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TRUSTED BY MADISON, WI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon375
    Verified carpentry services reviews

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Avatar for Leo's High Quality Construction, LLC
Leo's High Quality Construction, LLC
5.0(
31
)
Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"There aren't enough stars to adequately rate how much I am pleased with Leo's High Quality Construction! Great communication, very skilled carpenters, efficient, reasonable, and very hard working. As a retired journeyman carpenter myself, I knew what I wanted and how I wanted it done. They accommodated my every want and improved on it by sharing some newer techniques and products. The finished deck with handicap ramp was completed timely and everything I hoped for. While here, I was also looking for a fence around around a patio. I found who will be building that also! Already got started."
Deck replacement
Deck replacement
Deck replacement
Deck replacement (after)
Deck replacement

+62

Response time2 days
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Top Bros Construction & Remodeling Inc.
Top Bros Construction & Remodeling Inc.
4.9(
80
)
Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - InstallInterior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Top Bros completely gutted and remodeled the two outdated bathrooms in our condo. The building is over 100 years old, so there were some challenges with plumbing, framing, and leveling, but Top Bros didn't shy away from any of them. They tackled each challenge head on and transformed our bathrooms, ensuring that everything was done correctly. They were friendly, easy to work with and the final products turned out amazing. I would highly recommend working with them."
Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom Project
Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom Project
Full house remodel
Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom Project
Full house remodel

+28

3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by87%of homeowners
Avatar for JDC Contracting
JDC Contracting
4.8(
36
)
Deck or Porch - RepairArbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom - For BusinessCarpentry Framing - Install+12 more

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"John installed crown and base molding throughout entire kitchen. He drywalled areas where walls had been removed and arches expanded. He was very efficient, professional, and completed the job as agreed on time and within budget. We will use him in the future for other remodeling projects!"
Response time1 day
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Lugatich Properties LLC
4.9(
25
)
Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"The job was done as planned with materials we selected. The under structure of the deck is with 12” spaced joist exceeded building code which makes for very sturdy structure when covered with composite decking. We are very pleased with the resulting 30’X 14’ deck."
Response time6 hrs
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by52%of homeowners
Avatar for Max Provide, Inc.
Max Provide, Inc.
4.7(
51
)
Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - InstallInterior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Jim Lorang put on a new deck and remodeled two of our very outdated bathrooms. These were challenging jobs and I really appreciated his patience with us and his remarkable problem-solving skills!! Projects were finished on time to our satisfaction. It was a pleasure working with Max Provide and I would highly recommend Jim!!"
New Sliding Barn Doors - Pantry
New Garage Door Trim
New composite deck boards
Repair drywall corner
Previous Home Advisor Reviews Page 2

+7

Response time1 day
26 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by73%of homeowners
Avatar for Four Lakes Contracting
Four Lakes Contracting
5.0(
11
)
Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Install

Serving Madison, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired Four Lakes Contracting to power wash my house and build a new deck, and they did an awesome job. Super professional, on time, and easy to work with. The house looks great, the deck is solid and stylish, and they kept everything clean and on schedule. Highly recommend! Thank you . M"
Response time7 hrs
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Carpentry questions, answered by experts

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.

When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

Joists do distribute their load to beams, but they don’t sit on top of the beams. Instead, home builders nail or screw the joists directly to the beams such that the end of the joist butts up against the edge of the beam. Beams can sit on other beams for support, but you’ll never see a joist sitting on top of a beam or another joist.

Professionals charge between $60 and $95 per hour to install ornamental porch columns. The amount of time they need varies based on the condition of the porch, whether they need to remove old columns, and if there is any damage to your porch's structure. This cost can increase if more issues come up during the installation process.

The Madison, WI homeowners’ guide to carpentry services

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