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Issue 257 – Feb/March 2016

Thoughtfully designed nooks offer refuge and comfort in the hustle and bustle of larger rooms.

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Illustrated Guide to Code Changes

Here’s what you can expect in the 2015 IRC.
Prep a Subfloor for Tile

A second layer of plywood stiffens floors for long-lasting tile installations.
The Evolution of Efficiency: Net Zero as the New Normal

Experimentation and learning have led one builder to integrate energy-smart techniques into everyday construction.
A Closer Look at Solid-Wood Flooring

The ins and outs of an enduring favorite.
Can Liquid Flashing Replace Tape?

Residential builders are beginning to experiment with fluid flashing products developed for commercial jobs.
Fabulous Finish for an Exterior Door

Beautify a wood door with dye, stain, varnish, and a commitment to doing the process right.

Tool Test: Rotary Hammers

A seasoned remodeler looks for the perfect concrete drill.

Winding Down to the Wine Cellar

These intricate, custom railings that lead to a spacious wine cellar in a private residence were designed and created by metal artist and blacksmith Scott Lankton. Each hand-chiseled leaf and…

What's the Difference: Fine-Finish Sanders: Orbital vs. Random Orbit

Regardless of the task, sanding is usually the part of the process that most of us don’t really enjoy. Having the wrong tool for the job only makes matters worse.…

Cutting an Acute Bevel

Standard circular saws and miter saws can cut bevel angles up to about 54°. While that handles most day-to-day needs, every so often you need to make a cheek cut…

Small Powder Rooms

Strictly speaking, powder rooms have only a sink and a toilet, but they afford an important measure of convenience to guests and residents alike and can also add value to a home.

How it Works: Electrical Breaker Panels

The job of the breaker panel is to distribute the incoming power to the separate circuits throughout a home’s electrical system.

Fine Wine Storing

Archaeological evidence tells us that humans were enjoying wine as far back as 6000 B.C. A perishable product, wine will soon spoil if exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature or…

How to Reduce Heat Loss Through Footings

Pouring a concrete slab on top of a thick layer of rigid foam is an effective way to create a super-insulated foundation.

Tailgate: Lance Kirley, President and CEO

This executive stewards the design of traditional homes and the manufacture of historically authentic building components.

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