What does Makani mean?

Makani is Hawaiian for breeze or wind. As in, getting beautiful vents is a breeze. Or, wind you think I could come over for a FREE in-home estimate? (The dad jokes are also free.)

Hawaiian? But this is Idaho.

Precisely! Idahoans have a long tradition of honoring Hawaiians, beginning in the early 1800s when three native Hawaiian explorers were lost in the Owyhee region of Idaho and Oregon. Owyhee is an old-timey way of spelling Hawaii, before the orthography was standardized. Having grown up in Idaho and lived in Hawaii, I am honoring my Idaho roots while paying homage to the islands I love. “You can take the boy from the island, but not the island from the boy.”

What are your vents and air returns made of?

Each piece is crafted in the USA from 1/4″ steel and then powder-coated for a stunning finish.

How many pattern and color options are there?

There are currently five patterns and five colors, for a total of 25 options.

Can I walk on the vents or put furniture on them?

Yes! These vents are cut out of 1/4″ solid steel and designed for durability. I recommend always using floor protectors on any furniture legs.

How long does it take to install?

Depending on the number of vents and air returns to be installed, it should typically take from 1-3 hours.

What types of flooring are compatible with these vents?

These vents can be installed in many floor types, including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank or tile, sheet vinyl, and tile or stone. However, some of these floor types should have the vents installed during the installation of the floors, not after.

What floor types require installation of the vents during the installation of the floors?

I recommend a concurrent installation of the vents with luxury vinyl plank or tile, sheet vinyl, and tile or stone floors.

Can I have vents installed into my existing floors?

Absolutely! Currently, I offer installation on existing solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and laminate floors.

I am already working with a flooring store or installer. Can I still buy these vents and air returns?

Yes! And either I can install the vents in concert with your installer, or I will train your installer on how to do the installation. Whichever works best for you.

Is installing these vents a good DIY project?

Definitely! I will gladly tell you what tools and techniques you need to do your own installation.

What is your service area?

Technically, the entire state of Idaho. I will assess a trip fee for in-home estimates and installations for jobs outside of the Treasure Valley.

What if I want these vents and air returns but don’t want to bother with trip fees?

I totally agree! In these cases it would be best to work within my extensive network of flooring professionals to get your vents and installation taken care of.

Do you install in new construction?

Traditionally general contractors arrange for their own subcontractors. Most GCs will have flooring stores or installers that they routinely work with. I think it’s best to support that established system and will gladly work with them to make sure you get the vents and air returns you love.

I am remodeling my home and replacing all my floors. Will you please install my vents?

If you are working with a local flooring store or installer, it is best to let them know. Then they can arrange with me to source the vents. They can subcontract me to install the vents or have their installer take care of it. If you are installing the floors yourself then I can either install the vents for you or teach you how to DIY.