Hello Tree Court Followers.

It has been a while since our last blog post. I want to apologize for the lapse in time. However, time flies when you’re having fun, right?

It seems like yesterday and yet four years is a long time. We’ve been through a lot – two historic floods, a move to higher ground and a gut and renovation (if you count the flood renovations, then make that three renos). Adventures we did not plan on, but experiences that proved our collective commitment, compassion and grit.

And here we are… celebrating 2020 with a banner January, a brand new showroom and office environment and a fire within us to serve our customers better than ever.

The counter top in customer service is a beautiful symbol of resourcefulness and craftsmanship. The display configurations are well thought out and speak to a great customer experience. The space to dream, collaborate, solve ? meet and greet and serve will be the reason why customers tell others about us. Everything built with employees and customers in heart and mind. We are proud of the home we call Tree Court Builders Supply. We sure do hope you are too.

The four years at Tree Court represent hard work, deep care for the good of our employees and belief in future growth. And throughout the four years, our core values hold true positivity, possibility, empathy, thinking, resourcefulness, productivity and competitiveness. Each value founded on respect and compassion and bound by the thought that work should be fun.

We encouraged our team to take this time to shed anything bringing them down and embrace everything that brings them up. Be better. Be creative. Be confident. Be active. Be involved. Take ownership and yes, take pride in the work, the service and the creation of what you do for others. By others we mean each other and for our customers. Take care of the place and people you spend time in and with and we promise it and we will take care of you.

So happy 2020… and happy Heart month too. We hope you will come visit us in our new office and check out our amazing products in the showroom. We want you to experience the heart of what we – what we love and why we love it. Looking at the year ahead with extreme gratitude and equally great expectations.

With love,

Christina and Tim

A Season of THANKS

It’s amazing how time flies. The chill in the air and the darker evenings indicate colder weather is upon us. We do love this time of year for fall hayrides, chili suppers, family bonfires, and roasting marshmallows. But mostly we look to November for a season of thanks.

What are we grateful for? A strong roof over our heads, bountiful food on the table and wellness and good health for our loved ones. We give thanks for our blessings and the light that shines on us each day. We are truly thankful for the gift of family and friends. And laughter – oh how we love to laugh! We are also thankful for our employees who give us their all, day in and day out and for our customers who choose to be partners with Tree Court. It’s an honor to provide our customers with building solutions that make sense and add value. It’s a gift to make home design dreams come true.

As we continue to think about ways we can serve you better, we know that quality, convenience, speed, and service will remain top priority. We also know that creativity in the form of solutions, craftsmanship and customer relations are important and combined are the cornerstones to better business. As you can imagine, we are eager to unveil our new meeting space – a place where you can bring your clients, a place where interior designers can use our resources for presentations, and a place to collaborate, design, create and make building dreams come true.

We are serious about keeping our design objectives focused on our customer. Our mission? To be the best stewards of our customer’s money. How do we do that? We provide exceptional windows, doors, millwork and custom wood working projects for great value. We also make sure customers have a great start to finish experience with Tree Court Builders Supply. That’s why we are so focused on the customer as we build out our new showroom.

Whatever good things we build, end up building us.

Moving from one location to another and building a new infrastructure is hard work. But when you know you are securing the safety of your employees and bettering the business for your customers, the WORK IS WORTH IT. Humbled by all the support, we promise to keep you updated on our own progress. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more showroom updates, ideas and inspiration for home improvement. Your support and shares help our business!

Happy Thanksgiving to all this November. We are very blessed and grateful for you!

Back To School: HOME IMPROVEMENT

The back to school season is bittersweet — summer is over but there are many things to look forward to as well. Now that the kids are back in school you will have more time to think about those home improvement projects that have been put on the back burner. If you find yourself an empty nester, you may have already been thinking of the ways you can transform your space. Here are a few ideas to help you out.

Get the Paperwork in Order
Back to school can be a hectic time to keep track of all the supplies needed and paperwork coming home within those first few days that the kids are back in school. A designated command center is extremely useful in keeping everyone on their A game. This area could have customized space for each family member to hold jackets, backpacks, shoes, paperwork, etc. This area could also double as a homework center with built-in desk space, charging stations and mail slots.

The Efficient Kitchen

For many families back to school may result in an active calendar of kid’s practices, games, or other activities. It can be a challenge get everyone on the same schedule for a family dinner. It can be even more unmotivating to cook when you have a less than functional kitchen or are lacking space to cook. Now may be the perfect time to make your kitchen work for your family. Storage and organization is key to a successful kitchen. Try adding undercounter refrigeration drawers to keep the kids go to snacks separate. Add a large island for quick serve meals. Remodel a pantry to include more shelves, a new door and architectural mouldings.

Empty Nest, Unlimited Options

Having an empty nest can be bittersweet, but there should be no guilt in reclaiming you space. No more cleaning up after the kids and making room for their belongings. Transform the extra bedroom into an office, craft room, new home gym, or media room. Replace interior doors with new ones to add a fresh look to wall and hall decor. The possibilities are limitless now that the kids are out of the home.

Basement Remodel

Perhaps this is the time that you start that long overdue basement remodel. Design a new space for older kids to hang out. Create an entertainment area with custom bar or a added bedroom with wood Murphy bed! Many ideas to choose from and Tree Court Builders Supply can certainly help you with your windows, doors and millwork as well as custom wood projects that add character and depth to your space.

All about the CAULK

Why is it important to properly seal windows and doors?

Before caulking air leaks in an existing home, you will need to?detect the leaks and assess ventilation needs to ensure adequate indoor air quality. In addition to sealing air leaks, caulking can also prevent water damage inside and outside of the home when applied around faucets, ceiling fixtures, water pipes, drains, bathtubs, and other plumbing fixtures.

Proper sealing of windows and doors is something that should not be overlooked. Not only does properly sealing windows and doors with quality sealant help to increase your home?s longevity, but it also helps to keep the elements outside.

Energy Efficiency

When doors and windows are properly sealed, heat and cold are kept inside during the winter and summer months. Improper sealing can result in drafts and ultimately makes it more difficult for heating and cooling systems to regulate temperature.

When heating and cooling systems are constantly working harder to regulate preferred temperature within the home, chances are that energy costs will increase. Not only will it be more expensive to maintain, but it will also put more stress on the system than necessary. This could result in undesired repairs or replacements!

When comparing the long-term price of heating and cooling a home with improperly sealed windows, to the cost of sealing them, there?s little question that one would prefer to invest in a quality, 100% silicone sealant, specifically formulated for windows and doors.

Nature Stays Outside

Properly sealing windows and doors will make all the difference. Over time, the moisture caused by the elements can be absorbed by the windows and doors. This can ultimately damage them from the inside out.

Bugs and other pests can be very resourceful. Unsealed windows and doors make it easy for insects to invade a home. These pests can include:

Spiders
Centipedes
Mosquitoes

Not only will it keep insects from moving in, but it can also be beneficial to keep pollen and allergens outside. This can be extremely helpful for those who suffer from year-round or seasonal allergies. Mold can also pass through unsealed crevasses and if not treated can damage windows, doors, walls and floors.

Sealing windows and doors properly can also prevent street noise from entering your home. By sealing these cracks and crevasses the sound won?t be able to enter and you can continue to enjoy the solitude and serenity of your home.

Increase the Lifespan of Your Doors and Windows

As previously mentioned, properly sealing your clients? windows and doors can help to keep out the elements, contaminants and even bacteria. Once moisture and mold enter your home and begin to build up inside of your windows, doors and surrounding floors and walls, it can grow quickly and become expensive to treat.

A buildup of moisture gone untreated for a period of time can cause your window or door to begin to warp and lose shape. When properly sealed, deterioration slows down and you can enjoy your investment for much, much longer.

Selecting Caulking

Most caulking compounds come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns (if possible, purchase one with an automatic release). Some pressurized cartridges do not require caulking guns.

When deciding how much caulking to purchase, consider that you’ll probably need a half-cartridge per window or door and four cartridges for the foundation sill of an average home. Caulking compounds can also be found in aerosol cans, squeeze tubes, and ropes for small jobs or special applications.

Caulking compounds vary in strength, properties, and prices. Water-based caulk can be cleaned with water, while solvent-based compounds require a solvent for cleanup. See the table below for information about common caulking compounds.

At Tree Court Builders Supply, we want the products that we offer to last a long time. Choose a quality sealant and be sure to properly seal. You will be the King or Queen of Caulk — and you’ll be glad you did.

NEVER GIVE UP

WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE BLUES and the STANLEY CUP

It is only two days after our beloved St. Louis Blues our determined, gritty, and resilient hockey team sprung from the depths of despair last place in the league to win the Stanley Cup Wednesday night. The reality of this dream come true is leaving St. Louisans in a state of intense pride – a condition of extreme excitement combined with a fog of sleeplessness from non-stop city-wide celebrations and obsessive social media sharing. You could say, we are glorious!? Our city has waited 52 years for the Cup to come home. Historic, significant, profound. And because this team believed (along with everyone in our city), the Stanley Cup has finally arrived in St. Louis. Ah yes… the messages of this story are embedded into our hearts: Don’t stop believing. Keep up the fight. Stay united. Never give up.

Here at Tree Court Builders Supply, we have experienced our own unique tumultuous season. In just three years, we experienced not one, but two historic floods and a massive relocation. Like the Blues, we found ourselves working long and hard hours, having to climb and move mountains as well as reconfigure operations in a new space to maintain the level of quality and service our brand has promised for the past thirty years. While the vision remains clear and faith unwavering, the road hasn’t been easy.

I go back to what the Blues hockey organization has taught us:

Humility and dignity and character can take you far.
A rookie can take us into promised land.
Playing for each other is way better than punching each other.
United we stand, united we fall.
Family first – always.
Coming home will always be a great decision.
How to live.

A true team can achieve the impossible. That the past only holds you back if you let it.

We are especially proud of Patrick Maroon, #7 Blues left winger and son of Phil Maroon, a 25+ year accomplished member of the Tree Court family. The Big Rig sums it up quite nicely,

Living out your dream and being home and being with family and being with a team in that locker room and have those guys fight, sweat and be where we’re at right now, that means more to me.”

Oh yes, we are right there with you Pat. With the renovation of our new showroom and offices, we know all too well, the importance of ?home.? Our customer is OUR Stanley Cup. We can’t wait to lift you up and bring you to our home soon.

Hoist the Cup St. Louis Blues – hoist it sky high. This win is so well deserved and what you did for St. Louis will be remembered forever!

DIY for the Dog Lover In You

How to Build a Dog Crate

That Doubles as an End-Table

by Ethan from One Project Closer

Hello Readers.

Trying something new this month. We stumbled upon a fantastic DIY product and we had to share. For all you dog lovers out there – how great is this?

Materials

For this project, I picked up some Maple 1x and a sheet of sanded plywood at the local Home Depot. One thing to remember (because initially I did not) is that Maple is a hardwood and will soak up stain much slower than a softwood. I’m pleased with the two-tone look of our dog crate. If you want something more uniform, try to buy all the same species of wood.

Here are the other materials I used to build this crate:

Kreg pocket hole screws (fine and course thread)
1/2″ wood dowel
Wood glue
Tapered legs (purchased off Etsy)
Round metal stair balusters
Plywood edge banding
12″ piano hinge
Wood stain

Building the Dog Crate

I started by cutting the bottom and back pieces to size from the sheet of plywood. I like to use painters tape especially for cuts across the grain to better prevent tear-out. If you know of other tips, share them in the comments! I sized this to fit the dog bed which is 18 x 30.

Next, I drilled pocket holes that would allow me to attach the bottom, top and sides.

The sides are made from Maple and the round metal stair balusters. I began building the sides by cutting the rails and stiles to length. Here’s where I could have really benefited from a metal chop saw and dowel jig. Instead I made due with my grinder and drill press.

The stair balusters will be the metal bars for the crate, and I needed to cut three equal lengths from each baluster. With some help from Jocie and a lot of tedious adjustments, we cut the bars and sanded any rough edges.

Next, I measured and drilled 1/2″ holes for the dowel plugs.

Full disclosure – Hopper’s head is smaller than I expected and he can slip through the bars. I spaced the bars at 2-3/4″ intervals. If you’re intending to build this dog crate, consider putting the bars a little closer together for dogs under 6 lbs. I’m hopeful that he will grow big enough that he can’t ninja his way out of the dog crate soon.

The 1/2″ dowel plugs are a very tight fit in the 1/2″ holes so I rounded one edge of the plug and smeared a tiny bit of paste wax before pounding them into place.

After a quick dry-fit, I assembled the two sides with more pocket holes.

After the sides were assembled, I attached them to the plywood bottom and sides.

One feature on this dog crate is that I wanted a sliding pocket door. This enables us to leave the crate open for Hopper without having a crate door swing out into the room. To achieve this I cut a piece of scrap with tenons on both ends. Next, I cut a corresponding slot for the two slides. The crate door swings upward on the piano hinge and then slides back into the crate, resting on the side pieces.

I used a router and chisel to cut a space into the slide for the hinge.

Once I was satisfied with the slides, I built the crate door much just like the sides. I used playing cards to create just the slightest space for the door to move. I also cut a rounded slot for a handhold.

Next, I cut the plywood top to size. There was a bit of back-and-forth because I needed to account for the thickness of the edge banding on three sides, and I needed to cut some clearance for the top of the door to pivot. At this point I also attached the tapered legs. These I simply routed a shallow circle and glued into place.

Once I had the top in place and the door able to slide as expected, I ripped some more Maple to create a flair trim piece. This was glued into place around the entire front face. You can see I cut some scrap wood to be able to better clamp everything in place.

After going through progressively finer sandpaper, the dog crate was ready for stain. Jocie picked a dark walnut, and we applied two coats. Lastly, I sealed the crate with three coats of polyurethane.

A few days later the poly was dry and the smell had gone. We moved the crate into the house, and I was rewarded when Hopper very quickly crawled into his crate and lay down.

Our shop team members LOVE a great custom project and we sure did appreciate this one. For all your custom wood work needs, call our friendly customer service team at 636-225-7717. We are more than happy to help and we leave the light on.

What are INTERIOR FINISHINGS?

Have you ever walked into a space, admired the interior finishing so much; you wanted to duplicate the details in your own home? And did you then go online to do a search on all the lovely details, only to find out you didn’t know what that “thing above the door” was called? Here’s a handy guide to interior finishes – the terms and the descriptions so that when you are ready to buy – you know what to look for.

Crown Moulding

A moulding designed to sit at an angle between the wall and ceiling. They are sometimes referred to as a cornice. Crown moulding has many uses ? it can be integrated into the architrave or header over a door or window, as part of the mantel on a fireplace surround, or to encase the top of a column.

Architrave

A form of trim used to accent the top of a doorway, window or opening. May also be referred to as a header or pediment.

Return

A term used to indicate the method of carrying a moulding?s detail from the front of the moulding back to the wall. Generally a 45-degree cut is made to the front of the long moulding and an opposite 45-degree cut is made on a small piece to carry the detail to the wall.

Build-up

Combining or layered two or more mouldings to create a new or custom look is called a build-up. Also called stacking, build-ups make it easy to create a custom look.

Panel Mould

A variety of moulding profiles most often used to create or embellish panels on either flat or recessed surfaces. These mouldings are commonly used on doors, architectural paneling, mantels and cornice assemblies.Casings are used generously in spaces and are often the most visible in a room. They are primarily used to go around a door or window, covering the gap between drywall and the door or window frame. Casings are generally thicker than base mouldings.

Handrail

Handrails provide safety and support ? often used in furniture construction.

Tongue & Groove Paneling

A type of lumber with a machine tongue on one side and a groove on the other, so that when pushed together, the groove of one board fits snugly over the tongue of the adjacent board. Tongue & groove paneling can be used to cover walls or ceilings.

Chair Rail

Chair rails are practical, as well as decorative and are applied to a wall, anywhere from 24 to 72 inches up from the floor. They were typically specified to protect the wall from scuffs and dents from the backs of chairs, but are now used as beautiful room accents.

Wainscot

This is trimwork installed in the area below a chair rail. Numerous options are available including raised panel, shadow box and beaded. Combined with a chair rail and baseboard, wainscoting adds a dramatic look to any room.

Finish Boards

Finish boards come in either S4S (Surfaced 4 Sides) or S3S (Surfaced 3 Sides) and are used for a multitude of purposes including shelving, window liners, bases, casing, and DIY creative projects.

Window Stool

Also called windowsill, a window stool is the surface installed below the sash of a window. Trim installed under a window stool creates a distinctive look and adds a decorative touch.

Apron

A piece of horizontal window trim applied against the wall below the window stool.

Column

A supporting or decorative pillar used in building that can be circular or rectangular. A decorative half column that is attached to the wall is referred to as a pilaster.

If you are “finishing” up a new space and would like to learn more about the various options, give our friendly Tree Court customer service team members a call at 636-225-7717.

Photo Credit: Metrie Interior Mouldings – one of our premier partners and suppliers.

Replacing Your Front Door? 5 EASY STEPS to a beautiful entry way!

Back by popular demand – reposting this blog so that you can be ready for spring time!

So you want to replace your FRONT DOOR, but you don?t know where to start.

Below are 5 EASY STEPS that will help you get an accurate quote for your replacement door! ?

STEP 1. Determine your budget

The first step to any project is determining a budget. Ask yourself – what are you comfortable spending? It’s easy for home improvement projects to go over budget, sometimes dollars rack up because of delays or because not all costs were confirmed prior to beginning. Like all home improvement projects, replacing your front door is an investment and your budget should reflect thoughtful planning. Consider the following:

Upfront costs vs. long-term benefits
Estimated useful life
Maintenance requirements
Energy efficiency
Weather protection and performance
Features included
Pre-finishing costs or additional staining or painting required
Hardware and accessories
Remodeling additional entry features like stairs, lighting or doorbell

Take the time to research what you like and what’s available before finalizing a budget. Below, you will find information that will help you get an accurate quote from your supplier!

STEP 2. Determine door size?

When measuring the door size, the term door size refers to the width of your front entry door. The most common entry door is a 36-inch entry door. A wide 42-inch entry door or 5-foot double entry doors (two 30 x 80 exterior doors paired up to provide a larger opening) are also popular. Larger openings offer easier wheelchair access and furniture moving and can also make a statement in your entry way. Most doors come in a standard height of 80 inches (6 feet, 8 inches).

STEP 3. Choose your configuration

When builder supply companies ask, “What configuration do you want?” they are asking if you want a single front door or double front door, and whether you want decorative sidelights or an overhead transom.

Sidelights are the panels that flank and accentuate a front door. Sidelights can be glass, wood or fiberglass, and can be opaque for privacy or not. Entry doors with sidelights can transform an ordinary entry into an entry way that looks unique. A transom is made from decorative glass inserts that are installed above the door to fill your entryway with natural light.

STEP 4. Choose material and style

Front entry doors can be constructed of many different materials, from the wood to newer UPVC and fiber glass models. Choosing the right material, especially on exterior facing doors / front entryway, is critical for the longevity and appearance of the door.

Entry Door Material

Solid Core Wooden Doors – Solid core wooden doors are heavily constructed doors made from whole bits of timber. These doors are most commonly used as front entrance doors or where soundproofing, insulation or security are a priority. Wood species such as Pine, Fir, Knotty Alder, Poplar, Mahogany, Cherry, Knotty Pine, Maple, Oak (White and Red), Bamboo, Birch, Wire-Brushed Clear Pine, Wire-Brushed Douglas Fir, Hickory, Red Oak, Wire-Brushed Red Oak, Select Alder, Walnut, Wire-Brushed White Oak and more allow for a broad range of choices.

Aluminum Doors – Aluminum is a lightweight, strong, durable and affordable material. Aluminum is used to construct security doors and garage doors. Note: aluminum is a poor insulator and conducts heat easily.

Steel Doors – Steel is the toughest material on the market and offers excellent security. Steel is commonly used in the construction of front and exterior doors, screen doors and grilles.

Fiberglass Doors – Fiberglass doors offer excellent strength, waterproofing, soundproofing and insulation.

Glass Doors – Glass doors are beautiful to look at and offer natural light to enhance a home’s interior. Commonly used as an entry to an outdoor living space, a patio or enclosed sun room, glass doors are making their way into kitchens, recreational rooms, offices and more to give off a larger and more spacious interior area.

Leadlight Doors / Stained Glass Doors – Lead lighting and stained glass can be expensive, but they can add a tremendous amount to a home in terms of character visual appeal.

UPC or Vinyl Doors –UPVC can be used to construct solid, lightweight doors, but it’s more commonly used as a strong, cost effective framing material for things like glass doors.

Mirrored Doors –Appearing almost exclusively as sliding wardrobe doors, mirrored doors help create the illusion of more space in bedrooms.

Hollow Core Doors – Cheaper and more lightweight than solid core doors, hollow core doors are often used for interior doors including closets and pantry doors to keep costs down.

Flush or Paneled

A ?flush? front entry door’s surface is flat from top to bottom. A “paneled” door is one that has molded patterns that can take the shape of squares, rectangles or arches. These molded patterns are usually removed when glass is inserted into the door. The enhancements can give the paneled door and your entire entryway a more elegant, refined and sophisticated look.

Surface Type

Front entry doors typically come in two surface types: smooth and textured. This is true for wooden doors as well as the more durable fiberglass models. The guideline for both is simple: if you want to paint the entry door, choose one with a smooth surface. Painting lets you accent or highlight the door with bright bold colors or the softer, more subdued tones that are currently in vogue. If you want a more natural look that brings out the grain or lines, choose a textured entry door that you can stain.

Entry Door Style

Door manufacturers have identified five main front door styles, all of which are available at Tree Court Builders Supply.

Choose a style for your front door that complements the design of your home and adds curb appeal. Your front entry door can represent you or your family’s personality. If you are more traditional, you may opt for a classic wood paneled door. Or if you are more artistic, you may include decorative glass elements. Because every house and homeowner is different, picking a front door that suits you and your home is important.

Traditional / Classic Warm, welcoming and familiar, classic style entry doors are a huge favorite of homeowners in older, more well-established neighborhoods, and anyone who wants to refresh (but not drastically change) their entryway’s aesthetic.

Craftsman Usually one piece and characterized by square edges, sharp lines and a fine vertical grain, Craftsman Style Front Doors often feature an elegant ornamental shelf called a dentil that’s missing from most other door styles.

Contemporary / Modern With their smooth, flush surface and simple unpretentious design, Contemporary Entry Doors are stylish, trendy and expressive. Contemporary Entry Doors don’t have panels and are typically painted in an eye-catching color or hue.

Decorative What makes an entry door decorative? is the addition of ornamental metal grilles, beautiful glass panels or both which combine to give your door an alluring, sophisticated look and an extra measure of security.

Rustic With their distinctive, handcrafted-by-artisans look, rustic style front doors give your entryway an air of old-world charm that best complements Tuscan, Southwestern or European-country architecture.

STEP 5. Choose front door glass inserts, door color and hardware

When choosing a detailed decorative glass door style, there are many options that you can choose from. Aside from iron inserts and the frame that holds it, you will have to determine what type of glass you would like to use. After choosing glass inserts, you will want to choose a door color. Natural wood grains, paint on a smoother surface and texture are all considerations when choosing your door color. Lastly, selecting the type of hardware for your front entry door can be one of the best experiences because there are so many options to choose from.

Check back soon for other blog posts that detail types of door glass inserts, how to choose a door color and selecting hardware for your new front door!

Call us at 636-225-7717 with questions or a FREE quote today!

The Beauty of Creation

Coronavirus FAQs

The New Showroom and 2020