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Issue 298 – April/May 2021

On the Cover

Three Ways to Waterproof Tile Showers

Modern waterproofing systems guarantee a lifetime of worry-free performance for a tile shower.

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Features

  • Building Brick Arches
    Building Brick Arches

    A seasoned mason's guide to planning and constructing this classic Roman-styled architectural feature.

  • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Matt Risinger
    The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Matt Risinger

    This Austin builder is using his growing network to teach builders and clients to demand better.

  • vapor retarders
    Successful Vapor Control

    Vapor drive isn't as obvious as air or water leaks, but the potential for mold and rot is just as real.

  • rethinking floor plan
    Bold Bathroom Remodel

    How completely rethinking the floor plan helped resolve a cold, cramped suite bathroom.

  • odd-shaped cabinets
    Built-ins for Odd Spaces

    A simple, foolproof method for off-angle cabinets.

  • Rock-Solid Guard-Post Connections
    Rock-Solid Guard-Post Connections

    Tested and approved installation details to help you build safer deck railings.

Article

  • #298 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #298 Online Highlights

    Find online articles and videos on wiring, webinars, and more.

Tips & Techniques

  • butt boards
    Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings

    These butt boards are easy to make on the tablesaw and create a recessed drywall-panel joint that's less visible and easier to finish.

  • installing gutters
    Help Installing Gutters

    A plastic wedge holds the drip edge off the fascia without scratching it.

  • bucket
    Safety Bucket

    Five-gallon buckets keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers easy to identify and access on the job site.

  • ladder leveler
    Ladder Leveler

    This wedge-shaped platform safely balances a ladder on sloped ground.

  • pulling nails from redwood
    Pulling Nails From Redwood

    Use pieces of scrapwood to free nails without bending the nails or splitting the wood.

Know the Code

  • Problem-Solving Through Stair Landings
    Problem-Solving Through Stair Landings

    International Residential Code requirements for intermediate and odd-shaped stair landings.

Tools & Gear

  • Put Deck Boards in Their Place

    Unlike some other board benders, this deck-board straightener locks in place, freeing both of your hands for fastening.

  • Brush With Greatness
    Brush With Greatness

    Cutting in with this trim brush results in laser-straight edges in a quarter of the time.

  • Set-and-Forget Kneepads
    Set-and-Forget Kneepads

    Carhartt's washable kneepads fit right inside the company's popular double-front carpenter's pants, offering a decent level of daily protection with very low maintenance.

HOUSES by Design

  • Historic House, Contemporary Floor Plan
    Historic House, Contemporary Floor Plan

    Major changes were made in this whole-house remodel to create a modest and period-appropriate look.

  • Pivot-Point Solution
    Pivot-Point Solution

    Site restrictions and environmental concerns required a "bend" at the center of the house, which keeps the scale in check.

Spec

  • The Level Bolt
    Smart Lock in a Small Package

    With its technology hidden in the internal deadbolt, this smart lock mimics the look of a traditional door hardware.

  • deck lighting
    High-Quality Deck Lighting

    One often-overlooked piece of a deck project is lighting—specifically, low-voltage LED lighting that will stand the test of time.

  • shockproof outlet
    Shockproof USB Outlet

    This new collection of receptacles offers ground-fault protection in wet locations and built-in USB charging ports in a variety of finishes.

  • acrylic flashing tape
    Make Deck Framing Last

    This acrylic flashing tape is the best defense against water intrusion and rotting joists and ledgers.

  • hidden fasteners
    Easy Hidden Fasteners

    Plastic collating strips save time and make it easier to match fastener patterns to decking.

Building Matters

  • deck design
    Rethinking the Deck

    After spending countless days in our homes, we've begun to view decks as a more versatile "room" of the house, with many design considerations.

Keep Craft Alive

  • Brad Stoppenhagen, Remodeler
    Brad Stoppenhagen, Remodeler

    After years of being discouraged from the trades, this craftsman finally left the corporate world to pursue a career in building.

Online Extras

  • #298 Online Highlights
    Fine Homebuilding Issue #298 Online Highlights

    Find online articles and videos on wiring, webinars, and more.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Stairs to a Pitched Landing
  • Oil-Canning Deck Fascia
  • Flashing a Deck the Hard Way
  • Getting Patio Bases Right

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

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