Building a Timber Barn
For customers who want the look of a timber-frame outbuilding without the cost, this Massachussetts builder has developed a straightforward approach to stick framing with heavy timbers. Read more
Cast-In-Place Concrete Counters
Forming concrete counters on-site requires careful preparation and perfect timing. A third-generation concrete contractor shares his secrets for getting the job done right. Read more
Fitting Up a Custom Saw Trailer
Nothing like rolling the shop to the job to slash setup time. A GC tells how he built a custom saw trailer with a 14-inch radial arm saw, a large-capacity air compressor, and tons of storage space. Read more
Fixing a Wet Crawlspace
A crawlspace expert describes how to turn a damp bug- and mold-infested crawlspace into a clean, dry, sealed environment. Read more
Tool Test: Stacked-Tank Compressors
Air compressors vary in terms of portability, noise output, recovery time, and ease-of-use. We sent ten twin stacked-tank models out in the field to find out which ones deliver; here's our report. Read more
Trying to speed production and increase accuracy on the job? These tools deserve a look. Read more
In the News
Disaster narrowly averted in deck collapse; lumber price outlook; condo franchise reaps profits for custom builder; Colorado construction liability reform faces voter threat; more Read more
Q. How cost-effective are solar panels? Read more
Q&A: Setting Ceramic Tile Over Long-Span Steel Joists
Q. The plans for a new house call for saltillo tile over a 3/4-inch plywood subfloor with 1/2-inch concrete backerboard (Durock) thinset and screwed to the plywood. The floor joists are Dietrich Trade Ready Floor System 12-gauge steel joists at 16 inches Read more
I recently asked the participants in jlconline's Estimating and Takeoff forum what part of the estimating process was most difficult for them. The nearly unanimous answer was "estimating labor costs." Read more
What should you do with all those old business records that you store in file cabinets, boxes, and stacks in the corner? Do you have to keep them forever? Read more
Pro-style gas ranges; vanities Read more
Backfill
Hmmm...And That Louis XIV Chair Would Make an Excellent Drill Press
An antique chest becomes a homemade table saw Read more
