Building Materials Guides & Project Resources

Black steel-and-glass entry door installed in a modern new-construction home

What to Know Before Ordering Steel Doors for New Construction

Plan steel doors for new construction with checks for opening size, handing, glass, hardware, sill details, drawing approval and delivery before ordering.

Buying Guide

How to Choose Hardwood Flooring for a Modern Interior

A practical guide to selecting wood flooring that supports a modern material palette and the realities of the project site.

Modern exterior wall sconces illuminating a black entry door, pale stone, and fluted cladding at dusk

Buying Guide

How to Choose Outdoor Wall Lighting for a Modern Home

Choose exterior wall lights that support the architecture, improve visibility, and create a refined entrance after dark.

Modern custom home combining a black steel entrance, warm cladding, pale stone, and architectural lighting

Building Materials

How to Choose Building Materials for a Custom Home Project

Coordinate custom-home materials with a practical selection sequence, material-schedule table and checklist for dimensions, finishes, accessories and ordering.

Buying Guide

Best Exterior Wall Panels for Modern Homes: WPC, Fluted & Shiplap Cladding Guide

Compare WPC, fluted and shiplap exterior wall panels for modern homes. Learn about design, installation, maintenance, colors, climate considerations and choosing the right exterior cladding.

Side-by-side black steel entry doors comparing three glass lites on the left with four glass lites on the right

3 Lite

3-Lite vs 4-Lite Steel Entry Doors: Which Design Is Right for Your Home?

Compare 3-Lite vs 4-Lite steel entry doors for design, natural light, energy efficiency, security, single vs double configurations, and modern home styles.