Scott Gibson

Mortise-and-tenon vs. cope-and-stick joinery: Experienced cabinetmakers share their preference

A long cabinet with traditional joinery and improvised details replaces a traditional stairwell railing

Consider prep time, conditions, and cleanup to determine the fastest way to tackle an exterior paint job

Learn how heat pumps work and whether they make sense for you. 

With a balance of conservation and renewable production, these houses make as much energy as they use

Using factory-assembled pieces and swapping a boiler for a water heater can lower the cost of radiant-floor heating systems

Stats on everything from paint sales and components to factories and labor costs 

Solar water-heating system

Because the binders, pigments, and additives that make long-lasting, durable finishes don’t come cheap

Common-sense solutions for creating homes that are self-reliant, resilient, and versatile

No matter where you live, a solar system can reduce energy costs and provide a reliable supply of domestic hot water

Increased efficiency and better incentives are driving builders and homeowners alike to a cleaner source of electricity

An inside look at which construction details are most durable, what hardware is worth paying for, and why inside corners don’t have to be dead zones

If you're ordering and assembling something from Ikea, here's how to do it with as few snags as possible

Copper- and borate-based preservative treatments have proven effectiveness, but structural plastics are more durable

Rising energy costs, climate change, and a new social conscience are complicating the way we build

A good layout is key to a successful bath remodel. Former Fine Homebuilding editor Scott Gibson explains why in this excerpt from his book, Bathroom Ideas that Work.

Recirculation systems eliminate a long wait at the tap and save thousands of gallons of water

Stainless steel, vinyl, aluminum, and composites are now viable alternatives to wood

These buffers keep out the elements while providing storage for everything from boots to backpacks

After 25 years, the country's best builders still are sharing what they know in Fine Homebuilding's pages

Make the right design choices, and you'll have an outdoor room you can enjoy without battling the bugs

Powerful, quiet exhaust fans and their smart switches have made it easy to avoid mold, mildew, and stale air in the bath

Replace a sticky slider or make a wall of glass—today's patio doors are stylish, durable, and secure

Maybe, but other types of insulation offer installation advantages that make them more reliable

With so many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, one may not be enough

Especially with interior locksets, the feel, the finish, and the parts you can't see make the difference

Stronger, better-equipped screws are tailored for specific applications

All you need to know to pick the right kind, not the right brand

Dramatic strength combined with zero shrinkage puts engineered beams and headers on more and more job sites

A no-frills fix-up creates a bright, efficient workspace for less than $1,800 in fixtures, materials and appliances

PVC extrusions offer low cost, low maintenance and thermal performance that rivals wood

The perfect marriage of cost, aesthetics and performance is what suits your lifestyle and budget best

From tropical hardwoods to man-made plastic composites, the choices are more varied than ever

Manufactured kitchens run the gamut on price, materials and craftsmanship

One-piece fixtures are quick to install, but should you buy a gelcoat or an acrylic model?

Back in the old days, veneer-core plywood was your only choice. Not any longer.

It may be the age of lasers and electronics, but a sturdy spirit level is still the job-site standard

For $10 or less, comfortable eye wear will guard against common job-site hazards

Understanding and preventing moisture movement are the first steps in protecting a house from water damage

Different label, different function

Make sure you choose the right tile for the right projects, because some are very slippery when wet

If you're willing to shell out a few extra bucks, quartersawn is the way to go

While one type of screw is easier to come by and use, the other provides a stronger joint

Back in the old days, veneer-core plywood was your only choice. Not any longer.

Tell me, sir, will that be red, white or perhaps an Alaskan yellow?

When choosing your deck screws, keep in mind where they're being used and how long you need them to last

Latex glazing can be painted sooner, but it won't last as long