May Door Buster Specials

We’ve got great deals this month to help get those outdoor projects underway–specials on solar landscape lights, pressure sprayers, waterproofing sealant and stepladders while supplies last!

A huge thank you to Gary Katz, Rick Arnold, Mack and all of the Katz Roadshow crew for helping make Mountain Lumber’s first Sustainable Building Clinic a success! We especially thank all of the building professionals who joined us for a full day of training, demos and product education–let us know what you thought of the event and what we can offer in the future to help you and your business!

The Katz Roadshow is making a stop at
Mountain Lumber Company on April 20^th
and we want you to be there!

This full day, hands-on sustainable building clinic hosted by Rick Arnold (remodeling specialist and contributing editor for Fine Homebuilding) includes special discounts, demonstrations, giveaways, and coupons for some of the best tools and materials in the industry–breakfast and lunch will also be served.

Registration for this event is required, but everyone from your company or crew is welcome to attend.  Just click on the link below to register online, or stop by Mountain Lumber in Foscoe or Banner Elk to get signed up.  Continuing education credits are available and more workshop details are included in the attached flyer.

This is a great opportunity for builders, remodelers, architects, educators and their students and will address building practices related to the new 2012 Energy Code.

Click Here to Reserve Your Spot at the Show!

We’ve got several great training opportunities coming up at Mountain Lumber this spring, covering both products and building techniques.  Participating in one of these events is a great way to explore new services to offer your clients and expand your knowledge and specialty skills.  We’re kicking off the building season with events from Trex Elevations Steel Deck Framing, Allan Block Certified Installer Training and the exclusive Katz Roadshow.

Call or come by to sign up!

Wednesday February 29th – Trex Elevations Lunch ‘n Learn

Eat, learn and build!  Join us for lunch and an information sessions on Trex Elevations Steel Deck Framing–just in time for deck building season.

Wednesday, March 21st – Certified Allan Block Training

Back by popular demand, the Certified Allan Block Installer Training Course for Contractors is a great way to get the education and hands on training you need to incorporate retaining wall building and design services into your business.

Friday, April 20th – Katz Roadshow with Rick Arnold

This hands-on sustainable building clinic hosted by remodeling specialist and author Rick Arnold will explore techniques in sustainable wall systems, durable roof details, weather resistant exteriors,  and code-compliant decks and railings, along with special discounts, giveaways, and coupons for some of the best tools and materials in the industry. Katz Roadshow is an exclusive free event, RSVP is required, so please contact Brent at Mountain Lumber as soon as possible if you’re interested–MLCBRENT@SKYBEST.COM or 828-963-7524.

RSVP at Mountain Lumber for any of these events–see you there!

Earlier this fall, Mountain Lumber started renovations of our Foscoe showroom location in an effort to make browsing the isles and discovering new items more convenient to contractors and homeowners alike.  Phase 1, including new hardware layout and products (Festool is here!), lighting, and redesigned counter, is now complete.  As with the Banner Elk showroom, we wanted to include elements that represented local style and unique products with versatile application.  In Banner Elk you’ll find a live edge slab counter top, Bark House poplar moldings and vertical lined barnwood walls.  In Foscoe, planned reclaimed barnwood runs vertically around the the checkout area and the counter tops are wood, but butcher block style instead of slab.

Phase 2, coming in 2012, will include a redesigned decorative showroom for windows, doors, specialty woods (mantles, slabs, and Bark House brand products), cabinetry, and decorative hardware.

We invite you to stop into both the Foscoe and Banner Elk showrooms to take a closer look at the materials used–hopefully it will spark a few new ideas for your next project!

Mountain Lumber Company is a proud recipient of  the Merit Award for achievements in advertising as part of the 2011 ProSales Excellence Awards.  This is truly an honor to those in the industry and we applaud the seven other independent dealers who were recognized for their creative and forward thinking initiatives.  Craig Webb, editor of ProSales Magazine, describes the search for industry innovators:

Some dealers joke that they’ve refused to participate in the recession, but others truly are living those words. They’ve upgraded computer systems, found new ways to bring in customers, and distinguished themselves through clever advertising. They’re this year’s winners of the ProSales Excellence Awards for achievements in marketing, technology, and facility design. For 2011, out of several dozen entries, we asked our panel of judges to pick the achievements that they felt went far above and beyond what typical dealers do. The judges took that request to heart. They could have picked as many as six winners, but instead chose just three dealers for grand prizes, while five more won merit awards.

We invite you to read the stories of each dealer recognized and comment on how you think material suppliers can get creative and get on board with the changing needs of those we service.

Shift Your Shopping Press Release – November 1, 2011

More than 150 communities across North America, along with partner organizations including American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and New England Local Business Forum, today announced the launch of their Shift Your Shopping holiday campaign, an unprecedented national campaign that encourages residents to take job creation and economic concerns into their own hands by exercising their power to strengthen their own local economies.

Online at www.ShiftYourShopping.org, the campaign seeks to build an annual tradition that strengthens local economies, expands employment, nurtures a sense of community, and provides a more relaxed, fun, and rewarding gift-buying experience.

“We’re asking community residents to shift your purchases of food, cards, gifts, flowers and other holiday purchases to where it matters most, from your friends and neighbors at locally owned businesses. And while you’re at it, see some familiar faces and enjoy the experience,” said Joe Grafton, director of Somerville Local First in Massachusetts.

Americans are about to spend a large portion of their annual shopping budget between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31—the National Retail Federation predicts about $700 per shopper. Numerous studies show that if those dollars are shifted to locally owned, independent businesses, they’ll generate 2-3 times as much economic activity in local communities than if that money had been spent at a national chain. Across North America, that could mean billions of dollars of local economic impact.

Shift Your Shopping combines the efforts of more than 150 local business alliances comprised of more 38,000 local businesses. Grassroots groups like Somerville Local First, Asheville Grown Business Alliance in North Carolina and Oakland Grown in California will execute campaigns with their own flair, picking and choosing from campaigns like Buy Local First week, America Unchained!, and Plaid Friday, the colorful alternative to Black Friday. ShiftYourShopping.org provides access to resources from all of these campaigns, including templates that allow anyone to spread the message easily in their community. Anyone can participate and make a direct impact where they live.

“Our locally owned businesses are an important part of our community, offering customer service that can’t be beat, and a commitment to our community that can’t be matched,” said Grafton. “Let’s support them this holiday season as they support our local economy year-round.”

Locally-owned businesses typically generate up to three times the local economic activity of national chains because independents spend more money in the local area, including using more local goods and services such as banking, printing, advertising, legal services, furnishings and more. Through this “multiplier effect,” the added taxes collected from local expenditures provide support for local schools, parks, law enforcement and more.

Numerous studies on the impact of buying from local, independent business have found impressive benefits. For example, a 2008 study of Kent County Michigan by Civic Economics projected shifting 10% of the county’s per capita spending from chains to locally owned, independent businesses would create “almost $140 million in new economic activity and 1,600 new jobs for the region.”

In addition, annual surveys over the last four years show that places that “go local” do better. For example, last year, the Institute for Local Self Reliance gathered data on annual revenue changes from nearly 2800 independent business. That data revealed independent businesses in communities executing long-term “buy local and independent” campaigns averaged a healthy 5.6 percent increase over the previous year. This gain more than doubled the 2.1 percent increase reported by independent businesses in areas lacking such campaigns. All of those campaigns operated with support from AMIBA and/or BALLE.

“Shift Your Shopping promotes the united vision and voice of thousands of real people in real communities across the U.S. and Canada committed to building strong local economies,” said BALLE Executive Director, Michelle Long.

Beyond the economic impacts, Shift Your Shopping is also about celebrating the uniqueness of your local community, AMIBA Director Jennifer Rockne said, “By shifting the focus of holiday shopping to locally owned, independent businesses, we can strengthen our communities and economy, create more jobs and — equally important — we can enjoy more relaxed and rewarding experiences doing holiday shopping.”

BALLE (www.livingeconomies.org) and AMIBA (www.amiba.net) are both national organizations dedicated to supporting local business alliances across the United States and Canada. Find more information about the national Shift Your Shopping campaign, which runs from November through December, at www.ShiftYourShopping.org.

Jennifer Rockne, Director, American Independent Business Alliance 406-582-1255, Jennifer@AMIBA.net

Alissa Barron, Network Services Director, Business Alliance for Local Living Economies 240-317-2247, alissa@livingeconomies.org

Joe Grafton, Executive Director, Somerville Local First (617) 682-0763, somervillelocalfirst@gmail.com

To participate as a local business or support the cause as an individual here in the High Country, visit HighCountryLocalFirst.org for membership information.

Mountain Lumber is proud sponsor of The Solar Homestead, Appalachian State University’s entry into the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.  This event “challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive”.  The Solar Homestead represents the kind of innovation and inspiration we believe is required for revitalization of the building industry as a whole.  The team’s concept utilizes not only original and cutting edge sustainable technology, but locally sourced materials and design sensibilities that include the environmental, cultural and historical context of the mountain community it represents.

In their own words:

The isolation of early settlers to the Appalachian Mountains fostered a pioneer spirit in those who established self-sustaining living/working compounds on the frontier. Appalachian State University’s Solar Homestead fuses these values into a net-zero energy home, which remains true to these underlying principles by integrating renewable resources and innovative technology into a prototype that is adaptable, self-sufficient, rugged, affordable, and attractive.

The team has arrived in Washington D.C. to assemble the home for public exhibit, the culmination of two years of work for this student designed, student built project.  The competition’s official start is one week from today, running September 23 – October 2.  Mountain Lumber’s very own Brent Simmons, an App State Department of Technology Alumni, is on site with the team this week to help with transport and construction of The Solar Homestead.  You can follow Appalachian State’s progress throughout the competition on the team’s facebook page or get detailed updates from their blog.  Below are pictures (courtesy of The Solar Homestead) of the team’s construction crew as they work around the clock to get the house assembled and ready to compete.

Join us at The National Mall’s West Potomac Park over the next two weeks as Mountain Lumber heads to D.C. to support our team–Go ASU!

We’re back from beautiful Boston and the Orgill Fall Dealer Market where we’ve been shopping the newest products and latest trends rolling out for professional builders and remodelers.

The show focused largely on ways to better service those undertaking small renovations, remodels and homeowner do-it-yourself projects, as the market continues to trend more heavily towards existing home improvement and renovation, with opportunity for professionals to expand their services from new construction into the remodeling industry.  We found great products and new ideas for everyone from homeowner to contractor.  Our customers can look forward to seeing new items in our stores this fall, but for now, here’s a preview:

Gearing up for winter, HeatTrak Snow Melting Mats were one of our favorite show finds.  These mats are an efficient and easy way to keep outdoor steps and walkways clear of ice and snow all winter long.  Safe to leave on all season long for those renting out ski cabins and condos, or wait till it snows and leave the shovel in the garage.  Mountain Lumber will be stocking these mats at both of our store locations.

Also new for winter, Eco Heater, a highly efficient electric panel heater to replace those outdated, energy hogging traditional space heaters.  Eco Heaters are wall-mounted, plug into a standard outlet, are completely paintable to match existing wall color, and use only 1/3 of the energy of a typical space heaters. Great for bedrooms and living rooms to keep the most used rooms warm, and the thermostat low ($$) in less frequented areas of the house.

New gadgets for jobsites too, check out these Rechargable LED Worklights.

Stop by our Foscoe or Banner Elk location to find these new items and more in the coming months!  Is there something we don’t have that you’d like to see on Mountain Lumber’s shelves?  Let us know, we want to hear from you!

In this month’s ProSales Magazine, author Pat Curry highlights the newest tools of the trade, the must-have in every builder’s tool belt–smart phones and tablets.  Increasingly popular on the jobsite, smart phone applications can keep you connected, organized and moving swiftly through tasks that may have otherwise required office space, cords and outlets.  Here we’re highlighting some of our favorite builder apps, you can also read the full ProSales article here to learn how several contractors are using technology to revitalize and grow new business.

Every Day Necessities

Construction Master Pro calculator for iPhone and Android – $19.99

If you use the traditional version of this calculator now, you know what a powerful tool it is.  If you haven’t already sprung $70 for the real calculator, this is a great, cost effective way to access all of the same, time saving features as the original–plus,  one less device to carry around.

There are lots of other task-specific apps available that come in handy for all types of jobsite calculations – check out the Stair Calculator ($2.00) and Bubble level (Free) for Android.  (Ok, so Bubble is best for straightening pictures not houses, but still fun–especially for those little builders in training.)

Apps can be useful when working with clients too.  Help homeowners envision improvements, like skylights with this new tool from Velux.  Snap a photo and dimonstrate how natural light will transform their space by choosing different options directly from the online catalog.

Time Management

Google Tasks app is avaliable for Android and iPhone and offers an easy way to keep to-do lists close at hand and up to date.  Create different lists for materials or punch list tasks, check them off when complete.  Convert emails to tasks, link tasks to your Google Calendar for automatic reminders, or access on your computer at home or in the office.

Local Resources

HighCountry365 is an app that gives you real-time information about local events and happenings around Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. The free app also features GPS mapping, weather information and fun local user-submitted photos and videos.  Use it for work, use it for fun.  Find ways to connect face to face with the community and networking opportunities to grow your business.

We want to hear what you’re using on the jobsite.  What apps are working for you in your business?

Autumn Simmons, Mountain Lumber Company

Quick – What are the first images that come to mind when you hear building supply?  Rows of lumber maybe, 2 x 4’s and nails, stuff for contractors and power tools with functions for needs I never knew existed.  Furniture and home décor probably don’t make the list, but they should.  In this post I wanted to highlight some of the unique design elements for the home created by our friends and coworkers with common materials found on our yard.  Challenge breeds creativity, and while this recession has forced everyone to reevaluate their own consumer consumption habits, it has also allowed us to get more creative with the resources at hand.

So next time, before you buy something stamped out  in a factory, sold to you at an inflated price and shipped half way around the world, take stock of the resources you may already have, seek out a local craftsmen, or take a peek inside one of Mountain Lumber’s warehouses – there are plenty of diamonds in the rough just waiting to be buffed.

I continue to be impressed by the craftiness my coworkers and our customers alike, just take a look at what they (and you) can do with a few basic tools and common lumber.  (Click to enlarge photos)

One of Mountain Lumber’s own built this rustic-meets-modern plank bed from a few pieces of 11″ Ghostwood, a couple 2×4′s and a piece of plywood. Brent used the left over scrap pieces to frame a standing mirror and fashioned two accent tables from a peeled locust log.  At Mountain Lumber we usually have odd pieces of wood (returns/wrong orders) that we can sell at a deep discount.  But even if you purchased the materials for this project new, the cost is well below that of popular chain stores.  Here’s the cost breakdown:

Bed: $337 + a few screws  Glass for Mirror: $49  Accent Tables: $88        Happy Wife: Priceless.

Jeremy and Michelle Bollman of Wabi Sabi Studios in Boone handcraft these beautiful flower planters out of red cedar, along with eco-friendly children’s size picnic tables–great for summers spent in the backyard.  Wabi Sabi also specializes in Origami Crane Mobiles and has just established Wabi Sabi Kids Camp, sharing their creativity with the next generation of local artists! You can purchase these items on Etsy, or follow the fun on Facebook.

You can find this piece at Mountain Lumber in Foscoe.  We use it to stash our Bald Guy Brew, but the design could also be used as a bathroom vanity or kitchen island.  It uses a maple slab top and locust Y-branches for doors. Wood slabs are great for bathroom vanities, even without a base cabinet–and we happen to know where you can find a few.

Other great ideas for left over job site materials and reclaimed lumber–this fireplace surround was pieced together using hickory flooring leftovers,  and banded by 4×8 white pine timbers.

Doors are another great resource .  Rustic track doors can be made to fit the design aesthetic of many homes in this area, the one below is made from locally sourced oak barnwood.  Reclaimed doors can also be used as headboards and table tops — at Mountain Lumber we can order simple door slabs that can be customized with your own unique paint or distressing, or ask us about old display doors and discontinued showroom samples.

Have you made something unique using Mountain Lumber materials?  We want to hear about it, send us some pictures!