Property Repair Maintenance and Decor

Used a magnet and a joist finder on my ceiling. Joist finder keeps giving different results. Where is the center of the joist?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:30:00 -0400

I need to apply some pressure to the plasterboard ceiling without breaking it - so that's why I need to find the center of the joist. Would it be safe to assume that B is the screw that's in the middle of the joist, and A and C mark the edges (they are slightly off compared to B). And is it ok to apply pressure directly to the screw? I am putting up a pressure mounted pole :) Thank you.

submitted by /u/PM_ME_WILL_TO_LIVE69
[link] [comments]

Is cross nailing in the same hole stronger than spreading them out?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:27:32 -0400

Asking for a friend

submitted by /u/Lopsided-Drink158
[link] [comments]

Crown Moulding

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:24:36 -0400

I am about to install a 4 inch crown molding around my bedroom wall. I have been told I should nail it into the wall board and that would be sufficient. I also have been told I can use construction adhesive and just stick it in place. I have also read that I need to put up a furring strip Fastened to the studs and then nail my crown moulding to that.

I have a pneumatic pin nailer so that would be no problem. The construction adhesive sounds good because I will not have to caulk the nail holes.

I have already installed the baseboard, but because that is basically resting on the floor it does not need to be supported as much.

What is your advice on crown molding?

submitted by /u/CatsDIY
[link] [comments]

Best way to build a temporary wall

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:22:29 -0400

I'm building a temporary wall so that I can remove the exterior wall and reframe. I also will mortar and grout fill cmu's, as well as tie into the slab.

I noticed when running my chalk line on the bottom chords of the trusses that some trusses have saggged, some by 1/2" measured 16 inches out From the wall. Because of this I built the temp wall in place. I used a bottle Jack and screws to get my top plate tight against each chord and then measured down with a tape for each stud. I found there was some guess work with my method. Floor is uneven as well so in the end some studs where harder to hammer in than others.

Is there a better way to do this? The roof is stripped off currently but I know if there was a roof and drywall it would be bad to stress the wall unevenly.

One idea I had was to build the temp wall on the ground but cut it a bit short, stand it up and use shims. That way I could also reuse the frame on the opposing wall.

Any help appreciated!

submitted by /u/hopeful_endeavor
[link] [comments]

First time framing/installing a door. Honest critique?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:18:11 -0400

I forgot to get pics of the door before installing the trim unfortunately. But it hangs level and true. My drywall skills are awful but I did replace the two header pieces after I took these pics so the figment is better than pictures. Let me know your thoughts for a first timer.

submitted by /u/grsims20
[link] [comments]

284 days ago I posted a piece of split walnut asking what to make from it. Finally stopped putting it aside and made my wife some utensils. (The knife was just extra walnut.)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:07:21 -0400

submitted by /u/Slobberdog25
[link] [comments]

what are you guys using to sketch projects for HOA approvals?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:55:56 -0400

submitted by /u/jehudeone
[link] [comments]

Custom Cabinet - Quote Too High?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:20:54 -0400

Hi everyone! I designed a custom cabinet for my 39” x 36” entryway corner to keep us from having shoes all over the house. I was trying to keep the design pretty straight forward (no curves, complicates forms) and thought a painted finish would help us save a bit vs a finished hardwood. I just got back the first quote and they came back with $3800 if we build with laminate (Formica) and $4500 for painted wood. I feel like these numbers are pretty high, but it’s also my first time ever getting a quote from a carpenter. What do you guys think? I’m based in the Fort Lauderdale area, so maybe work is more expensive around here?

For the cabinet, I wanted 4” round bun feet instead of a solid base and for the larger drawers I wanted a 2-layer shoe organizer hardware (have seen this at Walmart for around $20).

Should I get more quotes or save this dream later?

I appreciate any insight or thoughts. Thanks!

submitted by /u/varamsa
[link] [comments]

Finishing window from exterior

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:12:43 -0400

Hello everyone I’m replacing old basement windows and I want to ask what’s your ideas of finishing from exterior side ?

submitted by /u/Matte0Ch
[link] [comments]

No Rim Joist

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:39:09 -0400

I’m bidding on replacing a deck for a client whose house has no rim joist. The current deck was built by cantilevering the house floor joists out, and blocking in between them. The photo shows the sill plate, and blocking exposed underneath the joists

My initial thought is that we should cut the joists back enough to nail on a new rim joist. Alternatively, would it be structurally sound to cut the joists flush with the blocking, and attach a ledger to that as if it was a rim joist?

submitted by /u/Enamelfish
[link] [comments]

Basement Framing Under HVAC…help

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:28:14 -0400

I am framing my basement. In the picture the wall in yellow needs to go under the panned air return joist.

My question….would it be OK to open up the pan and put in perpendicular supports inside? I would then run my wall right under the pan. I would nail through the top plate and pan into the supports inside to hold it all together.

The ceiling will stay open and painted flat black. For Aesthetic purposes I don’t want to build a soffit.

submitted by /u/SquareTill8527
[link] [comments]

How do I match the colors/finish of this antique as best I can?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:30:52 -0400

Not worried about the antique value. I just want it to look better. I read something about steel wool and vinegar to age it? I’ve applied some stain, should I try a different stain? See the photos

submitted by /u/Prudent-Ad-4995
[link] [comments]

How should I treat ironwood?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:51:54 -0400

Hello, the picture isn't mine, but I just got a piece of Magkuno wood, which has a Janka hardness of 4450 to 4500 lbf. I've been told I should treat it more like metal and use the corresponding accessories cutting blades and boring bits.

For my project I intend to drill a 4" deep hole into it, but I'm worried HSS brad and auger bits will dull before reaching that point. Should I really buy use buts and (jig) blade meant for metal?

submitted by /u/typcalthowawayacount
[link] [comments]

Replacing vertical shiplap

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:39:25 -0400

I am looking to reside my barn in New England. It currently has vertical shiplap installed on the studs with a WRB in between. No sheathing. The interior space is insulated and heated. I am concerned with the lack of sheathing in regards to shear strength and the cold climate. I’d like to keep the existing shiplap on the barn if possible. It’s in decent shape for the most part and would like to save on labor. I understand that this will change my roofline.

I’m considering 2 options: 1- Use the current shiplap as the sheathing, put WRB over the top then new siding or

2- Install plywood sheathing on top of existing shiplap with longer nails into the studs, then WRB, and new siding.

Any thoughts?

The new siding is also vertical shiplap to match other building. I can access the existing WRB from inside the building in order to cut it out through the stud bays

*don’t worry that stove pipe is no longer in use

submitted by /u/foggycove
[link] [comments]

Need a rock solid option for stair rail posts. (Inspo photo is last)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:49:20 -0400

Hey fellas, I need a solid option for attaching posts to this framing. It is getting drywalled next week so any alterations/blocking needs to be in soon. Customers want 4x4 solid white oak posts on top of this capped 2x4 wall. I was thinking about filling the bays where posts will be with 2x12” lvl directly in the center and using a rail bolt and drilling out the bottom of the post. Does this method work okay on stair angle posts or just level posts? Any other solid ideas come to mind?

submitted by /u/ThatBuilderDude
[link] [comments]

Exterior Prehung Door Replacement with stone threshold

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:56:08 -0400

submitted by /u/Spiritual_Cheek_5564
[link] [comments]

Find new job, I need help.

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:54:59 -0400

Hi, I find a job in Norway, that was hard so I take what I can but I'm not a carpenter and I haven't experience with woods home. It's new field for me. I need help to find some documentation on this job. With a team of 2 carpenters, I will be here to help them working. They have to finish the roof boundary, the water evacuation, the top junction on the roof. It have also a dormer. The wall need it's external layer of wood and the junction with the roof.

An other level of difficulty is that the house isn't really straight and need lot of ''cheat'' adjustments.

And we can only communicate in English with maybe A2/B1 level

WTF is this baseboard shape called

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:22:51 -0400

Replacing a tiny spot of baseboard in our bathroom bc it's rotting out. 7.5 inches tall, straight but with a 90° curve at the top. I could replicate it by sanding the corner of a 90° angle baseboard but I'd like to ID if possible.

House is old af 1928, baseboard (is/was) real wood

https://imgur.com/a/thDovG4

submitted by /u/Initial_Savings8733
[link] [comments]

#8 2.5” screws okay to use for hanging a prehung door?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:34:12 -0400

I’ve never hung a door before, but did some research and got some #8 2.5”screws for hanging the prehung door into the frame. Is the #8 good enough or should I go up to a #9 or #10? It’s a solid core door. Also, shims behind hinges or under?

submitted by /u/RespondSure
[link] [comments]

Butcher job

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:20:59 -0400

Was recommended this guy by a family member. I would have done the job if I had the time. Its just lvp, and a the trim would be butt joints with a few 45s. Nothing terribly difficult. I do not, however, have the time. So I hired this fella. He laid the flooring trimmed out the closed door, installed the sliding doors. And did the quarter round installation. This was the finished job...

I told him no fucking way am I happy with this. I went through all the problems and gave the solutions. This guy says he lays floor and trim all the time. And I know a few people he did work for no one had complaints. I have no idea how he could have possibly thought this was suitable. I just want someone to tell me everything will be all right.....

submitted by /u/OkYak1822
[link] [comments]

Lost my V-card today

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 22:14:27 -0400

submitted by /u/glufee
[link] [comments]

Is this correct?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:22:11 -0400

Having a bathroom remodel done. Will clarify I don’t have any questions about contractor, they are being up front about what their doing, we pulled permits for building and plumbing so all work will be inspected, etc. Truly just trying to learn as it interests me. Also I’m not asking for advice, so if this in anyway breaks any rules on this subreddit A) I apologize and B) I’ll delete the post.

As part of remodel, our designer wanted a continuous shelf in a large shower we are putting in. Instead of building out (not really an option given total width as is is 34”), her and contractor decided to cut into the existing wall to build a shelf, and then finish tile around that.

This is on the second floor. Directly below is an open door way between foyer and dining room and a continuous wall that I do know is load bearing (directly above girder in basement). But I don’t see any beam under the wall in question, just the joists going across.

Is doing something like this industry standard? I don’t believe the wall to be load bearing but I cold be wrong. Again, not asking for advice as it’s already cut…if this was load bearing, in theory inspector will make them rectify.

PS - Added in photos of the BP for reference. BP pictures go basement, 1st floor 2nd floor in that order. Also ignore vent pipe (will be rerouted) and copper (will be removed). But basically just curious is this is a standard way to add a continuous shelf.

submitted by /u/croatian_sensation_2
[link] [comments]

How long will this hold?

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:57:30 -0400

Our front porch was like this when we bought the house every rafter is notched in at this depth

submitted by /u/Hot-Face-804
[link] [comments]

WEEKLY DIY/HOMEOWNER QUESTION THREAD

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:01:21 -0400

Please post Homeowner/DIY questions here.

submitted by /u/Basileas
[link] [comments]

Scribing to Stone

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:25:12 -0400

Built this L-shaped front porch recently and had a real challenge scribing the decking to the stone wall. I had to start from the front and from the wall so that a full board would land perfectly on the front edge.
Had the boards been running the other way, scribing would’ve been much easier — but in this setup I had to shape a long board to fit perfectly between the second-to-last board and the wall, while keeping a consistent gap all along.

submitted by /u/Impressive_Check_416
[link] [comments]

[UPDATE] Came to my parents and had a heart attack

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:33:53 -0400

Original post : https://www.reddit.com/r/Carpentry/s/ZsM3l7GSrd

Me and a buddy came down and helped do what my parents originally wanted done.

We started by taking out the load bearing wall in their living room to go into the kitchen first. We built two temporary temp walls, cut out the joists and installed two 12” lvl beams that were 15’ long. We put back the drywall and started the finishing process. And if you notice some of the joists didn’t fit flush with the lvl beams, yes we jacked those up and made them flush with the beam.

We also took apart that “deck” the other contractors were building and started to build the new load bearing wall. My dad ran out of 2x4s so that one stud with a piece of plywood above it is temporary don’t worry, I’m replacing it. I also am adding more 2x4s and doubling them up in the corner and we’re the door opening is. We put a double top plate and double bottom plate on the load bearing wall because we wanted to use the existing wood they had down but it was so out of square it wasn’t even funny.

I still have to come back and finish building the new floor that the original contractors were trying to build. We got this all done in about 6 hours and it was a 3 hour drive there and a 3 hour drive back home

I had so many comments asking for an update so I made this post. I forgot to take a Timelapse of the work being done.

submitted by /u/Budget_Personality30
[link] [comments]

Convenient Dust Containment

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:46:48 -0400

Secure plastic sheeting with minimal impact on finished ceilings.

Mark Pier Height With Screws

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:44:04 -0400

Use this simple trick for placing perfect footings.

Dust-Free Plaster Cuts

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:40:17 -0400

A grinder attachment lets you cut plaster cleanly with almost no dust or damage.

Flashing Fix For Your Boots

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:38:10 -0400

Patch punctured boots quickly and reliably with flashing tape.

Pull the Plug

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:36:22 -0400

Easily remove wood or PVC plugs to access hidden fasteners.

Paint-Shield Protection

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:34:44 -0400

Use painter's tape on spray shields to protect surfaces and keep the shield clean.

Deck-Ledger Flashing

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:31:10 -0400

Code-compliant details to redirect water and keep away rot.

Fine Homebuilding Issue #335 Online Highlights

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:25:18 -0400

Here are the online extras from Fine Homebuilding’s November 2025 Issue #335: On page 8 of issue #335, we featured a number of online videos, articles, and discussions and urged…

Site-Responsive Retreat

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:53:52 -0400

A pavilion-style home blends seamlessly with the forest, preserving the landscape while embracing indoor-outdoor living.

Elevated With Expansive Views

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:51:57 -0400

A third-floor addition transforms a San Franscisco home with open living spaces and panoramic views.

New apprenticeship will only let me use Makita tools?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:17:20 -0400

I started my carpentry apprenticeship this week and we got talking about buying tools. I said I already have a few Milwaukee tools (impact driver, angle grinder, speed square, tape, etc) and they said they only allow Makita and they'll buy the tools for me but I have to pay for them each week until its paid off.

Is this normal/acceptable or a bit weird? Seems odd to me. They said they do it too avoid apprentices using Temu shit which makes sense but I thought Milwaukee was good?

submitted by /u/Legitimate-Cinephile
[link] [comments]

What's the best way to varnish or stain this pine?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:00:16 -0400

I'm wanting to have a nice darker color , without being too dark. Also do I need to add anything to prep the wood before varnishing it? Appreciate advice.

submitted by /u/JesusOnly8319
[link] [comments]

EcoDeck help

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:40:09 -0400

I’m an Australian apprentice, I’m using EcoDeck (plastic/timber composite) and I need to face fix the picture frame. Any tips on how to get them to look kinda clean without using screw covers/plugs? Don’t mind the crap at the bottom of the ramp

Tool belt, leather or Fabric?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:05:08 -0400

https://preview.redd.it/m1lp3rliwttf1.png?width=654&format=png&auto=webp&s=1636261c4c9cf1b15c89bab4d81906916460a7f4

Hi, I'm just starting out as a carpenter. I'm looking to buy a tool belt and wondering if a leather one would be better or a Cordura fabric one. Thanks!

submitted by /u/no1creww
[link] [comments]

How do you keep toolbelt/tools in good condition

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:38:32 -0400

hey guys,

i’m in vancouver (aka raincouver lol) doing formwork — so lots of cutting, concrete, and just general wet messy stuff. my last toolbelt basically turned into a swamp. it kept catching water and sawdust/concrete dust, and by the end of the week there was this gross goo at the bottom of every pouch. brutal to clean.

i just swapped to a vest setup to help with back pain, but i really don’t wanna go through that again. how do you guys keep your tools and belt from getting soaked, caked, or gunked up? do you clean them daily, use covers, or just accept the west coast grime life?

also any tips on keeping a chalk line from getting messed up in the rain? mine always clumps up or stops working right after a few wet days.

any maintenance or storage tricks you guys use would help a ton.

submitted by /u/Kyosota
[link] [comments]

Do I really need to confirm interior trim is part of the scope of a door install?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:38:12 -0400

Clients want a door replaced, maybe the stickers don't get scraped, maybe trashing the old door wasn't part of the deal... but trimming it out is implied right?

submitted by /u/SwillyPirate
[link] [comments]

Does a door install come with trim?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:33:53 -0400

submitted by /u/SwillyPirate
[link] [comments]

Stair rail and staircase ideas

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 23:32:24 -0400

Best way to finish this area

submitted by /u/sickboyfromukraine
[link] [comments]

How to properly fill these narrow cracks in interior walls?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:47:43 -0400

Hello guys

I recently bought a house that has several of these cracks on some of the interior walls. These cracks usually open into a gap, so I can’t just fill them by pushing in something like a thick string or cord.

What would be the best way to cover or fill these gaps?

submitted by /u/No_Acanthocephala479
[link] [comments]

Broken ornament on mirror

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:19:41 -0400

Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but what would you suggest to fix the top wooden part of this mirror? My girlfriend loves this mirror but I'd like to avoid paying a professional if I can avoid it. I tried wood glue but the broken pieces came right off. The second picture is the broken head and wing of the phoenix as fyi. Any help is appreciated!

submitted by /u/SirMandrake89
[link] [comments]

Plywood finished floor

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:08:47 -0400

submitted by /u/Remarkable_Speech178
[link] [comments]

Some of my shits

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:15:22 -0400

I'm just a framing to finish carpenter. Footings to cabinets. I am not good at any of it but here is a pouch dump tail end of a custom home rebuild. I'm just grunt carpenter but love my shits

Priming the back of unfinished cedar siding?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:13:51 -0400

I’m interested to know what people think about priming the back side of cedar siding that I’m installing. I have clear cedar 1x10’s that I have jointed, planed and milled with a shiplap edge. Im nailing it vertically (with stainless nails) with a 3/4 rain screen (air gap) behind the boards. I am not going to stain or put anything on the siding. I have been sealing the cut ends of the boards with oil based primer. My question is if it’s worth priming the back side of these boards? I can’t see how it will help them last since the front side is completely unfinished and that’s the side that will cop all the abuse. What do people think?

submitted by /u/Internal-Ring6482
[link] [comments]

stay safe ponyboy

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:00:42 -0400

submitted by /u/Few-Solution-4784
[link] [comments]