May 2022 Table of Contents

FEATURES
Why and How to Build an Insulated Overroof Why and How to Build an Insulated Overroof

Avoiding the risk of condensation in a modern low-slope roof design that doesn't have enough depth in the roof assembly for adequate insulation. Read more

Practical Details for Earthquake-Resilient Buildings Practical Details for Earthquake-Resilient Buildings

Shear walls and strong connections are key in resisting the lateral forces that apply horizontal loads on a building. Read more

TRAINING THE TRADES
Decoding the Framing Square for Rafter Layout Decoding the Framing Square for Rafter Layout

Hidden in the rafter table is the base, altitude, and hypotenuse for 34 different right triangles; John Carroll lays out how to use these numbers to frame a roof. Read more

Q&A
Is Rusty Rebar a Problem? Q & A Is Rusty Rebar a Problem?

Why doesn’t the rebar used to reinforce concrete footings and foundations—which are in contact with ground water—rust and break the concrete into pieces? Read more

ON THE JOB
Learning From the Past JLC Learning From the Past

Brent Hull builds a strong case for why we should study the work of past carpenters. Read more

BUSINESS
Why I Switched to Cost-Plus Why I Switched to Cost-Plus

Since overhauling his business agreements, Jon Beer earns a profit and covers overhead on every remodeling job. Read more

ENERGY
R-Value Creates Confusion. Let's Change That JLC R-Value Creates Confusion. Let's Change That

How much more insulation should you add to a wall? R-value doesn't help you answer this questions, but a simple change in labeling insulation products would. Read more

TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Tool Test: Makita XGT Beam Saw Tool Test: Makita XGT Beam Saw

Tim Uhler puts Makita's new 40-volt 10 1/4-inch rear-handle saw to the test. Read more

Tool Test: Castle 110 Pocket Cutter Tool Test: Castle 110 Pocket Cutter

Gary Striegler reviews a pocket hole machine that uses a router instead of a drill to make cleaner cuts. Read more

New Tool: Metabo HPT MultiVolt Cordless Compressor New Tool: Metabo HPT MultiVolt Cordless Compressor

Perfect for punchlist work, this compact and quiet compressor can be powered by either a battery or an optional AC adaptor. Read more

Clog-Free Sandpaper Clog-Free Sandpaper

JLC editor Clayton DeKorne tries out Diablo's SandNet, an open-weave nylon mesh abrasive that impressively does not clog. Read more

BACKFILL
California’s Forgotten ‘Big One’ California’s Forgotten ‘Big One’

The earthquake that devastated California's Fort Tejon in 1857 was one of the strongest ever recorded in the U.S. Read more

DECKS
Forest Floor Deck EYE FOR DESIGN Forest Floor Deck

How a Colorado builder created a deck surface out of log rounds embedded in epoxy, and illuminated it from below. Read more

Building a Deck With a Welded Steel Frame Building a Deck With a Welded Steel Frame

How Rob Corbo and his team upgraded an urban backyard with a uniquely-framed deck. Read more

Better Porch Stairs Better Porch Stairs

Manny Silva pattern-routed the stringers and trim for the porch stairs on a recent project. Here's why. Read more

Farewell to a Friend of JLC Farewell to a Friend of JLC

Former PDB editor Andy Engel passes away at age 60. Read more

PRODUCTS
Enhanced Outdoor Living Enhanced Outdoor Living

New aluminum offerings from Trex include privacy panels and a free-standing pergola. Read more

Four-in-One Decking Spacers Four-in-One Decking Spacers

With four sides of different sizes, these spacers can be used with various deck materials. Read more

Smooth Profile Cabinet Fronts Smooth Profile Cabinet Fronts

Beveled molding details and hidden midrails blend traditional and modern looks. Read more

Galvanized Steel Knee-Brace Connectors Galvanized Steel Knee-Brace Connectors

The black powder-coated hardware is available for 4-by and 6-by lumber. Read more

Collaborative Rainscreen and Cladding Collaborative Rainscreen and Cladding

Specially profiled Kebony modified-wood cladding snaps onto rails. Read more

Powder-Coated Aluminum Railing Powder-Coated Aluminum Railing

Choose between white, black, and bronze textured finishes. Read more

Soft-Close, Adjustable Cabinet Hinge Soft-Close, Adjustable Cabinet Hinge

A three-tiered adjustment switch controls the closing action. Read more

Water-Impervious Wood Alternative Water-Impervious Wood Alternative

Made from PVC and rice hulls, the sheets and boards cut with regular tools and take paint and stain. Read more

Black-Tone Stone Siding Black-Tone Stone Siding

The cladding installs without mortar or adhesives. Read more

Smart Heated Floor Control Smart Heated Floor Control

New thermostats from Laticrete offer easier control over the Strata_Heat floor warming system. Read more

Multi-Application Drain Pump Multi-Application Drain Pump

Pump away graywater from basement sinks, dishwashers, showers, and washing machines. Read more

Mineral-Based Composite Decking Mineral-Based Composite Decking

Deckorators' Voyage decking comes in 16- and 20-foot lengths and can be used for cladding. Read more

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