Advance Millwork

10/10/2026

Should I paint or stain my trim?

Both can look great. The better choice depends on the style of your home and the look you want to create.

Painted trim
• Clean, crisp and versatile
• Works well in modern, transitional and traditional homes
• Easy to coordinate with wall colors
• Great if you want the trim to feel bright and fresh

Stained trim
• Highlights the natural grain and character of the wood
• Adds warmth and richness
• Works especially well in craftsman, rustic and traditional spaces
• Can become a design feature instead of blending into the background

A good rule of thumb: if you love the natural wood, show it off. If you want a cleaner, more flexible look, paint may be the better fit.

Need help choosing the right trim or moulding for your project? Advance Millwork can help you find the right style for your home.

10/09/2026

Congratulations to the talented builders on their beautiful homes featured in the Fall Cedar Rapids Parade of Homes! Tour the houses this weekend October 10 & 11 and next weekend October 17 & 18, Noon to 5 p.m. each day.

We’re proud to work alongside local builders who bring thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail to every home they create. Look for Advance Millwork features in homes from Murphy Homes, Ralston Eco Homes & Blue Key Homes. It’s always rewarding to see the finished spaces come together and to know Advance Millwork had a part in helping bring the vision to life.

Congratulations to all three teams on a job well done, and best of luck during this year’s Parade of Homes!

10/07/2026

Solid-core or hollow-core doors. What’s the difference?

If you’re replacing interior doors, what’s inside the door matters just as much as the style.

Solid-core doors
• Heavier, more substantial feel
• Better at reducing sound between rooms
• More durable
• Typically a higher price point

Hollow-core doors
• Lightweight and easy to operate
• More budget-friendly
• A practical option for closets and lower-traffic spaces
• Less sound control than solid-core options

There isn’t one right answer for every room. You might prefer solid-core doors for bedrooms, bathrooms or a home office, while hollow-core doors can make sense in other areas of the home.

Not sure which option fits your project? The team at Advance Millwork can help you compare your options and find the right door for your space and budget.

10/01/2026

How do I update an outdated staircase without rebuilding the whole thing?

You may not need a complete staircase renovation to make a big difference.

Updating the details can completely change the look, including:

• New balusters or spindles
• Updated newel posts
• A new handrail
• Fresh stair trim
• Replacing dated stair parts with a cleaner, more modern style

Small changes can make an older staircase feel intentional, updated and much more in line with the rest of your home.

If your staircase is starting to show its age, Advance Millwork can help you explore stair parts and styles that fit your space.

09/30/2026

Proud to support our local youth! Let's go Bolts! ⚡️

Just wanted to take a moment to give a HUGE THANK YOU to our good friends at Advance Millwork for being The “BOLT NATION TRANSPORTATION” this season.
Not only do they help transport everything for away games, Dan Dusing drives, unloads & loads it all up (he also helps with the “chain gang”) 😉
Thank you for all that you do!!

09/28/2026

How do you make a builder-basic home feel more custom without changing the entire house?

Sometimes, it’s all in the details.

Updating interior doors, baseboards, casing, mouldings or stair parts can completely change the character of a space without a full-scale remodel.

Taller trim can add presence. A new door style can modernize a hallway. Updated stair components can turn something purely functional into a feature.

If your home feels like it’s missing that finishing touch, the answer might be millwork.

09/25/2026

What style of interior door works best with your home?

Interior doors do more than separate rooms. The style you choose can reinforce the entire look of your home.

Traditional: Raised-panel doors, detailed profiles and classic proportions

Modern: Clean lines, simple panels and minimal detailing

Transitional: A mix of classic and contemporary for a look that works with almost anything

Glass Doors: Great for offices, dining rooms or anywhere you want to share light between spaces

Not sure which direction fits your home? Bring in a photo or inspiration image and let the team at Advance Millwork of Iowa help you find a door style that works with the rest of your space.

Sometimes one of the biggest design changes is as simple as changing the doors.

09/04/2026

Today we celebrate Chuck Hennes, one of Advance Millwork’s longest-tenured employees, as he begins a well-earned retirement.

Chuck, thank you for the many years of hard work, dedication, knowledge, and commitment you’ve given to Advance Millwork. Your contributions have been an important part of our company and the people you’ve worked alongside throughout your career.

Please join us in congratulating Chuck on a wonderful career and wishing him all the best in this next chapter. Enjoy retirement, Chuck. You’ve earned it!

09/02/2026

Beautiful day for big changes 😉
Nesper Sign

05/04/2026

Proud to work alongside our friends at Randy's Flooring, because the same craftsmanship we bring to every project is the same pride we bring to our community.