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John Spier

John Spier is an engineer by training and inclination, and a designer by default; he builds and renovates custom homes. He and his wife, Kerri, own and operate Spier Construction, a general-contracting company on Block Island, R.I. John is a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding and is the author of a book called Building With Engineered Lumber, published by The Taunton Press in 2006.

PVC Roof Trim

March 4, 2015

A coastal builder’s technique for durable and weathertight fascias and soffits is based on years of experience with plastic trim.
CF325 Cordless Framing Nailer Review

October 1, 2009

Paslode CF-325 cordless framing nailer has been redesigned with an improved nosepiece, updated fuel cells, and a loading chamber that doesn't require twisting off caps or realigning nozzles
Product update: Cordless nailer gets a makeover

May 21, 2009

The Paslode CF-325 is a newly-released cordless framing nailer that features a redesigned nosepiece
Trimming the Roofline

January 14, 2009

Clean lines and durable details depend on careful framing and a systematic installation sequence.
Frame a Classic Shed Dormer

November 12, 2008

If you start with a full-scale layout on the subfloor and plan for the finished details, the framing is relatively painless.
Rough openings on the coast

June 30, 2008

Q: I need to frame an opening for a patio door in a coastal house. What type of lumber is the best choice and the most weather-resistant? Can I use…
Frame a Strong, Stable Floor With I-Joists

June 25, 2008

Engineered floor joists are straighter, faster, and flatter, but they aren't installed the same way as dimensional lumber.
Double Doors Are Twice As Tricky

March 5, 2008

Prehung double doors demand galvanized nails, a good eye for gaps, and as little moving around as possible.
DW369CSK Circular Saw Review

January 2, 2008

This circular saw from DeWalt has a flat, glass-reinforced composite base
27516 Circular Saw Review

December 20, 2007

This is an inexpensive circular saw from Craftsman