"Jonathan obviously has a love of wood and woodworking. He repaired and refinished 45 yr old dining chairs to good as new. He is honest, personable, and a pleasure to work and converse with. We will definitely go to Jonathan again as needed. We highly recommend Jonathan Kim Design"
"The outdoor kitchen project had been on our list for years, but we wanted it done right. Way To Go Builders, under Miki's supervision, poured a concrete base, installed paver surfacing, and faced the kitchen island with natural stone veneer. The attention to detail - from the joint alignment to the gas line integration - was remarkable. The finished space fits the architecture perfectly and gives us a true entertaining area, not just a patio."
"I recently hired Evolution Contracting for baseboard work in my home, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. Ulisses was incredibly quick and attentive to respond from the start. Not only was the craftsmanship excellent, but he is also very personable and easy to approach. It’s a relief to find someone who does great work and is easy to communicate with. I’m very happy with the job he did and will definitely be using him again for future projects!"
"Gabe and his team are great! I definitely will hire them again. Quality of work is outstanding. He did a stacked crown molding that gave our home a whole new look and probably added about 30k in value to the home."
"We recently completed our home construction project with this company, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations from start to finish. Building a house can be stressful, but their professionalism, transparency, and dedication made the process smooth and enjoyable. From the initial consultation through the final walkthrough, their team demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. They took the time to understand our vision, offered practical suggestions, and kept us informed at every stage of the build. The project was completed on schedule and within the agreed budget, with no surprises along the way. The quality of work truly stands out. The finishes are flawless, the structure feels solid and well-built, and every detail reflects their commitment to excellence. The crew was respectful, punctual, and maintained a clean and organized job site throughout the construction. We highly recommend this construction company to anyone looking to build their home."
"Throughout our project, their general construction services were consistently professional and reliable. They managed every detail flawlessly, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish."
We are a modern cabinetry and millwork company dedicated to creating beautifully crafted spaces that balance design, function, and lasting quality. With a strong focus on European-inspired aesthetics and clean, contemporary lines, MZ Finish Carpentry specializes in custom kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, closets, entertainment units, and bespoke built-ins.\n\nOur cabinetry is carefully crafted and built in our workshop, then professionally installed throughout Southern California, serving areas from San Diego to Fresno, and from Ventura County to Palm Springs. From concept through installation, our team approaches every project with precision, transparency, and attention to detail.\n\nWe work closely with homeowners, designers, and builders to deliver custom cabinetry and millwork solutions tailored to each space, lifestyle, and vision—resulting in refined interiors built to perform and endure.
"Rogelio did an excellent job constructing a new set of garage steps and handrail for the home of my aging parents. The end product was attractive, sturdy and safe for their use. Rogelio is a polite and knowledgable craftsman. I found him easy to work with and responsive from beginning to end. I would definitely hire him again for other home improvement projects and recommend him to others."
"My husband runs his own business and often leaves all the house concerns to me which can be a challenge for a female in a typically non female zone. Ed came out inspected our roof offered a much more cost effective option of repair instead of replacement which brought me a sigh of relief which was priceless. I will recommend them to anyone and everyone scream it from the rooftops literally !!!!!!!!!"
"In spite of a break because he tested positive for covid, the Handy Juan completed the rebuilding and installation of my kitchen cabinets in a reasonable period of time. He accomplished exactly what I desired to be repaired. He communicated pleasantly and effectively. He left the area clean and in good order. I would gladly have him back for future projects."
Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.
Many modern homes have soffits, but older ones don’t, and you may be wondering why. Older homes have eaves that extend further beyond the home and help to circulate air, negating the need for a soffit. This style of building has faded away, therefore, modern homes need separate soffit installation. Modern soffits are more efficient than this older style and require less material to construct, saving homeowners money.
Floor joists provide support and stability to the flooring installed above them, whether it be hardwood, tile, or carpet. They’re essentially horizontal beams that hold up the subfloor and everything that lies on top of it. Floor joists also help evenly distribute weight across their structure so that it’s shared between walls, beams, and your foundation.
It is common for a contractor to ask for a down payment before starting a project, especially for jobs that require purchasing materials and equipment or hiring a crew. The deposit amount can range from 10% to 50% of the total job cost. While a request for up to 50% is not unusual, a contractor should not ask for more than that, and you should never pay for a project in full before the work has begun. To protect yourself, always discuss payment terms before starting and have a written contract that outlines the project timeline and expectations. Additionally, be sure to hire reputable contractors and check their licensing and insurance before the project begins.
Learning how to frame a house includes picking the right lumber for the job. Most people will want to pick pine, spruce, or fir for the framing. These types of lumber are affordable and produce sturdy framing for structures. Look for kiln-dried lumber to reduce the risk of shrinkage or insect damage after installation. As part of what’s included in framing a house when you hire a professional, the contractor should order the lumber, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right lumber.
The El Monte, CA homeowners’ guide to woodworking services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
It’s not uncommon to have scrap wood lying around your garden, but there are plenty of creative projects that will help you give those spares a second life.
Learn how to hire a bookshelf building pro with expert tips on finding qualified carpenters, asking the right questions, and getting quality custom shelving.
Sandpaper has a plethora of uses, which is why there are so many options. Learn about the various sandpaper grits to choose the right grit for the project.