Other stories by Carl Hagstrom

• Flashing an Entry Door

  For doors with applied casings, simple flashings made from self-healing membrane serve the same purpose as fins

• Flashing A Flanged Window

  A few minutes of time and a few dollars of materials can prevent expensive headaches.

• Practical Engineering: Building Strong Garage Door Walls

  Not enough room for a full sheet of sheathing on each side of the garage door? Here's how to develop the required lateral bracing with end panels as narrow as 16 inches.

• Q&A: Flashing an Arched Window

  Q. What's the best way to flash an arch-topped window?

• Toolbox: Simple Chop Saw Stand

  Site-built chop-saw stand

• Sidewinder Saws

  Every carpenter already has at least one of these tools, but eventually they’ll need replacing. Here’s a comparison of pro-duty saws, with a look at new features, to assist you in making your next purchase.

• Installing Framed Cabinets

  A profitable cabinet installation depends on having the right tools and a well-thought-out procedure. Here’s how one builder gets the job done.

• Faster Drywall Finishing with No-Coat

  If you finish your own drywall on small jobs, these innovative corner tapes could make life a lot easier. Here’s a hands-on evaluation from the job site.

• Laying Out Unequally-Sloped Gables

  Here’s a simple method for figuring the rafter runs on a lopsided gable — where each side of the roof has a different pitch.

• Quick Foundation Repair

  Rather than shore the house and replace the bulging block foundation, this builder used plywood slip forms to pour a concrete reinforcing wall on the outside.