September-October 2022 Table of Contents

Features
A Practical Approach to Built-in Bench Seating A Practical Approach to Built-in Bench Seating

Gary Striegler's practical and efficient method uses pattern-routed supports Read more

Moving More Than Walls to Open Up Space Remodeling Moving More Than Walls to Open Up Space

Maintaining the load path is part of the challenge, but so is efficiently relocating mechanicals. Read more

Training the Trades
Beam Stress and Strain: A Lesson in Statics Beam Stress and Strain: A Lesson in Statics

Clayton DeKorne explains how beams are governed by five principal factors that engineers must account for when designing a structure. Read more

Q&A
How Close Can a Mantel Be to a Fireplace? How Close Can a Mantel Be to a Fireplace?

Different standards apply to mantel and surround clearances, depending on whether the fireplace is manufactured or site-built. Read more

Alternative Uses for Helical Piles Q&A Alternative Uses for Helical Piles

How installing helical piles at an angle allows them to be used to provide lateral stability to retaining walls and other structures. Read more

On The Job
Solving a Design Problem With a Built-in Gutter Solving a Design Problem With a Built-in Gutter

To make room for a cantilevered trellis, this Acrylabs-lined gutter was located above a wall plate instead of at the roof edge. Read more

Business
Remodel Your Thinking Remodel Your Thinking

Underpricing can result from thinking errors that lead you to sell yourself short. David Gerstel explains how correcting those errors will help you to become more profitable. Read more

An Easier Way to Estimate Material Business An Easier Way to Estimate Material

Jon Beer switched from Excel to Stack cloud-based software for faster, more accurate material take-offs. Read more

Energy
Single-Point vs. Multi-point Blower Door Testing JLC Single-Point vs. Multi-point Blower Door Testing

Randy Williams explains the differences between these two types of tests, and when it's best to use each one. Read more

Tools of the Trade
Tool Test: DeWalt 5-in-1 Drill Tool Test: DeWalt 5-in-1 Drill

Nathan Rinne checks out a compact drill with interchangeable heads for working in tight spaces. Read more

Mini Form Buster Pry Bar Mini Form Buster Pry Bar

Tim Uhler checks out a good pry bar, a must-have tool for any framer. Read more

Tough Thermal-Imaging Smartphone Tough Thermal-Imaging Smartphone

The AGM Glory G1S is an Android smartphone with built-in infrared capability for home performance diagnostics. Read more

Backfill
A Furious Sky: Hurricanes in America A Furious Sky: Hurricanes in America

The 2022 hurricane season, which ends this month, chalked up more tales of disaster and despair, adding to Eric Dolin's 500-year history of hurricanes in the U.S. Read more

Decks
Burying Deck Support Posts Below Grade Structure Burying Deck Support Posts Below Grade

Glenn Mathewson digs into the new code requirements for installing concrete footings and support posts for decks. Read more

On Site With Millboard Decking Eye For Design On Site With Millboard Decking

A Wisconsin builder talks about his experience installing a promising newcomer to the decking market. Read more

Replacing a ‘Deck House’ Deck Replacing a ‘Deck House’ Deck

How a Midcentury Modern–style deck was restored to its former sleek aesthetic with engineered wood beams. Read more

Screen Porch Facelift Screen Porch Facelift

Instead of just repairing this porch, Manny Silva rebuilt it with better materials and more rot-resistant details to give it a longer life. Read more

A Radiant Deck Inlay DAY'S END A Radiant Deck Inlay

The star of this elevated deck is a compass rose inlay fabricated from standard composite decking and illuminated with LED lighting. Read more

Products
Performance-Sealed Door System Performance-Sealed Door System

A spring-loaded cap on the cap sill helps keep a tight seal and provide protection from leaks, drafts, and debris. Read more

Elegant, Free-standing Tub Elegant, Free-standing Tub

The Alva tub's deep bowl promises a good soak. Read more

Extra-Wide Deck-Ledger Tape Extra-Wide Deck-Ledger Tape

Trex reinforces butyl tape with aluminum in a new, 11-inch-wide flashing tape. Read more

Single-Width Composite Roofing Tiles Single-Width Composite Roofing Tiles

These slate-look tiles are 12 inches wide with an 8-inch exposure. Read more

Easy-Install Deck System Easy-Install Deck System

Lay out the pedestals, snap the rails on, and then snap on the deck boards. Read more

Versatile Porcelain Floor Tiles Versatile Porcelain Floor Tiles

For a travertine look, inside or out. Read more

Speedy Deck-Fastening Tool Speedy Deck-Fastening Tool

Compatible with any drill, the ClipDrive lets users install Camo Deck Clips from a standing position. Read more

Mixed-Metal Door Fixtures Mixed-Metal Door Fixtures

New Baldwin lever sets sport various combinations of metal finishes. Read more

All-in-One Shower Pan Kit All-in-One Shower Pan Kit

The GoBoard Kit includes a point drain, presloped backer boards, curbs, and sealant. Read more

Lightweight Tile Adhesive Lightweight Tile Adhesive

Ready to grout in 3 to 4 hours. Read more

Deck Screen System Deck Screen System

Screen in a deck, porch or other outdoor structure with this versatile system. Read more

Glossy Concrete Epoxy Glossy Concrete Epoxy

Use the coating on bare floors or previously coated ones to create a durable finish. Read more

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