Issue 197
Features
-
Factory-Finished Siding
Factory finishes for wood and fiber cement offer countless color choices and a paint job guaranteed for up to 25 years.
-
Trim Routers
These compact tools are handy for small routing tasks, but most have room for improvement.
-
Elegant Wainscot From Drywall Scraps
Use strips of drywall to create custom paneling that will add detail and charm to most any room.
-
Window Installation Done Right
Doing everything to ensure a leakproof job? If you don’t include the housewrap, use a sill pan, and flash the flanges, the work is far from watertight.
-
A Tiny Addition for a Growing Family
Dining, living, office, laundry, bathing, sleeping, and storage space built in just 650 sq. ft.
-
Frame a Strong, Stable Floor With I-Joists
Engineered floor joists are straighter, faster, and flatter, but they aren't installed the same way as dimensional lumber.
Article
-
Keep Siding Straight With a Story PoleA simple layout tool aligns siding with window and door trim, and helps you to finish where you started.
-
How to Build a Coffered Ceiling with Box BeamsBuilt of plywood and MDF, these beams go up quickly, resist movement, take paint well, and even level a wavy ceiling.
-
Taping and Mudding Inside CornersFor drywall novices, there's nothing more challenging—or messy—than finishing inside corners
Cross Section
-
Mandatory lead-safety certification coming in 2010In less than 2 years, any contractors looking to disturb lead-based paint in homes will need to obtain EPA certification
-
Pipe-settlement deadline is nearIf you're looking to have leaky pipes that were installed in your house replaced for free, time is running out
Tools & Materials
-
Better saw, bigger price tagFestool's new Kapex KS120 SCM delivers on features, precision
-
Hole plugs for composite deckingCortex concealed fastening system
Letters
Finishing Touches
What is the Difference
-
What's the Difference: Floor-Finish ApplicatorsThe time you spent on your hardwood floors will be in vain if you don't choose the right finish applicator
-
What's the Difference: Galvanized nailsWhich type of zinc-coated nail is the best at preventing corrosion?
Building Skills
Master Carpenter
Great Moments
Drawing Board
Video
-
Findings from a Home-Energy AuditAfter the test equipment is put away, a home energy auditor explains what to do next
-
Energy Savings Begin with a Home-Energy AuditAlmost painless, a home-energy audit can reduce energy costs and improve comfort
Ask the Experts
Readers Tips
-
A Big Table for a Portable Tablesaw -
Dust Control When Cutting Concrete -
New life for old balusters -
A Stud Finder That Marks Location Without Leaving a Mark -
Reciprocating-saw/wire-brush combo -
A better work light for cramped conditions
-
Insulation T-lift -
Dialing in Accurate Miter-Saw Cuts -
Dust Control for Your Glasses
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
