics, durability, and budget.

Top Dealers Recognized for Cabinet Sales

Last month, following our annual Product Fair, we hosted a special event to celebrate our top-performing dealers at The Atrium at Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids.

Making Safety Personal: Lumbermen’s Winter Safety Challenge

This winter, Lumbermen’s launched a Winter Safety Challenge designed to help employee owners reconnect with their personal “why” for working safely.


Taking Door Frames To The Next Level

January 19th, 2024 by Ryan Terpstra

Recently, Lumbermen’s took a group of dealer partners on a tour of GM Wood Products, a manufacturer that specializes in high performing door frame components. The group was impressed by what they saw from GM in terms of the company’s capabilities and offerings for 2024.

GM Wood Products has a state of art facility with proven products that cover all areas of the door millwork industry. They have a precise mill process with multiple custom profiles to meet customer’s needs. Their inventory consists of many different wood species, including rot resistant Alaskan Yellow Cypress as a value-add option. GM employs a patented system that allows their machines to finger-joint the cypress block to a door jamb and offer a rot proof primed jamb.

The tour was able to observe GM’s machining equipment, which runs on a highly automated continuous circuit, creating efficiency and speed to market. High pressure cleaning and sharpening tools ensure the best profiled product, and the company offers many color matching products for jambs and mull posts.

When it comes to products that Lumbermen’s carries from GM Wood Products, here is a list of door jambs and their descriptions. If you have a question about a product, reach out to a Lumbermen’s sales rep for more information:

DuraFrame – This is a primed wood frame with Alaskan Yellow Cypress finger jointed to the bottom of the unit. Alaskan Yellow Cypress is one of the most durable and rot resistant woods in the world. This jamb has a lifetime warranty against rot, decay and insect damage.

DuraTech – This is a DuraFrame jamb that is laminated with a high-performance PVC film. It is available in white, which can be installed with no further finishing needed. The stainable frame needs to be stained to match the door.  This jamb is low maintenance, easy to paint, and will last for years. There is a 15 year finish warranty on the jamb.

DuraTech FX50 – This option is a DuraTech jamb that is available in black, clay, graphite, and bronze that can be installed as is. The jamb is wrapped in the colored PVC with a UV resistant layer applied to make it a beautiful prefinished jamb that is low maintenance. There is a 15 year finish warranty on this product.

Timbers Collection – These are solid wood jambs that are a clear stain grade product. Lumbermen’s stocks this collection in fir, pine, oak, and mahogany, but many other species are available on request. All these jambs are milled, pre-sanded, and can be finished to give the beautiful look of real wood.

 


3 Ways to Add Warmth with Stone, Beams and Wood Paneling Accents

October 11th, 2023 by admin lumbermens

When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, few design elements rival the timeless appeal of natural elements like stone and wood. Not only do they bring a touch of elegance, but they also add warmth and character to any space. Here we explore the transformative power of these products when used as accents – just in time when interior home projects are on the rise.

Wood Wall Planking: Texture and Versatility

Wood wall planking, often used on walls or ceilings, is a versatile design element that can add warmth and character to any room. Its unique qualities include:

Texture and Depth: The texture of wood planking, whether it’s shiplap, smooth, or tongue and groove, adds depth and dimension to a room. The interplay of light and shadow on the planks creates visual interest.

Versatile Styles: Wood planking comes in a range of styles, from the traditional and rustic to sleek and contemporary. This versatility allows you to tailor the look to your preferences.

Warmth and Coziness: Wood planking carries the inherent warmth of natural wood. Its pleasant tones and tactile qualities instantly make a space feel cozier and more inviting.

Accent Walls: Wood planking is often used to create stunning accent walls that serve as focal points in a room. These walls can be designed to complement the overall style of your home.

Great American Spaces offers versatile collections that homeowners seek but are engineered and milled for easy installation. They recently introduced several new collections featuring more premium options, unique patterns and smoother finishes.

Beams & Mantels: Architectural Elegance and Coziness

Beams, whether exposed or faux, are architectural treasures that have graced homes for centuries. These horizontal structural elements have a unique ability to evoke both grandeur and coziness simultaneously. Here’s how:

Architectural Interest: Beams create visual interest and define the ceiling, adding depth and structure to a room. In open-plan spaces, they help to delineate separate areas while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.

Rustic Charm: Wooden beams and mantels, especially those with natural, weathered textures, bring a rustic charm to the interior. Their rough-hewn appearance evokes the coziness of a country cottage or a mountain lodge, inviting touch and creating an immediate sense of comfort.

Beams were also introduced in the recent collection update of Great American Spaces with two options: Premium Engineered Wood and Finished Fypon Foam. Learn more here.

Stone: Timeless Beauty and Earthly Connection

Stone is another enduring material that contributes significantly to the warmth and character of interior spaces. Whether used on walls, fireplaces, or as part of flooring, stone brings several vital elements to the design:

Natural Beauty: Stone’s natural colors, textures, and patterns have an inherent beauty that transcends trends and fads. Its timelessness makes it a lasting choice in interior design.

Earthly Connection: The presence of stone within your home connects you to the earth’s natural elements. This connection can have a calming and grounding effect on the overall ambiance of a space.

Textural Contrast: The tactile quality of stone provides a pleasing contrast to other interior elements, such as wood and soft furnishings. This contrast adds depth and dimension to your home’s design.

Fireplace Focal Points: Stone fireplaces, in particular, are renowned for their ability to become the heart of a room. They provide not only physical warmth but also emotional warmth as a gathering place for family and friends.

Lumbermen’s distributes products from both Evolve Stone and Versetta Stone, each focused on quality, ease of installation and on-trend patterns and colors.

Ready to bring warmth, character, and timeless beauty to the interior of your home this season? Whether you’re looking to create a rustic retreat or a modern oasis, consider harnessing the power of beams, mantels, stone, and wood wall planking to infuse your home with the enduring charm of these products. Consult with your local dealer or builder to get started!


6 Advantages of Storm Doors

September 6th, 2023 by admin lumbermens

Storm doors are often an overlooked feature in many homes, yet they offer a wide range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your living space. Here we explore the many advantages of storm doors, from energy efficiency and security to natural light and improving indoor comfort.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Storm doors act as an additional barrier to the elements, helping to keep cold drafts and hot air out. This can result in improved insulation and reduced energy bills by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

Increased Security: Storm doors typically have sturdy frames and reinforced glass or screens, providing an extra layer of security for your home. They can deter break-ins and protect your main entry door from damage.

Improved Ventilation: Many storm doors have interchangeable glass and screen panels. This allows you to enjoy fresh air while keeping insects out during warm months. Proper ventilation can help maintain indoor air quality and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Natural Light: Storm doors with glass panels allow natural light to enter your home, brightening up your entryway and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Extended Door Lifespan: Storm doors shield your main entry door from harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and UV rays. This protection can extend the lifespan of your primary door, saving you money on potential replacement costs.

Easy Installation: Many storm doors are designed for easy installation, making them a convenient and cost-effective home improvement project.

In summary, storm doors provide multiple benefits, ranging from energy savings and security to improved comfort and aesthetics. They are a practical and worthwhile addition to many homes, particularly in regions with extreme weather conditions.

Now through October 31, 2023, you can enjoy 5% savings on storm doors by Therma-Tru and Gerkin.

Ask your Sales Rep for more details!

AI for Building Materials Marketing: 5 Best Practices

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the most valuable marketing tools available, especially for building materials dealers who don’t have a dedicated marketing person or department.

Decora & Mid Continent Cabinetry Now Available

Lumbermen’s is pleased to introduce two new cabinet lines, including Decora and Mid Continent.

Lumbermen’s Expands Door Solutions with New EMTEK Hardware Partnership

Lumbermen’s is pleased to announce a new partnership with EMTEK, giving customers access to premium door hardware that perfectly complements the doors we manufacture.


Door Color Trends

October 17th, 2022 by Jill Carroll

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to talk door color trends and in this article, we shine a light on popular exterior door colors. Last year, we saw Black become the color of choice for homeowners when it came to painting their exterior door, and according to Fixr.com, Black was once again king in 2022.

After surveying experts in the home design industry as to why Black and dark colors have become so popular, here was their response: “Black was the number one most popular color for front doors last year, and it’s trending high again this year as well. Black front doors have a timeless appeal that work with many different color schemes. A black door will shine against a white home, add depth to a sage green exterior, or make a blue exterior pop. This color will also work well with many shades of gray, barn red, and even some yellows. Because of this versatility, it’s easy to fit a black door into any design.”

This design trend has been reflected in Lumbermen’s sales data for our state of the art finishing process, which has produced 1,000 more custom painted Black doors than any other color in 2022!

Other popular colors listed within the article included different shades of Blue, Gray, and Sage Green.

Dark colors have been gaining steam in home design, with designers and homeowners choosing them as a door color to help compliment the siding and exterior.

At Lumbermen’s, our Door Department Finishing Process has stayed in step with this trend, producing five staining options that offer our customers their desired look, while also enhancing the beauty of our Therma-Tru exterior doors.  Top sellers for the below colors have been Dark Maple, New Earth, and Raven.


Help your customers achieve the custom look they are seeking by leveraging our 20+ years of experience in pre-finishing.  Experience the difference of the Lumbermen’s Door Division!


Holiday Door Décor Recommendations

December 13th, 2021 by Jill Carroll

Spread some holiday cheer this season without scratching your beautiful front door!

‘Tis the season to decorate, and that means sprucing up your front door! As homeowners, we want the entryway to our home to appear merry and bright, especially when the in-laws arrive. Here are some holiday tips from Lumbermen’s Door Division to ensure that your door looks great and also remains protected.

Tip 1: When hanging a wreath, utilize Non-Scratch wreath hooks. Plastic acrylic wreath hooks are durable for hanging decorations above your front, back or storm door, yet soft enough not to scratch or damage your home. Wreaths with metal elements such as wire can scratch or gouge the paint on your front door, which is worse than a lump of coal. Hooks will stabilize your wreath and also keep it from resting against your door.

Tip 2: Consider DIY projects for your door. This can be a fun family activity, creating a custom decoration that can be updated year to year. Lumbermen’s Director of Marketing, Jill Carroll, employs this holiday strategy for her home, “I have a black door and one year we made a snowflake out of popsicle sticks and I get SO many compliments on it.” Other DIY options can include a bouquet of ribbons and felt cutouts of holiday characters.

Tip 3: Create a winter wonderland surrounding the door. Door frames are great places to hang lights or garlands, and porch decorations like small trees or snowmen can also welcome guests to your home. Your door can still be a focal point, and you minimize the risk of having decorations knocked off as your guests haul all of those presents inside!

No matter your reason for celebrating the season, our last tip is the most important, which is: HAVE FUN!