Top-rated carpenters.

Get matched with top carpenters in Fairfax, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

TRUSTED BY FAIRFAX, IA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.1
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon43
    Verified carpentry services reviews

Find Carpenters in Fairfax

Avatar for O'Donnell Decking
O'Donnell Decking
4.8(
15
)
Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessDeck or Porch - RepairGazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair+3 more

Serving Fairfax, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mike is the consummate professional. He communicates extremely well and his work it top notch. He is clearly dedicated to a quality product and it shows. His cost estimate was accurate. He and Jeremy are friendly and easy to work with. He rebuilt our deck and screen porch using composite decking and aluminum rails and screen support. The job was done quickly and his attention to detail outstanding. I absolutely recommend O'Donnell Decking!"
ODonnell Pergola
Rolling Deck
Fijords Deck
Riverside Deck and Screen Porch
Nile Screen Porch

+165

Response time6 hrs
Response rate91%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Northland Handyman Services
Northland Handyman Services
5.0(
8
)
Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Fairfax, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Northland handyman services was the first to reach out to me about my project. They made it extremely easy for me to brief them on the project at hand and gave clear estimates around the work they could do and when. They came to scope the job right away, gave honest guidance and feedback around what was realistic based on my budget, and sent a quote and contract that same day. A day later, they were able to come and complete the job — exceeding my expectations. They excel at communications, timeliness and quality. I’d recommend them to anyone."
Patio Railing
Patio Railing
Patio Railing
Front Door Installation
Front Door Installation

+2

Response time5 hrs
Response rate100%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Sentri Homes
Sentri Homes
2.9(
41
)
Carpentry Framing - Install

Serving Fairfax, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Found Sentri on Angi. Jeanette and Violet were very pleasant and efficient in getting a contractor to me in the time frame needed. The contractor was excellent and the roof looks great! I would definitely work with them again if I had additional projects."
23 neighbors recently requested a quote
Coyle Construction
5.0(
2
)
Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - InstallInterior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair

Serving Fairfax, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Gabe built a mantel out of wood for my brick fireplace. He designed & built it according to my wishes. I wanted distressed wood to match the beams in an adjoining room. He was meticulous in his work, asked questions & requested input on the specifications, & built a replica to show what the finished project would look like. He also reframed my screened-in porch and installed new doors in the porch (which included realigning the frame, which was off-set & crooked. In addition he hung blinds, shelves, & pictures throughout my house. He works long hours and follows-through on completing each project he starts, at a high quality."
Response time5 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Phelps Construction LLC
New to Angi
Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Fairfax, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Phelps Construction specializing in home remodels and home improvements. No job is too small and we are capable of doing bigger projects. We do painting, framing, deck building, etc. \n\nI have been in the industry for over 10 years and have a high attention to detail which allows me to give the best finished product to my customers.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote
...
Showing 1-10 of 149
Carpentry questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.

Using a hammer requires patience and a keen ear. Gently tap the ceiling in a grid pattern, listening for sound changes. A hollow sound indicates space between joists, while a solid, dull thud suggests a joist. Mark the location with a pencil and confirm by tapping from different angles.

Alternatively, you can use a nail, but this method will leave small holes. You'll feel increased resistance when the nail hits a joist. Mark the spot and repeat the process every 16 or 24 inches to map the joist locations. This method is considered less reliable than using a stud finder.

If you remove a load-bearing wall to create an entrance to a carport or covered patio, you can expect to pay between $3,200 and $9,500, with an average cost of $6,400. Factors such as the type of addition and if that area needs additional work will add to the price.

It's possible to turn your carport into a living space, but there are additional factors to address over turning it into a garage. HVAC, plumbing, and electricity won't be optional, and you'll need finished flooring, drywall, trim work, and legal ceiling height, for starters. Also, keep in mind that living space conversions may require upgrading the foundation underneath, and the permits might be more expensive as well.

A few signs that you need a new door frame include:

  • The door no longer fits properly in its frame and sticks or scrapes.

  • You notice cracks, holes, or rotting.

  • You feel a draft coming from around the door when it’s closed.

  • You find yourself frequently needing to make repairs.

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

The Fairfax, IA homeowners’ guide to carpentry services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.