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

“Shiners” – pull ’em or leave ’em?

Oak River Mike | Posted in General Discussion on May 31, 2009 12:36pm

So do you guys oull out your shiners or leave them there?

In case its a regional term by “shiners” I mean nails through the sheathing (roof decking) that missed the trussrafter.

 

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

Replies

  1. User avater
    popawheelie | May 31, 2009 01:15am | #1

    Do you use a nailgun and do you snap lines? I've found that if you don't snap lines cerefully where they are supposed to be, you miss a lot. With nailguns you don't want to stop and pull anything.

    "There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."
    Will Rogers
    1. fingersandtoes | May 31, 2009 01:38am | #6

      I'm curious as to how many framers snap lines when they are nailing off sheathing. On a large roof it represents quite a bit of additional time. I don't find it that hard to follow 2"x material over a 4 foot length with a nailgun. You can hear or feel if there is the odd miss.

      I do pull shiners because a) I'm sometimes a bit obsessive and b) when people see shiners they assume you didn't go back and nail off beside it and that makes them nervous.

      1. frammer52 | May 31, 2009 03:05am | #11

        I'm curious as to how many framers snap lines when>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

         

        Never!!!!!!!!!!

      2. User avater
        popawheelie | May 31, 2009 03:45am | #13

        I might of come off a bit prudish with my post.  I have done it both ways. I have seen guys get carried away with nail guns and miss quite a bit. It just makes more work in the end, you waste nails, and it looks sloppy."There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."Will Rogers

        1. fingersandtoes | May 31, 2009 06:14am | #17

          " I have seen guys get carried away with nail guns and miss quite a bit"

          Porcupines. The top of my head bears several scars from them. Leaving them in the attic of a house is a quick way to make the new homeowner uneasy.

      3. husbandman | Jun 03, 2009 09:15pm | #43

        Me, too.

        1. ncproperties | Jun 04, 2009 12:50am | #44

          Found this week shiners in an attic actually being a help. Trying to install Styrofoam egg crate soffit baffles in a low clearance area on a windy day. The shiners did a better job of holding them in place than the staples did. Get one staple in, try to hit the other edge and the baffle would rip from the first staple. Using the shiners just shove it in place and they pop through holding the baffle in place. Not sure if I was more pissed by fighting the baffles to stay with staples or when I'd catch a knuckle or scalp on a shiner so verdict is still out for me an leaving them or not.

          1. averagejoe | Jun 04, 2009 03:46am | #45

            When nailing off I don't snap lines...instead I hook my tape as I go so that the edge of the tape is even with the edge of the rafter at the top of the sheet, pull it down to the bottom edge of the sheet and hold it down with my thumb even with the edge of the rafter there, and then shoot my nails an eyeballed 3/4" in from the edge of the tape. With a gun in one hand, tape in the other, it goes really fast...hook, pull, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam....hook, pull, bam, bam, bam, bam, bam. As a bonus, it's easy to follow a specific nailing schedule because the numbers on the tape are right there. I use this technique for sheathing walls too.Incidently, I can buy 2 1/4" galvanized, ring shank, 8D, wire bound nails for my Hitachi coil siding nailers pretty cheaply and so these are my sheathing guns of choice...nice and light, and they hold a ton of nails.

  2. User avater
    JDRHI | May 31, 2009 01:20am | #2

    Pull 'em.

    (1) because that's how I make sur we go back and nail areas that did miss on the first go round and

    (2) because I have an uneasy feeling that it may be possible for them to loosen up and back themselves out up into the asphalt shingles.

    (3)just one less reason for inspectors to be critical.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

     

     

     


  3. davidmeiland | May 31, 2009 01:22am | #3

    Pull 'em.

    1. frammer52 | May 31, 2009 01:27am | #4

      Leave them.  You can tell when you miss if you do much nailing, and can immediatly renail.  They harm nothing!

      Sorry Dave, I meant that to be addressed to all.  oopps

      Edited 5/30/2009 6:28 pm ET by frammer52

      1. KenHill3 | May 31, 2009 01:37am | #5

        They certainly do no harm. But I think they look bad/unprofessional, even for the period of time that they can still be seen.Edit- Of course, if you have very many showing, perhaps it IS time to snap lines, slow down, or get someone else to nail off.

        Edited 5/30/2009 6:39 pm by kenhill3

        1. frammer52 | May 31, 2009 01:50am | #7

          Of course, if you have very many showing, perhaps it IS time to snap lines, slow down, or get someone else to nail >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

          I agree with that!!!!

  4. bobbys | May 31, 2009 01:52am | #8

    My job, pullem.

    Your job. leave em>G<

    1. theslateman | May 31, 2009 01:53am | #9

      Thought you were retired ???!!!!

      1. bobbys | May 31, 2009 01:57am | #10

        I still pop in if Oak river Mike needs me!!!!!!

  5. JTC1 | May 31, 2009 03:45am | #12

    I usually pull them after they have served a purpose......

    I knock them back from the inside and use the protruding nails as a guide for the "corrections", then pull them.

    Have a 1/4" tapered pin punch that I use as an overgrown nailset - works well for knocking them back.

    Jim

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
  6. User avater
    Sphere | May 31, 2009 04:15am | #14

    If ya don't yank em, at least bend em over so some poor schmuck like me don't get stabbed in the head working in the attic.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

    "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"
    Jed Clampitt

    View Image

    1. mikeroop | May 31, 2009 05:24am | #15

      I pull any visible nail for 2 reasons

      1)looks

      2)so smucks like you don't get snagged!

       

       

      ;)~

    2. KenHill3 | May 31, 2009 06:13am | #16

      Yeah, I have a hard enough time dealing with roofing nail punctures in my melon.

      1. Oak River Mike | May 31, 2009 06:16am | #18

        So it looks as if the majority say "Pull em".  I think the same way.  My framer just hates me as I asked him to do it today and I gave him my list of reasons.

        He grumbled but said he would....

        1. Biff_Loman | May 31, 2009 12:58pm | #19

          Our framer doesn't.

          1. JTC1 | May 31, 2009 04:17pm | #20

            >> Our framer doesn't.<<

            Doesn't do what?

            Pull them or grumble?

            JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

        2. habilis | Jun 04, 2009 06:46am | #48

          Make whoever missed pull em, helps in the learning process. Oh, your poor framer has to clean up his mess. Being in a hot attic with fiberglass. squeezing into some tight corner is bad enough w/out puncture wounds.

          1. pgproject | Jun 04, 2009 06:53am | #49

            But once the shingles are in, aren't there tons of nails protruding through the sheathing underside?Bill

          2. habilis | Jun 04, 2009 07:54am | #51

            not generally as long.

          3. DonCanDo | Jun 04, 2009 05:57pm | #52

            He just got demoted from flunky.

            LOL!  What's his title now?  flunky-wannabe?

    3. AitchKay | May 31, 2009 05:37pm | #22

      How do you do that? I suppose if you tried hard enough, you could maybe get your nose or chin on one of 'em... But my head doesn't have square enough corners to get in there.Now, roofing nails? Oh, man, I've had some good ones! I hate it when all of a southern you can't see, because your safety glasses are covered with blood.AitchKay

      1. Treetalk | May 31, 2009 06:10pm | #23

        Cant get this guy who works for sometimes to understand about keeping nail gun square to surface cuz most his shiners or holidays are on line but scoot off side of member.

        Just had him drive back up about 50 in subfloor from crawl space because i dont  want to be plumbing and pulling wire across all those meathooks.

         

      2. User avater
        Sphere | May 31, 2009 08:47pm | #26

        When I was an exterminater I'd be in many attics killing wasps and stuff, and old roof jack nails, and way off the mark shiners WILL stab you. Trust me.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

        "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

        View Image

        1. User avater
          Dinosaur | May 31, 2009 10:11pm | #27

          For sheathing and floors I pull 'em, then re-nail by hand with the same nail if it ain't all bent to snot. Early training by my old man: Be neat and don't waste materials. Good habits die hard, especially when they were driven into one's thick skull by the old man's eagle-eye and quick backhand....

          Oh, yeah--I always snap lines. Sheathing, subfloor, gyprock, any sheet goods.Makes life that much easier. I just love that rapid-rewind chalkbox I got a Calvin's Fest a few years ago....

          Dinosaur

          How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....

    4. JeffinPA | Jun 01, 2009 04:05am | #32

      Hey there D

      Hope all is well with you.

      I started laughing about the post re. bouncing your head off of the shiners when working in the attic and then realized it was your post.

      GEEZ  Haven't done that a hundred times!!!

       

      Hope these crazy times are treating you aok!!

       

      Jeff in PA

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Jun 01, 2009 04:12am | #33

        Geeeze , where you been hiding?

        Doing OK here...just deal with the crazy as it comes...cars, wife, work...same ol, same ol.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

        "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

        View Image

        1. JeffinPA | Jun 01, 2009 01:32pm | #38

          I have not logged on in a long time

          Real busy with work but profit margins are real lean so i am working like 60+ hours and barely making any money and playing catch up from winter so i got the dogs on both sides chomping.  Then we have 1st communion, high school graduation, and all sorts of silly stuff that takes a lot of time so I just pretty much work and sleep.

          Not the funnest part of my life but doing what a gotta do right now.

          Still havin fun but not the funnest!!

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jun 01, 2009 02:00pm | #39

            Profit margin? What a concept. I'll have to try that someday.

            I've been swimming just a bit faster than the sharks and thats about all I can muster up.

            Hang in there.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

            "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

            View Image

  7. AitchKay | May 31, 2009 05:31pm | #21

    A "pea shooter" makes it easier -- it's a cylindrical punch inside a tube. You slip the tube over the shiner, and give it one whack. No pecking at an ever-bending nail, chasing it around in circles!

    I actually have a commercially-made one -- I think it's a Slant Fin. It's about a foot long, it has a rubber grip sleeve, and a head slightly larger than the tube.

    My only complaint with it was that the punch slid too freely, and could fall out. A few whacks with a hammer fixed that.

    Most guys use home-made versions. With some of these, the punch is heavy enough that you don't have to use a hammer. That usually means they're longer -- 2 to 2 1/2 feet.

    AitchKay

    AitchKay

  8. User avater
    davidhawks | May 31, 2009 06:51pm | #24

    I pull 'em.  Usually have a flunkie mark 16" layout on every sheet with a T-square b/4 it hits the rafters/trusses.  Adds a whole 30 seconds per sheet to the process.  Doubt that extra step will run me into bankruptcy anytime soon, but it sure saves on aggrivation later on.  Works so well I don't even need to check the underside.

    BTW, the only thing that looks more unprofessional than a missed nail, is one that's bent over flat.  Ugh!!!

    The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

    1. KenHill3 | Jun 01, 2009 01:01am | #29

      "Usually have a flunkie mark 16" layout on every sheet." A bit harsh and degrading term for someone who works for/with you and is in the position of making money for you.

      1. Doobz26 | Jun 01, 2009 01:25am | #30

        Don't ya'll have OSB with lines on it already?

      2. User avater
        davidhawks | Jun 01, 2009 04:32am | #34

        Puleeeeze!!!

        You think I don't know the difference b/tween a flunkie and a skilled operator.

        Flunkies don't make me $$$, they simply make my job-site life marginally easier.

        Marginally might even be too generous.

        Flunkie:

        Can't read a tape, roll up an extension cord properly, can't remember how to re-pack the gang-box like it was waaaaay back in the am, can't chuck a bit into a drill, can't swing a hammer using the entire handle, etc., etc.

         The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

        1. KenHill3 | Jun 01, 2009 06:25am | #37

          David- Sorry, did not mean to rub you the wrong way or get your dander up! I must say that 'skilled operators' are what I am generally used to. Your point is valid- I have also worked with some people who are for all purposes worthless on the job, alarmingly incapable of performing even a basic task at hand. What a waste of everyone's time and money. Perhaps you are not in control of who gets hired? Again, apologies, my bad. Assumptions on my part.

          Edited 5/31/2009 11:27 pm by kenhill3

          1. User avater
            davidhawks | Jun 02, 2009 03:05am | #40

            Same here Ken, you just had the misfortune of catching me wrong last night.  Still feel the same way about deadwood help, but probably coulda expressed myself a little gentler.

            I only ever use one guy, rarely the same guy, and never a skilled guy.  I'm so disillusioned with the "skilled carps" I've run across in the last decade, that it ain't worth the trouble or frustration to me or them.

            I'm tough to work with on MY jobs (total team player on someone elses), so I stay small and micro-manage to my heart's content.  One way--mine!  Min. wage guy don't like that, fine, burn rubber pal.

            Sorry, it is what it is.

            PeaceThe best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

          2. KenHill3 | Jun 03, 2009 04:56am | #41

            Thanks. No worries.Peace to ya, too.Ken

        2. excaliber32 | Jun 03, 2009 05:45pm | #42

          And it kills me that they forget everything that you teach them the day before. You have to retrain them every day.

          T-Squares. You wouldn't believe how much time they will save you. You don't have to find the sheathing nails for finish work.

        3. habilis | Jun 04, 2009 07:12am | #50

          I tacked up a board yesterday Told this guy to finish nailing it about every 8". Going to get a cuppa, and saw him getting ready to put his first nail about 20". Told him to stop, repeated 8" verbal instruction with a hand spacing visual demo. He's nodding, saying OK. Stayed to watch him start. Damn if he didn't want to go back to the same pont I had just explained was wrong. Repeated 8"! Told him what he had was 20, 22. Got a tape; showed him the tape said right about 21". Marked out 8". Told him it didn't have to be exact. Went and got my coffee. Realized I hadn't heard the nail gun. Nah, he can't be... Yep he's marking it off with the tape, slowly at that. Walked up grabbed the gun, muttering to myself about which one of us was stupider, bam, bam, bam,... Done. "Go move that stuff over there."He just got demoted from flunky. When did political correctness hit the jobsite besides when the customer's around or the other guy is mean, nasty and holding a potential weapon?

          1. User avater
            davidhawks | Jun 05, 2009 03:42am | #53

            Glad to see I'm not the only one.  IF he's got a license, you can send HIM for the cuppa joe and nail it right (otherwise known as: my way!).

            Sometimes you just gotta st back and realize that everybody's simply doing the best they can with a given skill set.

            Sure as he!! is frustrating though! The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

          2. Oak River Mike | Jun 08, 2009 12:26am | #56

            David,

            Isn't that the truth?!

            I see things each day that I think "Why did they do or not do that?" then I have to step back and debate if its me being too picky or them being too much of a slacker....sometimes its both!

            Mike

    2. User avater
      Sphere | Jun 01, 2009 01:38am | #31

      Speaking of helpers, Dean is DESPARATE for work, anything, he is an Electrician, but is handy in other stuff...could ya maybe think about it?

      I hate to mention it, but he got shafted by a guy by working and then the guy stiffed him, and I can't offer much help $$$ wise or work wise, and they are on thin ice.

      Thanks for thinking about it even if its not an option.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

      "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

      View Image

      1. User avater
        davidhawks | Jun 01, 2009 04:36am | #35

        Can't do it DK.  Semi-retired @ the moment.  Promised DF that I would finish ALL our projects b/4 taking any paying jobs this year.  Probably be next year b/4 I do anything else of significance.

        Unfortunately, I have NO labor built into those jobs.

        BTW, Charlotte CL is full of sparky ads on a daily basis; don't let him BS you.The best reward for a job well done is the opportunity to do another.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jun 01, 2009 04:40am | #36

          Yeah, I figured it was worth a shot.

          He needs to get his butt motivated, before I get down there and start kicking.

          Thnx.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

          "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

          View Image

  9. AitchKay | May 31, 2009 06:57pm | #25

    Some debate as to roof sheathing, no debate when it comes to floors: shiners are a big cause of squeaks.

    AitchKay

  10. DanH | May 31, 2009 11:22pm | #28

    I've always heard them called "air nails".

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
  11. User avater
    rjw | Jun 04, 2009 03:51am | #46

    By the time the shingle nails are driven, how many people will even think to look to see if there's a difference between them and the shiners?.


    "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

    Howard Thurman


    http://rjw-progressive.blogspot.com/

    1. Oak River Mike | Jun 04, 2009 05:36am | #47

      By the time the shingle nails are driven, how many people will even think to look to see if there's a difference between them and the shiners?.

      The attorneys who investigate claims of shoddy construction that I often do consulting work for!

  12. florida | Jun 07, 2009 10:07pm | #54

    As far as I know all shiners have to go. No approval on framing if the inspectors see shiners.

    1. Oak River Mike | Jun 08, 2009 12:24am | #55

      Yeah, thats the way it is here too.  Just some of these guys think that if it got overlooked on their last job its OK.

      I mean, just be more careful when shooting them!  And yeah, if I shoot a whole roof, I probably shoot 10-20 shiners myself but thats part of the job.  And I pull them myself.

      I just get annoyed when guys don't want to do the right thing and say its how they always do it.

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 Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

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

Related Stories

  • How Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” Will Affect the Inflation Reduction Act
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump
  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips

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 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

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