How to Find Dry Wall Studs Without Using a Tool

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling and Repair 317-454-3612

Five holes in the wall and counting, with one hand holding a leveler and the other holding a pen; and the system continues to repeat, only to fail over and over again. Sound familiar? It is frustrating enough trying to hang a picture just right, let alone finding a stud to do it on first; but it’s vital to use studs in order to retain proper support and avoid wall damage. So many walls have suffered from failed stud finders and bad hunches.

Not to worry, as we have all had our failed stud-exploration experiences that we so badly wish to forget. Fortunately, that it is all in the past now. There are easier ways to find dry wall studs, rather than using an ineffective tool or stud finder to do it.

Locating Wall Studs

Before looking in the right place for wall studs, you must first know a few important facts about walls. For instance, the purpose of a stud is to hold up interior drywall and exterior sheathing. So you can always safely assume that studs are located at the top, bottom, or corners of walls. You can also assume that studs are 16 inches apart from center in newer homes, and mostly likely 24 inches from center in older homes. You can count on finding a stud behind an electrical box as they are generally held up by one. Another fact about walls you should know before going on a stud-hunt is that most molding and trim are nailed to studs. Also important to know, studs are typically located on either side of a window. This is good knowledge for curtain and valance hanging.

Instructions for Finding Drywall Studs:

If present, start at the trim or crown molding. Even though these areas are painted and caulked, you can sometimes see the nail cavity, or the point in which it was nailed into the wall. These features are only nailed into studs, so if you find where trim is nailed to the wall, simply measure 16 inches up and you should find a stud.

For properties without trim, you can start with the outlets and light switches. These are another indication of nearby wall studs. There is an electrical box on either side of an outlet, you simply have to figure out which one with a quick knock or tap. When you finally determine the right side, simply measure 3/4th of an inch outward, and then measure in 16 inch increments until you hit the stud you need.

Since we mentioned studs are at tops, bottoms, and corners of walls, you can also start at a corner wall and measure 16 inches inward to the center. Since all rooms are not always divisible by 16, use intuition and the knock-test to find a wall stud if measuring from a corner to center. Keep in mind that a stud could be just before, or just after, 16 inches from a corner wall, depending on the room’s dimensions.

Always remember to mark each stud as you find them, and patch up and fix any practice or mistake holes with caulk and paint. In the case that you have put too many holes in your wall, or you simply need to replace drywall for another reason, your best option is to call an Indianapolis general contractor for professional service.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional drywall repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and operator, Lee Elliot, and his team of general contractors, are highly qualified and experienced in drywall services. We offer a wide range of drywall repair and replacement services for residential and commercial properties. We offer the most competitive prices for handyman work, so you can trust you are getting the best deal in town! Call 317-454-3612 to learn more about our drywall installation and repair services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Wood Flooring Information and Advice

Hardwood Floor Repair 317-454-3612

Hardwood Floor Repair 317-454-3612

When it comes to upgrading or replacing the flooring in your home or office, you probably already know that wood floors are a widely recommended and popular choice. But there are several questions to ask yourself as a property owner in order to decide which type of wood flooring is right for you. You have to think about the type of environment your property has, and the occurrences that might affect wood floors.

For example, take into consideration the humidity levels in your area, the daily foot traffic you property experiences, and of course, your overall budget. Do you want your wood floors to appear perfectly polished and clear of scratches, or do you prefer a more “rustic” or natural feel? What’s your budget look like? Do you have room for higher-quality materials, or perhaps a protection plan? Do you have radiant-floor heating? Do you want heated floors? These questions and more can be answered with the help of a professional flooring contractor. In the meantime, learn about the common types of wood flooring sold on the market today so you are better prepared to make the right decision for your home or commercial property.

Solid Wood Floors

Solid wood flooring is just that; solid and dense wood. It comes in many colors and levels of rustic-like looks. It will naturally, overtime, mark and scratch; but for those who prefer the more “lived-in” or countryside look, it is a good feature to have. It is highly recommended for people who do not wish to put a lot of effort into maintenance and upkeep, like busy parents or homes with dogs and cats. It is a stress-free wood floor choice for those who like a natural look and feel. If scratches and marks are not an option for you, then this is probably not the best choice for your home or property.

Also, properties with heated floors are not good matches for solid wood. Properties located in towns whose humidity levels fluctuate are also not good matches; both for the same reason. Solid wood expands in heat and contracts in cold. This can cause warped or loosened floor boards, and other aesthetic trouble as well. A simple and quick moisture test can tell your flooring contractor whether or not solid wood floors will be a lucrative choice.

Laminate Wood

Now laminate is the material, not wood; although, this type of flooring is made to replicate the look and feel of real wood floors, but without all the wear and tear. For those who want flawless wood flooring, laminate is the best option. With a real look of wood, laminate flooring offers property owners a scratch-free and mark-free surface, all the time. With a little routine maintenance and gentle cleaning, laminate floors can last a very long time. And the best part is, they are very affordable! They come in infinite styles, sizes, and colors so customizing your interiors is easy to do.

Engineered Wood Flooring

For those who want real wood floors, but live in areas with fluctuating humidity or have underfloor heating, engineered wood is a great choice. It is basically a top layer of real hard wood that is bonded to a bottom softwood base. This allows property owners to have a real wood look and feel, even if they have heated flooring or a property that otherwise wouldn’t work well with real hardwood flooring. They come in basic tongue and groove versions, which look like nailed-down boards; or they can come in floating or click versions that look close to the tightly lain laminate floor boards you’ve seen before.

Restoration By L & B, LLC

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

General Contractors Indianapolis Indiana 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable wood floor installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, is happy to answer your questions about wood flooring and installation. We offer wood floor replacement, installation, repair, and much more. Call 317-454-3612 and speak with a friendly and professional general contractor about installing wood floors in Indianapolis, IN today.