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More stories about Walls

  • Q&A: How Should I Finish an Existing Basement Wall?

    Q: I am about to start a basement remodel project in a cold climate. I plan to apply a waterproofing product to the inside of the basement wall, then stick a sheet of polyethylene directly to the basement wall over the waterproof coating. Once that is in place, I'll frame a 2x4 wood-frame wall on...

  • Working On a SIPs Roof

    A look at the techniques used to add skylights and thermal solar collectors to a foam-core roof.

  • Removing a Structural Chimney

    Two summers ago I received a call from some homeowners who wanted to remodel their kitchen and, as part of the project, remove a brick chimney that ran up through the center of the house.

  • Replacing a Wood Beam With Steel

    The LVL beam had been installed in an earlier remodel to replace structural partitions supporting the second floor. Since Cox knew that a flush steel beam could do the job just as well — but invisibly — he offered to include the swap-out in the contract.

  • Norbord OSB Panels

    TallWall lets you sheathe today’s taller walls without creating horizontal seams.

  • Mud-Bed Showers

    Floated mortar walls provide a flat, plumb setting bed over irregular wall framing.

  • Framing Hardware Dos and Don'ts

    Prevent structural problems and failed inspections by avoiding these common installation errors.

  • Letters

    Coordination between subs; barrier-free showers vs. code; don’t ventilate crawlspace with moist outdoor air; code article misses the boat; more

  • Specifying Drywall Finishes

    A Level 5 finish may prevent callbacks in areas of high visibility, but it's not always necessary.

  • Q&A: Pancake Boxes and Ceiling Fixtures

    Q: To retrofit light fixtures for old plaster ceilings that will be covered with new drywall, I plan to screw 1/2-inch-deep metal pancake boxes into the lathe of the existing ceilings and hang the new drywall around the boxes. But my electrician wants to cut into the ceiling and install deeper...