Get matched with top woodworkers in Braintree, VT

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: 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>

Q: Do baseboards have to be nailed into studs?

• <div><p>Baseboards don&rsquo;t have to be nailed into studs. However, nailing them into studs adds to their stability. When studs aren&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Is it easier to cut wood when it’s wet or dry?

• <div><p>Whether or not it&rsquo;s easier to cut wood when it&rsquo;s wet versus dry depends largely on the type of tool you use and the wood you&rsquo;re cutting. For example, a chain saw should still be able to cut through wet wood with relative ease, but it may be more difficult to maneuver due to the wood fibers sticking to the chains of the saw. </p><p>However, you might want to avoid cutting wood entirely when it&rsquo;s wet if you&rsquo;re pruning your tree. Sawing a wet tree that you don&rsquo;t plan on removing can also encourage bacterial and fungal growth and decay.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Woodworking pros in Braintree, VT

*The Angi rating for Woodworking companies in Braintree, VT 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 Braintree, VT 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 September 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
The technicians were timely, professional and very knowledgeable about furniture assembly. They did a great job!
Connecticut River Property Pros
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Reviewed in January 2025
Williams builders went above and beyond what we expected. Very reliable and great work. Highly recommend.
Williams Builders
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Reviewed in September 2024
We are thrilled with the work performed, attention to detail, punctuality, and professionalism. I would highly recommend JOAB to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient worker.
Jack Of All Blades, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Used this company for a variety of jobs from ceramic tile install, painting and concrete work to deck and porch building and finishing. Was very happy with all!
Hometown Building and Finishes LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
work was done correctly using wooden shingles that had even courses and all spaced perfectly.
Christopher Jones
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Reviewed in September 2023
Painting went well. Always on time and worked hard. Very reasonable priced and very easy to work with
BMK Inspirations
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Reviewed in April 2023
Nilton is quite knowledgeable about trees and health of trees. I have used him for landscaping, tree trimming and removal, stump grinding and tree planting. He and his crew are very professional, work efficiently and he charges a very fair price for his work. He makes sure the area is clean...
Paradise Landscape & Tree Removal
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Reviewed in September 2022
Ross is a kind, experience carpenter who was a huge help on our home building process. We highly recommend him!
Sage Home
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Reviewed in August 2022
Good work at fair price. Better product than Leaf Filter at half the price and none of the bs.
Gutter Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2022
I became convinced that having a tree service remove the Oak tree at the Cottage was because they had bucket trucks and high tech equipment and could avoid the electrical wires and the cottage roof and wall.. I had four different tree service companies give me proposals. The prices ranged from...
CB Tree Service, LLC
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Find Woodworkers in Braintree

Leim

4.5(

)

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Friendly,knowledgeable service. Quality work"

+17

Response time7 hrs

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Tejada's Remodeling Inc

4.7(

)

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Workers did a wonderful job, and very professional. They were very careful with the stove removal and very clean. Very happy with both the inside and outside wall repair. I would use your services again."

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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RJs Landscape & Excavation

5.0(

)

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Great communication Prompt and completed the project completely. I would definitely use this company again and highly recommend them!"

37 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Braintree, VT 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."

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Demasi Daughter And Son Carpentry LLC

New to Angi

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Veteran owned.\n10 Plus years experience in carpentry.\nNew builds, Coventry log home builder, additions,remodels, weatherization, lead safety trained and certified

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Hill Top Home Services, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We are 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.

Response time4 days

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent work. We purchased natural cherry cabinets in shaker style, with the panels made of solid wood rather than veneer. That is more difficult work, as each panel has to be constructed from several planks. Moreover, the clear finish would leave any flaws more visible. Simply put, the doors are beautiful--flawless in both construction and finish. They are similar in quality to custom cherry furniture we own."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mr. Mom Property Maintenance

4.6(

)

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"

Mr. Mom helped us save costs by painting some of his leftover gutter materials so they would not clash with the rental house, and finished the job quickly so we could have it done before more rainstorms caused flooding in the basement.

"

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Cully Thurston Painting

4.9(

)

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Cully and Selena did a great job at a fair and competitive price. Very happy with their work"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Braintree, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Jason did beautiful work installing these French doors to close off my mudroom. His work was high quality and he worked efficiently to get the project done on a short timeline. He took care to keep my house as clean as possible while doing this work, and even ensured that my cat was safely secured indoors when going in and out with materials."

Response time1 day

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Showing 1-10 of 98

Woodworking questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Whether or not it’s easier to cut wood when it’s wet versus dry depends largely on the type of tool you use and the wood you’re cutting. For example, a chain saw should still be able to cut through wet wood with relative ease, but it may be more difficult to maneuver due to the wood fibers sticking to the chains of the saw.

However, you might want to avoid cutting wood entirely when it’s wet if you’re pruning your tree. Sawing a wet tree that you don’t plan on removing can also encourage bacterial and fungal growth and decay.

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.

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