Get matched with top woodworkers in Ashley, MI

Q: What are the boards between floor joists called?

• <div><p>The boards between floor joists are called <b>bridging or blocking boards</b>. These are the shortest pieces of wood in the flooring system&mdash;with beams being the longest and joists sitting somewhere in the middle&mdash;and they serve to reinforce the joists and help provide even support to the flooring above. Bridging specifically helps cut down on uneven and creaking floors in your living area.</p></div>

Q: Is it normal for a contractor to ask for a down payment, and how much should you pay up front?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to pay a contractor with a credit card or check?

• <div><p>Many contractors prefer checks because they&rsquo;re easy to track and have no associated fees. However, many also accept credit cards (though they might add a fee to cover their processing costs).</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Woodworking pros in Ashley, MI

*The Angi rating for Woodworking companies in Ashley, MI 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 Ashley, MI 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 August 01, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
They were very good at their job. Great team work. I would recommend them for tree or trees which we had do on our property.
Woodchopper's Tree Service
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Reviewed in November 2025
Very professional and personable, would recommend to anyone who would like it done.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2024
Ryan did a great job refinishing some kitchen cupboards that had worn. They look like new! No one else does this type of work. Other companies would paint the cupboards but not refinish them. I would highly recommend him for refinishing wooden cupboards.
Finer Edges Master Painting LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Chapman siding are very professionals they have the experience in the siding industry. I had worked with Adam Boyd, And he had made some suggestion on trim details the house. that made a huge improvement on the faced of the house. Highly recommended. Christopher J.
Chapman Siding Inc
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Reviewed in November 2022
I called in May and in mid September my porch was installed. The crew that installed my deck were kind and courteous, and very tolerable of my 8 year old son wanting to know all about what they were doing. The finished product looks great! I would hire this company again.
Gutter Helmet of Michigan
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Reviewed in July 2022
We had our master bath totally renovated by Five Star Bath Solutions. They came to our house several times and we worked out the details of the project. They are helpful and responsive, and understood what we wanted, and was completely onboard with bringing our vision to fruition. We are more...
Five Star Bath, Inc - Grand Rapids
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Reviewed in July 2022
We are very pleased with the workmanship of Five Star Bath Solutions. They were professional, they were on time and cleaning up after each day. They did a great job on our bathroom renovation. We highly recommend them.
Five Star Bath, Inc - Livonia
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Reviewed in May 2022
Job was outstanding. Attention to detail was superb on this challenging home. Very happy with results and highly recommend. Able to capture and maximize the rich charm of our 130 year old Victorian. Professional, kind, available.
Veterans Residential Painting LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
what a perfect job! 3 large trees down and 2 large trees trimmed. Everything was excellent removal and cleanup! Thanks so much Katie and crew. I will always recommend you and of course will always use you in the future.
Always There Tree Care
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Reviewed in March 2012
We are very pleased with the work Mr. Lounds did. <br /> <br /> When I first called, he did not answer his phone and I did not leave a voice mail. A few seconds later, my own phone rang and someone said, and quot;Who is this?and quot; without any nicety and without identifying himself. I...
Gregory Lounds, Builder
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Find Woodworkers in Ashley

Simple Fix Repair & Remodeling LLC

4.6(

)

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+4 more

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Tyler and his guys were very professional, they did excellent work. They cleaned up the job site every day. They were very reasonably priced and showed up when they said they would. They also have worked for my family and they were extremely happy also . I would recommend them for all your home improvement projects."

+80

Response time2 days

Response rate94%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Carpentry Framing - InstallCustom Cabinets - Build

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I was very impressed with Sentri Homes - their customer service was excellent. They sent a subcontractor to install some vinyl laminate in my bathroom and he ended up getting glue all over the carpet in our bedroom. The sub ended up ghosting both me and Sentri, leaving me stuck with a ruined carpet. Sentri stuck with me for over a month to get the carpet replaced with the identical original and to get the vinyl job 100% completed. The carpet was a Home Depot exclusive and Sentri handled everything with them. I will be using Sentri for a much bigger renovation I have coming up soon, because I know that they will make sure everything gets done right no matter what problems come up. The vinyl looks great too."

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

Closet - BuildCustom Cabinets - Build

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"quality is always excellent. Delivery has always been on time. this is the third time I have used Arkansas wood door"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+7 more

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"A job wonderfully done. The contractor was super friendly and finished everything right on schedule. He added value to my new home while still meeting my needs as a homeowner. I highly recommend giving this small business a try."

+49

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Albert was a great find! He repaired our wood cabinet that was coming away from the wall. It looks just as it did before it was broken. Albert was polite , efficient, cost effective & cleaned up afterwards."

Tile Wall, wood shell, TV, and fireplace

+11

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Furniture - Build Custom

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"I never contacted the provider or used this service in anyway. I have to
write this review so that the request to write this review stops
popping up.
The rating is bogus as it is required to be able to submit.
"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Precision Construction CO

5.0(

)

Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build CustomArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+7 more

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Friendly on time and professional Did a great job"

+74

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Maleks landscaping & painting

4.8(

)

Gazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair - For Business

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They did a good job but are a very young couple and wish to be paid in cash so they will have gas money to drive back and forth to the job. Mr. Malek picked up the paint and matched the color perfectly from the paint can I had left from a prior house painting."

Response time6 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Morrcraft Custom Woodworking

0.0(

)

Custom Cabinets - Build

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

From Beautiful custom cabinetry to re-facing and refurbishing your existing cabinets, their is no substitute for fine Craftsmanship, and Morrcraft Custom Woodworking is the best in the Business!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Carpentry Framing - Install

Serving Ashley, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"He's a really hard worker did a great job for me."

Response time1 day

Response rate87%

Recommended by40%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 35

Woodworking questions, answered by experts

The boards between floor joists are called bridging or blocking boards. These are the shortest pieces of wood in the flooring system—with beams being the longest and joists sitting somewhere in the middle—and they serve to reinforce the joists and help provide even support to the flooring above. Bridging specifically helps cut down on uneven and creaking floors in your living area.

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.

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.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

Many contractors prefer checks because they’re easy to track and have no associated fees. However, many also accept credit cards (though they might add a fee to cover their processing costs).

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