Masonry

What you need to know about building codes in the western states, at a glance by Redwood Kardon

Get evenly spaced courses and consistent mortar joints by using the proper layout, mortar consistency and troweling techniques by John Carroll

An engineer offers a few simple changes to make walls and foundations much sturdier by Thor Matteson

A masonry facade is an economical way to give wood-frame walls the look of solid stone by Steven Snyder

These time-saving tips make short work of setting sills, posts and girders by Larry Haun

Prevention is easier than repair by Kip Park

A survey of anchors reveals some surprising alternatives to lead and plastic by Kevin Ireton

Save your mortar for pointing, bed your stones in concrete, and remember there's no substitute for gravity by Stephen Kennedy

Precision-ground concrete blocks make it easy to build a wall by Rob Thallon