Tips & Techniques

Neither the flat hook nor the thick casing of a tape measure lends itself to measuring an inside diagonal. Yet accurate diagonal measurements are extremely useful in checking for the…

Learn how to cantilever steps for a deck without the need for cutting stringers or extensive concrete work.

When our 1920s farmhouse was moved in the ’70s, it gained a new foundation and a couple of broken floor joists. The joists never were repaired, so by the time we…

In my lengthy career as an architect, one of the things I learned is where to put the doorstop so that the doorknob does not hit the wall. Most folks…

To keep track of small parts with holes in them, such as plumbing washers, steel nuts and washers, reciprocating-saw blades, and so forth, I use good old-fashioned shower-curtain rings. Just…

As a trim carpenter, I try to stay as far away from painting as possible. Occasionally, however, I have to pick up a paintbrush. One trick I have learned to…

Paintbrush/roller spinners prove to be the perfect fit.

A little bit of sun and moisture go a long way to restore this wood to shape.

If you’ve ever had a power-tool cord part company with an extension cord, you can appreciate the need to secure them to one another in some fashion. One way is…

A step-by-step process to build stronger stairs.