Issue 224

Taking Wainscot Up Stairs

Raised MDF panels and stock moldings bring this elegant trim detail to the rest of the house.

How it Works: Standby Generators

Whether you’re trying to keep the water running during a power failure or the lights on and the air conditioner humming during a blackout, a standby generator can be an invaluable addition.
Flawless Drywall Finish

A final skim coat of compound creates a surface as smooth as plaster but at a lower cost.
Standby for Power

A generator can provide days of emergency power. Here's how to choose the right one.
New Window in an Old Opening

A leak-free installation depends on compatible materials and multiple layers of defense.
It’s Time to Switch to Cap Fasteners

Gone are the days of hammer tackers for installing housewrap and roof underlayment.
Incorporating Best Practices

How the best builders adopt new materials and building techniques to boost quality and profits.

Building Better Affordable Homes

How to increase style and efficiency on a modest budget.
Stormproof Your Roof

Self-adhering underlayment provides critical protection in vulnerable locations.
Shinto Shed

The extreme simplicity of the ancient shinmei-zukuri style of Japanese architecture inspired Glenn Montgomery’s 9-ft. by 12-ft. shed.

What's the Difference: Amp hours

The rise in popularity of lithium-ion batteries in power tools over the past six years has brought consumers voltage options ranging from a compact 3.6v up to a muscle-packed 36v.…
What's the Difference: Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout

Although it’s available in more than 100 colors, only two types of cement-based grout are used to fill the gaps between tiles: sanded and unsanded. The choice is determined mostly…
How to Choose the Right Sandpaper

Learn the pros and cons of the 3 common abrasive materials to pick the type of sandpaper that best matches your project.

How To Use a Japanese-Style Pull Saw

Pull saws aren't every-day tools, but they can come in handy on occasion.

Framing an Octagonal Turret Roof

This roof shape may look complicated, but it's basically the same process as framing a common 45-degree bay-window roof.

Character-Defining Windows

In this "Drawing Board" column, architect Lynn Hopkins describes both the characteristic and uncharacteristic features of four broad house styles.

An Unvented, Superinsulated Roof

In this "Energy Smart Details" article, FHB senior editor Martin Holladay describes the best way to approach building an unvented, superinsulated roof. Holladay says that one of the best ways…