Decorative Floors With Polymer Overlays
Thin polymer-modified cement toppings allow this contractor to produce decorative concrete surfaces even over wood-framed floors. Read more
Installing Metal Shingles
There's more to metal roofing than standing seam and ag panels. An experienced remodeler provides an overview of roofing with aluminum shingles. Read more
An Invisible Tile Access Panel
Installing and tiling a whirlpool tub often means undoing someone else's work. A veteran tile contractor tells how he copes with sequence problems and provides future access to the pump. Read more
Shearwalls for Coastal Homes
A design-build contractor explains how to meet the International Code's new coastal wind-load requirements by using shearwalls that work with your design, not against it. Read more
Tool Test: Worm Drive Saws
A West Coast framer tested eight 7 1/4-inch wormdrive saws to see how the newer models stack up against the old standbys. Here are his results. Read more
Q&A
Supplying Power to an Outbuilding
Q. What's the right way to deliver power to an outbuilding? I'd like to have a panel capable of powering a small shop. Read more
Q. What is the proper way to attach an interior basement wall to floor trusses ? both perpendicular walls and walls that run parallel with the bottom chord and fall between the trusses. I have been told to nail directly to the trusses, and I have bee Read more
Q. When compacting a gravel base for a slab, how can you tell when the gravel is compact enough? Read more
Business
Using Cost Books for Estimating
As moderator of the estimating forum at jlconline.com, I'm often asked if cost books are a reliable way to get cost figures to use for estimating. There are many cost books available, updated yearly, by RS Means, Craftsman, BNI, Saylor's, HomeTech, and others. Read more
When hidden conditions turn out to be hazardous materials Read more
Cabinets; lavatories Read more
Toolbox: Ridgid R2600 Sander
Ridgid R2600 sander, corded Hatchet; routers & accessories; sanders Read more
