Recent How-To Stories

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  Using Metal Studs to Level a Sloping Ceiling

  Metal studs are light enough to go up quickly, but sturdy enough to support a new drywall ceiling.

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  Podcast 217: Architecturally Correct Trim, Keeping a Cabin Warm, and Fixes for Butchered Floor Joists

  The crew gets feedback on door bevels and heat-pump water heaters before taking questions on matching moldings to a house style, converting a seasonal cabin to year-round use, and what to do about Sawzall-wielding plumbers.

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  Leveling a Doorsill

  Leveling the doorsill is important to ensure your door sits correctly. Here's how to do it.

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  Podcast 216: Can Lights, California Shops, and Inaccessible Foundations

  The crew hears from listeners about heating humid air and recessed-light replacement before taking listener questions on air-sealing can lights, building great workshops, and accessing hidden basement rooms.

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  Pitch Block for Stair Stringers

  An alternative method for laying out stairs without a framing square.

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  MDF Window Returns

  This stronger, bench-built alternative to drywall returns gives windows a modern look with more rigidity and water resistance than gypsum wall board.

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  Podcast 215: An Odd Assortment of Building-Envelope Scenarios

  The FHB editors offer advice to listeners with uninsulated solid-masonry walls, unusual flashing-material substitutions, uncommon cladding comparisons, and confusing insulation mandates.

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  Cutting Walls for Drywall Delivery

  If you don't have sufficient access to doors or large windows, you may have to remove siding and sheathing to get your new wallboard indoors.

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  Diamond Blade and Rigid Foam

  A diamond-bit masonry blade creates a cleaner, easier cut than scoring with a knife.

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  Sawblade Storage

  Half of a lid from a plastic bucket stores multiple blades on the wall of your shop or work van.

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