More stories about Joints

• Simple Site-Built Mantels

  A production-oriented finish carpenter shows how to build elegant but affordable mantels from MDF and stock moldings.

• Installing Radiant Snowmelting

  The same technology used in radiant slabs also works outdoors to melt snow from drives and walkways. A heating contractor explains how to schedule and install a radiant snowmelt system.

• Q&A: A Fix for Bouncy Floors

  Q: As part of a remodel, I have to replace the carpet on a floor framed with 2x10s on 12-inch centers. The joist span is 20 feet, and the floor bounces so badly that things on the table shake when someone walks through the room. Is there a good way to fix this problem before recarpeting?

• Keeping Water Out of Brick Veneer

  Contrary to popular perception, brick is not waterproof. Water gets behind it and can rot the structure and ruin finishes. A brick design expert describes the flashing and weep details that ensure water can get out from behind brick veneer before it causes problems.

• Floating Floor Options

  Floating floors offer some advantages over conventional hardwood strip flooring: They’re more dimensionally stable, come prefinished, and because they’re laminated, are available in wood species that would be cost-prohibitive in full-thickness flooring. Here’s a survey of what’s available.

• JLC Online

  Using PT plywood as subflooring, dust-free drywall finish-ing, quick drywall takeoff

• Q&A: Concrete Cold Joints

  Q: Occasionally my foundation contractor is not able to pour all of the concrete for a foundation at once, leaving vertical and horizontal cold joints. How do you prep the surface of the concrete after the first pour to make sure such joints are structurally sound?

• Q&A: Granite Tile Countertops

  Q: We are planning to use 1-foot-square granite tiles in a kitchen counter application because it is more affordable than granite slabs. Can I install the granite right over plywood, or do you recommend Durock as an underlayment? What type of grout would work best? How wide a space should we leave...

• Waterproof Fiberglass Decks

  Roofing membranes are not the only way to protect living space located beneath exterior decks. Adapting a technique from the boat-building industry, this builder uses two-part fiberglass resin to provide a durable, watertight deck surface. Here’s a step-by-step description.

• Resources

  Basic business guide, contract-writing help, construction drawing primer, engineering basics, electrical references