Showroom Quality with PARR LUMBER
After more than 90 years in the Pacific Northwest building industry, it would be difficult to imagine a time before Parr Lumber. Success in this community, especially for such a lengthy tenure, is dependent on developing the trust that comes from unwavering dependability. Generations of builders in this part of the world have counted on Parr as they have built their own businesses, so maintaining those relationships and cultivating new ones is an integral part of Parr’s success. As is their ability to evolve.
“When people think of Parr Lumber, they tend to just think of lumber, decking, and fencing projects, but we’re trying to get the word out that we also handle higher-end remodel projects.”
–Nancy Cranston, Marketing Director, Parr Lumber
“We are really known for our customer service and expertise,” says Nancy Cranston. She should know. She’s not just the marketing director of Parr Lumber; she is also the granddaughter of founder Dwight Parr, Sr.
“When people think of Parr Lumber, they tend to just think of lumber, decking, and fencing projects, but we’re trying to get the word out that we also handle higher-end remodel projects. We’ve offered these types of products for quite some time; we just haven’t had a showroom to bring it all to life,” explains Cranston.
Parr Design Center Showrooms are quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Parr Lumber organization. Cranston continues, “In 2014, we converted part of our distribution center in Aloha, Oregon, into our first design center. This location showcases kitchen and bath remodels, featuring everything from cabinets and countertops to windows and doors. It has been so successful that we now have a showroom in Bend.”
The opportunity for builders and homeowners to physically see and handle products is a great way to exercise both of those key attributes of superior customer service and expertise. “Sometimes designers bring their clients in to show them things and get ideas, but we also get a lot of homeowners coming in on their own,” says Cranston.
Being able to see products in real life definitely elevates and simplifies the decision-making process. A homeowner knows what they are getting. A builder knows what they are delivering to their clients. The entire process steps beyond the world of photographs and carefully crafted descriptions and makes it real.
Cranston goes on to explain, “Both of our design center showrooms have an extensive display of doors and windows, which you don’t see at other showrooms. We also have full kitchen layouts including appliances so that a homeowner can get an accurate sense of how a project will play out.”
When it comes to doors and windows, Parr Lumber is happy to have Angela Zagorsky involved. Zagorsky has been with Parr for over 20 years. Currently overseeing the window and door team at the Design Center in the Bend location, Zagorsky also understands the challenges, opportunities, and design aesthetic that is uniquely Central Oregon.
“Typically, in the Northwest it’s about a 90% vinyl windows, but in Bend, thanks to a drier climate and also the high-end development going on here, we’re seeing a lot of aluminum-clad wood windows. And it’s growing,” explains Zagorsky.
It’s the high-end custom home market that is guiding Parr to some of the products they are currently sourcing. Especially Marvin Windows. “We are the only distributor for Marvin Windows in Central Oregon and the Bend area,” adds Zagorsky.
“Marvin is exceptional in fit and finish. A lot of manufacturers build to a tolerance, but Marvin genuinely strives to build a product that is perfect. Of course, it’s not perfect because it’s made by hand by people, but when they measure and calibrate each joint, they are going for as close to perfect as they can get,” she says.
This plays perfectly to Parr’s focus on customer service and expertise, as well. “This attention to detail has helped us elevate the wood window market in Bend. Custom builders get the product and they can install it with little to no issue, which is something unique for a custom-made product,” says Zagorsky.
“We are really seeing a trend of modern designs. Clean lines, lots of glass. And then mixing that with a rugged look. It’s very unique. If you go up to Seattle, you see super contemporary. Everything is metal and cement. But in the Bend market they’re taking a cool, modern approach and combining it with wood. Maybe tongue-and-groove in the ceiling or some beautiful stacked wood fireplace or mantel. It’s a beautiful approach and really captures a Central Oregon vibe. It’s gorgeous,” Zagorsky notes.
“Typically, in the Northwest it’s about 90% vinyl windows, but in Bend, thanks to a drier climate and also the high-end development going on here, we’re seeing a lot of aluminum-clad wood windows. And it’s growing.”
–Angela Zagorsky, Door & Window Expert, Parr Lumber
“One of the biggest things we’re seeing right now is a window that comes from the manufacturer that is black on the outside and black on the inside. We’re seeing it in aluminum-clad and fiberglass. It’s really clean, smooth and disappears into the frame of the house, which is really attractive.”
The trend carries through to doors as well. At the front of the home you’re seeing less ornamentation with cleaner lines and a more modern look. A key change in the product being offered is the development of pivot hinges, explains Zagorsky. “Traditionally a door will have four hinges up the side, but these doors have a pivot hinge at the top and bottom of the door. It allows for a wider entry door. Instead of 3’ or 3’6” they can go up to 4’ and 5’. That is a huge statement as you enter a home.”
“It’s the open dialogue we have with our customers that sets us apart from the competition.”
–Angela Zagorsky, Door & Window Expert, Parr Lumber
This open concept is also being used throughout the rest of the home. Especially in Bend where there is a natural tendency to interface with the outdoors as much and often as possible. Zagorsky explains that folding door systems or pocketing door products are capturing the imagination of area homeowners. “Offering huge expansive openings, these door systems create an environment where the distinction between the outdoors and inside is blurred in an inspiring fashion,” she says.
Zagorsky is quick to point out that communication is an integral part of Parr’s success. “It’s the open dialogue we have with our customers that sets us apart from the competition. Our design centers are staying on top of trends, providing the best possible solutions and helping our customers every step of the way.”
