Issue 189
Features
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Keep Your Basement Dry With a Curtain Drain
If your house is under assault from groundwater, make perforated pipe your first line of defense.
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6 Great Miter-Saw Stands
The best models help you to handle a multitude of carpentry tasks by setting up quickly, moving easily, and providing solid support.
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Accent Lighting for Your Deck
Integrated with posts, railings, and stair risers, a new generation of exterior-light fixtures provides a wide range of deck-lighting options.
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How to Trim a Basement Window
When trimming windows in thick walls, you need wide extension jambs and a deep stool.
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Personalizing an Everyday Ranch
Open up the space, add smart lighting and sharp design, then, watch a humdrum house become a real humdinger.
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Save Time with Factory-Framed Floors
Crane-hoisted panels get a floor in fast, flat, and cut for ducts and utilities.
Article
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A Basement Bedroom Demands an Egress WindowProviding natural light, fresh air, and a code-compliant exit can be the most important aspect of any basement remodel.
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Additions Need Not Apply
Before-and-after photos highlight an interior remodel that produced a one-of-a-kind ranch in California
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Interview with a Cabinetmaker
Six skilled artisans talk about their craft
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Less is More: An Interview with David Getts
The Seattle cabinetmaker and designer talks about his work
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Never the Same Thing Twice: An Interview with Joel Wheeler
The New Mexico cabinetmaker and designer talks about his work
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Keep it Simple: An Interview with Joe Lanza
A Massachusetts architect, builder and cabinetmaker talks about his work
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A Handle on the Trade: An Interview with Rex Alexander
The Michigan cabinetmaker and designer talks about his work
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Built to Outlast: An Interview with Jon Frost
The Minneapolis cabinetmaker and designer talks about his work
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The Ecstasy of Possibility: An Interview with Louis Mackall
A Connecticut architect and woodworker talks about his work
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More Miter-Saw Stands Reviewed
Comments on seven additional stands reviewed by our testers
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The Best Way to Insulate a Rim JoistStop energy losses with a spray-foam kit.
Cross Section
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Building science goes ballisticDoes a house of foam stand up to flying projectiles better than a house of wood? Yes, but not as well as a house of laminated glass, according to recent…
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Call Before You Dig just got easier
Last year, 675,000 underground distribution lines were damaged, estimated the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a consortium of utility companies. The culprits are mostly homeowners who failed to call a dig-safe…
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10 technologies you can use right now
The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) announced their updated list of the 10 top technologies that are job-site tested and ready for implementation. PATH selects technologies based on their…
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Oregon considers 'building envelope' certification for builders and subs
In response to a rash of construction litigation resulting from moisture leaks, Oregon’s legislature is considering competency training and certification for builders and subcontractors who work on any part of…
Tools & Materials
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Slap-cap stapler
Stinger CH38 cap hammer
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Temporary chalklines
Dust-off chalk
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Belt sander built for scribing
Compact belt sander, model 371K
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Do-it-all trowel
Magic trowel
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An easier handrail connectionZipbolt UT rail bolt
Letters
Finishing Touches
What is the Difference
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What's the Difference: Disposable respiratorsWhat do their ratings really mean?
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What's the Difference: Connecting PVC pipe
Both PVC cleaner and PVC primer be used to create a strong joint, but one is required by code
Building Skills
Master Carpenter
Drawing Board
Video
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Factory-Framed FloorsGo inside a floor-panel factory and outside at a job-site installation
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Build a Cutting GaugeSimple to make, you won't want to lay another wood floor without this handy gauge
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Video Vault: Repair Garbage Disposals SafelyLearn how to clear a jammed garbage disposal and replace the unit properly.
