All Hands On Deck!
A few weeks ago our Customer Service team performed an AFCO Deck Railing installation for a wise and well-loved couple near our facility. It turned out well and our team learned a lot!
A few weeks ago our Customer Service team performed an AFCO Deck Railing installation for a wise and well-loved couple near our facility. It turned out well and our team learned a lot!
Cable railing began as a solution for exterior deck and stair systems in situations where an uninterrupted view of the landscape was important. Rather than looking between balusters to see the lake, forest or the backyard, the cables all but disappear. Today we see this system being adapted for interior stair systems. The overall look […]
Do you enjoy painting? We don't either... we'd rather be at the cabin.
In a previous blog we talked about the elements and principles of good design. This morning, while flipping through photos we’ve taken of finished projects, I stopped on this image. It’s a beautiful space and a gorgeous photo. Like all good design, if we spend just a few minutes thinking about those basic elements and […]
From my office window, I can still see green grass. Any good Midwesterner, with half a lick of sense, will not be fooled by this abnormality in the second week of November. That green grass could become white at any moment! Starting around the day before Halloween, the ol’ Blizzard of ’91 is recollected and […]
Once considered an impossibility in our buggy, Midwestern climate, outdoor spaces are getting a second round of consideration. Why subject yourself to one more dreaded mosquito when the sofa lies inside waiting to be visited? There are birds! A good breeze (sometimes)! A bonfire waiting to happen! And at dusk…stars! Add an ice cold beverage […]
When your home improvement budget has a limit, deciding where to invest your dollars can be challenging. A new bathroom? A kitchen upgrade? A finished basement? Lucky for you, a recent research project has made your home improvement budgeting quandry a little easier. Each year, the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine join forces […]
Looking for an exterior door with a bigger view and more natural light? Good news! We’re adding one to our product offering and it’s smooth edges and wide glass are just two of the reasons we love it. It’s rare to find a door that offers the versatility Masonite’s Vista Grande does. With an 18% […]
Even a ten minute run-through of architectural history would include a study of the ancient column orders (or styles). What’s the big deal about columns, you ask? They are one of the few, enduring architectural elements utilized in every historical period across the globe since they were established in ancient Greece! There is, quite literally, […]
When selecting the materials for your home, the options will often seem endless and confusing. In my work with consumers, I’ve watched their eyes glaze over when we start with exterior selections and begin discussing the advantages and disadvantages of six different types of siding. Six choices for one selection! More often than not, we […]
If you had to guess, what hardware finish would you guess is the most popular? Satin nickel? Brass? While satin and aged brass finishes are making a slow but steady comeback, our three, most-popular-ordered-every-day-of-the-week finishes are: oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel and satin brass; in that order. And you thought I was kidding about brass! […]
Organizing yourself and your family for a successful week likely begins with a good amount of preparation up front. At our house, Prep looks like (this) Mom at the kitchen table with a large, desk-sized monthly calendar; color coded by kid and revised Sunday night, then inputted into the computer. Maybe you have a list […]
Last week’s blog included a drum-roll presentation of our #1 most requested color; Custom! Despite sticking to the facts, many of you didn’t like the answer. “Custom isn’t a color!” To satisfy our readers, we tabulated the numbers again but this time limited them to the paint and stain categories we offer within our color […]
The doors in this photo are taking their final run through prefinish and then leaving our plant for their intended locations throughout the Midwest today.
We had the great pleasure of welcoming Dean Johnson from the PBS television program, “Hometime,” to our plant last month. It was fun to introduce he and Miriam to our Bayer Built family and walk them through both our prefinish and production facilities. Dean started Hometime in the early 80’s when Bayer Built was just […]
The following picture shows our three-panel interior doors in warm palettes. The color on the walls, the color of the prefinish stain and other finishes in the room are all from the warm end of the color spectrum.
In the Midwest, we are nuts about daylight; literally. Without it we establish something un-affectionately referred to as “cabin fever.” Talking to ourselves, becoming short with each other, sleeping for 14 hours because it’s dark at 5pm…these are the maladies of winter; some would say, “a gentle form of torture.” In just a few weeks, […]
The holidays are approaching and throughout the United States, uncles will be cracking corny jokes and mothers will be crowding the kitchen. Families will gather, friends will congregate and inevitably, memories will be recounted over a glass of wine or at the dinner table. We have a fancy word for this sentimentality for the past; […]
If your Fall To Do List, included replacing the front door, it’s not too late… yet! Mine will be replaced in the upcoming weeks and I’m looking forward to an updated and fully-functioning front door. One that doesn’t drag on our tile floor and will keep us cozy, and heat efficient, all winter long. To […]
It seems we are often worried about not having enough. Not enough time and not enough money and never enough space, “could you give me another closet?” Architect and author Sarah Susanka calls it, “the fear of too smallness.” Prior to the recession this concept was evident everywhere. “Why add 10’ when we could add […]
Painted cabinets and millwork is not a new trend. It gained popularity during the recession because of its very attractive price point. Plus, there are few things more enjoyable than a clean, bright, spanking-new kitchen in the whitest of whites! And while trends do come and go, paint is sticking around…at least a little while […]
Designing, selecting and constructing staircases is an overwhelming task. Each one is unique. There are many parts which have to be selected and all those parts can be any number of different finishes. How to start? Begin with the first step (which is not really a step at all) but a railing… 1. Would you […]
No matter where I am now, I notice millwork. Aside from the overall quality of light and the design concept for any given space, my eye goes directly to the doors and trim. Surprising? Maybe. I mean, there would appear to be very few changes in the world of doors and millwork. While it is […]
This is the time of year that begins to feel unsettled; at least at our house it does. Summer’s not over but school hasn’t begun. Activities for the kids are running out, the weather is a little hotter than I’d like it to be and the propensity for a storm to hit becomes a more […]
Of the many fathers I know (including my own) there are few who haven’t built or helped to build a deck. To date, I can recall witnessing at least six deck installations in the last twenty-some years. That seems like a lot; particularly since none of those installations were happening at my house! When I […]
Coco Chanel, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” With eyes closed, what comes to mind when you hear the words, “stained millwork.” Open your eyes and try to describe what you saw first. Was it a big, old Victorian house […]
How do we keep that sky both blue and clean? What is environmental stewardship and why do we care? Just about everything we do as humans contributes something positive or negative to our environment. Earth is habitable because of two cycles within our ecosystem; the carbon and hydro cycles. Within this process the earth recycles […]
There are some rather large piles of snow in my yard. Whether yours looks the same or has just the remnants of a snowman left to melt, April is the ideal time to begin shopping for a new exterior door system. In fact, you’d be ahead of the rest if you considered the door style, […]
The 80’s are back, have you heard? It’s been said that John Hughes films only get better with time and chances are very good that half of the homes in your neighborhood contain a Rubik’s cube; even if it is at the bottom of a box in the attic. Hopefully, we can get our 80’s […]
Barn doors are a trend that is sweeping the nation while offering many style options as well as outstanding functionality.
The rate at which my children grow out of their jeans is alarming. On mornings when it is discovered that the closet is void of even one pair of pants long enough to wear to school without public humiliation, I ask myself, how could we have prepared for two full inches of, “overnight-vertical-expansion?” And why […]
You’ve likely observed that the best way to teach any person born after let’s say…1980, is to set them in front of an instructional video. Forget about 35-page instruction manuals; watch from your smart phone or your laptop or your iPad and you won’t have to try to figure out what that universal stick person […]
Our goal is to provide you with the best quality prefinished millwork we can in a timely manner while also being stewards of the environment we all share.
In case you needed one more decision to make in the course of your non-stop, 21st century, life… did you know there is more than one style of interior door that would look great in your home? Interior doors are made up of at least two stiles and two rails, with a number of panels, […]
Your showroom is your first impression. How your store front and showroom looks speaks volumes to your customers. An inviting store front and showroom affects customer’s perception of your products, staff, prices, service and attention to detail.
Our goal is to provide you with the best quality prefinished millwork in a timely manner while also being stewards of the environment we all share.
Maybe there is a place somewhere in the middle, where technology and human interatction complement each other? You're in good hands at www.bayerbuilt.com with millwork solutions at your fingertips!
Spring is as good a time as any to stock our shelves with new offerings for your upcoming project. With that... (drum roll, please)... we are excited to announce these new Elite and Designer Series additions to our Stock Product Offering!
There are several stair part terms that make me smile. Not because I love them, but because I can imagine a homeowner’s expression when faced with the challenge of selecting a stair system. Newels, volutes, gooseneck fittings, over the post…what the what? Where to start? These industry terms are second nature to seasoned installers and most builders, but to a homeowner stair parts can be very intimidating.
Because you want a better a better door - and now it is available at a better price!
Regardless of the industry we find ourselves working within at some point every day you are exposed to color trends. Found on billboards, next year’s car model or at your local nail salon these palettes are heavily influencing your thought process. They encourage you to feel, buy or connect with someone or something. And those color combinations change every year!
We talk a lot about infusing our homes with character, encouraging everyone to avoid “cookie cutter” and builder grade and finding new life in old spaces or things. Pinterest, while one of the best web sites ever, can overwhelm even the most organized of people. After you’ve pinned your ideas there is not enough time in the day to complete them all. A friend once said to me, “I get depressed when I go home, because my house doesn’t look anything like my Pinterest house.” Projects around the house, whether inspired by a home magazine or your imagination can be overwhelming.
Bayer Built is pleased to announce the expansion of our 3 Panel Steel Craftsman stock product offering. Clear Glass is now available with 1-, 3- and 6-lite external grids, a classic look for Craftsman doors. The popular glass designs, Element and Naples will also be available in stock.
We are currently conducting a survey regarding Craftsman style entry doors and would appreciate your feedback.
On a recent trip to Chicago, I spent an afternoon walking through one of the neighborhoods north of city center and found myself on a street which was a veritable dictionary of architectural style! Side by side, Victorian, Colonial, Art Nouveau and Modern styled brownstones stood; intermingling with each other in the most polite way!
When shopping for your home we know how important it is to touch and feel the product that you are contemplating buying. We work hard with our dealers to keep their showrooms and displays current with a wide variety of different styles, species, colors, textures and more – so you don’t have imagine what it’ll look like you can actually see it up close.
What does pre-finished mean and why should you consider pre-finished products?
Bayer Built Woodworks' Pre-Finish facility is excited to announce the release of our Ultra Process Stain. Our Ultra Process was developed for difficult to finish wood species such as Poplar, Alder and Pine. The Ultra Process utilizes water based stains with water based UV Seal and Top coats for a rich, consistent finish with the most durable, scratch resistant top coat on the market.
Even if you don’t buy in to “green practices” or sustainability, the concept of green should just be about common sense. Shouldn’t we want to use less natural resources? Don’t we want to have cars that are more efficient? If I am able shouldn’t I use my bike to go three blocks to a farmers market to buy jam
Doors and millwork have a long and interesting history, here are some things that you might not know…
We have talked vigorously about how updating your front entry system can add value and curb appeal to your home. A new front door can help make a statement about the home’s character or just help to welcome guests into your home. But there are so many styles and types of exterior doors available, how do you know which door is right for you?
Check out the new videos available on our YouTube Channel…
To make your entry door performance last and keep its appear you'll want to regular clean and inspect your entry system. Here are a couple of quick Do's and Don't for proper care.
Do you ever notice the occasional, “slow-down and drive-by,” in your neighborhood? Whether it’s a visitor looking for house numbers or a leisurely onlooker, deep down we are all voyeurs. It’s unavoidable. Look at the quantity of home shows and tours from spring through fall if you don’t believe me. We absolutely love to know what the insides of each other’s homes look like.
One of the best trends in home design is the development of the outdoor living space. If your dining room is too small for your extended family or you don’t have a good reading nook in the house, what better way to add value to your home than to create these spaces in your yard. Pulling these spaces together often requires a good deal of planning, a lot of muscle and vision. The big payoff is entertaining and relaxing in your own backyard oasis.
Exterior mouldings can add curb appeal, character, and a unique flair to your home. Decorative exterior trim such as gingerbreads, shutters, beams, braces, eaves, casing, crown, medallions, and more can add style and individuality to your home.
Exterior details - columns, mouldings, deck rails, rooflines, eaves, porches - should all include characteristics that mirror the foundational architectural details on your home. From Craftsman to Traditional styles, exterior columns provide architectural character and style to any home. At a glance, many exterior columns may seem similar. However, there are big differences in the design, size, design, and construction of most exterior columns.
As we said last week, it is time to dig out your work gloves and get a start on your outdoor projects. Have you thought about what projects you would like to tackle this summer? What could you do to freshen up the exterior of your home? Let’s look at a few different aspects of your home’s exterior that can had curb appeal and value with a little sprucing up.
What makes your house unique? Can you add new life to your rooms with mouldings? Mouldings such as base, casing, crown, and more can add style and individuality to your home.
Today’s topic is regarding door and window toppers for the interior of any home. Toppers are a build-up of moulding components used above doors and windows which can significantly and economically improve the overall appearance of the interior millwork in a home.
Now that you’ve seen examples of traditional mouldings, it’s time to compare and contrast with a more contemporary look. If your style falls somewhere in between, that’s o.k. too. There are many options to suit varying design concepts.
Last week we talked about the various parts and pieces called mouldings. This week we’re going to look more closely at the profile or cut of each of those pieces to determine what style home they’d look best within. To illustrate the detail we’re going to compare two drastically different rooms and the mouldings that have been used to provide such different effects.
Mouldings add character and individuality to your room. Used to add décor, soften, and enhance floor to wall or wall to ceiling breaks, or cover window and door seams, mouldings add the perfect finishing touch.
Who is your favorite character from a recent book or movie? Think about them. What made them so memorable or interesting? Was it the fact that they looked and acted like everyone else? Or was is that they were specific and deliberate about everything they said or did?
Here are the answers to our matching game from earlier today. Were you able to match up which interior and exterior doors fit together architecturally?
To know what to do inside your home, step outside and stand in front of your home. What are the details you notice first?
The right color paint has the ability to completely transform a room and define the attitude, style and usage of the room. The same is true of the finish (stain or paint) that you apply to your doors and millwork. The type of finish and coloring you choose can help to enhance the style you are hoping to achieve and tie a room full of product together.
The style and type of interior door you select for your opening can set the tone for the space. It is important to consider the construction style of doors as well as the materials they are made out of in order to make informed decisions on which doors will be right for your home. This week we want to cover some of the basic construction styles in order to help you consider your options for interior doors.
Interior doors do more than just separate rooms and provide privacy; they help to define the style and character of your home, while providing warmth, beauty, and function. From traditional and Craftsman panel options to rustic louvers, elegant French doors to modern flush there are endless options available to fit your needs. The key is in choosing a door that will meet your decorating flair, add value, and provide satisfaction for years to come.
At the end of any organizing job, the last step is to close it up. You might close the lid, or the drawer or a pair of solid, wood doors. And with that final step your eyes no longer see clutter. Better yet, your brain doesn’t think mess. Because behind those doors is an organized haven. You can relax and move on to more enjoyable tasks. Your room has a fresh, new feel to it and you might feel compelled to repeat the process in another space.
The first step in a closet reorganization is to empty out your over-stuffed, over-worked, outdated closet and figure out what kind of space you have to work with.
About 25 years ago fiberglass doors were developed to give homeowners the option to have a stained woodgrain entry system without the maintenance and performance issues associated with real wood entry doors. Today, fiberglass doors offer the beauty and warmth of real wood with superior performance and stability.
Coming into this time of year, one of the most frequent issues we all run into is condensation on our windows and/or door lites. Condensation occurs when warm moist air comes in contact with a cooler surface. Not only is this unsettling to a homeowner about the product they purchased, there are also the issues of the mold and mildew that unwanted moisture creates. Along with the obvious health issues associated with mold and mildew, condensation can also lead to rotting wood and other damage if left unchecked.
Each home is unique, but unity in style brings harmony to home decor. Architectural styles help to identify beautiful mouldings, doors, stair parts, and more that will complement your home. With that Thanksgiving holiday upon us, let’s take a look at a style that reflects the settlers of colonial America.
Your options don’t stop with our stock product lines, in fact truly personalized décor often comes from special orders…with this the possibilities for your millwork package are nearly endless. From exotic wood species, custom panel designs and unique glass styles, special orders provide you with limitless possibilities. Here id just a small glimpse of special order interior door options available from some of our vendors.
The “grand reveal” is a pivotal part of every successful make-over television show. There are emotions, the quick views of before and after photos, and the glory of a completed project. The reality of any project is often more difficult. The behind the scene footage is far less glamorous.
When planning to remodel, build, or just update a room in your home, be sure to consider the style of door and how it will relate to the overall feel of your space.
With proper care and maintenance your wood entry door can provide last beauty and protection for years to come. But like any home product proper care and maintenance are vital to its durability and performance. Periodic maintenance will keep your door looking great and provide proper protection against the elements.
The natural beauty and elegance of wood is undeniable. However, wood doors require the right application and finish as well as care and maintenance in order to provide long-term performance. Consult this handy checklist to see if a wood door makes sense for your house.
You take careful care and consideration to choose woods and finish colors that reflect the architectural style and character of your home, but it is also important to consider some of the components of your doors and millwork package that can also affect those selections. As such Bayer Built has been busy updating our selection of hardware components to bring you a wider selection of options in order to make your entry system the perfect match for you.
Traditional woods, such as Oak, Maple, and Cherry, have been favorites for home-builders because of their durability, resistance to rotting, and abundant availability. However, as homeowners look to have a more customized homes with extra personal touches other wood options, such as Poplar, Knotty or Red Alder, and Knotty and Clear Pine, have been growing […]
As a complement to our Acclimated Entry Systems line, Bayer Built Woodworks now offers Acclimated Storm Doors. Just like our Acclimated Entry Systems, Acclimated Storm Doors offer superior components that provide superior performance and value without taking away from the doors’ beauty and character. And since all Acclimated Storm Doors come pre-hung and ready to install, with our new installation video to assist you updating or adding a storm door has never been easier.
When you think about the items that make your home distinct, what do you think of? What gives your home style? Doors, staircases, paint colors, furniture and décor may come to mind, but one of the most impactful aspects of a home’s style is its mouldings.
Instantly increase your home’s value and curb appeal instantly with these 6 easy upgrades.
When selecting interior doors for your home, style is obviously important - but it is not the only factor in choosing the right door. Size, construction, and material are also important to consider. You'll want to carefully consider the intended application and use of the door so you can better assess what type of door will be right for you. Let's look at some of your options:
Interior doors are key to any home - they do more than just separate rooms and provide privacy, they define the decor and character of a home, while providing warmth, beauty, and function.
Poplar is like any great player in baseball’s minor leagues. When given the chance or opportunity to be called up to the big league, they have the ability to stand out, really come through for the team and gain momentum with fans.
Meet Aaron Bayer, our Pre-Finish Facility Manager, and get a tour of our facilities to learn more about Bayer Built Pre-Finish.
A quality finish is the perfect final touch for your millwork package. Finishes help to enhance the style and character of your doors, moulding, stair parts and more. There are numerous benefits to having your products pre-finished before delivery - and the beautiful, furniture grade quality is just one of them.
Bayer Built Woodworks recently received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for advance pre-finish training. Through this grant we will continue to focus on educating internal teams on the newest technologies and processes within the pre-finish industry.
Is your home energy efficient? Energy efficiency in your home will help increase value, make your home more comfortable, and reduce consumption costs. Here are 5 signs your home may need an energy efficiency makeover.
Your front entry unit provides character and sets the style for the inside of your home. If you are considering a storm door, don’t forget to carry this over. After you’ve considered sun exposure and proper ventilation needed for your application, think about the style for system that you want. Storm doors should help to accentuate your front entry unit, not detract from its character.
Before installing a storm door on your entry system, make sure it's the right choice for your home. There are a couple of things you should really consider before choosing to install a storm door and before deciding which storm door to go with.
Storm doors are often a highly debated addition to an entry way. Many people like having the option to leaving their entry door open without letting all of Mother Nature's friends (bugs, birds, dirt) inside. But there are a number of factors to consider before installation.
The type of material you choose for your deck will determine how much longevity and maintenance is required. Aluminum railing offers a number of advantages to vinyl, wood, or steel deck railing. The simplicity and durability of an aluminum alloy deck system means lasting performance and value for your home.
If you are planning on building or remodeling your deck it is important to know the logistics, even if you are going to hire a professional. Arm yourself with information regarding materials, construction, and design so that you are sure to end up with the deck that fits your needs.
Most people spend, on average, an hour a day looking for misplaced items. That means we lose 15 days a year to disorganization. But you can save yourself some of that time, by organizing your life – starting with your closets, pantry, garage, and other storage areas. Here are 7 must haves to get you started.
You’ve put great effort and time into choosing the perfect entry door for your home. But, like most all aspects of your home, it will require some simple, periodic maintenance to keep it looking great and provide proper protection against the elements. Here are 4 things you should do now to make sure your entry system lasts for years to come.
5 things to consider when choosing your entry door to make sure you find the perfect fit for your home
Choosing a new entry door for your home is a big decision. One rule of thumb that works pretty well to arrive a ballpark budget number is 1% of your home’s total value.
A new front entry system is great way to improve curb appeal and increase the value of a home. In a recent survey released by the National Association of Realtors, the replacement of an exterior door held the most value and recouped the most cost of any exterior improvement project.
While wood and steel doors offer a variety of options suited for the right applications, many homeowners may prefer a fiberglass entry door. Considering long-term cost, durability, and maintenance fiberglass is a practical choice for most people.
Acclimated Entry Systems are a combination of premium components designed and built to meet the extreme conditions of Midwest weather. Select a beautiful wood, fiberglass, or steel door and surround it with our climate-enhanced components.
Being that we are from the Midwest we have first hand experience with weather extremes. Acclimated Entry Systems TM, exclusive to Bayer Built Woodworks, are designed and built to withstand the elements and protect your home.
Bayer Built Woodworks has grown successfully over the years by listening and reacting to the needs of our customers and consumers. Our initial offering of interior pre-hung doors and mouldings has expanded over the years to include so much more. Here is just a little peak into what Bayer Built can do for you.
Here at Bayer Built Woodworks, we don’t like to think of the company as an it but rather a who. Bayer Built as a whole has a personality, and we hope that is reflected through our products, at events, and within our lumber dealers’ showrooms. For those who may not be as familiar with Bayer Built Woodworks, let us tell you who we are.