April 2008 Table of Contents

Simple framed walls support the treads and act as forms for bending the rails and stringers. Read more

Pattern shingles can be efficiently produced on site from fiber-cement lap siding. Read more

These common errors could lead to expensive callbacks later on. Read more

Vintage details and clever reorganization help an updated space blend into an old home. Read more

Five Southern California "shelter in place" communities have proven they can stand up to raging wildfires. What can builders learn from their success Read more

More power for dump trailer; pricing custom work; in search of drywall shims; source for layout stick Read more

Two workers die in separate electrocution accidents; GAF rolls out new green roofing system; closing the book on 2007; more Read more

An engineer explains why most snow-related roof collapses are caused by connection failures, not failure of framing members. Read more

Q: Tile Doorway Detail When there's an entry between an exterior tiled deck and an interior living space, how should the threshold be detailed so that the doorway doesn't leak? My client uses a wheelchair and would like the interior and exterior floors to be in approximately the same plane. Read more

As a financial consultant to small construction companies, I've seen lots of cases where a builder finished a job and the bookkeeper closed the books on it — only to have a late subcontractor bill for that job show up months later. Read more

Framing; door hardware Read more

Keep track of your cellphone, keys, multitool, notepad, and writing instruments with Riggs Workwear's Ripstop Utility Vest. Read more

Glacier Tek's 5-pound Cool Vest contains cooling packs. Read more

The DeWalt Concealer looks both functional and comfortable. Read more

Subaru claims its Inverter generators are lighter and quieter than alternator-based models. Read more

Milwaukee has entered the portable-generator market with four models ranging from 4,300 to 7,000 watts. Read more

When the Stinger CH38 Cap Hammer came out, I bought two — even though I already owned a pneumatic cap stapler. Read more

To judge by its dimensions — 45 feet by 6 feet 6 inches — the structure at 128 Day Avenue in Toronto has more in common with a bowling alley than with a residence. And in fact, the site it occupies was originally meant to be an alley. Read more

A master electrician explains how to snake wires in an old house without damaging the plaster walls. Read more