Framing
A Modern Approach to Balloon Framing
How a short-handed crew streamlines wall building and keeps projects on schedule Read more
Building Performance
Retrofit Air-sealing
Phil Armand describes the tools, materials, and methods he uses to air-seal leaky old homes to meet modern energy codes. Read more
Q&A
How to Grout a Natural Stone Pebble Shower Floor
Tile pro Tom Meehan recommends giving the floor more pitch and filling the joints with high-performance sanded grout. Read more
On the Job
Making a Small Bath More Accessible
How John Carroll replaced a standard 5-foot tub with a smaller tiled shower and built-in bench. Read more
On the Job
Running a Bath Fan Exhaust Through Metal Roofing
Aaron Miiller has devised a clean way to vent a bath fan through exposed-fastener metal roofing...a method that would work with most any type of roofing. Read more
The Benefits of Running an Employee-Centered Company
In the employee-centered company, turnover can virtually disappear. Along with it, huge costs disappear. Read more
An Introduction to Zonal Pressure Diagnostics
Randy Williams explains more of his air leak sleuthing techniques in the latest installment in his series on using a blower door. Read more
Installing Base Cabinets in Out-of-Level Kitchens
Doug Horgan looks at a variety of options to "correct" out-of-whack floors during kitchen remodels. Read more
Testing a Modular Cordless Jobsite Vacuum
Ian Schwandt and his team check out Milwaukee's new M18 Fuel wet/dry vacuum, which can be customized to match the way you work. Read more
A Clear-Eyed View of Building Tech
Meet Belinda Carr, a master at exposing the fallacies in the media and marketing hype surrounding building technology. Read more
Deck Builder
Right-Sizing Deck Joists
Mike Guertin deciphers the ‘Maximum Deck Joist Span’ table in the 2021 IRC. Read more
Eye for Design
The Transformative Power of a Front Porch
Intended to make the front entry more functional, this porch also gave a Cape-style home a brand new look. Read more
Hardscaping a Backyard
Deck builders already have most of the skills needed to pour concrete slabs and build patios and retaining walls. Read more
DAY'S END
Orange County Lanai
This extensive outdoor living project included a stucco-clad patio cover, large deck, and a new 5-panel patio door. Read more
Assembled Stair Rail Panels
Save time and labor using preassembled railing panels for stairs. Read more
Lower-Carbon-Footprint Framing
Custom-fabricated engineered-bamboo panels form a hollow wall system. Read more
Low-Profile Cable-Rail Pickets
Stainless steel rods provide low-profile support between posts for cable rail. Read more
GuardDog Exterior Wood Screws
Approved for use with ACQ and CA-B, as well as cedar and redwood. Read more
Color-Matching Mortar Base
Use this pointing mortar base inside or out, with glazed thin brick, porcelain pavers, and hardscapes. Read more
Jobsite Phone
Not only can you use this rugged phone with wet gloves, but you can also swap out its battery when charging's inconvenient. Read more
Liquid-Applied Flashing Sealant
Approved to seal joints between LP WeatherLogic panels and flash openings and penetrations. Read more
