John Spier

John Spier is an engineer, carpenter, builder, writer, sailor, and world traveler. He owns a construction company building and renovating custom homes on Block Island, R.I., and has always focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. He is a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding, and is the author of several books including Building With Engineered Lumber (The Taunton Press, 2006).

How to Avoid Sloped Stringers on Deck Stairs
Lumber shrinks, so adjust your stair-stringer layout to allow for the wood to shrink along its width.
Getting Shed Dormer Elevation Right
Drawing a full-scale picture on a scrap of plywood can help get the ridge looking straight.
Installing Joist Hangers With Inconsistent Lumber
If better materials aren't an option, decide what is most critical—a flat floor, or a flat ceiling.
Keeping Cathedral-Ceiling Walls From Bowing
Compensate for sagging in the roof by bowing in the sidewalls before securing the rafters.
How to Install Exterior PVC Trim
Builder John Spier shares insights about working with this tricky material from his years of experience.
PVC Roof Trim
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
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
The Paslode CF-325 is a newly-released cordless framing nailer that features a redesigned nosepiece
Trimming the Roofline
Clean lines and durable details depend on careful framing and a systematic installation sequence.
Frame a Classic Shed Dormer
If you start with a full-scale layout on the subfloor and plan for the finished details, the framing is relatively painless.

Page 1 of 6

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

In every issue you'll find...

John Spier

Most Popular

A Modern and Affordable Prefab Home

Garage Separation for a High-Performance Build

Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws

Speed Square Hacks

Quicker Coped Moldings