Get matched with top carpenters in New Castle, PA

Q: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity. </p></div>

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: What is the average size of an A-frame house?

• <div><p>A-frame homes are on the smaller side. While there&rsquo;s no set square footage amount it has to be, it will usually come in around 1,000 square feet or smaller.</p></div>

Q: Can you frame a house by yourself?

• <div><p>While some highly experienced homeowners can frame a house independently, it is not advisable. You will need ample carpentry experience, a team of helpers, and professionals to sign off on your work to meet local building codes. For the safest outcome, we recommend <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/building-vs-buying-house.htm">buying or building a house</a> with the guidance of professionals.</p></div>

Q: How can I find ceiling joists using simple tools like a hammer or a nail?

• <div><p>Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Carpentry pros in New Castle, PA

*The Angi rating for Carpentry companies in New Castle, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Carpentry needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Carpentry companies in New Castle, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Carpentry needs.

Last update on July 22, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
Along with installing new bedroom and closet doors, the contractor also installed vinyl plank flooring in our living room, dining room, and bedrooms. He also hung our dining room chandelier, and installed moon lights above our fireplace. His attention to detail in his work was impeccable and he...
Mr. Universal
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Reviewed in September 2025
Excellent job! Assembled 3 different home furniture items for me. Completed them perfectly and cleaned up all the mess. Would definitely hire again for more work upcoming!
RCL Home Service
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Reviewed in August 2025
On time and hauled away junk furniture in less than 90 minutes. Tremendous for a two-perzon creew - keep up the great work!
LoadNGo
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Reviewed in April 2025
My husband and I are pleased with the work that Antonio did for us. He does not shy away from challenging tasks and was able to neatly repair a large crack that was very high up in our great room and remove our bathroom wallpaper prior to painting. He also has a steady hand and expertly painted...
Romano Painting
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Reviewed in April 2024
We hired Penz Contracting after getting three quotes to remodel our bathrooms. Erec at Penz Contracting provided a very reasonable quote and detailed the work and materials he would be using. After the first few days we knew we selected the right contractor. Erec ensures that the work he...
Penz Contracting
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Reviewed in August 2023
Very happy with house painting experience. Our home is stucco and had tons of cracks to be repaired. The prep, attention to detail and craftsmanship were all fantastic. They were wonderful to deal wi
Pro City Roofing
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Reviewed in June 2023
Very pleased with his problem solving skills for repairing not only our cabinet, but also a swivel rocking chair.
Lontz Custom Woodworks
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Reviewed in May 2023
I never do reviews but this experience was amazing from start to finish. Great communication and amazing training session. Maurice and Cole are pure class! They were so informative and thorough! If you’re thinking about getting an electric fence just call them now. It’s game over! Angie’s might...
Pittsburgh Pet Fence, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
Gary Miller is awesome he did exactly what we wanted he had all the answers we used them a second time and he will be our number one guy to go to for any kind of inspections of structural housing thank you so much I love Angi's list
Gary J. Miller
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Reviewed in October 2021
Great! The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. They kept the area clean and did a very nice job. They also fixed an issue we had with a deck that was built by a different contractor and made it usable for us.
Reliable Custom Contracting LLC
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Find Carpenters in New Castle

Spark and Hammer Services

4.9(

)

Closet - BuildExterior Shutters - Repair or Restore

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I'm extremely pleased with both men who completed the work. They were very pleasant, knowledgeable, and finished in a short time. Very reasonably priced. I will rehire them for more work in my home. Highly recommend this business to everyone."

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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PC Roofing & Construction LLC

4.7(

)

Closet - BuildDeck or Porch - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great job. It looks like new siding after repairs."

+30

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Andreas Paul Construction LLP

5.0(

)

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Andreas Paul Construction did a phenomenal job on my deck and patio area. Their communication was wonderful, and the quality of their work is excellent. They demonstrated professionalism, and they take pride in the quality of their work. I would recommend their business to anyone!"

52 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Home Genius Exteriors

4.3(

126

)

Exterior Shutters - Repair or Restore

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I m so happy that Home Genius did my siding. Love the new look and was so impressed that they completed in a timely manner."

+52

Response time3 days

1887 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by38%of homeowners

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First Class Framing and Roofing

5.0(

)

Carpentry Framing - Install

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Great work and will be calling him for more work!! Highly recommended"

Response time2 hrs

Response rate94%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Exterior Shutters - Repair or RestoreGazebo or Freestanding Porch - Repair - For BusinessWindow Frame - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Shawn was great. He is a great communicator, efficient with his work, and offers high-quality work. His price was fair, and he came when he said he would come. I highly recommend Hardworking Handyman!"

Repaired door jamb and installed door closer

Organized this garage and installed simple shelves

Response time2 days

Recommended by40%of homeowners

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KTL Remodeling & Renovation, LLC

5.0(

)

Carpentry Framing - InstallCarpentry Framing - RepairDeck or Porch - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Tony keeps the work area very neat and cleans everything up and does excellent crown molding and drywall work/repair."

Response time1 day

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was on time, easy to work with, and did exactly what I needed. I will use him again."

Response time11 hrs

Response rate95%

Recommended by71%of homeowners

Window Frame - Repair

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Mike showed up on time and completed the job quickly and professionally.Checked all the boxes did all you would expect.Would hire again."

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by55%of homeowners

Carpentry Framing - Install

Serving New Castle, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Found Sentri on Angi. Jeanette and Violet were very pleasant and efficient in getting a contractor to me in the time frame needed. The contractor was excellent and the roof looks great! I would definitely work with them again if I had additional projects."

23 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Carpentry questions, answered by experts

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

A-frame homes are on the smaller side. While there’s no set square footage amount it has to be, it will usually come in around 1,000 square feet or smaller.

While some highly experienced homeowners can frame a house independently, it is not advisable. You will need ample carpentry experience, a team of helpers, and professionals to sign off on your work to meet local building codes. For the safest outcome, we recommend buying or building a house with the guidance of professionals.

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.

The New Castle, PA homeowners’ guide to carpentry services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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