Finishing Touch Custom Woodworks opens Iowa City showroom

Haven’t we all wanted to change something in our homes this past year? Interest in home renovation has kept pace with the hot real estate market. The fervor in making our houses cozy and restful is what prompted Finishing Touch Custom Woodworks of Eldridge, to open a showroom in Iowa City. Owner Jon Cole and his team are ready to outfit Corridor clients with the beauty of bespoke woodworking. “Our second location and first full-blown showroom is a big step for our company,” explained Mr. Cole. “Our employees also feel good knowing that they have played an important part in this success. Haylee Friedrich, our designer of 10 years, has worked especially hard to make this showroom a reality and is clearly proud of what we have accomplished together.” The 1,700-square-foot showroom is located at 1134 S. Gilbert St. The space is an exhibition of Finishing Touch’s capabilities. The showroom includes a variety of countertops, door handle and drawer pull lines, a kitchen with multiple cabinet styles, and a collaborative area for meetings. Entryway cabinetry is also displayed so homeowners can envision their dream mudroom. Despite all the planning and research that can be done online, most clients still want to see and touch materials before making their final selection. “Our showroom helps customers stretch their imagination. It’s hard to get true color choice over a screen. Most people want to feel finishes, try the fit of a drawer pull in their hand or see countertops under real lights,” explained Connie Parsons, Finishing Touch’s Iowa City contact. Finishing Touch Custom Woodworks was incorporated in 2004. Since Mr. Cole become the sole owner in 2014, he has worked to build the business in the Quad Cities and beyond. Collaborations with Matt Boileau Construction in Iowa City were an instrumental part of Finishing Touch’s expansion. The showroom will satisfy a clientele that already exists in the Corridor, saving customers a trip across Interstate 80. Finishing Touch is also fulfilling a unique niche in this part of Eastern Iowa. While there are many chain home improvement stores and local cabinetry businesses, few offer true customization. Finishing Touch starts its design process with the client’s vision for their space. The team appreciates the creative challenge that comes with designing and building a billiard room, kitchen remodel, master closet or wine room. Finishing Touch works on new construction and remodels as well as restaurants and corporate spaces such as law offices. The company also prioritizes working with Iowa counterparts, such as Liberty Hardwoods in Ankeny and Kelica Products in Davenport. “All of the staining, painting and glazing are done in-house by Finishing Touch’s highly skilled staff, creating a truly distinctive custom product,” Mr. Parsons said. “We want our clients to have unique cabinets, quality fireplace surrounds, and one-of-kind trim work. We even pay attention to cabinet interiors, so there’s a little magic whenever you open the door.”