As contractors, we are used to utilizing our skills and knowledge to produce beautiful pieces. Many of our clients see the beauty and quality in our work and quite often we’re asked for tips on creating and maintaining these pieces. So here are our top 11 tips to carpentry mastery:
- Measure twice cut once. Always double check your measurements to ensure your piece will turn out how you envision it and to make sure you don’t waste expensive materials.
- Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause fading.
- For stuck or stripped screws, stretch a rubber band across the head before using your screwdriver to remove it. The rubber adds traction to help turn the screw.
- Do your research when it comes to how to clean your piece. Depending on what type of wood or finish was used, cleaning methods could be slightly different. Make sure to ask when purchasing the piece or test polishes, waxes, or other cleaning products in a small hard to see area first.
- Use a tennis ball to help you sand. Wrap a piece of sandpaper around the ball. It’s easier on your hands and makes sanding a breeze especially for curves.
- Polish your furniture approximately every six months using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth and rubbing the polish in the direction of the grain.
- When hammering, use a clothespin to hold the nail in place and save your fingers from some torture.
- Cracks and gouges should be filled so that they’re level with the surface of the wood. For very small holes, like staple holes, wood-tone putty sticks can be used. If you can’t match the wood, several colors can be mixed together. If you use a putty stick, wipe it across the hole and smooth the surface with your finger. If you plan to finish or refinish the wood, let the putty dry for at least a week before proceeding further.
- Retrieve lost hardware with a magnetic dustpan. How many screws and metal pieces have you lost on the floor? Attach a magnetic strip to your dustpan and when you sweep and toss the rubbish your hardware will be saved.
- Remove permanent marker from wood floors with a dab of toothpaste and a damp cloth.
- Make your windows and drawers open and shut easily. Rub lip balm on the casters or hinges.
