April 2009 Table of Contents

Features
Pressure-Treated Wood: The Next Generation Pressure-Treated Wood: The Next Generation

Today’s treated-lumber producers promise good protection with less corrosion, but the jury is out on long-term performance. Read more

Profiles in Green

JLC talks to four builders with long track records about what it means to build green. Read more

Installing Synthetic Slate Installing Synthetic Slate

This alternative to slate is light, rugged, and easy to cut. Read more

Letters
Letters Letters

Leak-free chimney; stainless steel screws and copper; subslab vapor-barrier details; credit card warning Read more

News
In the News In the News

Stimulus plan promotes energy-efficiency spending; California approves PEX; production-builder CEO rakes in $9.6 million for ’08; more Read more

Q & A
Q&A Fire-Safe Decking

Does anyone make a fireproof deck board? Read more

Working With Paperless Drywall Working With Paperless Drywall

Paperless drywall takes a little more work, but it's a good choice for mold-sensitive folks. Read more

Q&A Window Seats and Safety Glass

While trimming out a room during a remodeling job, the homeowner asked me to build a window seat. Does the window above the seat now have to be fitted with tempered safety glass? Read more

Insulating a Radiant Slab Insulating a Radiant Slab

How much insulation is necessary under a typical basement radiant slab? Read more

On the Job
Timber-Frame Look for a Stick-Frame Addition Timber-Frame Look for a Stick-Frame Addition

A few strategically located Doug fir 6x10s help match a conventionally framed addition to a post-and-beam home. Read more

Products
Products

All-in-one flashing panel; spray-foam insulation; shower seat; lightweight steel beams; grass driveway mats; push-fit fittings; more Read more

Toolbox
Toolbox Ridgid R3400 Fiber-Cement Saw

Last fall I reviewed several saws that collect the dust generated when fiber cement is cut. Read more

Toolbits
Festool T12+3 and T15+3 Cordless Drill/Drivers Toolbits Festool T12+3 and T15+3 Cordless Drill/Drivers

Festool's T12+3 and T15+3 cordless drill/drivers feature brushless motors and unique electronic clutch controls that change the motor speed and disengage the motor at a preset torque limit. Read more

DeWalt DWD460 Stud and Joist Drill Toolbits DeWalt DWD460 Stud and Joist Drill

Every plumber has a tale about being beat up by his right-angle drill, so any model that improves user safety is worth a look. Read more

Ridgid R86014 AutoShift Drill/Driver Toolbits Ridgid R86014 AutoShift Drill/Driver

Many users ignore the high and low gears on a drill/driver: Running in high makes the work go faster but can burn up the motor, while low gear protects the tool but feels too slow. Read more

Lobo Products Bib Bob T-Post Driver/Puller Toolbits Lobo Products Bib Bob T-Post Driver/Puller

Putting a temporary fence around your job site can mean pounding in a lot of T-posts. Read more

Action Manufacturing Systems Blue Ox Hauler Toolbits Action Manufacturing Systems Blue Ox Hauler

Long, heavy building materials can be difficult to lift and maneuver around job sites, especially by hand. Read more

Dimension Tools Bullet Mole Toolbits Dimension Tools Bullet Mole

Boring a utility access hole under a sidewalk or driveway is hard work and often requires hiring a sub. Read more

JLG Industries Telehandler Work Platform Toolbits JLG Industries Telehandler Work Platform

Telehandlers are a builder's workhorse. Read more

Backfill
Yonder Underdome Backfill Yonder Underdome

Underground dome home Read more

Other Articles
Profiles in Green Profiles in Green

These two interviews with Michael Anschel and Michael McCutcheon are part of a series of conversations that editor Dave Holbrook had with green builders around the country. Read more

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