What's the Difference?

We compare construction materials, products, and tools so you can make smart choices for your home-building and remodeling projects.

What’s the Difference: Phillips vs. Pozidriv Bits
Despite their similar appearance, these two systems are not interchangeable
What’s the Difference: Demolition Tools
Pry bars and nail pullers
What’s the Difference: Pressure-Treated Lumber
Learn more about the various types of pressure-treated lumber, where you can find the retention level, and why making the right choice is so crucial.
Sump-Pump Options
The main differences between submersible and pedestal-style sump pumps come down to cost and cooling.
What’s the Difference: Paintable Interior Moldings
MDF trim vs. finger-jointed trim
What’s the Difference: Residential Fire Extinguishers
Units for class A, B, C, and K fires
What’s the Difference: Wooden Scaffold Plates
Stay away from construction-grade lumber and choose instead between solid-sawn planks and engineered LVL planks.
What’s the Difference: Bench Planes and Block Planes
Any decent woodshop is going to have a variety of hand planes, but these tools are far less common on a job site. Still, a hand plane may be just…
Electrical Conduits
With several varieties of conduit available at most home centers and supply houses, it’s essential to know the merits of each and what you can and cannot do with it.
Choosing Metal-Cutting Snips
Learn the difference between tinners and aviation snips for cutting ducts and flashing.

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