Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall a fireplace?

• <div><p>It’s less costly to drywall a fireplace than shiplapping it since material costs are higher for shiplap. However, if you’re DIYing the project, shiplap is less expensive since you won’t have to pay for labor. With drywall, getting a smooth finish is difficult unless you’re a pro. Shiplap is ideal for an accent wall or unique space, such as around a fireplace, since it adds texture and gives off a cozy vibe. </p></div>

What kind of drill bit should I use to drill into a wall stud?

• <div><p>Choose a drill bit that is the size of the screws of the anchors you will use. You aren’t drilling through metal or concrete—hopefully—so any standard twist, wooden or all-purpose drill bit will work fine. It’s also important to have a screwdriver capable of drilling through the drywall and into the stud. The good news is most available drills, even the older ones, can do this with no issue.</p></div>

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Q: Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall a fireplace?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s less costly to drywall a fireplace than shiplapping it since material costs are higher for shiplap. However, if you&rsquo;re DIYing the project, shiplap is less expensive since you won&rsquo;t have to pay for labor. With drywall, getting a smooth finish is difficult unless you&rsquo;re a pro. Shiplap is ideal for an accent wall or unique space, such as around a fireplace, since it adds texture and gives off a cozy vibe. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between spackle and joint compound, and which should I use for drywall repairs?

• <div><p>Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.</p><p>Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.</p><p>Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.</p><p>While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.</p></div>

Q: Can you apply new plaster over an existing plaster surface?

• <div><p>Yes, you can apply new plaster over an existing plaster surface, such as a wall or ceiling, provided the old plaster is in good condition. Before you begin, check the stability of the existing plaster. The surface must be clean, free of loose material, and have no peeling paint. It is also recommended to roughen the surface slightly to promote adhesion. For older plaster, applying a base coat like a PVA emulsion or a specific bonding agent or primer is crucial. This step makes the existing plaster less porous and ensures the new and old layers adhere properly for a smooth, long-lasting finish.</p></div>

Q: What tool is used to sand plaster?

• <div><p>The tool you use to sand plaster will depend on the size of the project. If you&rsquo;re just working on a small section of your wall to get rid of an uneven spot on the surface, hand-sanding might work. However, for larger projects, a drywall sander can make a huge difference when it comes to both time and elbow grease&mdash;and an orbital sander can help for detailed areas such as around ceiling fans.</p></div>

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Phil the Builder, LLC dba Prestige Contracting

5.0(

)

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Installed a step under and egress window to make it within code. Phil was on time and quick. He was also able to use up some of the wood and paint I had on hand! Highly recommended!"

Response time2 days

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Well, the first time the replacement was ordered it was the wrong one, which of course, delayed the installation a week. When it was finally installed I had to pay an additional $850 for code upgrades. This I was not informed of by Home Shield. Then we noticed that there was water on the garage floor and found that the pipe coming in from the wall was leaking at the wall so had to call the plumbing company back out to fix it. They first tried to say it was not their fault but since there wasn't a leak before they installed they did fix it. I have used Home Shield a few times before and never had a problem. Some of the companies they use are not the best so you have to research them before you commit. I have found HS service to be good if you do your homework. At the end of the day I was without hot water for almost 3 weeks but it was do to the plumbing company they sent out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Ruff It Up Construction

4.0(

)

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

"The team was prompt and very detailed, was able to pivot and suggest little changes that improved the overall look. They reconstructed a soffit and several bathroom and bedroom walls to enhance the appearance. I asked for non textured ceilings and they are flawless. Great communication throughout the job…I will rehire again in the future!!"

+19

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Our mission at Hampton Enterprise LLC is to provide clients with superior customer service, quality work and speedy service in all aspects of their home improvement needs. Licensed, insured and trusted since 1989; come discover the Hampton difference today!\n\nWe specialize in the installation and repair of Windows, Doors, Flooring, Sinks, Bathtubs, Showers, Sprinkler Systems and much more. We also offer Interior and Exterior Home Painting, Custom Welding Fabrication and Carpentry.Localy in your area just call and i will call back with a local number thank you . from James Hampton\n\nAL.Dothan 334-648-3817,\nAL Birmingham 334-648-3817,\nAL Huntsville 334-648-3817,\nAL Mobile 334-648-3817,\nAL Tuscaloosa 334-648-3817,\nAL Montgomery 334-578-4761,\nAR Little Rock 334-648-3817,\nAZ Phoenix 334-648-3817,\nCA LosAngeles/Sacramento 334-648-3817,\nCO Denver/Colorado Springs 334-648-3817,\nCT Hartford 334-648-3817,\nDE Dover 334-648-3817,\nFL Tallahassee 334-648-3817,\nFL Cape Canaveral/ Cocoa 334-648-3817,\nFL. Destin 334-648-3817,\nFL Gainsville 334-648-3817\nFl Jacksonville 334-648-3817,\nFL Orlando 334-648-3817,\nFL Panama City 334-648-3817,\nFL Tampa 334-648-3817,\nFL Miami 334-648-3817,\nGA Atlanta 334-648-3817,\nGA Albany 334-648-3817,\nGA Augusta 334-648-3817,\nGA Columbus 334-648-3817,\nGA Macon 334-648-3817,\nGA Valdosta 334-648-3817,\nIA Des Moines 334-648-3817,\nID Boise 334-648-3817,\nIL Chicago/Springfield 334-648-3817,\nIN Indianapolis 334-648-3817,\nKS Levenworth/Topeka 334-648-3817,\nKY Frankfort 334-648-3817,\nLA New orleans/Baton Rouge 334-648-3817,\nMA Boston 334-648-3817,\nMD Annapolis 334-648-3817,\nME Augusta 334-648-3817,\nMI Detroit/Lansing 334-648-3817,\nMN Saint Paul 334-648-3817,\nMO kansas City/Jefferson City 334-648-3817,\nMS Jackson 334-648-3817,\nMS Biloxi 334-648-3817,\nMS Gulf Port 334-648-3817,\nMT helena 334-648-3817,\nNC Raleigh 334-648-3817,\nND Bismark 334-648-3817,\nNE Lincoln 334-648-3817, \nNJ Trenton 334-648-3817,\nNM Santa Fe 334-648-3817,\nNV Carson City 334-648-3817,\nNV Las Vegas 334-648-3817\nNY Albany 334-648-3817,\nOH Columbus 334-648-3817,\nOK Oklahoma Ciy 334-648-3817,\nOR Salem 334-648-3817,\nPA harrisburg 334-648-3817,\nRI Providence 334-648-3817,\nSC Columbia 334-648-3817,\nSD Pierre 334-648-3817,\nTN nashville 334-648-3817,\nTX Austin 334-648-3817,\nUT Salt Lake City 334-648-3817,\nVA Richmond 334-648-3817,\nVT montpelier 334-648-3817,\nWI Madison 334-648-3817,\nWV Charleston 334-648-3817,\nWY Cheyenne 334-648-3817

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"We cancelled the deal and received a refund.
"

Recommended by72%of homeowners

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Dean's Drywall

New to Angi

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Dean's Drywall is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Caudill Contracting

New to Angi

Serving Stephen, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Nathan Caudill values honesty and integrity and treats your property as if it were our own. We have many years of experience to give you confidence that we are your number one choice for your next home project. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details. We look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction. Call Nathan Caudill today!

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Drywall questions, answered by experts

It’s less costly to drywall a fireplace than shiplapping it since material costs are higher for shiplap. However, if you’re DIYing the project, shiplap is less expensive since you won’t have to pay for labor. With drywall, getting a smooth finish is difficult unless you’re a pro. Shiplap is ideal for an accent wall or unique space, such as around a fireplace, since it adds texture and gives off a cozy vibe.

Choose a drill bit that is the size of the screws of the anchors you will use. You aren’t drilling through metal or concrete—hopefully—so any standard twist, wooden or all-purpose drill bit will work fine. It’s also important to have a screwdriver capable of drilling through the drywall and into the stud. The good news is most available drills, even the older ones, can do this with no issue.

Although they have similar applications, spackle and joint compound are not the same. Their primary differences lie in their composition, consistency, and ideal use cases.

Spackle is composed of gypsum and binding agents, making it thicker than joint compound. It dries quickly and is easy to sand, which makes it ideal for small wall repair projects like filling nail holes or patching minor damage.

Joint compound, also known as drywall mud, consists of limestone and gypsum. It is primarily used for large-scale projects, such as taping and finishing the seams on newly installed drywall. It tends to shrink more than spackle and can be more difficult to spread.

While both products can be used to fill small depressions and cracks, spackle cannot replace joint compound for taping and mudding new drywall. Conversely, you can often use joint compound for small patching jobs typically done with spackle.

Yes, you can apply new plaster over an existing plaster surface, such as a wall or ceiling, provided the old plaster is in good condition. Before you begin, check the stability of the existing plaster. The surface must be clean, free of loose material, and have no peeling paint. It is also recommended to roughen the surface slightly to promote adhesion. For older plaster, applying a base coat like a PVA emulsion or a specific bonding agent or primer is crucial. This step makes the existing plaster less porous and ensures the new and old layers adhere properly for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

The tool you use to sand plaster will depend on the size of the project. If you’re just working on a small section of your wall to get rid of an uneven spot on the surface, hand-sanding might work. However, for larger projects, a drywall sander can make a huge difference when it comes to both time and elbow grease—and an orbital sander can help for detailed areas such as around ceiling fans.

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