How much does an entry door installation typically cost?

Although there a multiple factors which can increase the cost of replacing your entry doors, budget friendly options start at around $1200 with installation of a Fiberglass door, and go up to as much as $5000 or more for premium custom doors, in which you have many options for maximum aesthetics and curb-appeal.

How long does it take to install a new entry door?

At Composite Carpentry, we always ensure that your new door goes in on the same day the old one is removed. The entire process usually takes 1-2 days to finish up all the finer details and get everything looking just right on both the interior and exterior sides of your door.

Which is a better door choice, fiberglass or steel?

Composite Carpentry generally recommends Fiberglass exterior doors - which offer a versatile aesthetic, resembling natural wood grain and requiring minimal maintenance. They come with a higher price tag, but are more durable, resistant to wear, and provide great insulation. On the other hand, steel doors are a cost-effective choice known for their strength and security. They come with foam core insulation for energy efficiency and can be easily repainted. However, they dent relatively easily and can rust if the finish is compromised. They also don't offer the wood-like appearance of fiberglass. When choosing between the two, homeowners should weigh aesthetics and durability against cost and security.

How much does it cost to install new siding on a home?

For premium LP Smart Siding or James Hardie, installation can cost $20,000-$30,000 for a 2400sqft ranch home.

How long does siding installation typically take?

Including demolition and new housewrap, new siding installations typically take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

There are many factors that go into pricing your kitchen remodel - do any walls need to be removed or reframed? Will we be replacing the flooring or windows? Can your existing cabinets be refinished? That being said, an average budget of around $35,000-$45,000 is enough for a high quality kitchen remodel in many situations (with new cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, appliances, etc.) However every situation is different and when it comes to kitchens, there are many decisions to be made - based on not only the vision of the homeowner but also the circumstances of the home.

How long does a kitchen remodel typically take?

There are many parts and pieces to coordinate in a kitchen remodel - plumbing, electrical, cabinets, countertops, appliances. After decisions and proper planning, you can expect your kitchen remodel to take 2-3 months. At Composite Carpentry, we work very hard to coordinate with you to ensure that you and your household can function well and comfortably during the time that you wait for your new kitchen.

What are some popular kitchen design trends to consider for my remodel?

Kitchen design trends evolve over time, but some popular elements include open concept layouts, kitchen islands with seating, shaker-style cabinets, quartz or marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and energy-efficient lighting. However, it's important to choose design elements that align with your personal style and functional needs rather than just following trends.

How much does it cost to finish a basement?

Finishing the average basement using some of the more popular material choices can be expected to cost anywhere from $40,000-$60,000 on average.

How long does it take to finish a basement?

Similar to kitchens, there are a lot of parts and pieces to coordinate with finishing a basement and the process can take anywhere from 1-3 months.

How much will it cost to replace the trim and doors in my home?

When it comes to putting together a budget for the trim package in your home, you can start with a basic quality trim package or you can spend as much as you’d like - it all depends on the depth and complexity you are trying to create in your living space. The largest initial factor in determining your budget is material choice - with primed pine being the more budget friendly choice compared to high end stained-finishes on oak, cherry or maple. For the quality trim package that Composite Carpentry recommends as a starting point, you are generally looking at around $1000 dollars per door and $900 per 225sqft room of baseboard and door casing - with materials, labor and painting included (solid-core doors with solid painted pine trim.)

What different trim styles should I consider?

There are 5 major interior trim styles that are most popular today - traditional/colonial, craftsman, farmhouse, ranch, and modern. Traditional/Colonial: Characterized by decorative and symmetrical designs, this style often features intricate moldings and is reminiscent of early American architecture. Craftsman: Known for its simple, clean lines and often an emphasis on natural wood and handcrafted details. Farmhouse: Evokes a rustic feel with wider, flat trims and often uses distressed or reclaimed wood, reflecting the homey and practical aesthetics of countryside living. Ranch: Typically minimalistic with slim, unembellished moldings, the ranch style is a nod to the mid-century modern homes of the 1950s and 1960s. Modern: Defined by its sleek and unadorned surfaces, modern trim focuses on straight lines and geometric forms, often integrating materials like metal or glass for a contemporary finish. Each of these styles is associated with its own choices of door style, and many offer the opportunity to add layers of more complexity and detail to accent your home.

What are the different door styles to choose from?

Before we discuss door styles, it’s important to discuss build-quality. And when it comes to doors, we recommend Solid-Core doors at the very minimum. They are much more durable, can significantly improve security, and they reduce noise transfer between rooms when compared to Hollow-Core doors. That being said, choosing door styles can be a lot of fun. Naturally, your door style will tie in closely with the style of trim package you have envisioned, and there are multiple door styles to choose from within each trim package. Overall, door choices are associated with the same five trim styles: Traditional/Colonial, Ranch, Farmhouse, Modern, or Craftsman being the most popular.

Which materials are the best choice for the trim in my home?

When choosing the right materials for the finish work in your home, you should first determine if you’d like a painted or stained trim look. For paint-grade trim, we typically recommend to go with primed pine. It has an attractive price point for a real wood product that of course is durable and finishes beautifully with a quality paint job —-If you are wanting to upgrade to top quality paint-grade trim, poplar is the best option. It is the top choice for premium quality paint finishes, is more durable than pine as it’s considered a hardwood, and it holds really nice, clean crisp edges in its trim profiles. Price is as much as double that of primed pine, but especially when it comes to stair parts, centerpieces such as fireplace surrounds, or other finish work requiring fine detail, poplar is often worth it. For stain-grade trim jobs, the most popular choices are maple, white oak, red oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany and poplar. All are considered hardwoods, and therefore the finished look is the biggest consideration when selecting a material. Pine is known for not taking stain well and therefore not a good choice for stained trim. We do recommend going with a PVC trim in certain situations such as small bathrooms. This is the best way to ensure a high quality finished product for years to come. MDF is a fully manufactured product that we avoid using at all costs. It is a very popular paint-grade trim choice due to its low cost and similarities to real wood, but it simply cannot match the quality that comes from a solid-wood trim install.

How much does a composite deck cost?

As with all projects, costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. Our average cost for a 400-500sq ft deck with framing, stairs, composite railings and skirting in the Bloomington-Normal area ranges anywhere from $25,000-$40,000.

What is composite decking made of, and how does it compare to wood?

Composite decking is generally made up of a few different materials: wood fibers, recycled plastics, binders, additives and often a PVC coating on top. Some decking lines are made up of up to 95% recycled materials, and Trex states that their average 500sqft deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags! Composite decking, made often from recycled materials, offers a durable and low-maintenance alternative, lasting 25-30 years with consistent appearance. In contrast, treated wood decking provides a natural wood look but requires regular upkeep, such as staining and sealing, and typically has a lifespan of 10-15 years. While composite decking has a higher upfront cost, its reduced maintenance can make it more cost-effective in the long run. The choice between the two often hinges on personal preference, budget, and desired maintenance commitment.

How do I clean and maintain a composite deck?

Composite decking can easily be cleaned with good old-fashioned soap and a soft-bristle brush. It can also be pressure washed at a low setting (under 1500psi.)

Do composite decks get hot in the sun?

The short answer is yes, composite decking can get hot in the sun. This of course can be remedied by your color selection - as darker colors will hold more heat from the sun than lighter colors will. There are also products such as TimberTech’s Advanced PVC decking (which comes at a higher cost) manufactured to remain 30° cooler than competing composite products.

What is the lifespan of a composite deck?

Here at Composite Carpentry we always recommend to go with a high quality composite deck manufacturer like Trex or TimberTech. Trex offers a 25 year color/fade warranty on their decking and Timbertech offers a 30 year color/fade warranty. These warranties guarantee the decking will look just the same at year 25 or 30 as they did on day 1.

Life Expectancy of 4 Different Types of Siding

Feb 28

Written By Brian Engstrom

When it comes to choosing the right siding for your home, there are several options available, each with its own set of benefits and life expectancies. Among the popular choices are Vinyl, James Hardie (fiber cement), LP SmartSide, and LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote prefinish. Each of these sidings offers a unique combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and maintenance requirements. Here's a closer look at these four siding types and what you can expect from them over time.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is known for its affordability, versatility, and low maintenance. Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), it resists weathering, moisture, and pests, making it a durable option for many homes. Vinyl siding typically has a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the material and the conditions it's exposed to. It doesn't need painting or staining, though fading can occur over time, and it may crack in very low temperatures.

James Hardie Siding (Fiber Cement)

James Hardie siding, often referred to as HardiePlank or fiber cement siding, is renowned for its durability, fire resistance, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. This siding is made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. James Hardie siding has a life expectancy of about 30 to 50 years when properly maintained. It's resistant to rot, insects, and fire, making it a sturdy option for homeowners. While it can be more expensive than vinyl, its longevity and resilience to damage make it a worthwhile investment.

LP SmartSide Siding

LP SmartSide siding is an engineered wood product that combines wood strands or fibers with wax and resin binders. It's then finished with a water-resistant overlay that promotes durability and protects against fungal decay and termites. LP SmartSide is known for its strength and impact resistance, closely mimicking the look and feel of traditional wood siding without the high maintenance. The life expectancy of LP SmartSide siding is approximately 30 years, but with diligent maintenance, it can last longer. This siding requires periodic painting to maintain its appearance and protection against the elements.

LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote Prefinish

Taking LP SmartSide a step further, LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote prefinish offers an advanced level of durability and protection. Diamond Kote is a prefinished siding option that uses a specialized paint application process designed to bond directly to the siding, providing a more durable, fade-resistant finish. This process extends the life expectancy of the siding significantly, with warranties up to 30 years against fading and a product life expectancy that can exceed 50 years with proper care. The Diamond Kote finish adds an extra layer of protection against weather, impacts, and UV radiation, ensuring the siding maintains its color and integrity longer than traditional paint applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right siding for your home depends on various factors, including climate, aesthetic preferences, budget, and how much maintenance you're willing to perform. Vinyl and James Hardie siding offer great durability with minimal upkeep, while LP SmartSide provides a wood-like appearance with enhanced resistance to decay and insects. For those looking for the ultimate in durability and low maintenance, LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote prefinish may be the perfect solution, offering extended longevity and protection against the elements. Regardless of your choice, investing in quality siding can enhance your home's curb appeal, protect it against weather and wear, and provide peace of mind for years to come.

Brian Engstrom

Life Expectancy of 4 Different Types of Siding

Vinyl Siding

James Hardie Siding (Fiber Cement)

LP SmartSide Siding

LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote Prefinish

Conclusion

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Life Expectancy of 4 Different Types of Siding

Vinyl Siding

James Hardie Siding (Fiber Cement)

LP SmartSide Siding

LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote Prefinish

Conclusion

The Science of the Coffee Bar: A Blend of Form and Function in Kitchen Remodeling

A Guide to Choosing the Right Door Hardware

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