Building a Stone Retaining Wall
Fully settled subsoils, a well-compacted base of crushed stone, and good drainage are essential for long-lasting results. Read more
Detailing Rain-Screen Siding
Providing an air space behind wood trim and siding is the best way to make them last. Read more
Innovations in Sound Control
A sound engineer breaks down the techniques and materials her company uses to manage noise in home theaters and other loud spaces. Read more
Practical Passive Solar
Extra insulation, smart window placement, and thermal mass add comfort and generate energy savings for this New England home. Read more
Retrofitting an Engineered Shear Panel
Prefab panels made it possible to open up the floor plan by removing part of an interior shear wall. Read more
In the News
New EPA lead-paint rules; hurricane relief; California's smog fee; cement supply; more Read more
Making Long Trim From MDF
Pocket screws and butt joints make quick work of joining lengths of MDF together for baseboard and other trim. Read more
Sizing Thermal Expansion Tanks
Why your thermal-expansion tank might be too small to adequately protect your gas or electric water heater. Read more
Fixing a Ceiling Stain
To hide a stain on a wood ceiling, you first have to figure out what caused it. Then, pull out your color wheel. Read more
Anchoring a Railing To Stone
Wedge-type or masonry anchors can crack granite. Fortunately, there's a safer and more secure anchoring method. Read more
Skip the Primer?
Why a prime coat may be optional for interior trim, but is absolutely essential for an exterior wood door. Read more
Q&A
Is All Drywall Mud the Same?
Knowing the difference between taping, topping, and all-purpose drywall finishing compounds and when to use each makes taping easier. Read more
Business
The Myth & Math of Square-Foot Cost
No contractor wants to talk to customers about square-foot cost. But the topic will inevitably arise, because everything about planning a construction project — especially a new home — leads the customer to think in terms of cost per square foot. Read more
Legal
When a Customer or Supplier Goes Bankrupt
This is never good news, but exactly what happens next depends on the kind of bankruptcy and whether you are a secured creditor. Read more
Solid surfacing; ventilation Read more
