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Issue 153

On the Cover

Rejuvenating an Old Porch

PVC rails and fiberglass columns keep the look classic and the maintenance minimal.

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Features

  • Roof Framing with Engineered Lumber

    Tips from a custom framer make the engineered-lumber learning curve easier to negotiate.

  • construction screws
    Get the Right Wood Screws For Your Next Project

    Drywall screws are only for drywall—stronger, better-equipped screws are tailored for every construction job, including framing, cabinetry, deck building, and more.

  • House for Two, Room for Many

    Separate buildings are arranged to create privacy and inviting outdoor spaces.

  • PEX: an Alternative to Copper Pipe

    Cross-linked polyethylene is tough and flexible, and you don't need a torch to install it.

  • No-Trim Door Jambs

    For a clean, contemporary look, create a door jamb, stop, and casing from one piece of wood.

  • 18v Cordless Drills: Power to Spare

    It's no surprise that each sinks hundreds of screws on a charge, but you might be surprised by which tool drove the most.

Article

  • Repainting Interior Trim

    Careful preparation and confident brushwork are the keys to a professional finish.

  • Sealing a Crawlspace

    Close the vents and let a heavy-duty vapor barrier keep moisture, mold and radon out of the living space.

Letters

  • Reader Feedback: Issue 153, February/March 2003

    Don't mislead with costs or become another handyman magazine As a charter subscriber and a professional builder, I find more and more articles that I believe to be misleading. The…

Great Moments

  • My Two Cents

    Great moments in building history: There's nothing wrong with being proud of your work

Video

  • How to Make a Paint Cut Bucket

    Professional painters use this tool to load up a paintbrush without making a mess.

  • Making Treehouses for Kids in Wheelchairs

    Vermont group creates treehouses for wheelchair-bound kids

  • How to Cut Paint in a Straight Line

    Painting along an edge requires a drier brush and a steady hand

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Ask the Experts

  • Clothes-dryer plugs
  • Whole-house fans
  • How to Get a Good-Looking Layout with Laminated Shingles
  • Cold weather and tools

Readers Tips

  • Painting Next to Carpet
  • Job-Site Hardware Store
  • Chalkless shingle layout
  • Blow-Dryers on the Job
  • A Better Way to Grease Screws
  • Bend PVC Pipe without Kinks

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy
  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept 2022
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job

Fine Homebuilding

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