Justin, Matt, and Patrick field a follow-up question on a particularly frightening rotunda framing job and discuss options for building a round structure from straight joists. Other topics include preferred shower waterproofing systems and strategies for widening a concrete stoop to support the columns of a new portico roof.

Question 1: Rotunda, part 2

Vincent writes: Just following up on the project I had where I needed to re-secure an existing intermittent second-floor exterior deck level to two-story wood stave columns.

So here’s the next issue with the same project. How to reframe the curved edges of the deck of the existing rotunda/gazebo. The existing curved edge of the decking is composed of layer upon layer of what appears to be wood scraps to generate the radius. The problem is that these wood scraps are also what the structural columns rest on, and now everything is slowly sliding off the deck. I’m attaching my engineered solution, basically a ladder with a curved edge laid on the flat, which will combat the overturning moment that the curved edge would naturally want to do. The main beams will be resting on the existing peanut stone columns with these ladder edges attached to either side to recreate the radius. The temporary lally column underneath the deck will be removed once all the new structure is in place. I wanted to get your take as builders if I am overthinking things.

Question 2: Waterproofing a shower

George writes: I am planning to update my bathroom shower from a Bathfitters retrofit to curbless tile with a linear drain at the entrance to the shower. Are Schluter Systems and Kerdi-Board simple enough for a handy homeowner to use for such a project? Can I learn enough from their online tutorials to get the job done, or should I ask my tile supplier to get me into one of their installation seminars?

• Thoughts on Schluter
• Other systems we’ve used
• General advice on replacing a tub with a shower

Question 3: Widening a stoop

I am looking to get a portico installed over my front entry. The stoop is 6 ft. wide by 4 ft. deep. I don’t plan on using it as a porch since we have a nice big back deck, but I have a feeling that it may not be wide enough, causing the portico to possibly look too small for the house. The portico posts may also be sitting directly in front of the sidelites as well. I’m thinking that the stoop may need to be widened by 2 ft. (1 ft. on each side).

The stoop is of the precast type sitting on a footer that is tied into the house footer. Also, there are granite treads lying on two of the steps in addition to two additional poured-concrete steps. Removing the old stoop would require a complete rework of the steps.

What options are there to widening it without removing and replacing the stoop entirely?

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Moore and OLFA.

This episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Moore. Everyone can paint. This is true. But not everyone can get the project done right. And Benjamin Moore knows that’s why you’re on the job. You’re more than a paintbrush and a ladder. Your client can buy those things at a hardware store, but they hired you for your skills and expertise. You know every paint job is different and that it takes more than one coat for the best finish. Benjamin Moore believes in doing things the right way. Because everyone can paint, but to do it right, it takes an expert contractor, it takes more than one coat and it takes Benjamin Moore. Paint like no other. 

This episode of the Fine Homebuilding podcast is also brought to you by OLFA. It’s time to upgrade your blade to a new OLFA Contractor Grade X-Design utility knife. Make blade changes quick and easy with OLFA’s super-strong snap-off blades.  Work 25% sharper with their pre-loaded Ultra-Sharp, Black carbon steel blades. And work stronger with the durable fiberglass-reinforced anti-slip grip handles. Find OLFA X-Design in three contractor grade sizes: extra heavy-duty 25 mm, heavy-duty 18mm, and high-precision 9mm. Ditch your old knife and learn how to upgrade your blade at OLFA.com/FHB.

We hope you will take advantage of a great offer for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off the discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. That link goes to finehomebuilding.com/podoffer.

The show is driven by our listeners, so please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or Google Play, and if you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected]. Also, be sure to follow Justin Fink and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram, and “like” the magazine on Facebook. Note that you can watch the show above, or on YouTube at the Fine Homebuilding YouTube Channel.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

Links for this episode:

• Bulkhead Door
• Basement Remodel
• No-Mold Finished Basement
• Slab Foundation for Cold Climates
• Frost-Protected Foundation
•  All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
• #KeepCraftAlive T-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
• The direct link to the online store is here.