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mahogany stain

August 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Mahogany decking comes in a wide-range of species and color, supplied by many countries around the globe. However, not all mahogany decking are alike. The type of mahogany decking you’ll find most here in Massachusetts and in the rest of the country will refer to — American Mahogany. American Mahogany has a very deep rich reddish color that most have come to enjoy, especially in New England where I’ve constructed many of these decks. American mahogany decking comes from primarily Mexico, Central and South America

Mahogany deck wrapped in pre-primed pine

Generally, Mahogany decking has been viewed by many contractors and homeowners for its decking being a hard and highly durable. Since mahogany decking is a harder more dense wood, it has the tendency not to buckle, split or warp. Also, please note Mahogany decking will be a little more expensive than pressure-treated decking, however it’s well worth the investment and looks great to home-buyers and is durable.

Fastening materials for securing Mahogany decking

As a deck contractor here in Ma., I prefer using stainless steel screws for decking installations. Other types of fasteners may not penetrate to well or not hold up to well. However, pre-drilling holes is mandatory if not using a nail gun. Even with stainless steel nails, they will bend trying to simply nail them into the mahogany wood decking. I found with using stainless steel hex head screws, you’ll ensure the maximum bond between your decking and the frame.

When installing the mahogany wood decking, I found it aesthetically most attractive to create a picture-frame on the outside perimeter of the deck surface using long Mahogany decking boards.

Once the outer frame is installed, then the main Mahogany decking boards can be simply installed within this outer framework. The result is a cleaner line when viewed from a distance or standing on the deck itself.

Regarding the mahogany railing system, screws and bolts should be used exclusively as the material use in this part of the deck is typically thicker and requires more rigidity.


Staining or Sealing Mahogany Wood Decking

Mahogany wood decking takes paint and stain well, however I have preferred to apply a clear sealer. The clear sealer enables the natural red color of the Mahogany decking to shine through, while still providing a layer of protection from the environment. Typically I re-apply the clear sealer every year to continue to preserve the color. If you do not, the Mahogany will bleach out.

If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island and in need of a deck contractor, feel free to click on any highlighted link on this page, and you’ll be directed to my website.

Custom deck and porch contractor Massachusetts & Rhode Island

Filed Under: Decks-Porches, Home Improvement Resources & Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Finish-carpentry-techniques

August 12, 2009 By 2 Comments
Custom built railings

Custom built railings

Finish carpentry is one of many projects more and more home owners are doing on their own. A few reasons for this would be because of the economy and lack of money, or because of the amense availability of finish carpentry and home improvement information that is accessible. Sometimes even with all the information through books, videos, or the web people still have trouble figuring out and calculating tough angles and precision with finish carpentry. More reasons for this is because it is a type of craft that requires actually doing it and learning the different variables and problems involved with finish carpentry. For example, hanging doors, shimming, leveling, or just every time a stick of trim wood goes up and having to adjust complex angles. Some of the most common problems may include crooked framing, crooked floors, crooked walls, or maybe even something like extra wide jambs. Here I am going to give some advice and tips to help explain some of these variables and problems you might encounter while doing your own finish carpentry.
Trimming doors or windows
One common problem when installing the casing trim to the door or window, is the jamb does not come out flush to the sheetrock of the interior wall. This is particularly true in many older homes where horse-hair plaster can be found . One way to fix this problem, is by grabbing your hammer and hammering down the horse-hair plaster or sheet rock until it’s flush with the jamb. And another way is by adding furring strips to your door or window to increase the width of the jamb.
When Hanging Doors
I’ve found that instead of first hanging the door without trim, it’s best to install casing trim on one side makes installation much faster and easier in most cases. This of course does not hold true every time but for the most part it does. Be sure to case the side which goes to the inside of the room. To make it even quicker some times you can order or buy these doors precased on one side straight from the factory, store or lumber yard.


When trimming windows for the first time

Trimming out windows does take a little patients and practice so take your time with the miter cuts. Pay close attention to your reveals, you want the trim to be close to uniform as possible but, if you do need to adjust it a little bit to tighten up a miter that is okay as long as its just a small adjustment. The reveal is not as eye catching as seeing a wide open loose miter cut –so take your time. Have a look at some of your friends and families finish carpentry, you will see a wide variety and quality of work. However, some of the quality finish work looks really nice, and some is so bad you wonder how anyone in their right mind let it pass. I can almost be certain that your finish carpentry won’t be absolutely perfect every time so know your tolerances and what your expectations are that you will except from yourself. A good trimmer (finish carpenter) knows his tolerances well.
When Using hardwoods

When using hardwoods such as Maple or oak, try your best to stay away from the knots when nailing. If you shoot a nail close to the knot, you risk splitting the wood, and don’t nail directly into the knot otherwise good luck getting the nail out. Don’t fret if you happen to shoot a nail near a knot and the wood splits, in that case you can and in most cases fill it with wood filler.

Closely Match your Wood

For example, let’s say your working with oak. The color and wood grains in oak can vary quite a bit, so try to plan ahead of time by matching your wood to the project in hand to have a better finish look. For pieces of oak that don’t match quite well, try to use them in a less conspicuous place, such a closet or linen closet. This applies to any kind of project involving wood, not just oak.
When Taking Measurements

I find that in finish carpentry, it’s best to cut your piece of window or door trim to rough lengths, followed by marking with a pencil the area in which you intend to cut. In doing so, will give you precise and more accurate cut and having to less rely on the measuring tape.

I hope my tips on finish carpentry can help you along the way to completing your home improvement project. Just remember, take your time and dry fit everything to see how it fits before you nail it together.

For a finish carpenter in Massachusetts & Rhode Island – Hire us to do all of your finish carpentry needs

Filed Under: Finish Carpentry, Home Improvement Resources & Tips Tagged With: , ,

energy efficient replacement windows ma

August 12, 2009 By 4 Comments

Tips to Save Money This Year With Energy Efficient Doors

Exterior doors are the main focal point to your home when entering and existing your home. Therefore, purchasing a energy efficient door is a perfect place to start when trying to reduce your home heating/cooling costs. Down below I have some tips & tricks of the trades to give you more insight from a contractors point of view, and to better help you understand what to buy to recieve the 1,500 tax incentive.

Look For The Energy Star Label

Always, when buying a door, window, insulation, roofing and appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is collaborative program between the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Department of Energy, and their goal is to provide families and businesses across America with more energy efficient buildings. The doors and windows and other building supplies are put through a rigorous test to ensure their energy use, and only energy efficient doors and windows receive the label. So when your out looking for a new replacement windows and doors, look for the blue label.

What makes a door more energy efficient?

What makes a door more energy efficient?

To receive the new tax rebate your door must meet certain requirments

In order to receive the newly updated tax rebate, your door or window must have a U-Factor of .30 or less to qualify. What is a U-Factor? U-Factor is a measure of the door or window’s overall energy-efficiency, many door and windows have U-Factors of .31 or .32 – those don’t qualify!

Furthermore, your energy-efficient door or window must also have a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) OF .30 or less. Having a low SHGC will block the blistering heat that comes through the windows in the summer, reducing your the load on your air conditioning considerably- reducing cooling bills. Once again, .31 or .32 don’t qaulify! It has to be .30 or less!

Let’s look at other ways we can reduce our heating bills without buying a new door


With heating/cooling bill only on the rise, these helpful and cheaper tips will go a long-way in saving you $$$.

1. Test your existing door for air-leaks by inserting a dollar bill inbetween your door and close it. Next, try to see how easily it can be removed from the door. If the dollar bill removes easily, then you need to replace the weatherstripping around the inside of your door-jam.

Applying weatherstripping to your doors and windows, can reduce your heating/cooling bills by up to 10% – just with that home repair!

2. Check to see whether or not your door-sweep is working properly with the same dollar bill trick. If not, I think you already have the solution to that problem.. The door-sweep is located at the bottom of your door right above the threshold as you step in to your home.

3. Check your mail-slots to verify whether or not you need to apply weatherstripping to the back side of the mail-slot.

4. Look at the glazing on your windows, check to see if the sealant has worn out or not – if so, then repair it.

5. Step outside and have a look around your windows or door trim to see if there are any voids, holes, cracks, if there are any, seal them up with exterior caulking.

My final thoughts:

I hope these tips have been helpful in your goals to saving $$$ this year in energy efficiency savings. However, as a fully licensed & Insured contractor here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I can give you in home consultation and estimate for any of these home improvements described here – hassel free!

For energy efficient windows or energy efficient doors – click on any of the highlighted links provided free of charge!

MBM Construction

Filed Under: Home Improvement Resources & Tips Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Mahogany decking

August 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Mahogany deck

Mahogany decking comes in a wide-range of species and color, supplied by many countries around the globe. However, not all mahogany decking are alike. The type of mahogany decking you’ll find most here in Massachusetts and in the rest of the country will refer to — American Mahogany. American Mahogany has a very deep rich reddish color that most have come to enjoy, especially in New England where I’ve constructed many of these decks. American mahogany decking comes from primarily Mexico, Central and South America

Generally, Mahogany decking has been viewed by many contractors and homeowners for its decking being a hard and highly durable. Since mahogany decking is a harder more dense wood, it has the tendency not to buckle, split or warp. Also, please note Mahogany decking will be a little more expensive than pressure-treated decking, however it’s well worth the investment and looks great to home-buyers and is durable.

Fastening materials for securing Mahogany decking

As a deck contractor here in Ma., I prefer using stainless steel screws for decking installations. Other types of fasteners may not penetrate to well or not hold up to well. However, pre-drilling holes is mandatory if not using a nail gun. Even with stainless steel nails, they will bend trying to simply nail them into the mahogany wood decking. I found with using stainless steel hex head screws, you’ll ensure the maximum bond between your decking and the frame.

When installing the mahogany wood decking, I found it aesthetically most attractive to create a picture-frame on the outside perimeter of the deck surface using long Mahogany decking boards.


Once the outer frame is installed, then the main Mahogany decking boards can be simply installed within this outer framework. The result is a cleaner line when viewed from a distance or standing on the deck itself.

Regarding the mahogany railing system, screws and bolts should be used exclusively as the material use in this part of the deck is typically thicker and requires more rigidity.

Staining or Sealing Mahogany Wood Decking

Mahogany wood decking takes paint and stain well, however I have preferred to apply a clear sealer. The clear sealer enables the natural red color of the Mahogany decking to shine through, while still providing a layer of protection from the environment. Typically I re-apply the clear sealer every year to continue to preserve the color. If you do not, the Mahogany will bleach out.

If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island and in need of a deck contractor, feel free to click on any highlighted link on this page, and you’ll be directed to my website.

Custom deck and porch contractor Massachusetts & Rhode IslandTechnorati Profile

Filed Under: Decks-Porches, Home Improvement Resources & Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

How To Do a Roof Repair

August 12, 2009 By 2 Comments

roofing
There’s nothing more aggravating than coming home and finding a yellowish stain on your ceiling caused from a roof leak, or worse, having to place buckets under the roof leak. Having a roof leak is a problem you want to solve immediately, or risk further damages and higher costly roof repairs.
In this article, I will explain to you how to do simple repairs to your roof. I’ll show you what procedures to use and what tools you’ll need to properly fix your roof leak correctly and safely. The faster you address your roof leak, the less likely you’ll have to worry about having rot, mold growth, and also, having mushy wet parts of your ceiling falling down damaging your rug or floor.


Roof Evaluation

1. The first step you want to take in evaluation your roof leak, is to go up into your attic with a flash light, measuring tape and a notebook. This way here, you can write down exact locations of your roof leak.
2. The second step you want to make is, shine your flash light up and along the rafters of your roof. You want to look for stains on your sheathing/underlayment. If there isn’t any stains to be found, this might be the first leak, and you
might not have any mold or underlayment damage. Next, have a look around your roof rafters, the ridge of your roof for anything wet, or damp. Once you’ve located the problem, or haven’t located the problem, don’t stop there!
3. Step three, have a look at all of your mechanicals, I.e vents, ducts, bathroom vents, etc.. You never know, you might not have a roof leak at all – That beats climbing on top of a roof! Feel around your duct work, be sure there isn’t any holes or penetrations in the duct work that would cause a leak. Locate your bathroom vent, be sure there isn’t any water trapped in the vent lines, or holes that could be the cause of your leak.
Use Caution

Once you have finished evaluating your roof, mechanics, and roof leak location(s), proceed to follow my roof repair guide. Note: If you don’t have the proper tools or skillset to repair you roof, hire a professional roof repair contractor. A roofing contractor has the proper skills and balance to climb on your roof and repair safely and correctly. So use caution when attempting your roof repair, you don’t want to risk a serious injury, or become paralyzed.
Tools required to perform a roof repair

* Strong ladder, one that can extend past the gutter line safely and efficiently

* Roof jacks with strong wood planks to safely stand upon

* Roof flashing

* Roof cement

* Roofing nails

* Hammer

* Flat-bar

* Roofing shingles

roof repair guide

How to repair your roof
Once you have properly set up your equipment and located the roof leak, proceed to do the following steps.
1. Grab your flat-bar and start to gently lift up your damaged roof shingle, use illustration below.
Once you have safely lifted up your damaged roof shingle, follow this step.
2. Final step, grab a piece of metal flashing to cover the damaged area, one that extends past both tabs of the roof shingle. Once you have inserted the metal flashing under your roof shingle, dab roof cement under the metal flashing and on top of the metal flashing, to correctly bond the shingles together. Have a look at the illustration below.
roof repair guide 2
Once you’ve finished the steps to repairing your roof, test your repair the following day to feel reassured you correctly solve the roof leak by doing a water test with your garden hose. This step takes two people, so have one of your buddy’s stay up in the attic while you spray your roof with water. If it passes the test, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

Once again, if your roof is too steep, or you feel your not up to the challenge, hire a professional roof repair contractor. And if you’re located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, Hire us to do your roof repair MA, RI !

If your flat or low slope roof is leaking and needs  to be fixed, hire a flat roof repair contractor specializing in rubber roofs, modified bitumen and rolled asphalt roof repairs, and servicing all of MA, CT and RI.

Filed Under: Home Improvement Resources & Tips, Roofs Tagged With: , , , ,

Bamboo Flooring

August 12, 2009 By 2 Comments

If your next home improvement project involves updating your floors with the environment on your mind, than look no further than “solid bamboo flooring.” Bamboo flooring has been recognized for its hardness, durability, and for being “eco-friendly” to the environment. This awareness for being environmentally friendly and its renewability is why bamboo flooring has been steadily growing in popularity.
What makes Bamboo Environmentally Friendly

Bamboo is actually a type of grass that can mature into a material that can rival many hardwood floors. Bamboo is a fast growing plant unlike most hardwood trees that are used for flooring, bamboo can be harvested for use within just five years of being planted; regular hardwood trees can only be harvested after they are about 40 to 60 years old. Bamboo is also incredibly resilient and once cut down will continue to grow year after year as long as the plant is taken care of. This is what makes bamboo such a renewable source of flooring material, and why it’s often associated with environmentally minded choices for flooring.


Carbonized and Natural Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is available and produced in two choices of colors – carbonized and natural flooring. The colors of bamboo flooring is determined by their manufacturing processes which involve boiling. Carbonized bamboo flooring has the appearence of a smokey, carmel color in which is the result of longer boiling processes. Natural bamboo appears to have the looks of a creamy blonde color give that look a feel of warmth and brightness to the interior of your home. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Natural bamboo. During the boiling process, Natural bamboo remains to be the harder bamboo flooring – 30% stronger over carbonized! Either way, both bamboo flooring styles can be as hard as natural maple or oak flooring.
Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring

Strand-woven bamboo flooring is a manufacturing process that leaves very little wasted. The excess bamboo material left over from the filleting process which goes into making natural and carbonized bamboo flooring are compressed, intertwined and bound together to make Strand woven flooring. The binding process of strand woven flooring is a safe, UV resistant and scratch-resistant resin which also makes the bamboo even more resistant to moisture. The manufacturing process of compression results in a very hard, very durable type of bamboo flooring that has grain patterns that are more like those of a hardwood floor.

Once again, if your next home improvement involves updating your floors, and you have the environment on your mind – consider bamboo flooring as your way of saving the environment.

Filed Under: Flooring, Home Improvement Resources & Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,
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