The post Fall Power Tool Shows appeared first on Riverhead Building Supply.

Special deals available on these dates and at these locations only. Get there early for the best selection. #tools

May 18 & 19 – Middletown, RI

7 AM – 2 PM

The Power Tool Show and Sale at Riverhead Building Supply is the perfect place to find new power tools, new batteries, and new accessories to upgrade your work tools.

Batteries Not Included

That phrase might give you a headache at the holidays, but we’re here to make sure that’s the only time it’s an issue. During the Power Tool Show and Sale you’ll find a variety of bare tools, just the way their maker made ‘em. The only thing missing from our bare tools is the battery pack. Batteries can be pricey, and since tool makers are on top of their game, you can move batteries between certain models of tools with ease.

We’ve made it even better to buy bare. During our Tool Show and Sale, we’re offering a free battery with some purchases. Double up on power packs, and keep them charged and ready to swap out.

Build a Kit

Build your own kit with the tools or batteries that you need most. On sale days, we’ll let you choose how you match up your tools and batteries from either DeWalt or Makita.

Powerful Nailers
 

Cordless is king, and Paslode has you covered whether you want to use a battery or fuel-powered nailer. Check out our special offers on framing nailers, finish nailers, and brad nailers.

More Power, Less Noise, Reduced Fatigue.
 

Whether you are a professional landscaper or a weekend gardener, you’ll love our selection of battery-powered alternatives for lawn care. With so many communities adopting new codes about when and where (or even if) you can use gas-powered mowers, blowers, and trimmers, it makes sense to check out the DeWalt and Makita outdoor equipment in our sale.

Our Level Best

Stabila tapes, levels, and now lasers have been keeping your jobsites level and square for over 100 years. Find a great deal on the latest in measuring accuracy at our show and sale.

The post Spring Power Tool Shows appeared first on Riverhead Building Supply.

Save time, improve results with the right power tools

 
Want to repair, renovate or construct something new? These are a few power tools that can help you save time and produce optimal results.

Visit the Riverhead Building Supply tool section in store or online where you can find the kinds of power tools that you’ll reach for again and again for home Improvement projects.

A cordless drill and impact driver kit is a great all-around combination for every home. Use the drill for creating pilot holes, then switch to a flat- or Phillips-head bit to drive screws.  Projects like repairing drywall, hanging shelves, or assembling furniture and cabinets becomes so much easier.

Here are a couple of combo kits to check out:

• DeWalt 2 pc Drill/Impact driver kit: This kit packs extra power with a 20 volt Max XR battery for long run time.
• Makita 2 pc Makita Drill combo kit: This drill/driver combo kit combines a lightweight tool with a powerful 18 volt lithium ion battery.

The Fein MultiMaster is the ultimate multitasking tool.  Use this precision-crafted oscillating tool for precise sawing, efficient sanding, filing, scraping, even polishing.

Experienced DIYers and Pros will enjoy using these tools

Sliding compound miter saw

A compound miter saw is an indispensable tool for cutting crown moulding, pictures frames, and wood for projects that require angled cross cuts. The blades pivot and tilt so you’ll have the ability to make both miter and bevel cuts.  While stationary and sliding compound miter saws are similar, a sliding compound miter saw increases your cutting capabilities. You’ll also be able to cut thicker materials, such as lumber, which can be useful if you are constructing a fence.
 
The DeWalt DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is an excellent sliding compound miter saw choice. It is durable, lightweight and designed for optimal cutting accuracy. It has a 15 Amp motor and an exclusive back fence design that cuts up to 2×16 dimensional lumber at 90° and 2×12 at 45°. See us at a tool show for special savings on this saw and get a bonus heavy duty stand with its purchase.

Cordless circular saw kit

A cordless circular saw kit is ideal for experienced DIYers and professionals who need to rip and crosscut wood including solid hardwood, MDF and hardboard, plywood and dimensional construction lumber. With a suitable blade, a circular saw may also be able to cut glass tile, metal, brick and other materials.

Cordless circular saws combine performance with portability. Simply charge the battery and take your tool wherever you need it without being tethered to an electrical outlet. You also won’t have to worry about a cord getting in the way of your cutting.

Ready to unplug for your next cutting project? Consider the Makita XSH06PT1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit to make maneuvering easy. It is compact, lightweight and comes with two free additional batteries for extended work time. It includes a dual port rapid charger, 24T ultra-coated saw blade, hex wrench, dust extracting attachment and carrying bag. Take advantage of special show savings of more than $140.

Framing nailer

Home builders already know the benefits of a framing nailer. This time-saving power tool easily drives nails into a framing assembly.  Framing nailers are much stronger and more powerful than a hammer so you can get your job done in a fraction of the time.  Plus, since they are lighter and more comfortable than a hammer, you can work for long stretches of time without fatigue.

While it may be warm now, nailing during the colder months can be challenging. Some framing nailers will freeze up.  If you’re looking for an all-season solution, try the Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer. This tough tool drives nails into a variety of harder woods and works well in temperatures as low as 14 F°.

If you need a higher holding capacity, a coil framing nailer could be right for you. Coil framing nailers have a magazine that can hold hundreds of nails which will minimize reloading interruptions. The powerful Bostitch BTF83C Coil Framing Nailer has a 200 magazine capacity and its low profile design enables it to fit between studs under 13” tall.

We hope to see you at one of our many locations where you can meet the Riverhead Building Supply team and take advantage of their knowledge. See our calendar for information about tool shows and other upcoming events.

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As with any type of flooring, hardwood floors require proper upkeep in order to maintain their appearance.  Preserve the aesthetic appeal of your flooring investment and follow these steps to protect and care for your hardwood floor.

Sweep and dust daily

One of the most important hardwood floor maintenance tasks is frequent sweeping and dusting. Use a microfiber dust mop or cloth which acts like an electrostatic magnet to pick up dust and debris. When your dust mop head is dirty, simply throw it in the laundry and reuse it.

Vacuum weekly

Vacuuming will help you clean up particles that have made their way into the nooks and crannies of your floor. Use the bare floor setting on your vacuum to protect your floor from the beater bar – the rotating brush at the bottom of your vacuum that can damage your floor’s finish.

Use area rugs and runners

Adding runners or area rugs will help protect the floors from scratches in high-traffic areas.  A rug by your outdoor entry doors can collect mud, sand and other debris that people and pets bring in after being outside. Be sure to use rug pads to prevent slipping.

Finish your floors with a urethane or polyurethane coat

No wood floor is indestructible but a coat or two of urethane or polyurethane will provide an extra layer of protection. These finishes add durability and scratch- and water-resistance to your floor, while enhancing the wood grain.

Clean accidents pronto

Spills and other accidents and messes are facts of life – especially if you have children or pets. Clean up any mess immediately before it has a chance to dry. Use a damp cloth and then rub the area dry. The longer any type of food or fluid sits on your floor, the greater the chance your wood will stain, warp or start to dull.

Watch what you use on your floor

Some cleaners can harm rather than help your hardwood floor. Water, ammonia and vinegar can dull your floor and soap and wax can leave residue. When in doubt about what you can or can’t use on your floor, ask your wood floor dealer for cleaning recommendations.
 

How to choose a hardwood floor

If you currently do not have a wood floor but are thinking about having one installed, consider these family-friendly ideas:
 

• Choose a solid hardwood species – Softwood species like American Cherry or pine are not recommended for high-traffic areas used by people or pets because this type of wood can scratch and dent easily. While no wood is completely scratch proof, harder wood species such as Brazilian Walnut and Hickory are a better choice if you want to protect your floor from your scruffs and abrasions.
• Camouflage with graining or distressing – Distressed wood or woods like oak that have grain and knots can add character to your floor while hiding dents and scratches.
• Finish with a low-sheen – A high gloss finish reflects light which can make pet hair, dirt and scratches more visible.
• Lighten up – Lighter woods tend to hide scratches, dents and other imperfections and damage.

How we helped a homeowner with a hardwood floor challenge

When it comes to wood flooring, Riverhead Building Supply is a flooring supply leader. Every day we help our customers solve their most pressing home flooring challenges, such as the one described below.

The problem…

One of our customers wanted a dark wood floor but has grandchildren and a dog and was concerned about scratches. She was afraid any scratches would go through the stain and show the lighter wood underneath.

The solution…

Our team introduced her to roasted red oak. The wood is gently cured with heat and the entire board takes on a rich dark color all the way through. There is no stain color that can be scratched or worn off.

The result…

While this is a special process and adds to the cost of the flooring, it was worth it to the homeowner. She felt that it suited her lifestyle and was the best choice to achieve the look she wanted.

Discover gorgeous hardwood flooring for your home. Contact us today.

Wood floors can fit into your active life, all it takes is a little pre-planning and everyday maintenance.  If you’re looking for the perfect wood floor that will look amazing for decades, contact Riverhead Building Supply. We can help you find a beautiful hardwood that will work for you and your family.

The post How to Care for Wood Floors appeared first on Riverhead Building Supply.

Quality control is important to us, and it is imperative to you.  We found that getting door orders shipped in from different suppliers added too much handling to the materials, and too much potential for damage.  Sometimes pre-hung doors arrived racked and skewed and out of square.  That simply is not acceptable to ship out to you on a jobsite.  Our craftsmen routinely would refuse orders, and fix (or replace) the problems that had occurred in transit.  It added time to the whole order-to-delivery cycle, and a lot of labor, too. Then we thought, why not just make them here, so that there is less handling and we can set our own quality standards to follow?  We have been creating pre-hung doors in our shop for over a dozen years, so you can depend on the level of quality you are going to get in every order. If you’ve tried us out for pre-hung doors, we’re pretty sure you’ve stopped hanging doors on your own on the jobsite, because your time can be spent on other important things.

And if you have never tried out Riverhead Building Supply, what are you waiting for? Why spend your time cutting jamb legs and heads, applying hinges, and hanging a door in a frame, then messing around with your level and shims in the rough opening until it swings jussst right?  We’ll ship you the door of your choice, in the frame of your choice, with the hinges you want. You tell us what stops you want, and we’ll hand apply those, then make sure the swing is correct, the boring is correct, and it is all plumb, square and true.  You can still mess around with the level and shims on the jobsite, but that’s about all you’ll have to do to get perfectly hung doors.

• Door styles – choose from a wide range of styles, such as panel doors, louver doors, even specialty glass pantry doors
• Doors can be fully primed or unfinished
• Door frames can be made in any size and any species you need, you tell us your specs
• Hinges – we start with Emtek, but you can change or upgrade to any type of fine hardware from suppliers like Baldwin, Ashley Norton, Deltana and others
• Stops applied – our standard OG or eased edge, or any profile you can think of
• Pre-hung doors for special applications, such as access doors, clipped corner doors for under stairwells

This video gives you a peek at our shop, so you can see how we assemble your order.  Interested in seeing more?  Let us know if you would like a tour of our manufacturing area where we are pre-hanging doors, milling mouldings, making custom cabinetry and custom doors, assembling windows, and more.
For any questions, please give us a call at (800) 378-3650 for our New York locations or at (800) 874-9500 for our New England locations!

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The choices are no longer about just the structural specifications of the framing material (which, of course, is specified by your local building code anyway). The conversation now is about what the lumber looks like, how much moisture content it has, how straight and true each piece of material is, does it have a full face for driving nails and screws, is it going to stay straight once installed, is it contributing to potential mold growth?

If you don’t think your clients notice what you’re putting in their walls, think again. This discussion thread, with user photos, is from a Houzz.com member questioning precisely what is going in the walls of her new addition.

What’s more interesting than the homeowner’s concerns are the replies from some of the builders and carpenters, saying in effect, “that’s what all lumber looks like now.”

No, folks, that is NOT what all lumber looks like, at least not at Riverhead Building Supply. Selling premium lumber products is not just a point of pride to us, it’s a good business decision for us, for you, and for the people who live in the homes that it goes into.  We take the time to find premium lumber from certified and trusted mills and suppliers.  Just as you hold us accountable for the materials you buy from us, we hold our suppliers accountable for what we receive from them.  You can shop around and price out framing material and come up with a range of prices, and we know ours won’t be the cheapest. We’re not aiming to sell you cheap lumber. We want to offer you the best product available for your framing package. And, in our opinion, you get what you pay for, not just when you’re building the home, but after the drywall is up and a few years have passed.

Clean, bright, dry framing material looks good when it is delivered, looks good when it is being used, and creates a more consistent framework for your sheathing on the exterior and your drywall inside. It has little or no wane, for better attachment points for screws or nails. Kiln dried material brings a much lower threat of the studs twisting inside the wall cavity. It has a lower moisture content that makes it more stable in the long run. Over time, you’ll see less settling, fewer nail pops or dimples over screws from studs shrinking or twisting, fewer cracks in the drywall. Over the whole build, combining the prices of all the materials needed for new construction or remodeling, such as framing, sheathing, windows, doors, decorative hardware, and trim, the difference of using just any dimensional lumber and our premium will be minimal.  Isn’t your reputation, and your time, worth a little added insurance up front to avoid tear-outs, do-overs and callbacks, or damaging word-of-mouth comments from your clients, after the job is complete?

If you want to take deeper look, to peel-back-the-bark so to speak and get your lumber geek game on, here are the facts about dimensional lumber:
Dimensional lumber is the collective term used to describe “2 X” through “4 X” lumber, in certain widths.  This guide from the Western Wood Products Association explains how dimensional lumber is graded.

Dimensional lumber is graded for its strength and use as a structural piece of material. In that sense, anything graded and stamped as dimensional lumber (and all structural lumber must carry a grade stamp) will perform to the specifications the WWPA has set forth for that grade. Premium or Appearance lumber is the same material that has been further sorted by how it looks. It is accumulated by pulling the best appearing product from the run of lumber. It has fewer and smaller knots, and no wane.  No wane allows the full surface of the board for attachment points for drywall, cabinetry and trim, giving you a better finish. Premium lumber takes a little more effort to select, and results in a brighter, cleaner and better performing piece of lumber in the long haul.

In our Long Island locations, we are transitioning our inventory from Green Douglas Fir (GDF) to Dry Douglas Fir in our 2X4, 2X6 and 2X8 dimension lumber. (Our 2X4 and 2X6 pre-cut studs have always been kiln dried (KD) premium, in all locations, in case you were wondering.) What does this mean to you? Kiln drying is a standard practice in wood production mills that brings green lumber moisture content to a range that is deemed more workable and more stable.  With a lower moisture content, it is dry enough that it won’t warp or check while acclimating to its new home, but still has enough moisture to be easy to work with. Expansion and contraction due to moisture will be minimal. Green lumber, on the other hand, will tend to crack, warp and check as the board shrinks in a heated space.  KD lumber will stabilize in your home environment more quickly, and you are less likely to experience those problems.  Our premium lumber just looks better, too. You will have brighter lumber, without the discolorations of GDF.

We’re confident that this product will save you time by giving you more usable pieces of lumber in every unit. Buying premium lumber from Riverhead Building Supply is one more way to Build Smarter. Build Better.

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