Business Details
30 Years
experience
Custom Carpentry Excellence Since 1996
Carpentry Plus You brings over 26 years of specialized expertise in professional finish carpentry, with a relentless focus on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Founded in 1996, our company has established itself as a trusted leader in custom staircases, built-in cabinets, mantles, coffered ceilings, and other high-end interior carpentry solutions. Our team of artisans combines technical precision with artistic vision to create durable, visually striking installations that enhance homes across the Chicago area. We prioritize using premium materials like red oak, poplar, and walnut while employing advanced installation techniques such as pocket hole technology and back-gluing to ensure structural integrity. Our commitment to transparency includes providing detailed material education and free in-home consultations, allowing clients to make informed decisions. Recognized for our work on complex projectsfrom restoring century-old staircases to designing modern coffered ceilingswe maintain rigorous quality control standards while respecting clients' living environments during installations.Our portfolio demonstrates expertise in transforming functional spaces into artistic focal points through crown molding, wainscoting, window seats, and custom mud rooms. Client testimonials consistently highlight our attention to detail, thorough cleanup practices, and ability to complete projects requiring specialized engineering solutions. We differentiate ourselves by refusing to compromise on materials or methodology, offering a full-service approach from design to installation. Our reputation as award-winning craftsmen is built on resolving challenging scenarios, including safety-critical staircase repairs and intricate built-in cabinetry installations.
Services
Custom Staircases
Built-In Cabinets
Fireplace Mantles
Coffered Ceilings
Window Seats
Mud Rooms
Crown Molding
Wainscoting
Pull-Down Stairs
Shiplap Installation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 26+ years of specialized finish carpentry expertise
- We use premium materials like solid poplar and red oak
- We provide video documentation of completed projects
- We guarantee transparent material education and pricing
- We maintain rigorous quality control through back-gluing techniques
What people say
Outstanding craftsmanship
Worked over holiday weekend
Spotless daily cleanup
Artist-level carpenters
Perfect project completion
Services
Custom Staircases
Our custom staircase installations combine structural safety with artistic design, using premium materials like red oak, poplar, and walnut. We employ professional installation techniques including pocket hole technology and screw-based fastening for superior durability, unlike inferior nail-based methods that cause squeaks and splits over time. Each staircase receives personalized design consultation to match client preferences while maintaining architectural integrity, with options for metal balusters, coffered details, and period-specific restoration.
Built-In Cabinets
We create custom-built storage solutions that maximize functionality while enhancing interior aesthetics. Our cabinets use solid wood construction with quality euro hinges for adjustability, avoiding inferior MDF materials prone to warping and chipping. Projects include bookcases, entertainment centers, and hidden safes, with options for integrated lighting and granite countertops to complement cabinetry. Each installation receives meticulous attention to molding details and finish quality.
Fireplace Mantles
Our fireplace mantels transform ordinary hearths into artistic focal points using premium poplar and cherry materials. We design custom solutions incorporating architectural elements like fluted columns, crown molding, and wainscoting panels while ensuring structural soundness. Each mantel receives careful finishing to highlight wood grain patterns, with options for complementary granite or marble surrounds that enhance visual impact and durability.
Coffered Ceilings
We install high-end coffered ceilings using premium poplar moldings for dramatic architectural effect. Our process includes precise layout planning, back-stapling techniques, and multi-layer molding applications to create depth and dimension. Projects incorporate lighting solutions and premium plywood substrates for lasting beauty, unlike inferior installations that use drywall alone. Each coffered ceiling receives custom design consultation to match room proportions and decor.
Window Seats
Our custom window seats convert unused spaces into functional storage and seating solutions. Built with solid poplar and birch plywood, these installations include soft-close mechanisms, ventilation provisions, and tailored storage configurations. We offer options for integrated piano benches and custom molding to match existing decor, creating beautiful multi-functional elements that enhance natural light utilization in residential spaces.
Questions
What differentiates your staircase installations from competitors?
We use premium hardwoods and professional installation techniques like screw-based fastening instead of inferior nail methods that cause squeaks and structural issues over time.
Do you offer material education for customers?
Yes, we provide detailed explanations about wood species options, MDF limitations, and proper installation methods during free in-home consultations.
How do you handle complex restoration projects?
We approach complex jobs like restoring century-old staircases with careful planning, using matching materials while incorporating structural improvements for modern safety standards.
What carpentry services require special expertise?
We specialize in safety-critical installations like staircases plus intricate architectural elements including coffered ceilings and custom moldings requiring advanced engineering.
Do you provide installation documentation?
Yes, we offer video documentation of completed projects and detailed explanations of installation methods during client walkthroughs.
How do you maintain quality control?
We employ back-gluing techniques for moldings, use premium solid woods, and conduct daily quality checks throughout the installation process.
