More stories about Detail

• Letters

  Chimney flashing tips, eco-friendly lumber certification questioned

• Making Walls Watertight

  Siding sheds water, but it’s not waterproof. A wood construction expert warns against leaks caused by sloppy housewrap and flashing details, and shows how to do it right.

• Exterior Trim: Design Basics

  Why do some houses look better than others? An architect explains the fundamental principles that distinguish good exterior details from bad ones.

• Detail: Air-Sealing Truss Floors

  This straightforward technique uses tight-fitting rigid foam to air-seal and insulate truss floor perimeters.

• Training Lead Carpenters

  A job foreman needs more than good carpentry skills to manage the construction site. Here are the techniques a successful builder uses to find lead carpenters within his own ranks, rather than hiring from outside.

• Q&A: Insulated Wood Floor Over Concrete

  Q: We are looking for a detail for laying a wood floor over a previously uninsulated slab. What’s the best way to go about this?

• Practical Engineering: Concrete and Steel -- An Effective Partnership

  Rebar recommendations

• Toolbox: Triangle Detail Sanders

  Triangle sanders for detail work

• Water in the Walls -- Three Case Studies

  Whether it comes from green framing lumber or household sources, moisture trapped in wall cavities can cause major headaches. These real-life cases illustrate the expensive consequences of failing to get water out of the walls.

• A Simple Custom Entry

  A classy covered porch doesn’t have to cost a mint. This one uses stock materials and simplified construction but blends perfectly in a neighborhood of ornate traditional homes.