FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

HAND SAWS

| Posted in Tools for Home Building on September 27, 2002 08:32am

How many of you guys still use a hand saw on the job and how often do you use em?? When i was a young lad just starting out in the trades I worked with a few Carpenters who used only hand saws for all there finsh work, theres not many if any that do that anymore.. when ever Im in the shop and look at my Disston D23s hanging there I think of those guys..

                    ToolDoc

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Joe1225d | Sep 27, 2002 08:48am | #1

    I'm very fond of hand saws.  I always have at least 2 in the rig and use one of them most weeks.  As i work in several trades, weeks can go buy without much woodcutting.  I've got some real beauties both in the house and in the shop that see infrequent use.

    joe d 

  2. User avater
    BossHog | Sep 27, 2002 03:01pm | #2

    I don't understand why hand saws don't get used more than they do. Wouldn't wanna do any serious cutting with one, but they sure can be handy.

    I was once on a job where they were setting trusses. There were 6 guys working, as I recall, and a crane sitting there at $90 an hour. They needed to cut the overhang off of one truss so they could set it.

    So everybody stands around while one or two guys go to the truck, get a saw, stretch out 2 extension cords, then cut off the overhang. I could have had the thing off in 30 seconds with a hand saw.

    When I built that spec house, I had a guy helping with the sill plates. One of the plates needed a small notch for something. He was going to get his sawzall out an run cords around back of the house just to cut one notch an inch or so deep. I handed him a hand saw out of my tool box, and he had it cut pretty quickly. Much less time than running to get a power tool. After he was done, he said he hadn't used a hand saw for 5 years.

    Seems to me that they still have a place in today's construction, but they don't get used very often.

    Why isn't eleven pronounced onety one?

    1. RW | Sep 27, 2002 03:48pm | #3

      Amen. Perfect for short duration things, or that one little piece of shoe that you need to make a return on. ( "I cut that on my 12" slider fifteen times and still can't find the little triangle!" )

      1. FrankB89 | Sep 27, 2002 04:14pm | #4

        I still use my Grandad's old saws on occasion.  I sharpen them myself because to get a good jointing, setting and sharpening is a lost art.  The saw shops do a poor job in my area.

        The new saws you buy seem to have throw-away blades. the exception is the Japanese pull saws which work great if you get good ones.

        An old carp that used to work with my Grandad would file his saws at the end of each day and, to impress me and others I suppose, would slide a needle down the teeth to ensure that the set was true.

        A good, sharp handsaw is a pleasure to use and cuts surprizingly true and fast and clean. 

    2. Piffin | Sep 27, 2002 04:38pm | #5

      Exactly, Boss!

      My standard work bench/sawhorse has a shelf in the bottom that has my three handsaws in it. I keep them in sheathes made by cutting old rubber inner tube to protect from mild rain and from other tools that get thrown in there.

      So often, little jobs get slowed down by power tools. I've even seenguys that want to hook up a compressor and hose and gun to nail up one sheet of plywood. DUH!Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        BossHog | Sep 27, 2002 05:10pm | #6

        "I've even seenguys that want to hook up a compressor and hose and gun to nail up one sheet of plywood."

        I really ticked off a guy who wanted to do something like that once. Had to build a single wall about 12' long on a remodel. He insisted on hooking up his compressor and nail gun. By the time he popped back up with the compressor charged up, I had finished nailing the whole wall. He was NOT amused.

        .

        Funny how you and I think alike on a lot of things. Maybe we're telepathic, or psychopathic or something ?

        I have a microwave fireplace in my house... Last night I laid down in front of the fire for the entire evening in two minutes.

        1. Piffin | Sep 27, 2002 05:42pm | #7

          Yeah, We're both a little burned out and on the verge of some sort of carreer adjustment. LOLExcellence is its own reward!

  3. vanderpooch | Sep 27, 2002 05:45pm | #8

    I think a large part of the reason they don't get used is that there's not many guys around who can sharpen them right, and you really can't but a decent new saw. I teach woodworking and every new saw I buy is pretty much crap.

    The first time i used an old, taperground saw that had been hand filed and set was a revelation.

    If anyone was making a handsaw the way it should be made, however, I'm sure none of us would want to pay for it. Just look at those Lie-Nielsen tenon and dovetail saws.

    Not counting Japanese saws, anyone found a production saw that cuts well?

    -Kit

    1. djmarro | Sep 27, 2002 07:35pm | #9

      I've got several hand saws, different brands. The sharpening is the key. A properly sharpened saw cuts fast and is a joy to use. I just pulled my handsaw out the other to finish cutting some stair stringers. Just the tool to finish that tread and riser cut.

                                                                   Dana

                                                                   Salmon Falls Housewrights

      1. FrankB89 | Sep 28, 2002 03:01am | #13

        I was able to find a handsaw jointer, filing jig and bench clamp, bit by bit from second hand and antique shops.  The items weren't that expensive because the shop owners didn't know what they were.  I also have several old bucking and falling saws (misery whips) along with the filing and setting apparatus, and they can be kind of pleasurable to use too, if they're set up properly.

        It isn't that difficult to keep a saw sharp once you get it shaped up right.  It is a bit of work to get one really trued up, and like anything else you hand sharpen, you'll be a lot more aware of grit, old nails and where you lay the saw.

        And like a couple of people have mentioned, it's a joy to work with a good quality, sharp handsaw. 

        1. pm22 | Sep 28, 2002 04:27am | #14

          Commuters?

          They go back and forth to work.

          This is from yesterday's NY Times crossword puzzle.

          -Peter

          1. xMikeSmith | Sep 28, 2002 06:31am | #15

            got my 8 pt. SS Disston and my 12 pt Disston in my cross body box all the time.. they both have 1/4 " luan sheaths to protect  them and they manage to get used on every job... no one else uses them  on my crews .. some have the Japanese pull sawsMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          2. junkhound | Sep 28, 2002 04:29pm | #16

            Question: FHB (over 10 yrs ago) had a handsaw article that said the last "good" handsaw made in the US was an early 50's 2 pc. plastic handle job made by Disston.  I've got one, but cannot quite read the blade as to if it's a D85 or D86 or ??  -- anybody know the answer?

            Approaching 100 hand saws, most no good, but about 20 are sharpened and in tune. I'll pay 50 cents for one with a bent blade and broken handle at a garage sale just for the handle screws.

            All time favorite is the Disston #196 3.5 pt. docking saw - can cut off a fir 2X10 with it in about 15 seconds. Lots of D8s in various styles, favorite of that is the pistol grip version with the fingerhole. Got an old Sandvik 275 that cuts fast also and a Crafstman from the 30s that is as good as any. 

            Most the good Disston rip or rough crosscut blades read "cast steel" rather than nothing which I assumes means the stock was rolled steel.  Anybody know the metalurgy rationale behind this? Straighness?

            Another excellent reason for handsaws it that the local aerospace free wood lot (ask Luka about good stuff from there) does not allow any type power tools for salvage.

            Use grandpas old set and saw vise, etc. for tuning/sharpening.

            Took about 15 years to finallly learn how to straighten a bent saw with many taps of a ball peen hammer - you stike what seems like the wrong side of the blade to stretch the metal.

          3. Brudoggie | Sep 28, 2002 08:20pm | #17

            I have an 8 pt & a10 pt in the box all the time. Use atleast one of them daily. Have a matching set in the shop, the old ones with the splits in the handles. They're all Sandvicks, not bad. Seen some nice ones in one of the catalogs, made with Sheffield steel blades, very interesting, but nothings wrong with the ones I've got. It's true about finding someone to sharpen though. The old guys who did a good job around here are dying off. May have to learn how myself.

             Brudoggie

          4. User avater
            jonblakemore | Sep 28, 2002 09:45pm | #18

            I like both handsaws.  Another tool that has fallen by the wayside is the yankee screwdriver.  I frequently carry a yankee in my pouch when doing finish work (especially with hardware).  Just as quick and a whole lot lighter and quieter than a screwgun.  Last guy I worked with asked why I used it and then proceeded to show me his $120 dewalt 7.2 volt screwdriver.  About the same speed, but I saved $100.  Plus, I like to use the old tools as every now and then.Jon Blakemore

          5. caldwellbob | Sep 30, 2002 05:32am | #25

            I believe that would be the Disston D-95. Its a 9 pt. saw that cuts real good. I got one from my Dad and  wondered why Disston put that cheesy looking handle on such a jewel. I thought my Dad had probably broken the original handle and got a K-Mart special to replace it. Now I know he didn't, but still wonder about the first question. But I love the saw, both because it cuts good and it was my Dad's.

          6. Joe1225d | Sep 30, 2002 06:12am | #26

            I've got a 3.5 point Disston Docking saw.  It's a #106.  Great saw with original parts and legible blade etching.  I've got several misery whips that aren't as good cutters as the one my uncle and i bucked logs with many years ago.  He called tonight planning a road trip across the country for mid October.  I'll ask him to help me dress up their edges.

            joe d

          7. User avater
            Dez | Oct 01, 2002 02:23am | #31

            Mike,

            I too carried two hand saws in my cross-over box when working out of my PU. I took a four pieces of 1/2" stock, relieved two pieces to accept the width and thickness of the blade, put em together and screwed them to the lid of the box at the reinforcing channels. A bungie held them in place. Apparently not many people think about using the lid of the box for anything, because I have gotten a lot of compliments on the design over the years. Also used the lid to store my 4' T-square. I use innertube rubber bands screwed in place with fender washers for that. Works great!

    2. gordsco | Oct 01, 2002 09:01am | #33

      Jumping in here about three days after the fact, funny how quickly some of these slip by. Yes I have purchased an excellent production handsaw: an 8 point plastic handled Sandvic with heat tempered teeth (can't be sharpened) I ran my thumb down it the first day to see how sharp it was and almost needed stitches. Its been in the lid of my tool box for ten years and is still suprizingly sharp considering how much its been used. I guess I got one of the good ones because one or two of the other fellas who purchased them didn't get as lucky.

      I liked it so much that I retired my Daddy's and Grandaddy's saws to the shop wall, partly for decoration, and partly in hope that my sons will want them.

      sometimes board sometimes knot

  4. ToolDoc | Sep 27, 2002 08:04pm | #10

    You guys are right about trying to find anyone to sharpen hand saws, where I live there is not one sharpening service that will do them, they all want to do carbide blades, guess thats where the money is..

               ToolDoc

    1. vanderpooch | Sep 27, 2002 08:29pm | #11

      I've plugged this guy before over at Knots, but if any of you need handsaws sharpened RIGHT, give him a call.

      He's fast, cheap, can rework, retooth, straighten, de-rust, etc. He'll sharpen anything from the dinkiest dovetail saw to a 5 point rippjng monster. I didn't know how well a panel saw could work till I had Tom sharpen a couple.

      Tom Law

      62 W. Water St.

      Smithsburg, MD 21783

      301-824-5223

      1. ToolDoc | Sep 27, 2002 08:39pm | #12

        Thanks I will keep him in mind when i need my disstons done..

          Tooldoc

  5. ToolDoc | Sep 30, 2002 12:36am | #19

    I just found this web site soo thought I would post it here for you all to enjoy.. http://www.disstonianinstitute.com  has tons of info on Disston saws..

                              ToolDoc

    1. FrankB89 | Sep 30, 2002 01:53am | #20

      Great filing instructions!  I'm gonna go touch up my saws.

      BTW, thanks! 

    2. luvmuskoka | Sep 30, 2002 02:08am | #21

      TOOLDOC,

      Is there a market for old hand saws? I see them all the time at auction and seldom does anyone bid on them. I personally have a bunch in storage, but use a Stanley shortcut every so often instead of a jig saw. Can't get them sharpened around here and just replace it every few years.Ditch

      1. ToolDoc | Sep 30, 2002 02:37am | #22

        HMMMM.. is there a market for old saws??? good queston.. there are a few people who collect them and some model of saws are worth a few bucks.. but the average saw is not worth very much, I see them all the time at flea markets and rescue the ones in good shape..

                                                                       ToolDoc

    3. grantlogan | Sep 30, 2002 02:46am | #23

      I've got one handsaw that I still carry, but I haven't used it in several years. I do have a cordless circ. saw and recip. saw and a bunch of batteries that get used regularly. One sheet of plywood = paslode impulse nailer. I was installing a bathtub today and had to install a ledger. Cut the 2x4 with the cordless saw and shot it on with the impulse. MORE POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    4. junkhound | Sep 30, 2002 04:22am | #24

      Hey, tooldoc, thanks, great site!

      first comment based on the site - "D-8 Handsaw with Thumbhole Handle for Two-Handed Use"  -- -see my previous post - I always thought this was a 'fingerhole", shows how much smaller people were generally then and how little tool history I know!.

      2nd comment is that I did not know most of the saws I use that I consider "good" are over 80 years old!

      Art B.  

    5. GACCDallas | Sep 30, 2002 06:26am | #27

      Pete Taran...now there's a guy who knows his stuff about handsaws.  I collect them, but I don't use them too much any more.  But having said that, I don't get to do a lot of work any more.  But most of the carpenters that I work with still do.

      My favorite new saw is the Sandvick.  It's not what the Disston was, but a good saw just the same.

      If you want to buy the old ones, go to eBay and look under collectable tools.  You'll find lots of old Disstons that are still good usable saws.

      Ed. Williams

      1. xMikeSmith | Sep 30, 2002 06:33am | #28

        ed.  good to see you again.....james is hoping you're going to be comming to texfest...it sure would be great to meet you  thereMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      2. vanderpooch | Sep 30, 2002 08:27pm | #30

        Ed,

        Which model Sandvik do you like? I'm always looking for decent a decent new saw for my shop program. Where do you find it, and how much?

        Haven't been able to bring myself to try the English panel saws. $70-$90 just seems like too much...

        Thanks,

        Kit

        1. gpwest | Oct 01, 2002 08:18am | #32

          Vanderpooch,

              I had been looking for a good crosscut saw for years (gave up trying to find a used one, they seem to have all been bought up to have rural scenes painted on them and hang on the wall).    I finally found a good Sandvik 7 pt crosscut at Highland Hardware when I was in Atlanta last summer.  $40.00.   It wasn't in their catalog, but they will mail order it if it's in the store.   GP

    6. mosseater | Oct 01, 2002 09:24am | #34

      Oh man! I still remember my Grandpa using his hand saws. I don`t think he bought a power saw till around mid 60`s. The effortless, almost casual power of the cutting stroke, the anxiety of the full use of the blade...always waiting for it to jump out of the kerf but it never did. Never a bobble or wobble. Like an extension of his body. He grew up with that saw in his hand and it showed. As a teen-ager I was stunned by his skill and confidence. I`ll never forget the time I spent with him. Unfortunately the asbestos got him. What a man.

      1. xMikeSmith | Oct 02, 2002 02:02am | #35

        here's my luan sheaths .... 1/4 luan ply with wood spacers and epoxy finishMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

        1. GACCDallas | Oct 02, 2002 06:36am | #36

          Yeah...I'm still around.  Busy as ever.  I've been lurking and posting at JLC.  good bunch of people over there.  All business.

          So when is Texfest?  Me and the wife are going to Padre for a week this month.  Beaumont is not too far from Dallas, maybe a day trip for me.  I'll email James for the details.

          Sandvick saws can still be bought at a lot of good hardware stores here in Dallas.  I'm sure they can be had online.  Mine is an eleven point.  It's a good saw.  Spring steel, and can be re-toothed to your desire or re-sharpend as is.

          1. JamesDuHamel | Oct 02, 2002 09:22pm | #38

            Hey Ed,

            I tried to e-mail you about the fest dates.

            TexFest is November 2nd and 3rd, with the main day being the 2nd (Saturday).

            We would love to have you and Janie come for the weekend, or even for the day.

            Good food, good people, lots of fun! What do ya say? E-mail me for details.

            Shirts and hats are available also. See the TexFest update thread in the Tavern for details.

            Hope to see ya!James DuHamel

            "The Power Zone"   http://www.thepowerzone.org

          2. kennedy136 | Oct 22, 2002 02:36am | #39

            Thought I'd throw my two cents in.

                    I carry a couple old handsaws in my finish box(which stays in the trailer all the time).  One is a 5 or 6 pt. rip and the other is an 8 pt. crosscut.  I also carry a japanese style pull saw with rip teeth on one side and crosscut on the other along with a couple of coping saws(I keep the blades turned in opposite directions, saves a lot of time on baseboards and crowns with difficult profiles).  The one I use the most is the Japanese pull saw which cuts incredibly fast and is extremely useful.  This saw can be used as a jamb saw and the rip teeth also work extremely well. It is also very useful in the woodshop (dovetails/ tenons/ notches etc.) I have a bunch of power tools but I firmly believe in handtools as many times they are more efficient. I think a lot of guys are expecting the power tool to substitute for skill.  Some people either can't or won't use a handtool for whatever reason.  However it pays to learn!

                                                                                         Mark

  6. PhillGiles | Sep 30, 2002 07:48am | #29

    I know you're talking about full-sized saws, but that's not the only type of hand-saw that still has a place in today's toolbox: a gent's saw and Exacto razor-saws come to my rescue on a regular basis.

    .

    Phill Giles

    The Unionville Woodwright

    Unionville, Ontario

  7. JCarroll38 | Oct 02, 2002 01:34pm | #37

    I used a handsaw the other day to cut off the top of a standing post. Rather than cut all the way through with a circular saw, I set the depth of the circular saw to about 1 3/8 in., leaving about an inch of wood in the center of the post after I'd sawn all four sides. I finished off the cut with a hand saw. Doing it this way avoids that unnerving instant when the kerf closes and the scrap falls and hits the spinning saw blade. I also use a handsaw to make flush cuts. When I run fascia and rakes, for example, I run the fascia long, and use a handsaw to cut it flush to the rough rake. Then I run the rake board long and use a handsaw to cut it flush to the fascia. (My apologies to purists who miter this joint). I also use a handsaw for cuts that my power saw can't make, such as a cut deeper than 3 ½ in. (I have a 10 ¼ circular saw that has a maximum depth of 3 ½) or bevels that exceed 45 °. So, in answer to the original question, yes I still use a handsaw. In my opinion, a sharp handsaw, along with sharp edge tools (chisels and planes), are indispensible in key spots.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower

Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

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
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data