November-December 2021 Table of Contents

Features
A Study in Broken Load Paths A Study in Broken Load Paths

Jake Lewandowski tackles a remodeling project with numerous structural problems caused by sloppy prior work, and explains how he repaired the structure. Read more

Installing Custom Wood Floors Installing Custom Wood Floors

How a flooring pro incorporates live-edge inlays and multiple wood species in his unique designs. Read more

Special Report
Training the Next Generation of Building Professionals Training the Next Generation of Building Professionals

Educating the next-generation of skilled workers will likely come from robust in-house programs run by construction firms. Read more

Training the Trades
Choosing and Using Routers Training the Trades Choosing and Using Routers

This essential shop tool also belongs on the jobsite. Here's how to select the right model for the kind of work you do. Read more

Q&A
The Science Behind Freezing Water Pipes Q&A The Science Behind Freezing Water Pipes

Why do hot water pipes freeze and burst more frequently than cold water pipes? Read more

On The Job
Leveling Up Stone Countertops Leveling Up Stone Countertops

A K&B specialist explains his fast and accurate method for leveling existing out-of-level cabinetry for this popular upgrade. Read more

Energy
Upgrading to a User-Friendly Manometer ENERGY Upgrading to a User-Friendly Manometer

A home-performance contractor shares his tips and techniques for getting the most out of the Energy Conservatory's upgraded TEC DG-1000 Pressure and Flow Gauge. Read more

Troubleshooting
Dating Historic Structures Dating Historic Structures

How dendrochronology (the study of tree ring growth patterns) is used to find the true age of “Historic” homes, which are generally not as old as people think. Read more

Tools of the Trade
Tool Test: Metabo HPT MultiVolt Framing Nailer TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tool Test: Metabo HPT MultiVolt Framing Nailer

Metabo HPT's new framing nailer weighs more than other cordless nailers, but is well-balanced with a lot of power. Read more

Tool Test: Flex 24-Volt SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tool Test: Flex 24-Volt SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill

This versatile and powerful tool comes with both an SDS bit holder and a Jacobs-style chuck for regular drill bits. Read more

Tool Test: Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Device TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tool Test: Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Device

This hose-mounted meter precisely manages the amount of water added to mortar or concrete. Read more

Tool Test: DeWalt TStak and ToughSystem 2.0 Organizers TOOLS OF THE TRADE Tool Test: DeWalt TStak and ToughSystem 2.0 Organizers

Barrett Sites checks out DeWalt's modular toolboxes for storing tools and fasteners. Read more

Backfill
Elegy for an American Hardwood Elegy for an American Hardwood

Once a common wood in most East Coast and Appalachian houses, chestnut is now scarce yet highly prized. Read more

Products
Durable Steel Pergolas Durable Steel Pergolas

Components can be assembled in custom configurations--without specialized tools. Read more

Low-Maintenance Mortarless Stone Veneer Low-Maintenance Mortarless Stone Veneer

Metal clips screw to sheathing or OSB to create a drainage plane behind the veneer. Read more

Hybrid Stain and Sealer Hybrid Stain and Sealer

This semi-transparent stain from YellaWood has water repellents and UV inhibitors to help protect exterior wood. Read more

Coated Structural Fasteners Coated Structural Fasteners

Spax PowerLags have a built-in washer head and don't require predrilling. Read more

Sturdy and Elegant Wood Cabinets Sturdy and Elegant Wood Cabinets

Dovetail drawer boxes are standard on these North American-made cabinets. Read more

Multi-Slide Patio Doors Multi-Slide Patio Doors

Aluminum-clad wood panels slide open and closed on four rollers. Read more

Fiberglass Insulation Fiberglass Insulation

InsulPure is easy to cut and creates less dust during installation, says the maker. Read more

Textured Wall Tiles Textured Wall Tiles

Panels with the look of split, stacked stone can be installed inside or out. Read more

Aesthetic Cabinet Pulls Aesthetic Cabinet Pulls

New styles of knobs and pulls from Top Knobs. Read more

SmartSide Mounting Blocks SmartSide Mounting Blocks

J-Blocks and Mini-Splits are composed of a primed engineered wood-strand substrate. Read more

Pourable High-Performance Flooring Pourable High-Performance Flooring

Durable seamless, resinous flooring systems in new color options. Read more

Durable Swinging Doors Durable Swinging Doors

These French doors have wood interiors, aluminum-clad exteriors, and a multipoint lock with a lock-status sensor. Read more

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