Issue 248 - Dec/Jan 2015 - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe

Issue 248 – Dec/Jan 2015

On the Cover

Mounting Deck Stairs

Dedicated footings and the right hardware make a secure stringer attachment.

Subscribe View the Digital Issue

The Magazine

  • Subscribe
  • Renew Subscription
  • Gift Subscription
  • Online Membership
  • Magazine Index
  • View Past Issues
  • View the Digital Edition Archive
  • Contact Customer Service
  • Author Guidelines
  • Advertise

Features

  • Laying Concrete Pavers

    For a driveway, walk, or patio, get the base right, and the rest of the job is straightforward.

  • Double-Hung Window

    Knowing your priorities will help you find the best value in windows.

  • Build a Risk-Free Finished Basement

    Capturing this additional living space correctly and confidently requires a careful approach to the site and foundation.

  • Ultra-Portable Tablesaws

    Small enough to carry with one hand, but big enough for job-site work.

  • history of hammers

    The History of Hammer Design

    From rocks to titanium, hammer design has a rich history.

  • Wonder Wheel By the Water

    During the winter of 2013, Ray Baytos convinced his wife, Joanne, that a water-wheel house would be the perfect addition to their koi pond. A hobbyist woodworker and sometime-builder for…

    What is the Difference

  • What's the Difference: Sump Pumps

    Submersible vs. pedestal

    Building Skills

  • Laying Out Basic Stair Stringers

    Former editor and veteran stairbuilder Andy Engel demonstrates the necessary steps, from finding the crown to using the first stringer as a template for the second.

    Master Carpenter

  • Modern Mantel Made Well

    This cherry fireplace surround is assembled and installed with concealed fasteners

    Drawing Board

  • Alternatives to Drywall

    Most residential wall surfaces are painted drywall, but interior designer Courtney Fadness likes to incorporate alternatives such as wood, tile, and natural stone into her projects where appropriate. She believes…

    How it Works

  • How it Works: Paint Failure Troubleshooting Tips

    How it Works: Paint Failure Troubleshooting Tips

    Paint failure not only looks bad, but it invites water and weather inside.

    Project Gallery

  • Good Homes Come in Small Packages

    The two houses featured here illustrate how well-designed homes can be comfortable and inviting no matter what the size. Both homes have an open floor plan, are finished and furnished…

    Energy Smart Details

  • Ducting HRVs and ERVs

    Learn how to ensure the ductwork for HRVs and ERVs will always be energy efficient.

    Tailgate

  • Mark Clement, Carpenter

    This Philadelphia remodeling contractor has carved out a niche doing the dirty work on several reality TV shows

    GBA Insider

  • The Basics of Bath Fans

    Bath fans are great at exhausting humid or smelly air, and senior editor Martin Holladay recommends that every bathroom have one. In this "GreenBuildingAdvisor.com Insider" article, he explains the importance…

More? View Past Issues

    Ask the Experts

  • Red Oak vs. White Oak: Key Differences

  • Can a deck ledger span a basement window?

  • DA vs. FN finish nails

    Readers Tips

  • Removing a Truck Cap Alone

  • Job-Site Pencil Sharpener

  • Painting Reverse Board-and-Batten Siding

  • Hammer Fix

  • Lightweight Block Template

  • Automatic Charger Shutoff

  • Realigning Doors that Settle

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in