Walls

Forget the jacks and temporary framing; install the two-piece header one half at a time by Roger Ross

Tailored to emphasize the surrounding views, this open floor plan executed in durable materials is sheltered by insulating concrete walls by Martin McBirney

Smarter strategies can save money, speed construction, improve energy efficiency, and cut down on job-site waste by Joseph Lstiburek

Hold back the earth with blocks, concrete, timbers, or stone. Here's how different systems stack up. by Eric Nelson

New-generation panels mean decade-old notions are no way to choose sheathing. Here's what you need to know. by Sean Groom

A luxurious bathroom's character is borne by innovative technology and recycled materials by Kristian Kicinski

Tips from a custom framer make the engineered-lumber learning curve easier to negotiate by John Spier

by Ashton Avegno

by David Grandpré

Made from cast concrete, so-called phony stone is good looking, affordable and easy to work with, but best of all, gravity is not required by Vladimir Popovac

Good drainage and a stout connection to the hillside are keys to a long-lasting wall by Scott McBride

A belt sander will be your best friend when fitting factory-made laminate countertops to wavy walls by Steve Morris

Glue, staples and a little engineering turn sheets of plywood into trusses and columns by Roger Fleck

Today's sheathing materials offer strength, energy efficiency, economy, and fire-and water-resistance -- but not all in the same package by Bruce Greenlaw