Get matched with top woodworkers in Spring Valley, IL

Q: What should I consider when hiring a carpenter?

• <div><p>Before hiring a carpenter, the most important thing is to make sure they are properly qualified and insured for the job. It&rsquo;s more than reasonable to ask your prospective carpenter for customer references, as well as about their licensing and insurance. You should also consider choosing a carpenter that specializes in your specific project area to ensure high-quality results. </p></div>

Q: How do you cut trim for doorways?

• <div><p>There are two ways you can cut trim for doorways: with a miter saw or a table saw. Mitered joints need a 45-degree angle. If you&rsquo;re unfamiliar with a miter saw, you might want to consider buying extra trim pieces or choosing butted joints instead. One wrong cut, and you&rsquo;ll need to power up the saw again with a new piece. </p><p>Butted joints&mdash;also called shaker style&mdash;don&rsquo;t need a 45-degree angle. Instead, your side pieces attach perpendicularly to the header trim and only require a straight cut.</p></div>

Q: Is it easier to cut wood when it’s wet or dry?

• <div><p>Whether or not it&rsquo;s easier to cut wood when it&rsquo;s wet versus dry depends largely on the type of tool you use and the wood you&rsquo;re cutting. For example, a chain saw should still be able to cut through wet wood with relative ease, but it may be more difficult to maneuver due to the wood fibers sticking to the chains of the saw. </p><p>However, you might want to avoid cutting wood entirely when it&rsquo;s wet if you&rsquo;re pruning your tree. Sawing a wet tree that you don&rsquo;t plan on removing can also encourage bacterial and fungal growth and decay.</p></div>

Q: How can I find ceiling joists using simple tools like a hammer or a nail?

• <div><p>Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What size nails are used for framing a house?

• <div><p>When building a house, it is customary to use 16d nails that measure 3 1/2 inches in length to construct the frame. These nails are crucial in providing the necessary support and stability for structural elements like joists and studs, which ensures a sturdy framework.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Woodworking pros in Spring Valley, IL

*The Angi rating for Woodworking companies in Spring Valley, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Woodworking needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Woodworking companies in Spring Valley, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Woodworking needs.

Last update on March 20, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Excellent work! Great price for bring ing a tree down. $100 vs. $1500 from Elite Seamless gutters. Highly recommended!
Cutting Edge Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
We had a very large tree that needed to be removed in our backyard with very tight excess to it. Deven and the crew did a great job, no, they did an excellent job. From cutting down the tree to removal of all the limbs and grinding out the two stumps it was done very professionally. This...
Elite Seamless Gutters, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2025
I couldn?t be happier with the work from American Builders Fencing Company! From start to finish, they were professional, reliable, and easy to work with. The crew showed up on time, worked efficiently, and paid attention to every detail to make sure the fence was done right. The quality is...
American Builders
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Reviewed in September 2024
The big tree guys did a great job cutting down four trees in my front yard. They were friendly, on time, and cleaned everything up. I had the feeling that they wanted to do more to please me so they cut up some logs for firewood. Do hire these hard working men. Nanette Kopecky of LaSalle.
Superior Flooring
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Reviewed in September 2024
Has great workmanship and accuracy and works harder than anyone out there to get it done right
VSM Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
John Philip did an excellent job on my bathroom and kitchen remodel. His attention to detail, advice, and willingness to work with me to achieve the quality and look I wanted was second to none. I would highly recommend him to complete any home project you have.
Philip Interiors
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Reviewed in April 2023
Three trees were perfectly trimmed and shaped Terrific Job Debris was hauled away yard was immaculate after clean up. Dave jr and Dillon and crew worked well and hard
Stuart Tree Services
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Reviewed in December 2022
Highly recommend!!!!!! Dale and crew came out and worked the entire time they were here. Very responsive to the branches I wanted cut, and pruned my 100 year old maple tree, 80 year old sycamore, trimmed oak and linden trees. They communicated quickly and cleaned up after themselves. I would...
Recreational Lumberjack, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Best epoxy flooring contractor in the area. Professional company and excellent customer service.
Dixon Superior Epoxy Flooring, LLC.
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Reviewed in March 2022
They did an amazing job and were super helpful! I love the deck work they did and how friendly they were to have around. Excellent work, great price for the work, and I would love to have them around again to work on some other projects in the future.
BuildRite Home Pro's LLC
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Find Woodworkers in Spring Valley

Drew Pro Carpentry

5.0(

)

Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Install

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Great work by Andrew, completely satisfied with his dedication and perfection. Looking forward to work with him for future wood works."

Response time1 day

Response rate98%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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RRH Remodeling/Construction

5.0(

)

Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - InstallInterior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"Yes he did a great job"

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+8 more

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Extremely responsive and did a great job in a timely manner!!"

Carpentry Framing - InstallCustom Cabinets - Build

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"All the work was on time and to satisfaction! The crew was kind and professional! I would definitely use this company again for all my home improvements!"

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Todd

New to Angi

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hello, I offer a multitude of services including handyman, cabinet installation, a multitude of repair and construction services, and more. Feel free to reach out to me to see if I can help you with whatever services you need completed.

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Solis family builders

New to Angi

Carport (Wood) - Build

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

We specialize in new builds of many kinds, garages, pole barns, flooring of all kinds interior remodel. We have over 35 years of experience in the construction business. We are a smaller company but that’s why we can give you the cheaper price

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Elite Remodeling

New to Angi

Carpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - Repair

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Spittler Construction

New to Angi

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+8 more

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I have been in some form of construction most of my adult life. And recently have started turning it into a business for myself. From grading to excavating work to remodel projects we can handle it. We are based in Hennepin and work all over the Illinois Valley. We pride ourselves on being prompt, upfront and honest with our customers to give the customer the best experience possible. \n\n24 hour emergency service available

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Klock Home Services

New to Angi

Carport (Wood) - Build

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hi, I’m Kevin with Klock Home Services, proudly serving the Fox Valley area. I provide reliable, detail-oriented handyman and home repair services at fair prices. From furniture and drywall repair to minor carpentry, fixture installs, and general maintenance, I treat every project like it’s in my own home. Whether it’s a small fix or a larger task, you can count on quality work done right the first time.

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Curtis Home Solutions

New to Angi

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomCloset - BuildGazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair+4 more

Serving Spring Valley, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

I am a jack of trades independent contractor/ handyman with 10+ years experience. I am not a licensed plumber, licensed electrician, or licensed roofer. With that said it's easier to just tell you the things that I don't do. I do not do drain work, I do not replace electrical lines or panel boxes, I do not replace plumbing lines which includes water and gas, and I do not replace roofs. Aside from that I can do everything else, and have the tools to do so.

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...

Showing 1-10 of 66

Woodworking questions, answered by experts

Before hiring a carpenter, the most important thing is to make sure they are properly qualified and insured for the job. It’s more than reasonable to ask your prospective carpenter for customer references, as well as about their licensing and insurance. You should also consider choosing a carpenter that specializes in your specific project area to ensure high-quality results.

There are two ways you can cut trim for doorways: with a miter saw or a table saw. Mitered joints need a 45-degree angle. If you’re unfamiliar with a miter saw, you might want to consider buying extra trim pieces or choosing butted joints instead. One wrong cut, and you’ll need to power up the saw again with a new piece.

Butted joints—also called shaker style—don’t need a 45-degree angle. Instead, your side pieces attach perpendicularly to the header trim and only require a straight cut.

Whether or not it’s easier to cut wood when it’s wet versus dry depends largely on the type of tool you use and the wood you’re cutting. For example, a chain saw should still be able to cut through wet wood with relative ease, but it may be more difficult to maneuver due to the wood fibers sticking to the chains of the saw.

However, you might want to avoid cutting wood entirely when it’s wet if you’re pruning your tree. Sawing a wet tree that you don’t plan on removing can also encourage bacterial and fungal growth and decay.

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.

When building a house, it is customary to use 16d nails that measure 3 1/2 inches in length to construct the frame. These nails are crucial in providing the necessary support and stability for structural elements like joists and studs, which ensures a sturdy framework.

The Spring Valley, IL homeowners’ guide to woodworking services

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

See all articles

Angi
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Do Carpenters Charge Per Hour? [2026 Data]
Find out how much carpenters charge, including average rates, cost factors, and tips to help you budget for your next carpentry project.
Lauren Bongard
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Stairs? [2026 Data]
Refinishing stairs is a great way to spruce up one of a home's most dominant focal points. High-quality wood should be allowed to shine. Learn the cost to refinish stairs in this guide.
Audrey Bruno
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Aug 1, 2026Aug 1, 2026
10 Creative Projects You Can Make with Garden Scrap Wood
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.
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Bookshelf Building Pro
Learn how to hire a bookshelf building pro with expert tips on finding qualified carpenters, asking the right questions, and getting quality custom shelving.
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Wood Stair Installation Contractor
Looking to hire a pro for wood stair installation? Learn how to find qualified contractors, questions to ask, and what to expect for your project.
Kristin Salaky
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Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
How to Choose the Right Sandpaper Grit for Your Project
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.