Placing a Concrete Slab Over Living Space
Tim Uhler on the framing and waterproofing details needed to locate a garage on the main level of a home over a walk-out basement. Read more
Building a Curved Concrete Staircase
A commercial contractor details the form work, methods, and materials needed to build this unique architectural feature for his own home. Read more
A Trade School Triumphs Over Colleges
How a construction program for at-risk youth in Salinas, Calif. beat out top university design and construction teams in a surprising upset. Read more
Rules For Nailing Studs to Plates
Don Dunkley provides a wise interpretation of current codes affecting nails in wall studs. Read more
Decoding Efficiency Units for Heat Pumps
Connor Dillon sorts out the differences between SEER, SEER2, HSPF, and COP, all of which measure heat-pump efficiency. Read more
Interiors
Prefabricating a Frame-and-Panel Ceiling
Gary Striegler shows how to use simple pocket-screw joinery to assemble a paneled ceiling. Read more
On The Job
Making Backer Boards for Drywall Butt Joints
For faster finishing, try Aaron Miiller's simple method for making your own drywall butt boards. Read more
Using a Daily Log to Streamline Production
Greg Woleck runs down an easy way to improve the closeout process, strengthen workflows, and avoid repeating mistakes. Read more
Vapor Control in Walls With Continuous Insulation
Randy Williams cuts through the confusion surrounding how we handle vapor retarders when using continuous exterior insulation. Read more
Tools of the Trade
The Best Site-Built Worktable?
Manny Silva shows how to build an everyday jobsite workhorse with a minimal investment in time and materials. Read more
Can a Cordless Water Pump Keep Your Jobsite Dry?
Jake Lewandowski field-tests Milwaukee's battery-powered M18 transfer pump. Read more
These Boots Were Made For Working
Mark Clement puts a pair of Georgia Boot's Carbo-Tec LT work boots to the test. Read more
Restoring Box-Head Windows
The sash and screen for this unique window slides up into a pocket above the frame. Repairing 12 of them was a head-scratcher for veteran carpenter Tom O'Brien. Read more
Bathroom Vanity Collections
Clean lines and a current look characterize new vanity styles from Hardware Resources. Read more
High-Performance Composite Roof Tiles
Tested to withstand high winds, tiles come in multiple styles, including cedar shake and Spanish barrel tile. Read more
Noise-Reducing Jobsite Earmuffs
The headphones are equipped with Bluetooth and a noise-canceling microphone. Read more
Stand-Up Screw Fastener
Save your back when driving structural screws into decks and flooring. Read more
Large-Format Paver Tiles
Interlocking composite pavers are now available in 16-inch squares. Read more
Recyclable Work Tarp
These polypropylene-based tarps come in multiple sizes up to 12 by 20 feet. Read more
Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Outlet
When the GFCI trips, the outlet sends a notification via an app. Read more
Handcrafted Glass Tiles
Tiles are fabricated partly with recycled glass in a variety of patterns, shapes, colors, and finishes. Read more
Concrete Vapor Spray
This sealer penetrates the concrete surface to protect against through-slab moisture. Read more
Self-Adhering Waterproofing Membrane
Use this two-layer membrane below grade or in other waterproofing applications where there is no UV exposure. Read more
