The complete guide to carpentry for homeowners: basic carpentry skills & everyday home repairs

1086 Pages·2008·175.95 MB·English

CARPENTRY
FOR HOMEOWNERS
Basic Carpentry Skills & Everyday Home Repairs
Contents
Introduction
Planning a Carpentry Project
Project Safety
Workshop Basics
Building a Workbench
Building a Sawhorse
Materials
Lumber
Transporting Materials
Plywood & Sheet Goods
Trim Moldings
Nails
Screws & Other Hardware
Glues & Adhesives
Tools & Skills
Prying Tools
Measuring & Marking Tools
Handsaws
Hammers
Screwdrivers
Clamps & Vises
Chisels
Planes & Surface Forming Rasps
Extension Cords
Jigsaws
Circular Saws
Straightedge Guides
Power Miter Saws
Table Saws
Drills & Bits
Sanders
Pneumatic Nailers
Powder-Actuated Tools
Specialty Tools
Basic Carpentry
Anatomy of a House
Preparing the Work Area
Building Walls
Soundproofing Walls & Ceilings
Installing Wallboard
Installing Interior Doors
Mounting Bifold Doors
Installing a Storm Door
Installing Door & Window Casings
Installing Window Trim
Installing Base Molding
Paneling an Attic Ceiling
Installing Wainscoting
Covering Foundation Walls
Framing Basement Foundation Walls
Trimming Basement Windows
Advanced Carpentry
Enlarging Openings & Removing Walls
Removing Wallboard
Removing Plaster
Removing Exterior Surfaces
Removing Doors & Windows
Removing a Non-loadbearing Wall
Installing an Attic Access Ladder
Framing & Installing Doors
Framing & Installing Windows
Installing New Window Sashes
Installing a Standard Skylight
Installing a Bay Window
Patching Wood Siding & Stucco
Patching Flooring
Cabinets & Countertops
Removing Trim & Old Cabinets
Preparing for New Cabinets
Installing Cabinets
Installing Countertops
Building a Custom Laminate Countertop
Glossary
Index
Introduction
nless you live in a brand-
Unew home that’s built
exactly to your specifications,
you probably consider your house
to be a perpetual work-in-
progress. Most homeowners feel
this way. It could be that the
previous owner didn’t quite take
regular repairs and maintenance
as seriously as you do. You know
those irritating blemishes: the
scuffed door molding in the
entryway, a ding in the wallboard
from a wayward rocker, or the
closet door that rubs the carpet
and sticks in its opening every
time you close it. You’d love to fix them, if only you knew exactly
what to do. Or, maybe your home is still stuck in a bygone decade and
needs a serious facelift. Those dark, chintzy hollow-core doors really
have to go someday, right?
More than likely, you also have projects that get perpetually
pushed deeper down the “to do” list because they just seem too
daunting to start. Oh, how nice it would be to replace the drafty family
room windows with a large bay window. Do you dream of a cozy
casual space or home theater room in the basement, if only you had
the skills to frame the walls and finish it all off without hiring it done?
This new book, The Complete Guide to Carpentry for
Homeowners, is not written for the do-it-yourselfer who already has a
truckload of tools and years of experience. Instead, it’s written for the
homeowner who simply needs the confidence and know-how to do
the job right.
We’ve prepared this book in three major sections to make
navigating the material as easy as possible. The first section on tools
and materials will give you a shop-class crash course. You’ll learn
about essential carpentry tools and how to use them correctly and
safely.
The second section focuses on basic carpentry skills and projects.
Here you’ll learn how your house is fundamentally put together so
you can remove and build walls, frame and hang interior doors, install
wallboard and finish up with trim and moldings. You could probably
check off many of the “gotta do” projects on your list with this section
alone.
The third part—an advanced projects section—will earn you your
black belt in home carpentry. You’ll discover how to enlarge window
and door openings, learn how to install windows, exterior doors, and
skylights, and flash them properly, just like the pros do. Finally, an
extended section will show you how to remove and replace kitchen
cabinets, install ready-made countertops, and even build your own
custom version from scratch. Here’s how you can create the room
you’ve always wanted without hiring an expensive crew to do it.
So, read carefully and then start planning your first carpentry
project. It’s easier than you think. Be sure to keep this book handy.
With this much helpful information, you’ll come back to it again and
again.
Planning a Carpentry Project
carpentry project can be fun and rewarding, but it requires more
A than just a knack for cutting lumber and pounding nails. In fact,
your natural ability with tools may not affect the finished product as
much as your attention to details, materials, costs, and local building
codes. Address these issues in the planning stages so you can use your
time efficiently once you start to cut. Start any project by asking
yourself the questions below. Once you’ve addressed each question,
you can feel confident about the project you’re about to start.
Is a permit required? Most building departments require a permit if
your carpentry project will significantly alter your home’s condition.
You’ll probably need a permit for anything more extensive than
replacing a rotted window. Permits are required for adding or
replacing beams, posts, joists, rafters; for building additions; for
converting a basement or attic; and for many other projects. Ask your
building department for any literature on carpentry projects. If a
permit is required, you’ll need to show an inspector a detailed diagram
and a list of building materials before you begin.
How will the project affect my living space? Building a wall or
installing a new window may drastically change your living
environment. Make sure you consider the pros and cons each project
will produce before starting.
What types of materials will work best for my project? To maintain
a common theme throughout a room, choose building materials that
match your existing living space. Always choose well-crafted
materials that meet the requirements of local building codes.
Which tools do I need? Each carpentry project in this book
includes a list of tools, including portable power tools. Some tools,
such as a power drill and circular saw, should be considered essential.
Others—such as a power miter saw—simplify the job, but are not
essential. Dado cuts for shelves can be made using a circular saw,
essential. Dado cuts for shelves can be made using a circular saw,
instead of a router. Making miter cuts with a backsaw and miter box is
also possible. Using different tools to complete specific tasks usually
takes extra time, but you’ll be able to enjoy a sense of craftsmanship
that using hand tools brings to a project.
Begin any carpentry project by making pencil drawings of the project you have in
mind. As you refine the project idea, add as much detail as possible to the drawing,
so you can anticipate issues such as what tools and materials the project will
require and how the project will affect your living space.
How to Plan a Carpentry Project
Lay out the project using 2" masking tape on the floor to indicate the boundaries
of the project. An actual-size layout will help you visualize the end result and can
often draw your attention to issues that aren’t obvious from a scale drawing.