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Issue 214

On the Cover

How it Works: Wall Framing

When constructed correctly, a house’s frame resists a variety of loads, such as wind and snow.

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The Magazine

Housed-Stringer Stairs: The Frame is the Finish

Treads and risers that are glued and wedged into routed stringers are tighter and more stable than conventionally framed stairs.
The Best Practices for Lead-Safe Remodeling

It’s now the law for professional contractors, but working lead-safe should be a priority for everyone
A Slick Approach to Straightening Walls

String and springboards make it easy to get walls straight and the second floor off to a great start.
For Great Tile Floors, Layout is Everything

Take time to snap a few chalklines and find where the cuts are, and tiling becomes an easier task with better results
A Practical Look at Deep-Energy Retrofits

Cutting a home’s energy use by 50% to 90% is a worthy goal, but the extreme costs keep it out of reach for many. We take a look at the most cost-effective alternatives.
Will Your Next Asphalt Roof Last a Lifetime?

We peel back the layers on a new breed of laminated asphalt shingles.

Article

4 Quick Cabinet Upgrades

Improve storage and style for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.
Taping Tricky Transitions

Apply innovative products to difficult drywall corners for a faster, easier, and more durable job.
Live Tall on a Small Footprint

Two projects smaller than 1500 sq. ft. illustrate how to design a comfortable home with little impact on the site.

What is the Difference

What's the Difference: Pex Tubing

PEX-a, -b, or -c?

Building Skills

Using Extension Ladders Safely

What's the most dangerous tool that you work with? If your first thought is a power tool—probably a tablesaw—then the answer might surprise you.

Master Carpenter

Three Ways to Lay Out an Elliptical Curve

Ellipses can provide striking, graceful curves on a building, but they can be tricky to build.

Drawing Board

Windows From the Inside Out

Windows may be crucial to the exterior appearance of a house, but they play a vital role on the interior as well, and not just because they let in natural light.

Energy Smart Details

Airtight Drywall

These energy smart details will help you build a tight house with redundant air barriers.

Tailgate

Tailgate: Will Beemer, Timber Framer

From concrete eco-structures in Arizona to the post-and-beam heritage of New England, Will Beemer has built a teaching career that strikes a balance between the past and future of home building.

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