If you know who we are, then you know that we’re a family-run business that’s provided the highest quality construction and renovation materials for over 100 years. If you don’t, then let us introduce ourselves: For five generations, we’ve helped build dreams. 

We’ve had the privilege of working on thousands of different projects across Idaho and beyond. Whether it’s commercial or residential, big or small, no job is beyond our expertise. So, what’s the difference between Johnson Brothers and a big box store?

It’s our three-step approach. First, we only provide products from the most trusted brands in the industry. Next, we offer every customer a unique experience by learning everything we can about their project needs and wants. Finally, we go out of our way to ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible, from start to finish. We’re still with you after the sale is final. 

With Johnson Brothers, you get the convenience of having one supplier for all of your architectural needs. Whatever your next project is, we’re here to help you find the right windows, doors, hardware, hardwoods, custom moulding and other architectural specialties for new construction or renovation.

We know we’re not the only option for specialty building materials, but we do know that your experience with us will be unforgettable. We provide the quality and selection of the big guys with the attention of a niche business. Our consultations are always free, and we’re happy to help you get the ball rolling on your next project. Give us a call, or visit our showroom in Idaho Falls or Boise.

Owner Chris Sargis said it best: “Our products and processes will continue to change with the times, but our commitment to quality never will.” In fact, quality is written right in our slogan. “Quality makes us the best choice. Over a century of experience makes us the right choice.”

Here are some of our specialties:

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Interior or exterior doors, specialty or commercial, and materials from wood to fiberglass. We can hook you up with standard or custom windows and are proud to carry Marvin, Andersen and other top-notch dealers. Along with materials, styles, and custom fitting, we’ll help you find the right hardware to suit your needs. 

HARDWARE

Our hardware selection is one of the best in the region. From windows and exterior doors to kitchen cabinets we can guarantee you’ll find something you love. We carry some of the best suppliers on the market and even take special orders. Custom work and design is one of our favorite ways of turning concepts into reality, which is where our woodworking skills really come into play. 

WOODWORK

We’ve got the materials and expertise to produce one-of-a-kind custom wood moldings, casework and cabinets. We can confidently say we offer nearly every species of hardwood you can think of, along with MDF and paint-grade materials. Feel free to download our moulding catalog or Kenny’s Special Catalog if you want to learn more. 

COUNTERTOPS

We only carry the best, of course. We carry plastic laminate, butcher block and solid surface countertops and offer brands like Wilsonart, Formica, John Boos, LG, Samsung and more.

Anyway, you get the jist; we can do a LOT of things. That’s the payoff of being in the business for over 115 years.

Replacing your windows can be a great opportunity to transform your home AND trim your monthly energy bills. Whether you want a new look, or your windows are worn out, quality windows can add light and fresh air, stabilize the temperature and enhance your home’s style from the inside out. Here are a few reasons why you should consider replacing your windows:

Boost your home’s curb appeal

As a design element of your home, windows say a lot about who you are. Replacing windows that are faded or don’t match the style of your home can enhance both the look and value of your property, especially if you upgrade to energy efficient windows. Upgrading your windows can increase the value of your home by 10% or more. So, if you have plans to sell in the future, good windows are a fantastic investment. 

Needlessly high utility bills

If you’ve recently found an increase in your energy bills, upgrading to energy efficient windows may be your solution. On average, around 40% of your annual heating and cooling costs can be attributed to old, drafty windows. Energy efficient windows are specifically designed to prevent your heating and cooling dollars from flying through them. 

Outdated windows

There are a few obvious giveaways that your windows are outdated, which can help you decide whether or not you should replace them. If you can see fog between the panes, if there’s a draft, or if they don’t open properly, you may want to consider replacement. Fog and air leakage usually means that your windows are not fully sealed which again, could be a reason for higher energy bills. Not only is it frustrating when our windows will barely budge, but windows that don’t function properly are a safety concern and may indicate broken or warped components.

Do it for you

You really don’t need any reason to justify replacing your windows, but new windows come with quite a few health benefits. Research shows that fresh air and natural light help people be more productive, happier, healthier and calmer. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not have access to good natural light, especially in older homes. With more and more people working from home, installing new windows or upgrading current windows is a great way to increase exposure to natural light, sunshine and fresh air. 

If you do decide to replace your windows, it’s never a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the different parts and terminology before starting to shop. Some basic parts to study up on include stiles, sash, muntins, glazing, apron, stool, casings, jambs, rails operator, latch and arms. Knowing the lingo and functions of different window parts will allow you to communicate more effectively and help you find exactly what you want. 

Whatever the reason for deciding to upgrade, reach out to Johnson Brothers in Boise or Idaho Falls for more information on taking the next step.

Feeling secure in your home is one of the most important aspects of being a homeowner. Something as small as the lock on your door can increase the level of security in your home and put your mind at ease. As an essential part of your home, selecting the right locks for your doors has become more important than ever. From traditional locks to smart locks, the options for securing your interiors are vast.  

Exterior Door Locks for Techies

Convenient, durable and elegant, smart locks add a layer of protection to your home without compromising design. As the popularity of smart locks rapidly increase each year, more brands and options become available for homeowners. With producs like Level Lock, you can easily discover the perfect lock for your home. Although the smallest smart lock ever made, Level Lock’s hardware can be controlled by touch, voice, smartphones, watches, key cards or a key and can be accessed from anywhere.

Take into consideration that smart locks are not for everyone, as they are capable of numerous high tech features. Some smart locks can automatically lock and unlock once a bluetooth presence is detected, automatically lock when a door is shut, unlock doors for packages and can be programmed with custom unlock codes for guests. 

If the thought of tearing out your old lock and installing a new one terrifies you, there are even smart locks that can be directly assembled into your existing deadbolt set up. Along with the option of hassle-free installation, imagine a lock that has the ability to automatically turn on any of your interior lights as soon as you unlock your door…that’s pretty cool if you ask us. 

Exterior Door Locks For Traditionalists

There are also great options for manual locks such as mortise locks and deadbolt locks if you prefer more traditional security features. Mortise Locks are designed with powerful cylinders and are great for commercial buildings and apartment doors, while deadbolt locks are most widely used for residential properties. To up your security standard, select mortise locks with more levers or a hybrid deadbolt lock with a lockable thumb-turn.

Interior & Alternative Door Locks

Lastly, knob locks and padlocks are also very well known, but are commonly used outside the realm of exterior doors. As the most popular type of door lock for interiors, knob locks should be avoided for external use as they provide only a limited level of security if not paired with Deadbolt locks. Padlocks are one of the most simple lock designs and come in a variety of models with a choice between keyed padlocks or combination padlocks.

Having a basic understanding of the options available when it comes to selecting locks is important as exterior doors are your home’s main access points. Before you spend too much time contemplating budget, remember that it’s never a bad idea to increase the security features in your home. At Johnson Brothers we’ll help you select the right lockset for your home, plus you can reach out to our Boise or Idaho Falls offices for a free consultation.

Bad weather is right around the corner, which means it’s time to make sure your home is well prepared. One of the easiest ways for a nasty draft to get into your home is right through the front door. Investing in storm doors for all of your exterior doors is a surefire way of creating an extra layer of security for your home. 

A storm door is a secondary outer door used for protection from bad weather and ventilation in warmer weather. Like any other door, storm doors are available in many colors, sizes and materials, so you’ll have no problem finding something to match your home’s style. 

Storm doors are commonly available in vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. There are many extras you can add to your storm door to make it more functional and attractive. Be sure to select handles and hinges that match the color of the exterior door.  

Weatherization products are great for homeowners who live in harsh climates as they protect exterior doors from rain, ice and snow. With proper installation, storm doors add an extra layer of insulation that keeps warm air in and cold air out. 

With great insulation and quality storm doors, you can easily boost the energy efficiency of your home. Much like energy efficient windows, well designed storm doors are composed of three layers that are designed to block air and UV rays, which reduces the need for heating and cooling. 

Besides protection from the elements, storm doors also provide your home with increased security. You can choose storm doors that come equipped with protective grilles, heavy duty security glass and extra locking systems. All homeowners know that an additional layer of security is never a bad idea.

If you want to take an extra step in weather-proofing your home, you may even consider installing storm windows. Like storm doors, storm windows help save energy and provide extra protection and insulation to your home. 

Storm windows can be installed on the inside or outside of your home’s existing windows and can be manufactured out of glass, rigid plastic or flexible plastic sheets. They also come in different shapes, sizes and styles. 

Storm doors and windows are a great addition to your home, especially in cycling weather conditions, but are useless if not installed properly. Reach out to Johnson Brothers in Boise or Idaho Falls for a free consultation, or more information about storm-proof products and installation.

Did you know that 40% of your annual heating and cooling costs can be attributed to outdated, drafty windows? If you find your heating and cooling bills are through the roof, it may be time to upgrade to newer, energy efficient windows.

Energy efficient windows, or energy saving windows are specifically designed to prevent heat or cool air from escaping your home. Investing in these highly insulated windows warrants long term benefits for your home and your wallet. It’s basic math, your home + good insulation = lower bills.

The Department of Energy estimates that you can save $125 to $465 dollars a year, by simply installing energy efficient windows. If that doesn’t convince you, installing a set of new vinyl windows could potentially add as much as $12,000 to your home’s selling price. Although pricey, energy efficient windows pay off in the long run.

So, what exactly makes a window energy efficient? A window becomes energy efficient when it has multiple glass panes, windowpane spaders, low-e glass coatings, contains argon or krypton gas between the panes, and lastly, high quality window frames. The quickest way to break it down is by looking for windows with Energy Star Ratings.

On average, Energy Star products use 20 to 30 percent less energy than their counterparts, but do keep in mind that some Energy Star windows are more efficient than others. Whatever your needs, Johnson Brothers can help you select the best windows for your home, plus we have customizable options and a variety brands to choose from.

Aside from financial benefits, energy efficient windows also provide your home with noise reduction and protection for your interior. The thick panes and extra layers in these windows diminish noises of traffic (or your neighbor’s dog), plus block UV rays from the sun, in turn keeping your carpet, paint, and furniture protected from fading.

One last obvious benefit of investing in energy efficient windows is that you’re doing your part in helping protect the environment. The HVAC system is a known contributor to air and water pollution, so with energy-saving windows reliance on the system is reduced.

Johnson Brothers is proud to exclusively carry Energy Star brands such as Andersen Windows and Marvin Windows. Visit Johnson Brothers’ showroom in Idaho Falls or Boise today for your home improvement inquiries as well as information on energy efficient windows for your home.

Custom or not, choosing the right material for your home’s countertops is an essential part of the style and functionality of your interiors. In this article we’ll discuss the most common types of countertop material and why or why not they would be the right fit for your home:

Plastic Laminate
Plastic laminate is a fantastic option for homeowners on a budget or interested in DIY projects. Pros of plastic laminate are that it is inexpensive, ready/easy to install, low-maintenance, lightweight, and has an abundance of design possibilities. On the other hand, some cons are that plastic laminate is prone to chipping and peeling, difficult to repair, and it is not heat-resistant. You are able to have an undermount sink with laminate, which is a popular option.

Butcher Block
Butcher Block countertops are made of wood, thus making them especially ideal for kitchens with heavier meal preparations that may require chopping, slicing, and grinding. There are plenty of pros that come with butcher block countertops, including that they are inexpensive, long-lasting, easy to install, provide a great work surface, and damages are easy to repair. A few cons of a butcher block countertops include sensitivity to liquid and temperature changes along with vulnerability to scratching and denting.  Butcher Block countertops need constant maintenance.

Solid Surface
Solid surface countertops are great for homeowners who prefer mid-range options or those who plan on integrating more into their kitchens, bathrooms, or even mudrooms, such as sinks. The pros of solid surface countertops are quite extensive including that they are inexpensive, low-maintenance, easy to clean, stain resistant, easily repairable, and offer a huge selection of colors and patterns to choose from. The biggest con is that solid surface countertops are very sensitive to heat and can be quickly damaged from too much heat.

Quartz
Quartz countertops are great for high-traffic areas and are commonly rated for healthcare facilities and commercial kitchens. Some of the pros of choosing a quartz countertop is that quartz is low maintenance, durable, stain and scratch proof, and has lots of colors/patterns to choose from. A couple cons of quartz countertops are that they are expensive and can be very sensitive to heat.

Granite
Granite is a great choice for homeowners who want a natural, yet luxurious looking countertop. Some pros of granite are that it is heat and scratch resistant, durable, and unique due to its large variety of colors and patterns available to choose from. A few cons of granite is that it must be sealed regularly to maintain longevity, it can be expensive, and it is extremely heavy.

Marble
Marble countertops on the other hand are best for areas with minimal traffic. If you enjoy baking, this countertop is especially great for your kitchen. A couple pros of marble countertops are that the material is heat resistant and has beautiful natural patterns. Some cons of marble countertops are that they are very expensive, high-maintenance, easily damageable (scratches and acidic liquids), and marble is prone to staining.

Aside from style, the material you’ll want to go with ultimately depends on your everyday lifestyle along with the room you incorporate it in. If you’re unsure where to start, Johnson Brothers works with any budget and offers free consultations from experienced professionals.

We offer Plastic Laminate, Butcher Block, and Solid Surface, and are proud to work with countertop manufacturers such as Wilsonart, Formica, Pionite, Nevamar and other exotic laminates. We are a stocking dealer for John Boos Butcher Block and top name solid surface manufacturers including Wilsonart, Corian, LG Himacs, and Samsung Staron. Visit our Idaho Falls or Boise Showroom today for information on your home improvement inquiries.