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Many people, including professionals in the field, use baluster and spindle interchangeably to describe the vertical components of a railing (or technically, a balustrade). However, there are subtle or distinct differences, depending on who you ask. The most common interpretation is that spindles are thin or delicate versions of balusters.

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.

Tipping contractors, builders, or general contractors is not customary or expected. Unlike many service professions where tipping is built into the payment structure, construction professionals typically charge a full rate for their services. However, you may choose to tip a worker for exceptional service, such as if they go above and beyond, stay late to meet a deadline, or work on a holiday weekend. Before offering a tip, it's a good idea to ask about the company's policy, as some prohibit their employees from accepting gratuities. If you want to show your appreciation for a job well done without giving a cash tip, consider writing a positive online review or offering to serve as a reference for potential new customers.

If you don’t have a power saw with a blade where you can adjust the angle, you could use a miter box and hand saw to make the cuts. The miter box contains wide slots to support the piece of baseboard and other narrow slots to accommodate the blade of the hand saw. However, it’s tough to make non-standard cuts beyond 30 or 45 degrees when using a miter box.