"Tom and his crew rebuilt our composite deck in the June-July 2018 time frame. We could not be happier with the job. The Built To Last crew was very professional and definitely went the extra mile to ensure that the rebuilt deck was better than new. Everything is very secure and tight. During the construction, Tom made several suggestions to keep the price down while not compromising quality and our satisfaction. Tom provided price transparencies for all materials. Greatly appreciated! We would definitely use Tom and his crew again. Highly recommend Built To Last Construction. Just as a note... this was a very large deck with a great deal of work."
"Clark builders did a good job! Of course most of it was done during the pandemic when supplies were low or out of stock. We’ve been happy with the work they’ve done and would recommend them to anyone looking to build new home!"
"Excellent work. From the beginning of the meeting with the sales rep through the workers that handled the deck replacement, they were all friendly and professional. When the installers arrived on day one, they had the old deck tore off and the new deck done except for the stairs. The next day they completed the deck and cleaned up the work site. Love my new deck and how quickly the job was completed. I will hire them again for other projects I need done."
Hello, and thank you for considering my services.\n\nI provide dependable carpentry and handyman work with a strong focus on quality, attention to detail, and doing the job right the first time. I take pride in maintaining a clean work area, treating every home with respect, and communicating clearly throughout the entire project.\n\nWhether it’s repairs, installations, trim work, drywall, framing, or general home improvement tasks, you can expect reliable service, professionalism, and workmanship you can feel confident about.\n\nClean. Respectful. Detail-oriented. Committed to customer satisfaction.\n\nI look forward to helping with your project.
My name is coleman i’ve been building houses, barns, and additions for 6 years now. I have a fair honest price and i’m out to help people with there property needs.
There are approximately 5.33 board feet in a 2x4. You can use the board foot calculator in this article to easily find the answer. A 2x4 is 2 inches of thickness by 4 inches of width, so you need to find the length, with 8 feet being the most common. You’d use the calculator here to multiply 2 times 4 times 8, and then divide by 12, arriving at a total of 5.33 board feet.
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.
Framing with metal studs can be significantly faster than using wooden studs, provided you have some experience working with the material. While you can use virtually instant pneumatic nailers with wood, metal requires installing screws. However, because metal is lighter, straighter, usually comes cut-to-length, and doesn't require sorting for the best pieces, you can save significant time using metal instead of wood.
Baseboards don’t have to be nailed into studs. However, nailing them into studs adds to their stability. When studs aren’t available, you can secure them with drywall nails directly into the drywall and adhesive. Always aim to nail into studs, especially in high-traffic or impact-prone areas.
When deciding whether to use nails or screws for framing, the specific needs of the project must be taken into account. Nails have long been the go-to option for framing due to their affordability, ease of installation, and ability to withstand shear forces. They are perfect for structural framing projects where fast assembly is essential. In contrast, screws offer exceptional holding power and are particularly useful in situations requiring increased strength and resistance to pull-out forces. For projects that prioritize accuracy and long-lasting quality, screws may be the preferred option, though nails remain a dependable and efficient choice.
The Merrill, MI homeowners’ guide to carpentry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When you’re tackling a project or hiring a contractor, it’s helpful to know key carpentry terms. From end grain to dovetail joints, here’s a complete list.
