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
Maintaining the load path is part of the challenge, but so is efficiently relocating mechanicals. Read more
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
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
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
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
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
Estimating Material the Easy Way
Jon Beer switched from Excel to Stack cloud-based software for faster, easier, and more accurate material take-offs. Read more
JLC
Single-Point vs. Multi-point Blower Door Testing
Randy Williams explains the difference in these two types of tests, and when it's best to use each one. Read more
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
Tim Uhler checks out a good pry bar, a must-have tool for any framer. Read more
Tough Thermal-Imaging Smartphone
The AGM Glory G1S is an Android smartphone with built-in infrared capability for home performance diagnostics. Read more
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
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
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
How a Midcentury Modern–style deck was restored to its former sleek aesthetic with engineered wood beams. Read more
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
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
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
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
These slate-look tiles are 12 inches wide with an 8-inch exposure. Read more
Easy-Install Deck System
Lay out the pedestals, snap the rails on, and then snap on the deck boards. Read more
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
New Baldwin lever sets sport various combinations of metal finishes. Read more
All-in-One Shower Pan Kit
The GoBoard Kit includes a point drain, presloped backer boards, curbs, and sealant. Read more
Deck Screen System
Screen in a deck, porch or other outdoor structure with this versatile system. Read more
Glossy Concrete Epoxy
Use the coating on bare floors or previously coated ones to create a durable finish. Read more
