Issue 327 – November 2024
Features
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Plumbing Protection
Some of these smart devices are more than a leak alarm—they can help you understand your water usage and diagnose plumbing problems.
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Talking Shop
A custom finish carpenter shares how he designed and outfit his two-car garage shop with all the tools, jigs, and accessories he needs to comfortably do great work.
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PT Ain't What It Used to Be
Newer pressure treatments don't offer the same rot and decay resistance. Follow these simple strategies to give outdoor lumber its best chance of survival.
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Downlights for Every Budget
Understand lumens, ceiling brightness, beam spread, tilt, and color options to make a wise choice on a common fixture that can range from $75 to $750 or more.
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Stairway Basics
The safety of stairs is directly related to how the occupant uses them, so the safety features related to stairs in the building codes are also related to the user.
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Show Us Your Shop
We want to see how you make the most of your workshop.
Tips & Techniques
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Perfect-Fit FasciaUse this technique to create perfect butt joints in fascia without having to square up the first board and measure the second.
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Make Room Behind TrimA series of stainless-steel screws on the back side of a fascia board creates a space that promotes drying after a rain.
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Visible VialsA white piece of paper taped to the back of the bubble window on a spirit level makes the bubble easier to see in low-light conditions.
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Handy Makeshift LevelIf you don't have a level on hand, a speed square with a plumb bob or chalkline can create a level line.
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Paint Prep With Less WasteWhen painting ceilings, reduce the amount of waste you produce by hanging reusable fabric from the walls instead of plastic sheets.
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Spacer for Deck BoardsThe heel/fence of a speed square can be used as a deck-board spacer.
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Remove Stubborn StakesTo remove metal stakes from the ground, use a pipe wrench to spin them a few times.
Tools & Materials
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Fast FramersDeWalt's new 20v cordless framing nailer has improved recovery time over previous models, and it can sink nails to the proper depth consistently.
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Bionic ShouldersFestool's ExoActive supports arms in the raised position for a long time, which makes working on ceilings and other high surfaces less tiresome.
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Flush Boxes Every TimeThese adjustable boxes include a metal bracket that wraps around the face of a stud, making them very fast and easy to install.
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Find Your GrindThe DeWalt 4.5 in. — 5 in. grinder has variable speed control (six speed settings), a safety system that shuts down the tool if the blade binds, and a brake that stops the wheel after the trigger is released.
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No-Downside DeckingDeckorators Voyage decking, which is mineral-based rather than made of a plastic or wood composite, is lightweight and doesn't expand and contract as much as standard composite decking.
HOUSES by Design
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Small and Steel-FramedThis family and guest retreat, owned and designed by husband-and-wife architects, cantilevers off a cliff.
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Three of a KindThe repetition of clean and crisp pitched rooflines on the trio of masses that make up this home—main house, primary suite, and garage—bring a modern look for clients desiring a departure from traditional architecture.
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Deep in the Heart of TexasThis main house is surrounded by nature in a dense urban area and is part of a family compound that includes two smaller homes.
