Industry Articles

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

            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 […]

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 […]