In every issue you'll find...

Issue 218

With the right support, foundation-free additions can make a big impact.

Ultimate Miter-Saw Stand

You designed it and we built it, with the help of some great accessories.
Save Energy with a Cool Roof

A cool roof can be a good energy-saving option. Reflective roofing improves comfort and reduces cooling costs in the Deep South and anywhere the sun shines.
Fasteners for Grooved Decking

Grooved boards and hidden fasteners combine for a blemish-free surface.
Replace an Old Entry Door

Preinstall the trim and get the flashing details right to create a long-lasting, welcoming entrance to your home.
Smart Phones for Smart Builders

A restoration contractor shares the 11 iPhone apps that keep his truck neat, his subs in line, and his crew out of the rain.
Tool Test: 12v Li-Ion Compact Drills

Each of these eight pint-size tools is light, powerful, and affordable, but which is the best?

Designed for Density

A big house on an infill lot embraces its historic neighborhood and proves that buyers are willing to pay for energy efficiency.
How it Works: Urban heat island

An urban heat island can cause a host of problems, including smog formation and the excessive reliance on air-conditioning in summer months.

Building Sturdy Sawhorses

Learn how to make a pair of sawhorses with $50 and 90 minutes of your time.

Laminating Curved Stair Stringers

Freestanding curved stairs are a masterful display of building prowess. After St. Louis builder Joe Hawkins built a set of these stairs for a client, he decided to use the…

Transitioning with exterior gateways

Although we don't always think of them, we frequently use exterior gateways on our way to entering a house. Architect and designer Katie Hutchison offers a survey of various entry…