A Study in Broken Load Paths
Many old wood-frame buildings have outlived their structural capacity Read more
Installing Custom Wood Floors
How a flooring pro incorporates live-edge inlays and multiple wood species in his designs. Read more
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 a Router
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
Understanding How Water Pipes Freeze
Why do hot water pipes freeze and burst more frequently than cold water pipes? Read more
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
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
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
Metabo HPT's new framing nailer weighs more than other cordless nailers, but is well-balanced with a lot of power. Read more
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
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
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
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
Durable Steel Pergolas
Components can be assembled in custom configurations--without specialized tools. Read more
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
This semi-transparent stain from YellaWood has water repellents and UV inhibitors to help protect exterior wood. Read more
Coated Structural Fasteners
Spax PowerLags have a built-in washer head and don't require predrilling. Read more
Sturdy and Elegant Wood Cabinets
Dovetail drawer boxes are standard on these North American-made cabinets. Read more
Fiberglass Insulation
InsulPure is easy to cut and creates less dust during installation, says the maker. Read more
Textured Wall Tiles
Panels with the look of split, stacked stone can be installed inside or out. Read more
SmartSide Mounting Blocks
J-Blocks and Mini-Splits are composed of a primed engineered wood-strand substrate. Read more
Pourable High-Performance Flooring
Durable seamless, resinous flooring systems in new color options. Read more
Durable Swinging Doors
These French doors have wood interiors, aluminum-clad exteriors, and a multipoint lock with a lock-status sensor. Read more
