Why is Toilet Flange Too High and How to Fix it?

Imagine walking into bathroom after remodeling and seeing toilet drain flange sticking out of the floor and it seems to be too high.

This issue is common to see in old house bathroom remodeling jobs. Inexperienced project managers and general contractors don’t need to panic because there is always a solution with easy fix.

Immediately there will be questions such as:

What Caused Toilet Flange to be Too High?
Immediate and Cost Effective Fixes
What Are Potential Problems with High Flange?

Remodel On Point team wants to tackle these questions and give detailed information to all home owners or general contractors that are in beginning of career path.

What Causes Toilet Flange to be Too High?

Smart remodeling companies always get to the root cause of an issue to prevent reoccurrence. We don’t want to blame anyone, but preventing an issue before it happens is the easiest way to save money.

3 Main Causes for Flange Being too High

Plumber Installed Drain Too High
Defected Flange or Connection
Multiple Layers of Floor Tiles

Understanding what to look for before starting remodeling project is going to save time and money. More so, knowledgeable salesman can use all information to sign the project.

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Plumber Installed Drain Too High – Replacing old drain with new has few stages. During rough ins, new drain pipe is installed usually higher than it will end up. It’s easier for everyone to work around it and cut pipe later in the process.

Don’t throw plumbers under the bus yet. Everyone works differently, and supervisor on jobsite should remind expectations and all details that workers need to comply with.

Just remind them to cut it down and let plumbers know exact thickness of tiles with cement mix.

Defected Flange or Connection – Every material has defects or issues at work. It may not be often, but once in a blue moon we see defected flanges that don’t go that easy on drain pipe no matter how we try.

If everything was done properly, replacement of flange piece would solve everything. Regular flange costs around $10 and can go as high as $50 for high end toilets.

Stay away from anything under that price or you will have issues with height and connection.

Multiple Layers of Floor Tiles – Older homes have layers over layers of flooring and tiles. This is because during previous project contractors wanted to save money, and installed layer of tiles on top without demolishing it first.

Now when we remove everything properly and put only one tile on the floor, flange would be about 1 inch higher than its supposed to be.

Simple Fix When Toilet Flange Too High

Those who are reading this article probably have their flange installed too high and now looking for a simple solution.

You can do it on your own or call handyman and have it fixed easily.

Here are fixes we propose for flange fix:

Replace Flange
Cut Down Pipe
Raise The Floor

Each above stated fix does not cost more than $50 even if you pay someone to do it. Although plumber or tile installed are able to include it in their scope of work without extras.

Replace Flange – the easiest and cheapest solution is obviously to replace defected flange. Any plumbing supplier or hardware store sells them and its super easy to replace.

New flange should fit perfectly 3 inch drain pipe and be on the same level or slightly lower than floor tiles.

Cut Down Pipe – realizing issue down the line makes everything harder to adjust. If pipe is too big and you already put flange on it with tiles around, you my friend have an issue.

Now you need to take everything apart and cut down drain pipe for it to have flange connection below floor level.

Few tiles may need to be taken out for plumber to cut the drain and readjust toilet connection.

Raise The Floor – If you cannot move the flange down, move the floor up. Not the easiest solution after the tiles are installed. That would mean installing extra level of tile or taking of those you just laid.

If you found out that flange is too high before tiling, guys can fix it by increasing amount of cement to raise the floor up.

It would cost just one more hour of labor and several bags of concrete mix.

What Happens if You Don’t Fix It?

What is the worst that can happen? Actually small details like this can lead to thousands of dollars in fixes later on if not addressed immediately.

Toilet is Unstable
Looks Horrible with Gap
Water Leaking

Every small issue during construction transforms into something bigger every day. Trades are not happy when they are called for fixes and can charge hundreds of dollars per visit.

Toilet is Unstable – When flange is too high, installation of toilet won’t be as tight. Bottom will not reach floor level and connection is not going to be secure.

Imagine that your toilet will be on tiny piper pedestal and can pivot from side to side.

In worst case scenario toilet will fall on side and break into pieces. Hopefully no one would be using it at the time.

Looks Horrible with Gap – This is not the way proper bathroom remodeling would should flow. You are paying money and expecting work to be ideal.

A whole inch of extra space between toilet and tiled floor is way too much and it must be fixed immediately. Silicon or grout in the gap are not the solutions we recommend.

Water Leaking – Every unsecured plumbing connection has potential of water sipping through. Drain pipe for toilet is 3 inches wide with lots of water flushed under pressure.

Water on bathroom floor can damage vanity, door, frame and baseboards. If not stopped water would go even further through subfloor, damaging ceiling of below levels.

Why is Copper Colored Metal Roof Better

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Copper roofs have been popular for over two hundred years. A distinctive feature of these roofs is their brilliant golden color. Also, such roofs are the most durable and can last more than a hundred years.

Nowadays, you can find metal roofs made of copper that was installed back in the 19th century. Despite their age, they are in good condition and perform the main function of protecting the house from external influences.

Despite such positive characteristics, roofs made of copper are quite rare. This trend is because the cost of such roofs is very high and can go up to $ 40,000 – $ 50,000 for a roof of 2000 sq. ft.

In addition, copper roofs require careful maintenance. If you do not carry out regular maintenance, the copper roof will oxidize and turn into blue-green colour.

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Modern Types of Copper Colored Metal Roof

Modern metal roofs are made from cheaper metals. Galvanized steel, aluminum, and zinc are commonly used. Roofs of this type are covered with paint on top, so they can be completely different colors, including they can imitate a copper roof.

Copper colored metal roofs are almost as good as real copper roofs. Stainless steel or aluminum is used for these roofs. The average service life of such metal roofs is 50-60 years. In addition, they have a lower cost and ease of maintenance.

Steel Roofs

The most common copper colored metal roofs are stainless steel roofs. This material is very easy to use and metal profiles are of different types.

Steel roofs are most commonly used in cold regions. The steel roof can handle large amounts of snow without deforming. Also, steel roofs have good sound insulation and you will not hear a knock when it rains.

Aluminum Roofs

The second most popular metal for roofs is aluminum. This type of roof is more used in coastal areas and places with high humidity. This is due to the high corrosion resistance of aluminum. Aluminum is also resistant to moisture, which is very important in such humid climates.

Differences between Copper Colored Metal Roof and Copper Roof

Externally, copper colored metal roofs are almost indistinguishable from real copper roofs, which are considered very luxurious and look expensive.

Advantages of Copper Colored Metal Roof:

Lower Cost of Roof
Lifespan
Permanent Color
Simpler Maintenance

Lower Cost of Roof

One of the most important reasons why copper colored metal roofs are more common than conventional copper roofs is the huge price difference. The cost of installing a copper roof is $ 40,000 – $ 50,000 is not affordable for every homeowner.

Material	Cost per sq. ft.	Cost of 2000 sq. ft. Roof
Copper	$17 – $23	$34000 – $46000
Steel	$9 – $11	$18000 – $22000
Aluminum	$11 – $13	$22000 – $26000

Prices may vary depending on the city.

It is also worth noting that the difference in the price of the selected material for the roof is present not only during installation but also during repairs. If the roof is damaged, the repair work is significantly cheaper when you have a steel or aluminum roof than a copper one.

Lifespan

Undoubtedly, copper roofs boast a very long service life that can exceed 100 years. However, it is highly unlikely that you would want to live in such an old house.

On average, the optimal age for a home is up to 50 – 60 years. Copper colored metal roofs in steel and aluminum have the same lifespan, which makes their use even more logical. There is no point in installing an expensive roof that can last longer than the house itself.

Permanent Colour

Copper roofs tend to change color if not cared for properly. Chances are, you’ve seen old copper roofs in blue-green instead of the usual gold.

This color change occurs when copper is oxidized by rainwater. To maintain its natural shiny color, the copper roof must be constantly looked after. It is necessary to clean and process the metal.

As for the copper colored metal roof, they do not experience such problems. Since the color of the metal roof is given by the paint, no oxidation processes affect the color of the roof.

In addition, the paint used is additional protection for the metal roof, which protects it from corrosion and organic bacteria. You don’t have to worry about the roof losing its color over time. This can only happen if you remove the paint from it.

Simpler Maintenance

Nowadays, homeowners are increasingly choosing building materials that require minimal maintenance time. Because of. People do not want to waste their precious time on such worries, metal roofs are becoming more and more popular.

Roofs made of steel or aluminum can serve your home for ten years without the need for repairs. Especially durable roofs in which polymer materials or special paints are used for covering.

As we noted with copper colored metal roofs, the paint is an additional layer of protection. Therefore, unlike conventional copper roofs, these roofs will require much less maintenance. In addition, even when it is necessary to clean the roof or replace parts of it, it is much easier and cheaper to repair a roof from steel and aluminum than from copper.

What Types of Homes prefer Copper Color Roof

Shiny copper roofs have been a reflection of the wealth of homeowners for centuries. Nowadays, they are still attractive, however, with the development of architectural design, styles have appeared in which this roof will be inappropriate.

One such example is minimalist home design. An important feature of this style is the minimum of details and the prevailing light neutral tones. Based on this, a bright copper roof will be superfluous for such a house.

Likewise, copper or copper colored metal roofs are not recommended for high-tech homes. Although metallic shades and strict lines prevail in this style, the standard copper roof will be superfluous here.

Bright copper roofs work best with classic-style houses. Examples of such styles are:

Classic Style
Scandinavian
English
Classic American
Gothic
Renaissance Style

These styles have distinctive classic features, which include clear geometric shapes and straight lines. Also in such houses, there are attics, which give the roof of the house a beautiful shape.

Another reason why these house styles are combined with copper colored metal roofs is their wall decoration. Depending on the style, it can be made of red or white brick, light plaster or stone. Each of these materials accentuates the vibrant color of the copper roof, creating a luxurious exterior for the home.

How to Remove a Cast Iron Tub

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During renovation or bathroom upgrade contractors or home owners often need to replace a tub. Not knowing what to do in complicated situation can get you stuck and project will freeze until a solution is given.

One of these problems is heavy cast iron tub that we often seen in 100 year old houses. How do you remove cast iron tub from bathroom on second floor of the house?

After many years of use, these tubs get rust on them and start crumbling off at corners. Of course it makes sense to replace it with something modern and more practical that does not weight like a horse.

3 Options How to Remove Cast Iron Tub

Boom Truck Lift Through the Window
Carry Cast Iron Tub Though the House
Cut it or Break Inside Before Removing

All options are different in cost and step by step tasks. Select what works for you and approach removing of cast iron tub with safety.

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Disconnect Plumbing Connections before Removal

Cast iron tabs are older than we think, but do have one or two plumbing connections. Before tub is moved anywhere you need to disconnect everything carefully to avoid damaging drain and prevent future leaks.

Every tub regardless of size or material made of has to have drain connection. That is of course unless it’s an artefact piece that stands in museum. Operational tubs at home always have pipe that diverts water after bath is taken towards sewers.

With right plumbing tools unscrew and disconnect drain pipe from inside the tube. Afterwards lift it and remove as much pipe as possible towards the wall. It will prevent from damaging drain and it can be used for next tub.

Get Help – Cast Iron Tub is Heavy

Working alone is not even an option. Plenty of people overestimate their abilities and get injured. Let’s be safe and make sure everyone is safe at work.

For such complicated lift we recommend three or four workers. While moving around through the corners you may need to let go and someone else has to spot you for holding iron tub.

If decision was made to break it into pieces or lift with boom truck through the window, still need two people to do this job.

Three Ways to Remove Cast Iron Tub

Depending on abilities, machinery available or size of house hallways you may select one or the other way to remove cast iron tub. We just want to point out pros and cons of each way, and explain the steps.

Boom Truck Lift Through the Window

Every woman knows that bath tub has to be positioned next to the window. It is enjoyed with a nice view and shades can provide just enough privacy.

If window is big enough and there is space for boom truck to come close to this specific part of the house, cast iron tub can be lifted and carried away.

Straps are wrapped around the tub and secured to make sure it does not fall and break something on the way.

This is the easiest but most expensive option to get cast iron tub out. Boom truck with operator and helper to direct tub out can cost more than $1000.

Carry Cast Iron Tub Though the House

For saving the tub’s full integrity the work to carry it out has to be precise. Unfortunately bath tubs are located either at the back of the house or on the side, where access of boom truck is not available.

Cheapest but hardest for workers option on how to remove a cast iron tub from bathroom and carry out from a house is by hand. Good old lift and carry method that helped humans for thousands of years.

There are many obstacles during the way, because cast iron tub is big and heavy. Hallways and door frames are narrow, stairs turn very sharp with little or no room to adjust and everywhere is finishing drywall, railings or other things that can be potentially damaged.

Definitely call professionals who know how to move heavy objects. The idea is always to measure every spot of the house before moving cast iron tub and be certain that it will fit.

Items along the way need to be protected with cover wrap and pads on the floor. Cost for such work can be $300 – $600, but help of family or friends can save you a lot.

Cut it or Break Inside Before Removing

Why go through all these problems when you can simply smash it in pieces inside the bathroom and carry out like that?

It may seem fun at first, but breaking cast iron tub before removing it is very hard and dangerous work. That is especially hard when rest of the bathroom is staying the same with main goals not to damage existing tiles or walls.

Every goes south when piece of 500 lb tub falls on the side and tiles crack. To protect the floor and walls everything has to be covered with protective sheets and thick pads.

One person can complete this task within a day of breaking, cutting and carrying pieces outside. Expect to pay $200 – $500 for removing cast iron tub.

How to Remove a Cast Iron Tub and Be Safe?

This is no different than other construction tasks. Safety should always be priority at work and there are no excuses.

List of Safety Equipment to Wear:

Safety Shoes with Steel Toes
Gloves that Prevent from Cuts
Safety Glasses to Protect Eyes
Back Belt to Support During Lift
Regular Construction Hard Hat

Why do I need to wear all these just to remove a tub? Thousands of unexpected situations can occur. Few of examples are: dropping tub on foot, crushing fingers against the wall, hitting head during move, small pieces getting into eye during crashing tub.

Tools Needed for Disconnect or Remove Tub

First thing is first and to disconnect drain pipes you need some plumbing tools. Dumbell or regular drain removal wrench will do the job.

To smash and cut our recommendation falls on sledge hammer and grinder with diamond blade. These two will take care of tub within minutes.

Straps and pads are used for carrying tub and placing on delicate floor.

Besides safety for personnel, we recommend floor mats and room divider covers that prevent dust flying to other rooms.

Pros and Cons of Painting Ceiling same Color as Walls

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When planning a room’s design, an important question is whether the ceiling and walls will be the same color. Such painting is significantly different from painting walls and ceilings in different colors, and it also has many advantages. For example, painting in one color is faster and allows you to create an unobtrusive interior.

In addition to reducing costs, painting the ceiling the same color as walls will make it easier for you to combine colors. The ability to visually expand the room and create a calm atmosphere is also considered an advantage. The downsides are the difficulty in choosing the decor and incompatibility with moldings and coffered ceilings.

As you can see there are many pros and cons of painting ceiling same color as walls. Experienced designers make great use of them to emphasize all possible advantages in the interior.

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Pros

If you are in doubt whether you should use one paint color for the whole room, then you should understand the advantages of this method. By understanding the positive aspects of this method of painting, you can determine in which rooms of your house it is applicable.

As an example, we would like to take a closer look at each positive side of painting ceilings and walls in one color.

Painting is Faster
Reducing the Cost of Painting
Increasing the Depth of the Room
Don’t worry about Color Incompatibility.
Creates a Quieter Room Environment
Suitable for many Styles
Much Easier to Fix Defects

Painting is Faster

When thinking about a renovation of condo or a house, one of the most important questions that arise is how long it will last. As for painting the walls and ceiling in the same color, then this work is much faster to complete than when different colors are used for these surfaces.

Firstly, the speed of painting is affected by the fact that you do not need to carry out additional preparatory work. For example, you don’t need to cover the walls with plastic before painting the ceiling. Also, you do not have to spend a lot of time creating a perfectly smooth transition between the ceiling and walls.

Reducing the Cost of Painting

The good news for you is the fact that painting the walls and floor the same color will save costs. The decrease in cost is because since you buy paint of only one color, there will be less unused paint.

Also, you do not need to use materials to separate the painting of walls and ceilings, because the color is the same. If the work is done by hired workers, then the faster they paint the less you pay.

Since we have already found out that painting walls and ceilings in one color is much faster and bypasses some of the processes, this means that the cost of work will be less.

Increasing the Depth of the Room

When you use paint of different colors for the ceiling and walls, then you draw a clear outline of the planes. When using paint of the same color for walls and ceilings, you can visually increase its size. This feature will be very useful in rooms with limited space.

Using paint of the same color visually hides the corners and makes the room appear larger. For example, in this way you can make the interior of a small bathroom or bedroom much cozier.

We also want to draw your attention to the fact that not every color is capable of giving such an effect. Dark shades of burgundy and brown, on the contrary, can cause visual pressure on the walls and a person will feel uncomfortable in such a room. Therefore, when using different color shades, it can be and pros and cons of painting ceiling same color as walls.

Don’t worry about Color Incompatibility

If you have ever turned to an interior designer for help or watched video tutorials on how a room should look, then you have clearly heard a lot about how incongruous some colors are with each other. This is a very difficult creative process, and you can easily avoid it if you choose to paint the ceiling in the color of the walls.

You don’t have to worry about the result of something funny, and in the saddest case, you will have to repaint the room. Use neutral tones for walls and ceilings to create a backdrop in your room.

Creates a Quieter Room Environment

If you paint the walls and ceiling in different colors, then they will undoubtedly draw attention to themselves. If you choose the option with one color, then the room will look calmer and will not be conspicuous.

This interior is perfect when you want to create a peaceful atmosphere in the room. If you want to add color, then you can always do it with the help of accent furniture or decor.

Suitable for many Styles

We have already mentioned the fact that the walls and ceiling painted in the same color are much less emphasizing on themselves. This is very convenient when you have not decided on the style of the interior in the room. By painting in neutral white or gray tones, you can easily bring most styles to your room.

Also, this feature will be very convenient for those who do not like constancy and are constantly transforming their home. The ability to change will allow you to bring something new to the interior without worrying that the decor or furniture will not be combined with the style of the walls.

Nowadays, a minimalistic style is very popular, in which there is a minimum of details. However, every 10 – 15 years the popularity of styles changes. When you paint the ceiling in the color of the walls, you don’t have to worry about this situation. Neutral tones are always in vogue and you get a timeless interior.

Much Easier to Fix Defects

Each wallcovering may need a little repair over time. Paint on walls and ceilings can be scratched or chipped. This happens especially often if children or pets live in the house.

In this case, it is much easier to carry out light repairs if you used to paint of the same color for walls and ceilings. To do this, it will be enough for you to have only one can of paint in stock.

Cons

No matter how many positive aspects the walls and ceiling are painted in one color, there are still have disadvantages. Fortunately, there are far fewer of them, and with the right approach, you can avoid most of them.

Eliminates the Possibility of using Moldings and Coffered Ceilings
The Room can seem Lifeless
Harder to Choose a Matching Decor
The need for Multiple Lighting

Eliminates the Possibility of using Moldings and Coffered Ceilings

Since when you paint the walls and ceiling in the same color, they become less accentuated, it is not recommended to use decorative elements of the walls and ceiling. Such elements include moldings and coffered ceilings.

Considering the pros and cons of painting ceiling same color as walls, this feature can hardly be called a minus. You just need to understand that if you plan to paint a room in this way, then you will have to abandon such interior details.

The Room can seem Lifeless

If you use solid color paint for walls and ceilings, it can seem that the room looks soulless and empty. Painted in bluish and white colors can feel like a hospital, which is not fun.

Nevertheless, it should be understood that furniture and decor play an accent role in the interior of such a room. With the help of these elements, you can breathe life into the room and then the monochromatic paint will give freshness.

Harder to Choose a Matching Decor

Based on what is described above, you can understand how important it is to choose the right decor when painting the walls and ceiling in the same color. Against the background of light, non-accent walls, many incongruous elements will be very noticeable.

If you are not well versed in interior design, you can seek help from specialists. A professional designer will create the interior of your room so that each element is in its place and emphasizes the features of the room.

You can also find many examples of interior images on the Internet. You can use this method to avoid these disadvantages of painting without spending money on the services of specialists.

The need for Multiple Lighting

The last of the downsides to painting walls and ceilings in one color is the need for a lot of lighting. This can be especially felt when using paint in darker and more saturated tones, for example, burgundy.

To keep the room from looking gloomy, make sure it has large windows and lots of lights. If the amount of natural light is limited, then you can try lighter paint colors or even white.

Pros and Cons of Painting Ceiling same Color as Walls in Different Rooms

Based on all the pros and cons of painting ceiling same color as walls described, it can be assumed that this painting method is not suitable for all rooms. Excellent use of painting in one color can serve as a bedroom, office, and bathroom.

The bedroom is the room in which we relax after a hard day at work. Accordingly, the interior of this room must be calm and peaceful. Therefore, painting the walls and ceiling in one color is perfect for this room.

The same can be applied to the office room in the house. In this room, it is also important that the interior and colors are neutral. This allows for fewer distractions and allows you to fully immerse yourself in your work.

As for the bathroom, painting the walls and ceiling in bluish tones or white will add freshness and cleanliness. The positive side is that this method of painting will help to visually expand the room, which can be very important for most bathrooms.

The least common painting of walls and ceilings is one color in living rooms and kitchens. These rooms are designed for guests and therefore many designers strive to make them stand out. For this, coffered ceilings and moldings are often used, which are not compatible with painting the walls and ceiling in the same color.

Nevertheless, the minimalistic style is gaining more and more popularity. This concept is perfectly compatible with painting walls and ceilings in one color. Because of this, this method of painting is becoming more common and even applicable in living rooms and kitchens.

Build a Shed for Under $500

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Can someone build a shed only spending $500 or less? Yes it is possible, but circumstances and construction abilities have to align with project requirements.

What we mean is all the money are spent on materials and you will be building the shed on your own.

Can You Build a Shed for Under $500?

33 Pieces of 2 x 4 Studs = $124
6 Pieces of Plywood = $156
2 PVC Roofing Sheets = $35
Exterior Wood Siding Panels = $182

Total $497

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Even cheaper materials can be purchased through local hardware stores during discount seasons. Even reused construction lumber is sometimes good for such project.

Size of Shed Built for Under $500

Our optimal calculated size that has enough storage space and isn’t too big to blow out $500 budget is 5 by 8 feet and height of 7 feet.

It actually matches dimensions of average condo or apartment bathroom size. If you can fit full bathroom in 5×8 room, storage shed dimensions are big enough.

We tried to make it 8 feet tall, but exterior square footage would be too big for our budget and we had to cut it down. Plywood and exterior siding eat up most of our money during shed construction.

Exterior box of shed being built is 26 linear feet. Simply add all the sides together. For calculating square footage we multiply 26 by height of 7 feet and get total 182 square feet.

To figure out roof surface we need to multiply 8 by 5 and we get 40 square feet. This is how much material is required to cover our shed roof.

Ideal Conditions to Build Cheap Shed

In order for this shed to work and have it complete with only $500 in your pocket, the stars have to align perfectly.

Following our recommendations is not enough and here is what needs to happen:

No Slab or Use Existing Slab
Know How to Frame
Owning Necessary Tools
All Materials Are Available
Using Own Screws and Nails
Build Door With Same Materials

To build a shed for under $500 is definitely a challenge even for experienced trades. Entire budget is dedicated towards materials and everything else is to be owned and completed by person who is doing the job.

No Slab or Use Existing Slab – Larger sheds and standalone garages definitely need some sort of slab, but our example shed for under $500 does not have one.

In case your backyard has existing concrete or stone pad – it can be used for shed as a base.

Know How to Frame – Although it is not even close to be complicated structural framing, you still need to understand how it works.

Any previous carpentry experience is a benefit to building this shed. It’s easy to find build guide or example video to follow.

Owning Necessary Tools – In our calculations there are no purchased or even rented tools. All of them have to be owned by whoever is building it.

Honestly, there isn’t much needed. We are talking about saws to cut wood, hammer and drill to fasten screws.

All Materials Are Available – Full list of materials needed to build shed for under $500 is easy to find in local hardware store or small construction supplier.

Small towns could have lack of stock or inflated prices due to no competition around.

Using Own Screws and Nails – Our $500 budget has run out and we have to use our own nails and screws. It isn’t much, but without having a box of screws it is impossible to build 5×8 shed.

Neighbors or friend can always help out with box of nails or screws if you don’t have any.

Build Door with Same Materials –As you can see the door for our shed has to be custom built from lumber that is covered in our lumber and exterior material.

We are talking about 2×4 lumber swing doors that are installed on a hinge and lock with hook.

Buying Similar Size Prebuilt Shed

Why would someone try and build a shed if you can buy it and have delivered on your property. Plenty of stores like home depot sell it for reasonable price, and their sheds aren’t the worse.

So why would you prefer to build a shed rather than purchase it?

It Costs More to Buy
The Quality is Not the Same
Need to Accommodate Delivery

Comparing apples to apples, our base size is 5×8 feet. Similar 40 square foot sheds in hardware stores cost slightly more than $500.

There is no reason to pay more for similar size storage unit that is also fun to build on your own. It can actually turn out to be bonding activity for father and son.

Structure built with 2×4 lumber and proper roof connection is extremely strong. It surpasses quality of purchased shed by far.

Lifespan is at least tripled when it is built on site with recommended materials. Unless critical mistakes in installation are made, the water would not come true and integrity of our shed is pretty good.

On top of higher build for purchasing large shed, never forget about transportation. It has to be delivered on large vehicle and stores charge premium for it.

Having large truck does help and you can technically move it on your own without additional expenses.

Breakdown of Materials for Shed Under $500

So what exactly goes in construction and how did we calculate it? Let’s look at each type of material separately to understand full breakdown.

2×4 Lumber – 33 Pieces

Walls have combined length of 26 linear feet. With distance of just over 1 and 4 inches foot between each stud we need exactly 20 pieces of lumber. Additional 6 pieces are needed for single bottom and top plates.

Roof is spaced exactly with same dimensions and we need 7 pieces of 2×4 to cover roof and add plates to both sides. Our roof is flat with slight tilt towards one side.

4×8 Plywood – 6 Pieces

Next calculation is even simpler. First let’s find exterior walls surface area. As we explained above, linear footage is multiplied by height of walls and we get 182 square feet.

Each piece of plywood covers 32 square feet (4×8). Dividing 182 by 32 equals to 5.687 pieces required or 6 pieces of plywood when we round up.

2 Sheets of PVC Roof

Roof surface of shed under $500 is 40 square feet. Home depot or similar hardware stores sell PVC sheeting for $14 – $18 each and they cover around 24 square feet.

With overlap connection we need exactly 2 sheets of PVC for the roof. Smaller and bigger sizes can be purchased for installation.

Wood Siding Panels – 182 sq ft

One of the cheapest materials for exterior siding that still works good is wood siding premade panels. They cost around $1 per square foot.

Remember that our door is made out of same materials, so cuts can be made here. Look for sale discounts and possibility to buy this material for even cheaper.

7 Stores Like Home Depot

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Home Depot is the largest hardware store in America and Canada. It has variety of tools, construction materials and parts literally for any type of work.

Although it is by far exceeding competitors, many workers or home owners are looking for alternatives in their specific areas.

7 Stores Like Home Depot in America

Lowes
Target
True Value
Menard
Tractor Supply
Harbor Freight
Do it Best

We are not trying to advertise or discredit Home Depot. The purpose of this article is simply to find similar stores where you can potentially shop in your area for construction items and hardware.

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In-depth Similarities of Stores Like Home Depot

Trying to find same type of stores in area, you would need to understand why those we list fall under same category.

Remodel On Point breaks down sizes, similarities in products sold and variety of stores in regions.

Lowes

This franchise store is number two on size in America with over 2150 operational locations.

Overall revenue is hitting 78 billon dollars mark during the year of 2020.

Lowes has stores all over north America and does not leave any state out of their reach. Similar to Home Depot, Lowes sells raw construction materials and even does take offs for large projects.

With large arsenal of tools and equipment, Lowes stores also focus on end products and finishing material. There you can find more fixture lights, plumbing faucets, decorations for interior of the home as well as outdoor furniture.

Target

Number three on our list is Target with just under 2000 stores throughout United States.

This company was able to achieve more sales than Lowes with fewer stores and in 2020 their revenue was 93 billion dollars.

By size and amount of sales, Target is very close to home depot, but their audience is different. Target does not sell raw construction materials or works with associated suppliers.

Although they do have sections of hardware, by list of categories and items sold it could be compared to Wall Mart.

True Value

Way smaller stores in size but large spread through country are “True Value” hardware. They have 4226 Stores and sit well on our third place.

In 2020 True Value stores were able to sell their products for whooping 10 billion dollars.

The intent of having similar products on shelves as home depot is definitely here. If we compare True value with other stores in our list, it has the most amounts of similarities by category of products.

Actual size of stores is not in the range of home depot though. True value is way smaller and with similar amount of stores they are selling 10% of what home depot is doing.

Menard

Truly surprising brand Menard is our fourth pick. With only 335 stores they dominate megastores in US.

Just like our previous contender, Menard sold for 10 billion and keeps number four on stores like home depot list.

This monster store is definitely similar to home depot and even larger in sizes. It is a mall of hardware under one roof.

Just like Home Depot they sell materials, lots of tools and hardware, appliances and finishing products for renovation.

At Menards you can find even more options for kitchen, bathroom and overall home construction projects than at our comparison store. They are located mostly on suburbs or even outside of larger cities due to large size of buildings.

Tractor Supply

This hardware company showed amazing growth and till this day opened 1900 stores all over the country.

We could technically share 5^th position with fourth and third place because of similar sales of 10 billion dollars.

You would think that tractor supply is some sort of rental company for heavy machinery and equipment, but its actually a hardware store just like most of brands on our list.

Their intent is to provide variety of tools, equipment and fixtures for indoor and outdoor work. They lack sections for construction material like home depot, but do sell parts for mechanical and technical trades.

Harbor Freight

Catching up with big boys club is Harbor Freight and now operates over 1200 stores in US.

Up till these days this chain reached 5 billion sales in 2020. It is definitely huge amount even for big hardware companies.

It is hard to focus on everything that home depot does, and Harbor Freight mostly targets tools and parts with hardware almost for everything.

Some larger stores do sell construction raw materials like drywall, insulation and lumber, while smaller locations do not get into that.

Their stores can be located on the outskirts of cities, in area of retail malls and as solo stores throughout larger towns.

Do it Best

Our last on stores like home depot is “Do it Best” with 600 locations in US and 4200 worldwide.

Their sales in 2020 reached amazing amount of 4 billion dollars. We can see them rising and climbing up the chain every year.

Unlike other franchise and chain stores, Do it Best gives more freedom to owners. They can change the name of store putting their first or last name into the concept.

Also materials sold inside each store depend on owner’s preference and area demand. Saying all that, we think that Do it Best chain is very similar to home depot’s idea.

5×10 Bathroom Remodel Cost – Materials and Labor

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The average cost to hire contractor for 5×10 bathroom remodel is $9000 – $12000. This size is considered to be standard and fully equipped bathroom for homes all over North America.

Remodel On Point wants to explain all details of fully renovating bathroom space. Thus we are listing entire spectrum of materials involved in process and trades that charge for their time accordingly.

After reading this article you will be able to understand how much money goes into materials, labor and how much companies are charging on top for management.

5×10 Bathroom Remodel Cost

	Low End	Medium	High End
DIY Project	$5 000	$8 000	$11 000
Subcontractors	$8 000	$11 000	$16 000
Remodel Company	$11 000	$16 000	$21 000

Different quality and type 5×10 bathroom remodel cost projects

These numbers are very approximate and companies compete against each other by giving discounts or providing higher end services with exclusive finishing materials.

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Full Breakdown of Labor and Material Required

We created full list of materials that may be necessary for renovation of regular size bathroom. In our table you can compare different types of quality material and understand labor costs for installation.

	Size/Amount	Basic	Average	Expensive
*Demolition*		$200	$400	$600
Lumber and Drywall		$750	$750	$750
Framing Labor		$850	$850	$850
Duct or Radiator		$200	$300	$500
HVAC Technician		$120	$200	$400
Tiles	140 sq ft	$400	$600	$1000
Marble Jamb	1 -3 Pieces	–	$60	$190
*Tile Installation*		$900	$1200	$1500
Baseboards	20 Feet	$20	$30	$50
Vanity	1 (36″ – 48″)	$500	$850	$1500
Door with Hardware	1	$90	$180	$250
Casings	35 Feet	$20	$30	$50
*Carpenter*		$200	$300	$400
Faucet	1	$120	$150	$200
Showerhead	1	$100	$350	$550
Toilet	1	$160	$300	$700
Drain Cover	1	$20	$50	$250
*Plumber*		$1200	$1500	$2100
Vanity Lights	1	$50	$150	$250
Pot Lights	2	$20	$25	$50
Fan	1	$30	$45	$70
*Electrician*		$150	$250	$400
Mirror	1	$60	$100	$370
Shower Glass	1	$450	$650	$1000
Hardware	1 Set	$30	$50	$80
*Handyman*		$100	$150	$200
Paint	1 Gallon	$60	$80	$140
*Painter*		$200	$400	$600
Deliveries and Extras		$1000	$1000	$1000
Total		$8 000	$11 000	$16 000

Full list of materials and labor costs for 5×10 bathroom remodel

For line – “Deliveries and Extras” $1000 may seem a lot from first, but once job begins it will be easy to see where money are going. There will be mistakes, extra material to purchase, waste removal and cleaning after almost every stage of work.

Demolition and Disposal

First step of bathroom renovation is always demolition. It does not require any materials to be purchased. Literally anyone can do it, but please stay safe performing dangerous tasks.

Primary expenses during demolition are associated with labor and disposal of material. Home owners that want to save money and do it on their own need just few tools like hammer, crowbar and buckets to carry out debris.

Framing Walls and Redoing Subfloor

This part of bathroom remodel is not always necessary. If house is not that old and the plan is to keep similar layout, you may be just fine gutting to studs and starting from insulation and drywall.

Older exterior and interior wall can be sistered for extra strength. Two pieces of plywood is enough to change subfloor. Professional framer with helper can do this work in 3 – 4 hours.

Drywall and Tape

Do not forget that bathroom has a lot of moisture and it is absolutely necessary to install mold and water resistant drywall. (green or blue boards).

To save money contractors install waterproof drywall only in shower area. Mud and tape process can be speed up by using fans for drying substance. Overall 1 full day is necessary for this step.

Electrical

Amount and cost of electrical work usually depends on quality of existing wiring and amount of extra features needed.

If wires are in great condition and the only think needed is to change lights – this work takes 1 hour and you should not pay more than $100 for it.

Saying that, in many bathroom remodel projects we see new wiring for light, new switch, receptacles and connection for fan.

Plumbing

Let’s assume from beginning that plumbing positions are staying the same or relatively close. We are working only in this room and pipes leading towards bathroom are not to be diverted within other walls or floor joists.

Plumber has 3 spots to work with plus shower drain. Average charge per spot is $550, but it varies as per city and company’s reputation. Only licensed plumber can work on water and drain connections.

Tile and Marble Installation

We know that our bathroom has 140 sq ft of tiles and they can be different in price. What else can affect our tiling scope of work?

Labor cost depends on many factors, but often we see it being either size of actual tile or creative design that home owners prefer. The basic is 12 x 12 or 12 x 24 tiles with stack or brick pattern.

Marble jamb may or may not be needed for edges of shower.

Carpentry and Trim Work

For professional carpenter this size project is a walk in a park. Without second thought one person can finish bathroom carpentry in few hours and make easy $500.

The biggest problem home owners face when testing their skills performing carpentry is professional tools. Carpenters have all types of saws that cut trims in different angles.

Installation of Fixtures & Hardware

Screw driver, Allen key, level and regular drill is all you need for installing hardware with fixtures in bathroom.

If you ever worked in any type of construction or renovation work at one of your life – you will be able to do this with ease.

Expensive Features for Bathroom Remodeling

Luxury projects can go way above budgets that we provide in examples. There is literally no limit to how much you can spend.

The most expensive bathroom reno we have witnessed had price tag to of above $170 000. It shouldn’t be a surprise when you realize toilet alone costs $24 000.

Regular projects with high end upgrades can include heated floor and towel racks, speakers, additional cabinetry, skylight installation, fireplace and many more cool items.

Than a big role plays each fixture and item purchased for finish. $120 / sq ft tiles, vanity with faucet carved from expensive tree, single slab tiles for shower wall.

Reducing 5×10 Bathroom Remodel Cost with Max Quality

Out of all home remodeling projects, bathroom upgrade seems to be less complicated to manage and save money for home owners. It is true if you are handy and have basic tools.

Of course it would be cheaper to do everything on your own, but licensed professionals should always be hired to complete individual tasks like electrical and plumbing.

Mid Quality Bathroom Remodel for $8 900

Trying to maximize quality of work and saving as much as possible, home owners partially do some of the work and for the rest hire trades.

Demolition – $400
Framing and Drywall – $850
Carpentry – $300
Painting- $400
Handy Work – $150

This already reduces 5×10 bathroom remodel cost and most of people should have no problem completing above listed work.

The rest is buying all materials and hire other trades. If you follow our table with costs and have no critical issues throughout, it will make a huge difference for overall budget.

How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement?

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Average size basement of 1000 sq ft costs $45000 – $55000 to finish up to building code and living standards. Therefore regular house basement renovation or finishing is $45 – $55 per square foot.

Like every construction project, basement job cost varies with selection of materials, quality of work, location and many other aspects.

Let’s break down and take a look at each stage during basement renovation and how much it all costs with different materials.

Our basement example will be 1000 sq ft place with 2 medium size bedrooms, 1 -3 piece bathroom, small kitchen and open area for entertainment.

In our calculations we are going to look at low end, medium and high end finishes for comparison reasons. Thus it would be easier to understand how to save money and where expenses drive up overall cost.

	Company with In-house	General Contractor	DIY Management
Drawings & Permits	0	$1 000	$2 500
Demolition	0	$2 000	$4 000
Stairs & Railings	$1 000	$2 000	$4 000
Plumbing	$1 000	$2 000	$3 000
Electrical	$2 000	$3 000	$4 000
Heating	$500	$1 500	$2 500
Insulation	$2 500	$2 500	$3 500
Drywall & Tape	$7 000	$8 000	$10 000
Tiles	$1 000	$1 500	$2 000
Flooring	$2 500	$3 500	$5 000
Doors & Trims	$1 500	$2 000	$2 500
Kitchen & Vanities	$3 000	$5 000	$15 000
Painting & Stain	$3 500	$4 500	$5 500
Hardware & Fixtures	$1 000	$3 000	$5 000

Total Cost	$26 500	$41 500	$68 500

Cost to finish 1000 sq ft basement – low/mid/high quality

Cost table for basement renovation and finishing details does not include project management fee. This simply dictates how much each step would cost if trades were hired separately.

Hired Company or Builder Fee is 20%

Don’t hesitate to ask basement finishing contractor what is profit margin or markup added. It should not be a secret unless they are trying to hide things.

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Cost of Permits and Drawings for Basement Finishing

First of all – do you need architectural drawings and city permits for finishing a basement? It all depends on local laws and amount of work involved.

In simple words, if basement finishing project includes structural changes or separate unit addition, most of regions require building permit.

If there is not obligation, Remodel On Point still recommends making architectural drawings with involvement of structural engineer.

Closing of walls with upgrades that does not assume new walls or plumbing installation usually can be completed without building inspections and permit.

Some home owners or remodeling companies still make a drawing to follow accurate scope of work.

Floor Plan and Architectural Drawings – Up to $2000

There are different options for drawings here and it all depends what each home owner is comfortable with.

Floor plan is needed for everyone to understand the scope of work and have exact boundaries. On paper it is easier to visualize and compare dimensions of each area. Just floor plan will not cost more than $200.

Architectural details and engineering specs are more for structural framer to follow. It explains full spectrum of work with precise measurements. Such documents can be up to $2000 and floor plan is not needed anymore.

City Permits – Up to $500

We find that many projects skip this very important step in the process. Home owners assume there is no requirement to finish basement in already built house.

This may be the case in some states/cities, but not everywhere. For 1000 sq ft basement finishing or renovation job city permit fees are not much. Usually its few hundred bucks with max tag of $500.

Cost to Finish Basement by Trade

Not everything we have listed here is going to be the same in your basement project. Some steps may not require any work at all.

This breakdown can be used for calculation of specific jobs and for home owners to balance budgets. Our team will try to explain specs of work with examples of sizes or quantity of materials needed.

Demolition and Tear Down Of Existing Walls $0 – $4000

Basement could be unfinished from original builder or have existing old walls with flooring that needs to be removed. Cost here depends on what was left over and how big of the job there is to demo.

Each bin of trash costs $400 to dispose. Small demolition job is just 1 bin and 1 full day of work for team of three or four.

Stairs and Railings $1000 – $4000

Low end projects can include only covering of old stairs with carpet or wood material, while higher end jobs require completely new custom stairs.

Railings go the same way and it can be as simple as wooden pickets to complicated metal or even glass rails.

Plumbing for Bathroom and Kitchen $1000 – $3000

In our example of 1000 sq ft basement we are assuming 1 bathroom that has 3 plumbing connections and kitchen with 2 more runs.

On average complete installation of each plumbing spot is $350 – $450 in the basement. This however changes with premade rough ins or very costly plumbing fixtures.

Electrical Outlets and Lights $2000 – $4000

Now this comes down to preference a lot. Average room can have a fixture light or 8 pot lights installed. Obviously dimmers, outlets with usb charges and other features cost more than regular switches and outlets.

Mid quality finish 1000 sq ft basement should have close to 22-28 pot lights and 20-25 receptacles. Low end basements can have only fewer lights but same amount of receptacles. Some basements already have wiring.

Heating for Each Room $500 – $2500

HVAC extensions are not expensive at all. It costs only few hundred dollars to add a shoulder of duct between floor joists. This is the benefit of having furnace in the house.

Radiators is completely different game. Adding new radiators for heat to each room can cost $300 – $400 per room.

Insulation of Walls $2500 – $3500

Basement walls need to be properly insulated with vapor barrier to protect interior from condensation and transferring cold weather.

Rigid and batts cost around $1.5 – $2 per square foot of wall to install. Spray foam will cost home owners double. In 1000 sq ft basement we assume exterior wall surface to be approximately 1100-1200 sq ft assuming 8 feet height and 10 inch pockets between joists.

Framing and Drywall $7000 – $10 000

Just like other stages we explained previously, basement may already have partial work completed. Builder could have completed the framing and if you are happy with position of the rooms it save money.

The only difference between mid and high end basement project is structural work. Custom framing may involve opening up rooms and beam installation that costs extra.

Tile Work with Materials $1000 – $2000

Amount of tiles is assumed the same in all three types of basement. Bathroom with tub has 80-90 sq ft of tiles on the walls and 30 sq of tiles on the floor. Don’t forget backslaps of kitchen and that is additional 20 sq ft.

If size is the same than our cost difference in tile installation is material itself and complexity of work. Tiles normally range from $2 per square foot to $20. Unique examples can go way higher in price.

Flooring of Basement $2500 – $5000

Subtracting bathroom, stairs and walls from overall space in our sample basement we get 900 sq ft of floor to be installed.

Normally because of dampness and colder temperature laminate is installed on the floor. Once again material cost ranges and additional underlayment can be used.

Doors and Trims $1500 – $2500

Team of carpenters take care of installing all doors, casings around windows and doors as well as baseboards.

Remodel On Point estimates 1000 sq ft basement has 7 doors, 5 windows and 300 linear feet of baseboards.

Vanity Cabinets & Kitchen $3000 – $15000

Having only one bathroom automatically means – count one vanity cabinet. For such a large space it vanity should be 36 – 48 inches.

Kitchen cabinets however are going to range a lot due to size and quality of material. Small kitchen made with Ikea cabinets can cost under $3 000, but larger size custom cabinets with quartz counter go as high as $15 000.

Painting and Stain $3500 – $5500

There will be no big difference between low, mid and high end basement finishing during painting and stain step. At least, not as big as other stages.

Variation comes down to openness of space and cost of selected paint. Trades may charge extra few hundred dollars if clients selects multiple colors of paint for walls.

Finish Hardware and Fixtures $1000 – $5000

Everyone seems to forget about hardware and fixtures that is required to finalize work. The cost is not huge but it does add up to how much does it cost to finish basement.

During this stage we are targeting bathroom towel and toilet paper holders, hvac covers, door stops, toilet, faucet drain cover and other things.

Cost to Finish Basement without Project Manager

When everyone sees that builder is making 20% on entire project, automatically come up a thought to manage project on your own.

But can you actually save 20% of all costs and how hard will it be to complete?

Reality shows that over 90% of home owners that start their own basement project end up hiring someone later on.

If you don’t know exact steps, details of quality control, good supplier with discounts and great trades; problems will start coming up really soon.

Trying to save few thousand dollars becomes a mess on a job and more money and time are lost. Construction and renovation companies have years of relationships with suppliers and best trades that do not give same prices to regular home owners.

Cost to finish basement on your own actually turns out to be slightly higher than with experienced project manager and lasts twice as long.

What is the Difference between Stucco and Plaster?

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Stucco vs Plaster — Difference between Stucco and Plaster

In residential construction we often see plaster and stucco as primary materials for some specific finishes. They look similar and may be used for the same purpose.

Home owners that are not familiar with basics of construction do not know the difference between stucco and plaster.

Today Remodel On Point once and for all breaks details about each material and all readers will understand how and which material is used.

Main Differences between Stucco and Plaster

Materials They are Made of
Primary Use of Substance
Application and Installation Methods
Cost of Material and Installation
How Long They Last & Maintenance

As you can see, these materials have fewer similarities than differences. Hopefully after reading this article you will be able to easily differentiate stucco from plaster material and understand basic principles of each material.

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Substances and Materials Stucco and Plaster Made of

Our first main difference between these two substances falls down to components it’s made of. They look alike because most of substances are the same, but base is not.

Stucco	Cement	Sand	Lime	Water
Plaster	Gypsum	Sand	Lime	Water

What is stucco and plaster made of

Even though proportions of sand, lime, water and base material in stucco and plaster are different, we can see that 3 out of 4 components are the same.

Gypsum is base of plaster. It is soft mineral made of calcium sulfate dehydrate. Gypsum base materials such as plaster are poured into molds or applied on surfaces with mix of water and sand. As it gets dryer and wormers, water evaporates and mineral starts to become hard.

Stucco on other hand has Portland cement base. It does have drying qualities as well but maid hardening of material comes from curing process similar to concrete. Chemical reaction continues to solidify and make stucco into hard material.

Use in Construction and Renovation Jobs

Now we are going to take a look where stucco and plaster are used in renovation and construction industry.

Stucco Used in : Exterior Siding, Interior Walls and Ceiling

Plaster Used in : Exterior Siding, Interior Walls, Trims and Crowns

Based on our findings they are both used in exterior and interior application as siding. This however is changing every year and plaster is less used for outside work.

Inside of the house or building, plaster takes priority over stucco material. It is due to controlled environment of interior and how materials react to weather.

Stucco doesn’t have any other purpose than to cover a wall for protection purposes and design looks, while plaster can be used for interior and exterior trims and even sculptures that are poured into molds and hardened.

Application and Installation Methods

Plaster has more options for installation and one of them matches methods for stucco.

First layer is a scratch coat that creates protection for exterior surface and base for further material. Usually installed on wire mesh or hard surfaces.
Second coat for stucco application is called brown. Ingredients are absolutely the same. It is done for smoothening out the surface area and filling all the gaps or deficiencies.
Top layer is installed for decorative purposes as third coat. It can be different in texture, size and color.

Application and installation is similar and to unfamiliar eye would even look the same. Plaster application is usually completed with two thicker layers or sometimes in one very thick layer. The idea is to solidify gypsum based product together as a cast.

Difference in Cost of Installation for Stucco and Plaster

Lest compare only apples to apples. We know that both stucco and plaster can be used for interior and exterior wall covering. Therefore we can use only this comparison for costs of installation.

On average exterior of entire house installation of lath and plaster costs $6-$9 for labor and material. Prices vary from region to region and have no affect with type of application.

Average cost of stucco installation for exterior of the house is $4 – $10 per square foot. Here is a big difference and it all depends on type of surface.

Applying stucco directly on block or brick wall is easier than on plywood exterior of home, therefore cheaper. Colder cities assume layer of rigid foam insulation with stucco installation that drives up the cost.

How Long do They Last & Maintenance

Number five difference between plaster and stucco on our list is about lifespan and maintenance involved.

Would you be surprised if we said that plaster can last longer than stucco on inside as well as outside walls? Apparently it’s true if we compare lath and plaster that was used in construction 50-80 years ago.

Exterior plaster is not as good as interior, because moisture in the air and rain affects its durability. Asbestos and other particles were popular to add into plaster for increasing strength.

Good stucco work can last up to 40-50 years, but home owners need to pay for touch ups and refinishing every 7-9 years.

Lath and plaster exterior siding could last over 80 years, while these days its close to 40-50 years. That is because asbestos and similar dangerous substances were banned from construction industry.

Maintenances for plaster is not expensive nor required every 10 years. Most of it is just painting on top.

Similarities between Stucco and Plaster

Each point that we discussed for differences has many similarities as well. So let’s go through each one and understand why people often confuse plaster with stucco and the other way around.

Here is why people think stucco is plaster:

Looks Similar to Inexperienced Eye
Both Were Used for Exterior Siding
Same Consistency before Application

We should start with how it looks. If you don’t know all details, you won’t know if house build 30-50 years ago has stucco or plaster on it. Even if you walk up close and touch it with your hand.

Coming to the second similarity point we discuss application for exterior of walls. If it looks similar and were used in construction for same purpose, how could regular home owners know the difference?

When you first buy it in a bucket the consistency of material could not be more similar. Both stucco and plaster are mixed with sand, water and lime. The only difference is in initial base where plaster has gypsum and stucco uses cement.

Which One is Better?

Remodel On Point thought twice before trying to answer this question and we decided to base is on construction industry and opinion of home owners.

There will always be people arguing that plaster is better and even more people taking side of stucco for exterior siding installation.

Specifically for exterior of the house nowadays stucco is used way more. We are talking at least 95/5 ratio.

Stucco material reacts less to weather conditions and continues to get stronger as concrete. It is also preferred because of the better looks.

Is Stucco or Plasters Dangerous for Health?

Technically speaking neither of them have substances that cause any harm to human body with severe consequences.

However plaster and stucco sometimes associate with asbestos.

First of all stucco never had any asbestos in it or any similar products. Cement base mixture is hard enough and does not require additional substances for insulation or strength.

Exterior and interior plaster application have history of asbestos in it, if installed in specific era. During 1930s – 1970s asbestos was popular construction substance to add into insulation and plaster mixes.

Nowadays products that are recently developed and installed are not dangerous to people.

How Long Does it Take Concrete to Dry and Fully Cure?

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How Long Concrete Dry — Time needed for Concrete to Dry and Fully Cure

Concrete is used in all types of construction for many decades. Yet we always keep asking the same question: how long does it take for concrete to dry and completely cure?

Owners and clients are desperate to continue using their amenities at full potential and cannot wait unit poured mixture becomes hard enough to walk or drive on.

Good quality concrete takes up to 48 hours to dry for people to easily walk on it without damaging the structure or leaving foot prints. To completely cure and set into hardest substance concrete needs 28 full days. Weather conditions and quality of mix may affect this time.

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Just because it takes concrete almost a month to cure it does not mean you cannot use it. Construction or use can carry on, but it will reach its strongest point after 28 days.

Time-lapse of Concrete Cure

It is a fact that concrete mixture continues to cure with time and gets harder every day. Stop guessing and know all details about drying and using freshly poured concrete into forms.

How does curing process actually work and what can you continue doing after certain period of time?

Time	Full Strength	Construction and Performance
2 Days	30%	Walk on / Take off Forms
7 Days	65%	Drive on / Frame on Top
14 Days	90%	Average Size Foundation Walls
28 Days	99%	Most Complicated Construction

Time Table of Concrete Curing and Performance

We have to add that each project with concrete is specifically designed by structurally engineer. Thickness, rebar, ties and structural components are calculated before installation. This table is just to show relevant time of use.

Day 2 – It takes only that long for mix to get sold hard. Trades can remove forms on small or medium projects and you can easily walk on it without leaving foot prints.

Interior non-structural concrete works can be covered up and forms taken out for non-commercial use. Typically footings, sidewalks, home driveways are stripped but continue to cure.

Day 7 – You can drive on concrete and continue building small or medium structures. Concrete has reached more than half of its planned strength and if you slowly continue adding pressure to it nothing will happen.

7 days curing process is enough for small residential building foundation walls, basement and house garage slabs, stairs or porches.

Day 14 – Most of work is carried on after this time period. Construction companies are fine with 90% strength of product and place forms, rebar, additional structural loads on top.

Who usually waits 14 days for concrete structure to cure? Condo/apartment building after completion bottom levels, tunnels, large buildings and facilities.

Day 28 – At this point concrete is 99% cured and slowly continues to get stronger. Basically it doesn’t get better than this and any construction use can be carried on.

Full period of 28 days may be required by engineers for development of complicated bridges, constructions on height, mountain projects or under water facilitates.

Difference between Concrete Drying and Curing

Very often people don’t fully understand chemical reaction of concrete and mix up curing process with drying. Also process of drying in concrete is different from what we usually think of.

Curing is factor of straightening and getting harder in time, while drying of concrete means evaporation of water.

Concrete Curing – Process of hardening with adequate temperature, level of moisture and application techniques. Concrete cures within 28 day to its 99% strength.

Concrete Drying – Mix looses base water and turning into rock solid state. Full vaporization of water can be several month and calculated to be 1 inch thickness for 30 days.

Just because concrete driveway or sidewalk is hard enough to walk on does not mean it is fully dry. Technically speaking drying process is even longer than curing and each inch of concrete in thickness fully loses water within 30 days.

How Can You Help Concrete To Dry Faster?

Every year we learn something new about construction industry and materials that have been in use for centuries. With technology progress we can control chemical process better.

Initial Amount of Water in Mix
Air Circulation Inside the Building
Reduce Amount of Water in Air
Less Smoothening The Surface

Be very careful with every method of making the concrete dry sooner. Potentially fast evaporation can create tracks and other ways of damaging structure. We always recommend letting it dry under normal conditions and avoiding interference when possible.

Initial Amount of Water in Mix – if rate of water added is higher than normal, it would exponentially increase the time of vaporizing. Both curing and drying time would be affected.

Know what quality and rate of concrete to get for your job and how it will change dry time of cement. On average 15% – 20% of water is used in good mix.

Air Circulation Inside the Building – Good practice to keep exchanging fresh air is to have windows and doors open. If weather is too cold or too humid for concrete to dry, close everything and turn on furnace/AC.

For obvious reasons there is no need to do anything outside. Without intervention nature with winds will do everything for us.

Reduce Amount of Water in Air – it would make perfect sense to remove water from air if we are trying to dry up concrete.

Inside its better to use dehumidifiers, while outside concrete can be covered with certain materials. Some recommend covering it with hey or wool base tarps that trap moisture inside.

Less Smoothening the Surface – Although it’s not ethical in concrete world to in some projects leave surface alone, it works best for drying up.

Over troweling keeps water under secured layer of finished concrete and later on it will have harder time escaping.

Using this logic, rough concrete works like footings, pads or deck posts dry up fast; while finished concrete surface such as stairs will take longer to dry.

How to Accelerate Concrete Curing?

Although we have stated base of how long it takes concrete to cure, there are ways to accelerate the process and builders all over the world are doing it.

Remodel On Point have 4 ways in mind to speed up the process and they are not complicated.

Using Worm Water in Mix
Controlling Temperature
Avoiding Weather Factors
Adding Chemicals

First three ways to speed up concrete setting also help preventing from cracks. Last method is rarely used in industry, only when very specific project requires immediate curing of certain parts.

Using Worm Water in Mix – not many of us know, but simple temperature change in original concrete mix makes a big difference.

Worm water helps it cure faster. It won’t affect time by more than several percent, but every bit helps.

Controlling Temperature – Cold weather slows down curing and indoor heaters are recommended to get the process going.

Overheating freshly poured concrete can create problems too. Outdoor during hot summer cover it up and create shade.

Avoiding Weather Factors – Whenever working outside it would be beneficial for the mix to create a barrier from nature.

It could be something simple like covering with tarp and protection from light rain to complicated wood structures that literally enclose project area.

Adding Chemicals – Chemistry and understanding bounds has brought us long way. Now we can add specific chemicals just before pouring to help set much faster.

As we previously explained the best agent for accelerating concrete setting is calcium chloride.

Exceptions of Concrete and Mixes that Dry Fast

How come we hear advertising that hardware stores sell concrete products with curing time under 1 hour? Is it really true and how than why it is not used all over construction industry?

Yes there are products on market that can set as they claim within 20-40 minutes. They sell in small bags of 40-50 pounds on shelves and are not used in large construction projects.

In these mixes different accelerators and ingredients are added to speed up drying process. Calcium chloride is one of the popular accelerators for fast setting concrete.

Unfortunately we cannot use something like this in commercial or large projects. Setting and drying process is too quick. Sometimes it takes hours to deliver ready mix on jobsite, an hour to pour and same time to properly distribute or level concrete.