Issue 326 – October 2024
Features
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How to Choose a Building Site
From the city center to the most rural neighborhoods, choosing the right site can have a great impact on your budget, and what you can build.
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Fix Air Leaks in Old Houses
Simple air-sealing measures and spray-applied sealant lower energy bills and increase comfort without the need to tear the house apart.
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Designed for Wildfire Country
While no home can be completely fireproof, implementing these fire-resistant details can increase resilience.
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Strong Connections With Loose Tenons
Make sturdy doors and frame-and-panels of any size with tools you already have.
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Give Windows and Doors a Durable Finish with Linseed Oil Paint
Discover why linseed oil paint is the go-to choice for Fink & Son Historic Restoration.
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A Preservation-Focused Approach to Air-Sealing and Energy Efficiency
You don't have to sacrifice historical elements of a house in the name of energy efficiency.
Tips & Techniques
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Paint Behind Strike PlatesAdd a professional finish to door-hardware installations with a small, site-made spray box.
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Conceal Cut EndsDarkening the edge of a cut trim board keeps the unstained grain from showing at joints.
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Ladder Slip SolutionA finishing trowel makes a strong stop for a ladder's feet to keep it from slipping on composite decking.
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Uniform, Accurate ShimsUse this method to keep a cabinet panel door or drawer front perfectly centered during installation.
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Tame Your Cable TiesKeep ties organized and easy to pull out when you need one.
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PVC Cap for CaulkUse a scrap of PVC trim to form a tight seal on tubes of caulk or sealant.
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Straighten Plywood PanelsUse a temporary screw to pull warped panels into position when building cabinet boxes.
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Separate Stuck BucketsLearn how to separate bonded buckets using an air compressor blow gun.
Tools & Materials
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A Powerful System of Concrete ToolsThe new DeWalt Powershift system is designed to offer increased energy efficiency and durablity in a series of heavy-duty concrete tools.
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Stronger, Lighter RebarGatorBar composite rebar has a number of advantages over steel, including easier installation and higher tensile strength.
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Recirculating Shower SystemThe RainStick system cleans and reuses shower water for 80% less water and energy use than standard low-flow fixtures.
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Water Heaters Without ScaleA cartridge installed at the bottom of this tankless water heater eliminates the need for de-scaling maintenance and extends the life of the unit.
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Sturdy Saw StandUpgrade your cut station with a saw stand and outfeed table that fits most portable saws.
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Worthy WheelbarrowThe pivoting hand grips on the Pivot-All wheelbarrow make it easier to maneuver heavy loads.
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Perfect Pouch for RemodelingThis slim, one-compartment pouch is useful for holding fasteners and hooking small tools.
HOUSES by Design
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Nantucket Timber FrameThis shingle-style, sustainable timber frame house was manufactured off-site and assembled in stages.
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Small and Tudor-StyleA 1225-sq.-ft. detached ADU uses a sloping lot to its advantage, featuring a split-level entrance and vaulted ceilings.
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Austin ADUThis 549-sq.-ft. upstairs ADU is made more spacious with a wide wraparound porch.
