The Essential Timber-Frame Joint

Will and Michele Beemer’s Heartwood School, in Washington, Mass., plays a big part in keeping the timber-framing tradition alive. In this 4-part video series, Will demonstrates the essential techniques for creating a mortise-and-tenon joint, which is one of the fundamental details in timber-frame construction. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Varnish Like a Pro

Wood exterior doors are the traditional choice, but too often they are stained and finished poorly, with little consideration paid to how the elements will take their toll. But with a bit of extra attention during the finishing process—including careful prep, layering colors, and tricks for applying finish coats smoothly—will yield a durable entry that gets attention because it’s beautiful, not because it’s an eyesore. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Ultimate Deck Build

In this episode we get a glimpse at the site for this year’s deck project. After taking down the old deck, the site is cleared and prepped for the new deck to be built. This year’s project will focus on framing a grade-level deck, including fastening a ledger to concrete, pouring concrete piers and pads, setting a built-up beam, installing deck joists, building a deck landing, framing stairs, installing deck posts, fastening joist hangers and other hardware, installing cumaru decking with hidden fasteners, and finishing off the job with cable rail hardware. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Wainscot Tips and Tricks

In this video series, Justin Fink visits Arkansas, where longtime finish carpenter Gary Striegler teaches his simplified technique for building and installing paneled wainscot. Although Gary has done wainscot many ways, this is one of his favorite approaches because it’s fast but doesn’t sacrifice appearance for speed. The heart of the approach is using a pocket-screw-joined frame assembled on a workbench or sawhorses, which is then finished with a piece of plywood attached to the backside and panel molding attached to the front. Then, the wainscot is installed in prebuilt sections. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Build a Floating Vanity

In the following Master Carpenter video series, veteran cabinetmaker Nancy Hiller demonstrates how she assembled the cases, built drawers, strategized the façade, and figured out a great system of hardware to hang the vanity on the wall. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

PVC isn’t Wood

In this video series, a master carpenter walks you through the process of installing PVC trim, and you’ll gain insights about working with this tricky material from his years of experience. Plus, he’s full of tips and techniques that allow the material to perform at its highest potential. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

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Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.

Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.

Buy at Amazon

8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape

Available in 2- to 12-in. widths, this is a good general-purpose flashing tape that sticks well to most things. It features a two-piece release paper, water-shedding layers, and good UV resistance.

Buy at Amazon