Get matched with top woodworkers in Dexter, ME

Q: What is the difference between a joist and a beam in a basement?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/joist-vs-beam.htm">Joists and beams</a> are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.</p></div>

Q: How much do floor joists cost?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re just replacing a few broken or damaged joists, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per joist. However, a complete installation for a home or room will take into account the cost of labor, which ranges from $25 to $40 per hour. Floor joist installation for an entire room, for example, can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the room's size and the materials used. </p></div>

Q: Should you tip a carpenter?

• <div><p>No, you do not usually tip a carpenter for their work. However, if you&rsquo;ve been very happy with the level of service and quality of work, a 10% to 20% tip would likely be accepted with thanks. If you&rsquo;re not sure, it can help to discuss the carpenter&rsquo;s policy or preference for tipping before beginning the project.</p></div>

Q: Do carpenters fix squeaky floors?

• <div><p>Yes, carpenters can fix squeaky floors. They have the expertise to identify the source of the squeak, whether it&rsquo;s loose floorboards, subfloor issues, or joist problems. These experts also have the right tools and hands-on knowledge to secure the flooring and eliminate the noise, ensuring a long-lasting solution. </p></div>

Q: What tools and blades are recommended for cutting Corian?

• <div><p>Yes, Corian&reg; and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.</p><p>The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.</p><p>It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.</p><p>Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Woodworking pros in Dexter, ME

*The Angi rating for Woodworking companies in Dexter, ME 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 Dexter, ME 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 July 20, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
Excellent work! Chris was punctual, efficient, and mindful of my requestsWe discussed a plan and he executed the work. He picked up when he was done, and was very reasonably priced. I highly recommend Brackett Properties for any of your tree removal needs!
Brackett Properties LLC
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Reviewed in June 2026
I would highly recommend Eagle Construction. They were prompt kept me involved all along the way as towhat they would be doing and did it. That can be rare in today’s world.
Eagle Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2025
Mr. Blakely was polite and professional. His prices were much more reasonable than some of the larger fence companies in the area. He's a hard worker and a real craftsman. Our fence looks great!
Blakely Fence and Forge LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Innovation Painting just finished staining the exterior of our log home and garage and words cannot express how impressed we are. Nick and his crew were prompt, professional, personable and immensely talented. The property has never looked better. I intend to recommend them to everyone I know....
Innovation Painting & Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2023
Hands down, best service and company ever. Very nice not pushy, had others say they could do it cheaper but for me it's quality and a job done right the first time. If you want quality and a job right call them, they are excellent
Mid State Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2023
Professional, Reliable, responsive and great work. I was very pleased with how my project turned out. Mr. Hines was sure to check in with me every step of the way to ensure that my expectations were being met. I would highly recommend him for your project.
Hines Ground Service
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Reviewed in April 2023
Reliable, professional, detail oriented, and provides excellent work.
S & M Lawn Care
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Reviewed in January 2023
I have hired JNS Contracting multiple times to do different things. So far I have had my bathroom and my kitchen redone and plan to call again for my next project in the spring.
JNS Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
The two men were extremely professional. One of the men had a cloth that we was using to wipe down the gutters and the siding as he went along to make sure there were no smudge marks. This was very impressive to us. We certainly would recommend them.
Moosely Odd Jobs
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Reviewed in February 2022
Excellent service. Work was done in a timely manner. Stayed within my budget. Would hire again. Highly recommend.
Down East Homes & Renovations
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Find Woodworkers in Dexter

Heath Enterprises

4.1(

)

Carpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - RepairCarport (Wood) - Build+3 more

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"David and crew was very professional. I would recommend for any work needed."

+17

Response time2 days

Response rate86%

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Tyler Norris Handyman

4.5(

)

Gazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"My husband and I were victims of fraud and shoddy work when we had our roof redone. A case in point was the ridge vent was sealed so we had no venting in our attic. Tyler came first thing in the morning and replaced the vent as well a shingles that had fallen off. It is very rare to find a young man who has such a good work ethic and isn't out to make his fortune on each job. We would love to work with him again."

+13

Response time2 days

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Carpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - RepairWood Stairs and Railings - Repair

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great professional service. Explained everything answered my questions. The work was excellent. Cleaned up after they finished."

+19

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Furniture - Build Custom

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Kit built and installed a Murphy bed. The bed cabinet is beautiful. It functions easily. Kit was a pleasure to work with. He keep my budget in mind and worked to make me what I needed in a way I could afford."

+23

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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R.Y.C Builders

New to Angi

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomCarpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - Repair+6 more

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Emergency services offered

Ive been in the construction Industry for 36 years. I always give my best effort to put out an A+ product. I work hard and love putting my stamp on projects.

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Meaney Construction Services

New to Angi

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

I'm hard working, reliable. Fair prices. Just started this company so please be patient with me, thanks in advance.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mayhew construction services

New to Angi

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomCarpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - Repair+5 more

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Honest hard working guy just looking to add a little more work to the business. Great frame to finish.

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Granite Coast Builders

New to Angi

Carpentry Framing - InstallArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For Business+8 more

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Custom carpentry in midcoast Maine \nCall (207)408-8504 for contact.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mountain Peak Contracting LLC

New to Angi

Carpentry Framing - RepairArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomCarpentry Framing - Install+6 more

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

What do we offer?\nFull home renovations \nKitchen and bath remodels \nInterior/ Exterior finish work \nSiding \nDoor and windows\nDecks \nAdditions\nNew construction \nAnd more!\nContact us today for a free estimate- [email protected]

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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HCC

New to Angi

Carport (Wood) - BuildCustom Cabinets - BuildFurniture - Build Custom

Serving Dexter, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

I am a motivated self employed individual, I have a high attention to detail and enjoy giving quality work for a fair price to build a call back relationship with customers.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Showing 1-10 of 110

Woodworking questions, answered by experts

Joists and beams are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.

If you’re just replacing a few broken or damaged joists, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per joist. However, a complete installation for a home or room will take into account the cost of labor, which ranges from $25 to $40 per hour. Floor joist installation for an entire room, for example, can cost between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the room's size and the materials used.

No, you do not usually tip a carpenter for their work. However, if you’ve been very happy with the level of service and quality of work, a 10% to 20% tip would likely be accepted with thanks. If you’re not sure, it can help to discuss the carpenter’s policy or preference for tipping before beginning the project.

Yes, carpenters can fix squeaky floors. They have the expertise to identify the source of the squeak, whether it’s loose floorboards, subfloor issues, or joist problems. These experts also have the right tools and hands-on knowledge to secure the flooring and eliminate the noise, ensuring a long-lasting solution.

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.

The Dexter, ME homeowners’ guide to woodworking services

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