Fences & Retaining Walls

• Q&A: Tiling a Breezeway

  Q. I've been asked to tile the floor of an enclosed breezeway that gets tracked with a lot of dirt, leaves, and snow. Besides being subject to the temperature extremes found in Ohio, the existing concrete slab has a crack running across its width. Is porcelain tile the best option in this situation...

   

• Business: Developing Unit-Cost Assemblies for Estimating (Subscriber content)

  Developing unit-cost assemblies for estimating

   

• Stair-Building Tools (Subscriber content)

  Manufacturers have developed specialized tools for laying out, cutting, drilling, and installing stair parts. Here's a close look at how they work on site.

   

• Design: Dormers by Design

  Designing dormers that fit

   

• Q&A: Various Wall Flashing for Exterior Chimneys

  Q. What's the right way to flash an exterior masonry chimney to the wall of the house?

   

• Replacing Factory-Built Fireplaces

  When a prefab fireplace wears out, the only solution is to remove it and install a new one. Here are some tips from a specialist.

   

• Running a Production Trim Business (Subscriber content)

  An interior trim carpenter whose company specializes in servicing large national builders tells how to produce a high-quality interior finish quickly and efficiently.

   

• Segmental Block Retaining Walls

  Longer lasting than timber and more user friendly than stone, segmental block retaining walls combine good looks with great structural stability.

   

• Installing Over-the-Post Handrailing (Subscriber content)

  Correctly installed over-the-post handrails look great, but there's nothing worse than a botched job. A veteran installer describes the cutting and layout tips that help him create tight joints and smooth curves every time.

   

• Water-Managed Wall Systems (Subscriber content)

  No siding is waterproof, and windows can leak. So we need a backup system, and building scientist Joseph Lstiburek has the details.