Inevitably reflecting on the past causes us to look forward — it’s human nature to challenge ourselves to do better, #goals and all of that.

In many aspects of Johnson Brother’s construction and architecturally based business, it will be hard to top what occurred in 2022; but upon reflection if there’s one place to challenge ourselves it’s — putting into the communities we serve, as much as we take out. Co-owner Chris Sargis believes, “the best way to receive is to give, and to ask ourselves, how can we all do more?”

In a unique and challenging year fraught with supply chain restraints, labor shortages and incredible consumer demand, it’s easy to want to crack under the pressure. But Johnson Brothers is inspired this year by industry partner Marvin Windows who has instituted a Better Living program, encouraging their employees to breath and live more in the moment. Taking that deep breath and acknowledging our accomplishments is a wise way to flip the script. Gratitude for what we’ve done and who has been instrumental will take the spotlight off ourselves.

There will always be new products and concepts for custom moulding and millwork, exterior and interior door designs, windows and sky lights, cabinetry hardware, handles and drawer pulls, the list goes on — but our legacy lives in our people. To our loyal and incredible crew of dedicated employees, industry partners and vendors: we truly couldn’t do what we do without you. This holiday season we wish only the best for you as we reminisce, reset, recharge and prepare for the gift of a brand-new year ahead.

We feel that Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pause and reflect upon the good for which we are grateful. From the retirement of our longtime Chief, David Sargis, and subsequent restructuring, and our contractors and builders topping off a record year, to our employees and industry partners who have risen and met the market demand and changes – to say the least, it’s been quite a year.

Of course, to the western states we are proud to work within, we believe that this synergy carries forth into the communities as well. Schools, churches, and important architectural buildings will shelter us for years to come. We are truly grateful for our involvement in these amazing projects and important structures. We cherish these opportunities to work with our friends, neighbors and communities. Since 1905 we’ve learned, grown, and improved from our experiences with all of you. We are thankful for the opportunity to share our expertise through personalized care and quality products.

The team at Johnson Brothers would like to toast you all for your dedication to our mission and to your most outstanding work and acknowledge your integral part of making 2022 a sprint to the finish line.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

No contractor? No problem! Just come into Johnson Brothers and get our expert help, no architect required. Not only can we help you pick the perfect door, windows, hardware, and so much more – we’ll also help you find the perfect outfit to do the installation.

All the choices involved can be intimidating. With various contractors, architects, and installers available with a few clicks, it can be hard to determine which one will work for you. And that can hold you back from doing the fun stuff, like exploring our showroom and picking from the tons of hardware options and wood finishes.

Don’t let a lack of expertise stand in your way! We’re ready and willing to take you from viewing samples in our showroom to enjoying a new look right at home. Co-owner Chris Sargis makes it clear that anyone can get help at Johnson Brothers. “Whether you’re in need of an installer or you have someone you work with,” he explains, “we can give you expert help through the whole process.”

Johnson Brothers is ready to take you from showroom to installation, all with expert advice to guide you through. Visit our showrooms in Boise and Idaho Falls or peruse our website and get some inspiration for your next home project.

Mastering curb appeal is your house’s first impression of the neighborhood. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to make a good first impression, you know how important looking your best matters. Curb appeal means the front entry of your home, as well as the windows and general facade of your home is a cohesive design, drawing attention to your home.

The interesting thing about curb appeal is that it depends on the style of that individual house. There are so many options in the front entry door, style of hardware and doorknobs, and additional framing, that it can feel overwhelming. Johnson Brothers is equipped with all the tools to help your house look the best in the neighborhood and shine from the sidewalk no matter the style of your home, or your vision.

The key way to enhance the curb appeal of your home is with a new entry door and hardware. Entry doors are the first thing that welcomes guests to your home, from the welcome mat, or sidewalk. They also protect your home from harsh weather, and need to stand the test of time. Front entry doors can easily be pushed to the back of the renovation list but renovating this simple aspect of your home can greatly increase your curb appeal.

Johnson Brothers is the best local source for commercial and specialty doors. Johnson Brothers has connections with many major manufacturers and fire-rated licensing for all wood and metal doors and frames. Whether you’re building from the ground up, or remodeling, we’ll help you from idea to installation.

One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is choosing something that will last. Lasting means both in quality and style. When it comes to quality and style, no one matches Johnson Brothers. Johnson Brothers carries wood, metal, and fiberglass doors, as well as brass, bronze, modern, and antique doorknobs to complete the perfectly crafted entry door. Johnson Brothers is a proud supplier of Andersen, Marvin, Simpson, Rogue Valley, and other major name brands that fit any home’s style and will continue to look good years down the road.

If you are ready to enhance your curb appeal with a new front entry, Johnson Brothers is the place to go. With generations of experience and professional craftsmanship, Johnson Brothers is ready to help! Give us a call or visit our new showrooms for more information.

One of our specialties here at Johnson Brothers is millwork, which is any type of decorative wood material that is produced within a mill and used in building or renovation projects. Doors, moulding, trim, flooring, wall paneling and crown moulding are all considered millwork. Decorative pieces such as mantels and door casing are also common products of millwork. Two common styles of millwork are craftsman and profiled; let’s start by exploring the two. 

Craftsman style millwork is all about crisp clean lines and is often associated with Modern Farmhouse style. The main identifier of craftsman style millwork is the corner work. Craftsman style millwork tends to have eased corners rather than sharp edges. Some traits of Craftsman style millwork include, tongue and groove paneling, board and batten wall trim with a chair rail, flat faced trim details. 

On the other end of the spectrum, profiled millwork is most commonly found in Colonial and Ranch style applications. Profiled millwork usually contains more texture and detail than craftsman. Profiled millwork might include intricate, multi-piece crown moulding with base blocks and corner blocks for door and window casings or dentil mold below crown detail, and raised panels for wall details.

As always, if nothing in our vast assortment of millwork options we carry suits your taste, we can help you custom-design and produce a one-of-a-kind moulding profile that’s unique to your project. We’re proud to offer virtually all species of hardwoods, as well as MDF and paint-grade materials. So, let’s jump into wood paneling. 

Wood paneling is traditionally made up of solid wood, wood-like products or modern engineered wood boards placed together in large sheets or single planks. Wood paneling tends to fit most interior styles and can be used in commercial and residential applications. A few different types and applications include wall paneling, wainscoting, ceiling paneling and exterior paneling. 

Wood wall paneling was traditionally used to help insulate walls, but more and more it’s being used to revamp the appearance of existing walls. When choosing a wall paneling style, it’s important to narrow down whether you like a painted or stained look. Painted wall panels give you the freedom to tailor your design to the rest of your space, while a natural look allows the knots and grains of the wood to be more visible. 

Wainscoting is a paneling system that uses wood boards installed on the lower half of an interior wall and offers homeowners a wide variety of design choices from flat panels to beadboard, either painted or finished naturally. It’s important to consult a professional when selecting a species of wood because certain woods are susceptible to expansion and shrinkage. 

Ceiling panels are designed to withstand pressure and resist moist conditions. Well-made ceiling panels are built for high performance and can withstand extreme room conditions. Like any type of paneling, make sure to choose your wood species wisely. 

Exterior wood paneling (siding) is not only gorgeous, but is incredibly eco-friendly, and surprisingly, tends to last longer than vinyl siding if  properly maintained. Wood paneling for exterior applications is usually stained, although a painted look is not uncommon. 

Shiplap is often used for constructing sheds, barns and other rustic structures. Traditional shiplap has a rabbet, or groove cut into the top and bottom, which allows each piece to seal together snugly. This creates a unique appearance, with subtle horizontal gaps between pieces.

Shiplap has a long history and can be traced back to shipbuilding in the Viking area. While it was a widely used construction material then, shiplap was rarely used as a surface design until recently. Today, shiplap is often a blanket term for interior wood cladding and is commonly found in today’s modern farmhouse design. It’s also not surprising to find shiplap hidden beneath old wallpaper, drywall or plaster.

Shiplap is incredibly versatile and can bring a unique feel to almost any room. It can be installed horizontally to make a room feel bigger, vertically to make a room feel taller or even diagonally to give a room texture. Shiplap can be installed naturally finished, stained, painted or mixed, which allows homeowners to match whatever aesthetic they know and love. 

If you’re looking to incorporate millwork into your current or future home renovation project, Johnson Brothers in Boise in Idaho Falls is the place to go for all of your needs. Give us a call or stop by our showroom for a free consultation today.

If you’re looking for ideas to make your home stand out, decorative beams are a great way to add dimension and give your home a unique touch. And if you’re building from the ground up, you can plan for beams. Beams are long, exposed slabs of wood, usually attached to the ceiling of a room and are commonly found in farmhouses as well as hygge, lodge and cottage style homes. 

Beams are also great for homes with high or vaulted ceilings, homes with dark trim and flooring and rustic homes. And as usual, your options for wooden beams are nearly endless with Johnson Brothers; from styles, species of wood, colors and even accessories, you have some decisions to make. Whether it’s a remodel or a new build, we’ll help you every step of the way. 

Incorporating beams into your home not only gives your home an amazing facelift, but can also provide a level of structural support and other benefits that you can’t get by other means.

There are a number of different species to choose from, with a wide range in cost, strength and (today more than ever) availability. The most common species of wood for beams are white pine, red and white oak, Douglas fir, cypress, and cedar. Oak, although strong, tends to twist and crack over time, while Douglas fir is popular for its strength and durability. White pine, cypress, and cedar do not quite have the load capacity as Douglas fir, but tend to be more affordable. Once you have a species of wood selected for your project, you can narrow down what style best suits your needs. 

There’s an endless variety of timber and beam designs for both the inside and outside of your home. Whether you want to mimic an existing design or go fully custom, the choice is yours. A few different styles of timber and beams include solid, boxed-in, hollow-core and faux beams. Solid wood delivers authenticity but can be extremely heavy. Salvaged wood, often recycled from old barns and homes can bring in a historic feel. Boxed wood, fashioned from three pieces of lumber can reduce weight and cost. Faux wood is a great choice for those with a lower budget who want a real wood look.

Decorative ceiling beams can be stained, left natural, or painted, all depending on the homeowners preference. You’ll want to choose a finish that complements current wood trim or flooring. The goal is a dramatic, cohesive look.

One last touch you can add to your wooden beams are accessories. You can skip this step, or you can take things to the next level. Accessories you might consider include brackets, plates, straps, light fixtures, or wooden shelves. Decorative brackets come in different sizes and styles and can further create a classic, elegant or contemporary look. Plates, straps and end caps add finishing touches. Hard-wired light fixtures can add complexity, but with proper planning almost anything is achievable. Or there are plenty of wireless options that can be incorporated. Lastly, pairing beams with natural wood shelves is another way to tie in your beams to the rest of your décor.

At Johnson Brothers, we sell everything from solid wood beams to wrapped beams, box beams, and faux beams in smooth or resawn textures; there’s truly an option for every budget. Thanks to our suppliers like Disdero and Fypon, we can proudly say all of our beams are made using sustainable foresting practices.

If you’re in the market for decorative wood beams, Johnson Brothers in Boise or Idaho Falls is the place to go. With an on-site mill, we are able to custom create any design you can imagine. Give us a call or visit one of our showrooms for information on beams for your next home improvement project.

Decorative glass may seem like a self-explanatory topic, but there is more to it than you may think. From style, color, material and so much more, the uses of decorative glass are endless. If you’re looking to incorporate decorative glass into your home, we guarantee Johnson Brothers will be able to find something to suit your needs, and with custom options you can really make your home stand out.

Not to mention, decorative glass is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal, and the better the appeal, the higher the value of your home. Of all of the features you could add to your entry door and windows, decorative glass has the potential to make the biggest impact. So, let’s take a look at what decorative glass is.

Simply put, decorative glass is a type of glass that has been textured, patterned, frosted, carved, colored, or stained. If you’re a fan of color, then stained glass might be for you. Maybe you want an intricate design without a pop of color? Carved glass is your solution. Are you looking for privacy? Easy: privacy glass can do the job. Whatever your cup of tea, any type of glass can be customized to fit your needs. 

Along with the style of decorative glass you choose, each type of glass works in its own way to provide a unique touch or purpose, varying from design to privacy. Although different types of decorative glass provide a range of aesthetic options and placements, they all provide similar benefits in terms of safety and beauty. 

Every homeowner knows the importance of safety, but did you know decorative glass can provide another layer of protection to your home? Not only does most decorative glass block the view from the outside of your home, but most entry doors have tempered glass which is substantially stronger than clear glass. 

One of the most obvious benefits of incorporating decorative glass is aesthetics. Like any decorative feature in or on the outside of your home, decorative glass is a great way to show off your sense of style and personality. When incorporated in your entry door, decorative glass adds visual interest and becomes the focal point of your entryway.

Here’s a closer look at the most common types of decorative glass: 

It’s pretty simple, carved glass is glass that has a design carved into it. This is one of our favorite ways to utilize decorative glass in a home. Carved glass is available in an abundance of variety. From  simple to intricate, the options are limitless! We are certain you will find something to fit your home’s style when you choose carved glass. 

You may know it as art glass and you may have seen it in churches … but don’t let that intimidate you. The popularity of stain glass has surged as a design element both inside and outside of the home. Stained glass can add elegance and a pop of color to a room or can be used as an accent piece on your entry door. 

This is most commonly used for protection purposes. Also called frosted or opaque glass, the purpose of privacy glass is to blur the inside and outside of an entry door or a shower door. Frosted and opaque glass gives homeowners the protection they desire while still allowing light to pass through.

If you’re ready to replace your current entry door, windows or interior accent pieces, Johnson Brothers is here to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and to learn more about our decorative glass options.

With Spring in the air, there’s no better time to get a jump start on your home improvement projects and prepare for warmer days. Whether you’re looking for a simple refresh or getting ready to sell, updating your home’s exterior creates an inviting setting while increasing your property’s value. Here are four ways Johnson Brothers can help you boost your curb appeal:

Update Your Front Door

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, your front door sets the tone of your entire home. Replacing your old door with a newer one not only boosts your curb appeal but also increases your overall security. And, if you don’t feel like upgrading your entire front door, small changes to your current door can make a big difference. Without spending an arm and a leg, you can paint your front door; but be sure to choose a shade that complements other elements of your exterior. 

Install New Windows

New windows come with both aesthetic and practical value and offer a handful of benefits like increasing your home’s value, decreasing your energy bills and of course, boosting your curb appeal. On average, residential windows last 15-20 years, so if you find your windows are much older than you, replacement may be the best option. If you’re simply sick of looking at your current windows, you can always take a lower cost route like replacing or painting the frame to add a pop of color/texture. 

Add Accent Lighting

A great way to boost the entire atmosphere of your home is to add lighting fixtures or to replace current fixtures and bulbs. You’d be surprised by the difference carefully positioned lights make, not just as a style factor, but by being able to see at night too. Plus, extra lighting will make your home feel much more welcoming during those darker hours. Quality accent lights should withstand harsh elements and accentuate the appearance of your home both during the day and at night. 

Upgrade Your Hardware

Although not always the first thing people notice when approaching your home, elements such as door handles, locks and knobs are the pieces that highlight your front door. Hardware is like the cherry on top of your home’s exterior decor and can be a quick and inexpensive way to enhance the appearance of your exterior. Another very simple way to add some style to your home is by updating your house numbers. A lot of homeowners don’t realize the impact this small change can have on the overall appearance of their home. 

There are plenty other ways to boost your curb appeal beyond these four ideas such as transforming your landscape or adding some exterior decor. You might incorporate a stone or brick path surrounded by shrubbery, or if you want to keep it simple, front door decor can do the job on a budget. Whip out your favorite spring wreath, add some outdoor furniture or set up a few flower pots. 

Whatever the size of your next home renovation project, Johnson Brothers can provide the parts and expertise to help boost your curb appeal this spring and beyond. Visit our Idaho Falls or Boise showroom for more information or a free consultation.

A door is not always just a door; it can be a first impression, or a statement about who you are. Front doors are a great way to boost your curb appeal and really make your home stand out. A front door is also the mouthway of your home and Johnson Brothers can help make it smile. 

Additionally, knowing the anatomy of a door can be helpful when shopping for a new door, upgrading door parts and simplifying the buying process. Before selecting all the different parts and pieces of your new door, you’ll want to decide on a style.

Types of Doors

When it comes to styles, there are a plethora of different designs to choose from. Some common door styles include Dutch doors, French doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, pocket doors, barn doors and pivot doors. Once you have style nailed down, you can start shopping for materials, accessories and add-ons. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the basic anatomy of a door.

Slab

Simply put, the slab is the door – the giant piece of wood that swings around the door unit. As the main component of a door, the slab is commonly made of fiberglass, steel or wood but can also be made from aluminum or glass. The slab can really set the tone of your home, so make sure you pick the right look.

The door slab itself generally consists of three elements including the stiles, rails and lock block. The stiles are the vertical pieces of the slab, while the rails are the horizontal pieces. Paneled wood doors have obvious stiles and rails, while other materials like flush wood doors may not have either. Lastly, the lock block is one of the most important aspects of the slab as it is where the door lock is attached.

Now, let’s venture outside of the door slab and talk about the basics of a door unit. Without the unit, a door cannot function as intended. The unit most commonly consists of the sill, the jamb/frame and moulding, but can vary considerably based on style.

Sill

The sill is the piece of aluminum that sits on the ground underneath the door and connects the frame from both sides. A good sill is like a gateway which helps protect your interiors from unwanted dirt, debris, bugs and more. The main parts of a sill typically include the deck, cap and substrate.

Jamb/Frame

The jamb or door frame are the three pieces that frame the door, consisting of the two vertical side jambs and the single horizontal piece at the top of the door called the head jamb. Depending on your preference, the jamb can be made of veneered wood, solid wood or composite material, which determines the strength of the frame. 

Moulding

The moulding is installed around the door frame and can be positioned to conceal unwanted gaps and accentuate the style of your door. While moulding can increase your front door curb appeal, it can also offer protection to the entryway by preventing moisture into the door unit. 

Keep in mind, all doors are designed differently. Your door may include different parts and components all depending on material, style and personal preference. If you’re simply shopping for add ons you may want to brush up on door handles and knobs, hinges, weatherstrips and deadbolt locks.

Door knobs range from privacy and passage knobs to interior mortise knobs/handles. You can also choose from many different types of hinges including butt hinges, overlay hinges, spring-loaded hinges and more. Whether you are shopping for interior or exterior door parts will determine your need for weatherstrips. For information on deadbolts and other locks, check out our blog on door locks.

Again, this is all just basic door anatomy – BUT, much like shopping for anything, being knowledgeable about what you’re looking for makes the hunt easier on both ends. With that being said, make sure to visit Johnson Brothers in Idaho Falls or Boise for all your interior and exterior door needs.