SJ Carpentry

Affordable Bathroom Upgrades

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:14:26 GMT

Bathroom Upgrade #1: Transforming the look of your bathroom

Looking for a quick home project to do this winter? Tackling a bathroom or two is a great way to upgrade your home. In this blog, we’ll go over some small and affordable bathroom upgrades that you can make.

Bathroom Upgrade #2: Making small changes

If you’re not looking to do anything as involved as paint, flooring, or a backsplash, you can still make your bathroom feel brand new with a few simple upgrades:

If you’re looking to tackle some bathroom renovations this winter, SJ Carpentry is here to help!

If you’re looking simply for a refresh of your bathroom, consider the following upgrades:

Choose SJ Carpentry

Paint: changing the paint color of your bathroom is one of the cheapest ways to make your bathroom feel like it’s brand new.
Backsplash: though it’s more complicated than paint, adding a backsplash (or replacing the existing backsplash) in your bathroom can help elevate the look and feel of your bathroom, without breaking the bank.
Flooring: new flooring is another inexpensive way to refresh the look of your bathroom. A few affordable flooring materials are standard vinyl, linoleum, ceramic, and concrete.

Upgrading the shower head: when’s the last time you swapped out your shower head? If you can’t remember, it might be a good time to head to your nearest home improvement store and grab a new one. They are relatively cheap, but for some upgraded features you can spend a little bit more.
Lighting: whether it be just the lightbulbs itself, or entirely new lighting fixtures, making small improvements to the lighting in your bathroom can transform how the room feels.
Cabinet fixtures: cabinet fixtures are a small upgrade which can make your bathroom instantly feel more luxurious.
Faucet: though it requires some plumbing work, swapping out your faucet for a new, more luxurious faucet can be a significant upgrade to your bathroom.
Decorations: even something as simple as adding new decor can help spruce up your bathroom.

Easy Winter Home Improvement Projects You Can Do To Upgrade Your Home

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:56:09 GMT

Addressing Insulation and Energy Efficiency

During the winter months, especially in New England, it’s common to spend more time inside. This is a great time to get a few projects around the house completed! In this blog, we’re going to highlight some simple winter home projects that you can complete to upgrade your home.

Upgrading your livable space

Another great, inexpensive way to give your house a new look and feel this winter is by making small upgrades to your existing liveable space.

Re-grout your bathroom: Re-grouting your bathroom can help prevent leaks and mold buildup. It also helps tiles stay in place. It’s rather inexpensive but can save you hundreds in costs if you decide to renovate in the future.
Appliance maintenance: Appliance maintenance helps your appliances last longer. Performing simple cleanings on a monthly or yearly basis, depending on how often the equipment manufacturer recommends, can help keep your appliances running for years to come. This can help save you thousands in future appliance costs.
Check your electrical box to ensure everything is up to code: Checking your electrical box to ensure everything is up to code is a good way to ensure the safety of everyone in your home. Electrical fries can occur if your electrical box is using faulty or old wires, or if it’s not up to code. We recommend consulting with a licensed electrician when looking at your electrical box.
Create a timeline for major home upgrades moving forward: We know that there are lots of really expensive upgrades that you may eventually need to make to your home. Winter is a good time to examine what was replaced when, and when you may need to replace it again, so you can start budgeting. Look at things like the roof, furnace, windows, outside doors, and driveway payment to start.

If you find home heating and energy bills increasing every year, consider addressing some projects to help increase the energy efficiency of your home, and keep the heat in:

Is your winter home improvment project list starting to feel a bit long? Consider choosing SJ Carpentry to help you tackle a few, or all of your winter projects!

Quality of life upgrades

Choose SJ Carpentry for Your Winter Home Improvement Projects

Cleaning furnace and replacing the filter in your HVAC system: Cleaning your furnace will increase its life span, and replacing the filter in your HVAC system will prevent allergens and dust from building up .
Adding energy efficient insulation in the main floor or upstairs: Adding some energy insulation to your liveable space can help improve temperature regulation and reduce energy costs .
Smart thermostat installation: Hooking up a smart thermostat to your heating system can help you access your home’s heating remotely, as well as have preset heating levels for different times of the day. Automating how your home is heated can help you use less heat, or more heat when you need it.
Replace windows and doors with a lot of draft: Replacing aspects of your house that have access to the outdoors, such as windows and doors, can help reduce draft, which will in turn help prevent you from needing to turn up the heat. It’s an expensive project, but even just starting with a room or two can help with needing less heat. We recommend starting with the rooms you spend the most time in: your kitchen, living room, and any bedrooms.
Insulate your basement to make it a livable space: Are your kids getting older and looking to have their own area? Or do you want to have a finished off storage space in your basement? Regardless, adding some insulation to your basement is a great step to help finish off your basement and make it a liveable space.

Paint a room or two: Paint is the cheapest way to make a room feel brand new. If there’s a couple rooms that you feel need a new “vibe”, go ahead and put some new paint on those walls! If you don’t feel like painting the entire room, add an accent wall (link: blog with accent wall mention)
Upgrade your living room lighting: Upgrading lights is another inexpensive way to upgrade the look and feel of a room without changing much else. If overhead lighting feels too bright, consider buying some lamps and have multiple, smaller lights throughout the room.
Creating a relaxing nook: Do you have a corner of your house that just doesn’t have a purpose? Or a closet area that you’re not currently using? Creating a relaxing nook where you can read books, take a nap, or unwind is a simple but effective way to utilize unused square feet.
Making small upgrades to your kitchen: Making small upgrades to your kitchen, like painting cabinets, updating the backsplash, or changing out cabinet fixtures can instantly help increase the value of your kitchen and provides simple upgrades to make the area feel like new.

Common kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:51:14 GMT

Kitchen Renovation Mistake #1: Poor Planning / Not Having a Vision

Kitchen renovations can be extremely exciting. The kitchen is the heart of a home; it’s where meals are prepared and countless memories are made. Kitchen renovations are exciting because you’re given an opportunity to make the heart of your home look exactly the way you want it to. However, some common mistakes can cause your renovation to go sideways if you’re not careful. Be sure to be mindful of these things as you plan and execute your kitchen renovation:

Kitchen Renovation Mistake #2: Neglecting Lighting

Lighting is extremely important to add to a kitchen renovation. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but you need to make sure you account for having enough light to ensure your kitchen feels welcoming. Practically speaking, you should also make sure you have adequate light in the places where you’ll be preparing food so that you can see what you’re doing. It’s important to think about this during the planing stage because you may need to have electrical work done to allow for adequate lighting.

Choosing inconsistent materials can lead to a kitchen renovation looking wonky, and it can lead to things not lining up perfectly to create a seamless experience in the kitchen. You can choose to vary up colors for certain things, but make sure you choose one material for a certain aspect of the project, like flooring, and stick to it to ensure consistency in the final look.

The first and most important thing that you need when renovating a big space such as a kitchen is a vision for what the final product will look like. Having a vision and a robust plan helps you methodically plan out the process for how the renovation will go, and will reveal any obstacles to getting from start to finish. Thinking about how you’re going to address obstacles and challenges now can help prevent delays and costly mistakes in the future parts of the renovation.

It’s becoming easier than ever nowadays to DIY a complicated renovation from start to finish, with the help of YouTube videos and other helpful resources. However, if you’re not a professional, chances are this is the first time you’re taking on a project of this magnitude. It can be a massive risk to take on a project this large on your own if you’re a first-timer. We recommend reaching out to specialists to help with the following aspects of a kitchen renovation, just to be safe:

Many people want to create the grand kitchen of their dreams. However, this may not be possible in your current house. If you already have a small kitchen and are looking to expand the size of it to incorporate amenities such as a larger island, a butler’s pantry, or a breakfast nook, you may need to look at expanding the layout of your house, or taking square footage from another room. These can be costly additions to the price of your kitchen renovation.

Kitchen Renovation Mistake #3: Choosing Inconsistent Materials

Kitchen Renovation Mistake #4: Overestimating your skills on a DIY project

Kitchen Renovation Mistake #5: Not having enough space

Plumber
Electrician
Kitchen cabinet installer
Kitchen countertop installer
Kitchen appliance installer

For all things kitchen renovation, we are ready to help you make your vision a reality. Click “get a quote” below to get the conversation started; we’d love to hear how we can help you!

Choose SJ Carpentry

What protocols should I be following for proper construction safety?

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:47:23 GMT

Before You Start: Pre-Renovation Planning for Construction Safety

Even for the smallest of renovations, following proper construction safety precautions is one of the key factors in executing every phase of the process without hurting yourself or causing unnecessary damage. According to Nationwide Insurance , some common workplace injuries can include falling from a ladder, inhaling lost of dust, and electrical shock. Let’s go over some proper safety precautions that are both mandated and are a good idea to follow:

Wearing Protective Equipment

Here’s some helpful items that will equip you with the necessary protection to be safe in a construction zone:

Here are some common hazards found in construction zones, and how to approach them so that you don’t get injured:

It’s important to be intentional about your planning before you even pick up the demolition tools. The majority of the prudence you’ll exercise with safety is planned out here. Let’s review a few:

Ladders: Use a ladder to reach a high place, such as a roof or a room with a tall ceiling, instead of climbing another structure.
Fall zones: Set up padding below you when using a ladder to catch you if you fall. Set up a large fall zone that covers multiple scenarios: if you fall straight down, to the left or right, or if the ladder tips backwards.
Safety fences: Set up some barricades to prevent unwanted guests from entering into unsafe zones during construction.

Hard hat: A hard hat will help protect you against any objects that may fall on your head and against any impact from falling from a high place. If there are straps you can attach to ensure the hard hat stays on, be sure to use them so that the hard hat has a better chance of staying on.
Safety glasses/goggles: Safety goggles help protect your eyes from glass, wood chips, or any other small objects that may go flying during a renovation. Even if you think you don’t need to wear eye goggles, please be sure to keep them on. Often times small objects will come flying at your head and hit your eye when you’re least expecting it. Eye goggles are preferred because of the band that goes around your head.
Face shield: For extra protection, it’s a good idea to wear a face shield as well. This protects your entire face, not just your eyes.
High-visibility clothing: This is especially important when you’re working at night or in dark spaces. Even if you’re working alone, it’s good to ensure you’re visible. Wearing work clothing that is durable is important as well. Don’t sacrifice durability just to get highly visible clothing.
Work boots: Wear work boots that are heavy-duty, and are water proof as well. You never know when you’ll run into a project where you’re knees deep in water. Purchase boots that are puncture proof as well, to protect yourself against sharp falling objects. If you can, get steel-toed boots so that if heavy objects fall on your feet, they will be protected from the weight.
Earplugs or earmuffs: Good for loud construction zones, or when you’re using power tools.

If you're looking to renovate part of your home, look no farther than SJ Carpentry. We'll work with you, from initial design to final touches, to ensure your renovation is exactly the way you dreamed of it.

Create a safety plan. This outlines all of the safety precautions you’ll be taking and any equipment you’ll be using to keep yourself and others safe.
Wear protective equipment (PPE). Wearing protective equipment, such as goggles, a hard hat, and a safety vest ensures you’re minimising any risk of injury.
Confirm you have all the right permits. In order to be in compliance with Massachusetts town and state regulations, ensure you research and apply for all of the right permits for your renovation.
Communicate your plan with other parties involved. If you’re doing the project yourself, communicate the construction safety plan with other members of your household. If you’re a contractor, communicate the safety plan with the homeowners and any subcontractors.

Hazards to Watch Out For

Opportunities to slip, trip, and fall: Watch out for uneven and slippery ground. Mark off areas where you might run into a hazard that causes you to lose your balance.
Getting struck by an object: Be aware of moving objects, or objects that have little to no support and could fall at a moment’s notice.
Getting pinned between two objects: Be clear of where moving objects are at all times, and communicate with others that may be operating equipment where you could get pinned.
Project site has collapsed: Be cautious when spending time in unsupported or incomplete structures or excavation sites. If you work alone, consider bringing a companion along to ensure you don’t get trapped under collapsed debris.
Getting electrocuted: Identify exposed or faulty wiring, or any power tools that may be plugged in. Turn off electricity before touching outlets. Unplug items that you’re not actively using.
Exposure to toxic chemicals: Wear protective equipment. Consider having an inspector look at the project site before demolition to eliminate risk of exposure to chemicals from the home, such as asbestos, lead paint, etc.

Helpful Safety Tools

Choose SJ Carpentry For Your Next Renovation

What goes into a good general contractor’s estimate?

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:21:36 GMT

Why does the quality of the general contractor's estimate matter?

When discerning a contractor to work with for a build project, such as a kitchen renovation, new deck, or some finish work in your master bedroom, it’s important to know and understand exactly what you’re getting for what you pay for. Renovation projects often aren’t cheap, so your hope is to get high quality work.

Setting the standard for communication

What makes up a “good” estimate?

There are several components that make up a good build estimate, including:

How to evaluate a contractor’s estimate?

The most important things to look for in detail in a build estimate is an itemized list of al costs, as well as ensuring the contractor has the necessary insurance and building permits to complete your renovation. It’s also a good idea to compare the contractor’s estimate to other bids as well.

This is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s important to note that the estimate should include not only what materials are being used, but an itemized list of quantities and variations of materials that might be needed as well.

In evaluating the quality of a general contractor's estimate, it’s important to highlight the importance of transparency. In an ideal world, an estimate is the first step towards transparent communication between the contractor and the client. Including as much information as possible, in a way that is easy to understand, is a key function of the build estimate. If information isn’t being conveyed in a clear and understandable way, a client may be underpaying, or overpaying, without actually knowing it. Or there may be design elements that are being left out without them realizing it.

Along with online or word-of-mouth reviews of a general contractor, estimates can be an indicator of great or poor craftsmanship. If an estimate is vague or looks incomplete, always ask questions to the contractor. Since you’ll be spending a decent amount on your renovation, you want it to look right, and be done right, the first time. The contractor is not the only one doing due diligence during the build estimation process. You’re also determining whether or not the contractor is trustworthy enough to be handed the keys to your renovation dreams.

Risk of poor craftsmanship

Scope of the work and analysis of the building site:

Materials

Labor costs

This will determine how much you’re paying the contractor (or associated employees or subcontractors) on top of the cost of materials and equipment. The labor costs can sometimes indicate the quality of work you’re receiving, depending on whether the labor costs are higher or lower. Don’t rely only on the projected labor costs to determine whether the contractor is reliable, though.

Looking to get started on a renovation for your home? Or looking to build something new outside, like a deck, pergola, or pavilion? SJ Carpentry can help you through the estimate process. We prioritize transparent communication to ensure that our clients are certain they're making the right decision partnering with us. Click below to get started today.

This helps both parties understand exactly what the contractor plans to do, and how well the project can be done based on the environment in which the work is being done.

Subcontractor input

If the contractor needs to hire any subcontractors for the job, it should be included in the estimate as well. This would be a place to name the subcontractors and provide their scope of work, materials, costs, etc. Think of it as a mini-estimate within an estimate.

Contingency allowance

This is extremely important to include in the build estimate. There will always be unexpected road bumps in the renovation process, so having a small percentage of funds set aside for unexpected expenses, side-projects, or need to go over the projected labor costs is a good idea to include in the estimate.

Profit margin

This outlines how much of a profit the contractor will be taking, in addition to all other costs. This ensures that the contractor can allocate funds to pay for other aspects of their business.

Choose SJ Carpentry for your next building project

Transform Your Space: The Ultimate Bedroom Renovation Checklist

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 09:09:30 GMT

Planning Stage

Renovating your bedroom can be an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you're looking to create a serene retreat or a vibrant and dynamic space, having a comprehensive plan is essential for a successful transformation. This checklist will guide you through the stages of your bedroom renovation, ensuring that you create a space that reflects your personal style while optimizing functionality and comfort.

What is your vision for the space?

Designing Stage

A well-thought-out layout is key to maximizing your bedroom’s functionality. Start by measuring your space, noting the location of windows, doors, and any built-in fixtures. Create a floor plan that accommodates your bed, storage options, and any additional furniture you desire. Consider the flow of the space, ensuring there’s adequate room to move around comfortably.

Demolition Stage

If your renovation plan includes major changes like knocking down walls or removing fixtures, safety is paramount. Ensure you have the necessary tools, safety gear, and knowledge to carry out these tasks. It may be wise to consult a professional if you're unsure about any demolition work.

Putting Everything Together

Begin the renovation process by tackling the essentials first. This includes tasks like flooring installation, painting walls, and moving large furniture pieces into place. Focusing on foundational elements will set the stage for the rest of your design.

The colors you choose for your bedroom will set the tone for the entire space. Take time to explore various color palettes that appeal to you and align with your vision. Consider using a mix of neutral shades for a calming effect or bold colors for a statement look. Don’t forget to factor in the amount of natural light your room receives, as this can influence how colors appear in the space.

Before diving into the renovation, take a moment to envision your ideal bedroom. Consider your lifestyle needs, aesthetic preferences, and the atmosphere you want to create. Do you prefer a minimalist style, or are you drawn to a more eclectic approach? Jot down ideas, gather inspiration from magazines or online resources, and define a clear vision to guide your renovation process.

Inspiration can come from a variety of sources including interior design blogs, social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, or even nature itself. Identify design styles or specific elements that resonate with you. This will not only help streamline your design process but also ensure that your bedroom renovation feels cohesive and well-planned.

What bedroom renovations are you taking inspiration from?

Planning out your layout

Planning out your color scheme

Planning out your decorations

Decorations play a vital role in bringing your design to life. Think about the artwork, textiles, and decorative items you want to incorporate. Consider elements like wall art, cushions, throws, and decorative rugs to add warmth and personality. Aim for a balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring your decor complements your overall design scheme.

Take proper safety precautions

Mark off anything you don't want to destroy

Once you’re ready to start, clearly mark out areas that will remain intact. Use tape or other markers to avoid any accidental damage to walls, floors, or fixtures that you plan on keeping. A precise approach during demolition will save you time and money in the long run.

Start with the essentials

The Decorating Stage

With the essentials in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Decorate your space with your selected artwork, textiles, and decorative items. Pay attention to how the colors and textures work together, and make any adjustments needed to achieve a cohesive look. This is where your vision truly comes to life, so take your time to enjoy the process!

Conclusion

A successful bedroom renovation blends thoughtful planning with a personal touch. By following this checklist, you can transform your space into a sanctuary that reflects your unique style and meets your needs. Remember, the journey of renovation is just as rewarding as the final outcome—embrace the process and enjoy every step along the way!

Choose SJ Carpentry for Your Bedroom Renovation

Looking to transform your bedroom? Whether it’s your master bedroom, guest bedroom, or a child’s room, we can bring your vision to life with our handiwork. Click below to get a quote today.

Top Kitchen Remodel Trends To Look Out For in 2025

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:35:27 GMT

How long does it take to renovate a kitchen?

The kitchen is the center of your home. It’s where meals are prepared, dinner parties are hosted, and beautiful memories are made with your family. Your kitchen’s value doesn’t just lie in the memories created there, though. Your kitchen is also one of the most valuable parts of your home. You can boost the value of your home significantly by remodeling your kitchen , to ensure that it looks up-to-date and is in functional for what buyers are looking for. Remodeling your kitchen also allows you to design a kitchen that is both functional and looks exactly the way you want it to. There are many trends that come and go for kitchen remodels; let’s explore a few of them below.

How long your kitchen remodel takes depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on whether you are using parts that are easily accessible, such as at Home Depot or Lowe’s, or parts that need to be custom ordered, or even shipped from overseas. Secondly, it depends on the complexity of the project. If the interior of the kitchen needs to be exposed to the outside at any time during the renovation, such as windows being replaced, weather delays might occur as well, lengthening the project. Expect minor updates to take a couple of weeks, and a complete overhaul to potentially take a couple of months. If you’re doing the project yourself, depending on how much time is available to you, it might take even longer.

How much value can you add to your home by remodeling your kitchen?

According to Fairmont Kitchen Center , you can increase the return on your investment of upgrading your kitchen by as much as 31.7% for major remodels, and by 85.7% for minor remodel projects. This means that for every dollar you spend on the project, you are creating additional value for your home. The reason that there is a higher ROI on minor remodels versus major remodels is because of the average costs of minor versus major remodels. Minor remodels tend to cost less, but they tend to create nearly double the value of the cost. Major remodels cost much more than minor remodels, and they create more value than a minor remodel, but not at the same rate as a minor remodel.

Full remodel vs minor facelift: what should I do?

Does this mean that you should only stick to minor remodels and avoid major ones? Not necessarily. If you’re looking to totally overhaul your kitchen, you shouldn’t fret. If you have a specific design in mind for your kitchen that involves things such as tearing down a wall, adding an island, or re-configuring the entire space, it’s not a bad idea to go forward with that, especially if you’ll still be living in the house for a while.

Kitchen design trends to consider in 2025

According to House Beautiful , here are some things you can think about when planning your kitchen renovation:

Dining nooks

Creating a space in your kitchen to dine-in without having an entire table in the center of the room can be an efficient and cozy way to enhance the space, without needing to cram anything else in there.

Plaster range hoods

They can give a classy and organic look to your kitchen, and act as one of the design focal pieces. If you’re going for an organic look in your kitchen, this is definitely one to consider.

Cabinets that are colorful

Adding a hint of accent color to your kitchen by making the cabinets pop a bit is a simple way to add some personality to your kitchen, without it looking busy.

Dining furniture that also acts as storage

There are a lot of things to store in your kitchen. We get that. Instead of building more countertop space, or squeezing more cabinets into your kitchen, consider putting some of your less frequently used items in storage that can act as seating, as well as storage underneath.

An island for communal seating

For those looking to make a statement in their kitchen, consider adding an island to your design plan. It can add some extra space for eating, entertaining guests, cooking and preparing food, as well as extra storage space.

Kitchen material trends to look out for in 2025

According to House Beautiful, here are some considerations you can use kitchen remodel materials:

Use gold fixtures and accessories

Gold can add a subtle sense of elegance to your kitchen, without being over-the-top.

Use a blend of different materials

Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit. If something looks appealing to you, don’t be afraid to mix and match and try new and different things.

Use warm woods

Using warm woods can help make a space feel larger and more inviting.

Kitchen color combinations to look out for in 2025

According to Country Living , here are some kitchen color combinations you should consider using in 2025:

All white kitchen

An all white kitchen can be very classy, and make a space feel larger than it actually is. It’s always been a classic design. Just remember that every shade of white is not the same. Some whites will be warmer, and some will be a bit cooler, and that might have an effect on how your kitchen remodel comes out.

Kitchen cabinet colors

A couple of great colors for kitchen cabinets are earth green, blue and white, as well as grey, yellow, and red.

Keep contrast in mind

Having contrast can be a good or bad thing in your kitchen, depending on what you want the final design to look like. If you want there to be a stark contrast between the countertops, walls, flooring, and cabinets, make sure to take that into account when you’re planning out your colors. It’s probably a good idea to at least add some contrast between the cabinets and any handles or fixtures that you’re using.

Don’t be afraid to be you

If you plan on living in the house you’re renovating for a while, don’t be afraid to add some of your personality to your color choices. If you prefer bold colors, choose bold colors for your kitchen to help express yourself. If you prefer muted colors that go together but don’t stand out, that is also a great choice. It all depends on how you want your home to be an expression of who you are.

Choose SJ Carpentry for your kitchen renovation

Planning a kitchen renovation soon? We can help you get started with the design and work with you from start to finish to create the kitchen of your dreams. Click below to contact us.

How to enhance your backyard by building a beautiful deck

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 19:34:29 GMT

How to choose a design for a deck

Decks are a great, multi-functional way to enhance your outdoor space. Decks are structures that are located adjacent to, or connected to, your house . Though decks are typically thought to be at the back of your house, decks can be situated anywhere in relation to your house; the front, side, or back. Decks are multi-functional as well; they can lead to a pool, or a patio area with a firepit, or just host an outdoor dining set. They provide an opportunity to enhance your backyard with flexibility, helping you create a beautiful outdoor space.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a design for your deck. The first thing to consider is the purpose of your deck. Do you typically entertain a lot of people outdoors? Do you want it to lead out to something else? Are you planning on just adding some nice decorations to the deck? Combine this with how much space you have available to build, and you can start to visualize your design. Sometimes, it helps to make a drawing on paper, even if it’s just a rough sketch, with some rough measurements.

Next, you want to start thinking about the visual aesthetics of the deck. Your purpose of the deck will influence what you decide upon here. It might also be helpful to look online for inspiration pictures for the design as well. Once you’ve decided upon some of the beginning details, a contractor like us can often help you mock up a full design of your deck, helping to bring all of the small details to life. At this point, you’ll also want to think about colors and materials as well. We’ll get more into materials in the next section. Your aesthetic of the deck shouldn’t stand out from your home’s design and style; it should serve as a natural extension of what you’ve already built .

What materials should I choose for a deck?

According to This Old House , there are several different types of decking material. Wood decking is the most common choice; it can be customized to your liking by staining or painting it. There are also environmental benefits to choosing wood for your decking material. However, it can splinter easier than other materials, and it’s the most susceptible to things like rot and insects if the wood isn’t properly taken care of and maintained over time.

Composite decking is another eco-friendly option. Made from wood fibers and recycled plastic, it’s more resistant to rotting and insects, so it can last a bit longer than a wooden deck. It’s definitely an investment, though, because it costs more than wood decking, and there are limited options for you to customize things like the color or exact wood used.

PVC decking is even more expensive than wood or composite decking but it also provides more benefits as well. It is very low maintenance and is very resistant to rot and the elements. It is also more customizable, compared to composite decking. It also can be very slippery after it rains, which can be a concern for Massachusetts builders. It also might look less natural than other materials mentioned in this blog.

Lastly, metal decking provides strength, durability, and fire-resistance, but it’s also more expensive, and it’s quite limited in terms of customizability.

How long does it take to build a deck?

There are several factors that can influence how long it takes to build your dream deck. The first is whether you are re-building a deck that already has a solid foundation, or building a completely new one. If you’re building a completely new deck, that can take much longer than simply building on the foundation of a previous deck. There might also need to be some yard prep that needs to happen before the deck goes in. You might need to flatten out your yard, or at the very least dig holes to pour concrete for your foundation. Before digging, we recommend calling 811 to ensure that your yard is safe to dig, and that there is nothing running underneath your yard that could be a cause for concern, like pipes or electrical wires.

The size and complexity of your deck also factor into how long it could take to build your deck as well. For a smaller deck with a more simple design, it would take shorter than a larger deck with a more intricate design, and lots of extra finish work to do.

To summarize, depending on several different factors, it could take anywhere from a few day project to several weeks to complete the construction of your deck.

Looking to add a deck to your backyard?

SJ Carpentry can help you design and build your dream deck, to instantly elevate your outdoor space. Whether you’re building a new deck from scratch, or just updating what’s already there, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us below to get the conversation started, and we’ll reach back out as soon as we’re able.

How to build a shed that’s functional, eye-catching, and durable

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:57:16 GMT

What materials should I use to build a shed?

A shed is a structure placed in your yard a fair distance away from the home, that is often used to store outdoor maintenance materials , such as gardening supplies, a lawn mower, or power tools. Regardless of what it’s holding, your shed can both serve a functional purpose, while being durable and pleasing to the eye as well. Continue reading for some tips on how to create a functional, eye-catching, and durable shed.

There are several types of wood that are good for building a shed. According to Backyard Oasis, some good options are pressure treated pine, fir, redwood, and engineered woods like plywood . If you’re looking to go the more affordable route, pressure-treated pine is your best option. If you’re looking for the most durable material, plywood might be your best bet.

How do I design a shed?

When designing a shed, you want to think about a couple of things. First, what functionality is your deck serving? Do you need a big interior space to put a tractor or snowblower, or can you put more shelving in for your gardening equipment? Answering these questions will also help to determine your size. In terms of color and aesthetic, you can have a bit more fun with this compared to a deck, since it’s a standalone structure. It can complement your house, but doesn’t have to look exactly like it. You can also look online for inspiration photos to base your design off of.

How long does it take to build a shed?

This depends on several factors. The first is whether you plan on doing this yourself, or with the help of a contractor. If this is a project that you plan on tackling on the weekends, it might take a bit longer than if a contractor is completing the project for you. Another variable to think about is how large you want the shed to be. The large the shed, the longer it might take. If you need prep work done to your yard, such as flattening out the ground to make a solid base for your shed, that might also add to the time needed to complete the project. Lastly, if you have a more complex design for your shed, with custom interior modules, or an intricate exterior design, that will more than likely take more time. Once you have all of these variables in place, you’ll start to figure out whether this is a weekend project, or it could take a few weeks.

Choose SJ Carpentry to build your shed

Looking to add a shed to your backyard? SJ Carpentry can help design and build a shed that is eye-catching, functional, and durable. We’ll work with you from start to finish, to ensure that your vision is being implemented, every step of the way.

When thinking about maximizing the space inside of your shed, think about building vertically, not just horizontally. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a very large structure in your yard that isn’t connected to your house. And if that’s what you need to fit things like a tractor, then that’s great. If not, and you’re mostly just storing lots of smaller, outdoor supplies, utilizing wall space will be your biggest asset to properly organize your tools and other outdoor materials. Something you can also think about is whether any of your tools could have a custom organization module made for it. If you’d like anything like that made, the shed could take more time, but it could also add extra functionality to the structure.