Tag Archives: wood floor installation Indianapolis

How to Decide Between a Nail and a Screw

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When it comes to home renovations and handyman projects involving wood, nails and screws are staple supplies to have on hand. But how do you know which one to use and when? Although the debate is ongoing, there are some facts and considerations that can help you decide which fastener is best for your particular home improvement application.

Continue reading to learn a few pointers for choosing between a nail and a screw, as well as, what to do if you are stuck making progress on your home repair or project.

Indianapolis Handyman 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Handyman 317-454-3612

Nails or Screws?

The truth is, both nails and screws are excellent fasteners for wood so they can usually be incorporated interchangeably. So long as you size your unit correctly and install it properly, you should have success with either one. Ultimately, the unit you choose to use on your particular application depends on personal preference and availability of tools and supplies.

First, consider how strong and lasting you need the connection to be. Screws are stronger by nature of installation, and therefore, are good choices for heavy or large items, such as drywall. Nails are slimmer, but come in very long size variations, making them good choices for aesthetic applications, thinner materials, and lightweight items like picture frames.

Next, think about the tools you have on hand. You want to match the type of screw or nail with the proper tool. If you only have a hammer, you may want to stick with nails, but if you have a power drill or screw driver, you can choose screws. Likewise, if you only have a Philips Head screw driver, you would need to use Philips screws. Phillips screws deliver a tighter fit compared to flat head screws, making them more popular among factories and handymen.

Third, take into consideration the size and shape of your wooden building materials. Screws tend to have more tensile strength, while nails have shear strength. Nails, although can bend under pressure, are quite strong and rarely snap. Screws are more brittle, but they connect wooden boards together, tighter and stronger. Screws also work better with wood’s natural structural propensity to expand and contract.

Common Nail Applications:

▻ Roof and Wall Framing
▻ Plywood Sheathing
▻ Hardwood Floors
▻ Siding/Roofing
▻ Interior Moldings
▻ Solid-Wood Edgings for Plywood Shelves
▻ Stiles and Rails for Cabinets
▻ And anywhere else you don’t want to damage wood with a screw.

Common Screw Applications:

▻ Drywall Hanging
▻ Wood Deck Fastening
▻ Cabinet Installation
▻ Wooden Toys
▻ Bookcases
▻ And any other wooden connection that you wish to take apart.

Stuck on a Home Renovation Project?

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable residential remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Wood Flooring Information and Advice

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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.