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Which Rigid Insulation Should I Choose?
5 commentsNot all rigid foam performs the same. Learn the differences between EPS, XPS, and ISO.
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Use Barstools at a Kitchen Counter to Save Floor Space
Seating Innovations barstools are a space-saving solution.
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How to Install Blocking to Anchor Cabinets Solidly
13 commentsHorizontal blocking installed between studs makes for a more secure cabinet installation.
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How to Retrofit a Ceiling Fan Electrical Box
Before installing a ceiling fan, electrical code requires that you use a fan-rated outlet box that will support the extra weight and the motion associated with a fan. A fan-rated box will be labeled as such inside and typically can support up to 70 lb. . . .
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Corrosion-Resistant Paint
Polyvinylidene fluorides, or PVDFs, are acknowledged in the industry as the best resins for coating metal.
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Use a Subpanel to Update an Electrical System
Sometimes, adding a subpanel is the best way to integrate new wiring with an old electrical system.
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Use the Metric System on Your Next Complex Project
Lumber is sized and sold based on the English system, so it makes sense to build with an English tape measure—most of the time. However, when I’m doing a framing project...
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A Homeowner's Story: Did Going Green Make Sense?
8 commentsAs electricity costs go up, the payback period shortens; at payback, future electricity is essentially free. And there is great satisfaction in watching your electric meter run backward.
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What is Open Building?
In the early 1990s that I bumped into a marvelous little book by the Dutch architect John Habraken titled Supports. He argued passionately that the process of making housing must preserve the “natural relationship” that humans need to have with the place where they live. . .
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What's the Difference Between a Standard and Low Angle Block Plane?
Learn which of these two block planes you should grab for your next woodworking project.
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Garage Progress
We're making good progress on the garage shop at the project house. Drywall is hung, carriage doors are installed and the new front facade has been painted. read more
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