Issue 226

A Distinctive Stair Rail

How to build a stain-grade and sturdy railing, balustrade, and newel posts on site with stock lumber.

Home Energy Diet for an Old Victorian

Sealing the crawlspace and plugging holes cut a big home's heating bill in half.
Dress Up a Garage Door with Insulated Carriage Doors

These custom doors add energy efficiency and style.
Build It Right: Lessons From New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina can teach us many things. Make It Right wants safe, affordable, energy-efficient building to be one of them.
How to Install Inset Cabinet Doors

Create the perfect fit by trimming one side at a time.
Bring Advanced Framing to Your Job Site

Less lumber means lower construction costs and more room for insulation.
Vino de silo

Out of the ordinary wine storage.

How It Works: Electric Motors

Learn what the differences are between brushed and brushless electric motors.
10 Tips to Paint Like a Pro

Professional painter Philip Hansell shares the products and methods he uses for tackling the toughest parts of the job.
Attic Uplift

A dark, dated attic is turned into a bright master suite and workspace.

What's the Difference: Primers

Learn the difference between latex, oil-based, and shellac-based primers and how to choose the right one for the job.

Designing Built-In Living Spaces

While a house can be filled with beautiful rooms, many homeowners long for a small away space where they can read, enjoy a view, or relax

How to Insulate a Cold Floor

For better energy performance, homes built on piers, rooms above garages, and cantilevered bays need properly air-sealed and insulated floors.