FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
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
Subscribe

Issue 262 – Oct/Nov 2016

On the Cover

Make a Built-In Breakfast Nook

This custom-built bench offers seating, hidden storage, and a whole lot of charm.

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

  • slab fondations
    Slab Foundation for Cold Climates

    Foam insulation below the concrete makes deep footings a thing of the past.

  • Bungalow on a Budget

    How every design decision impacts cost.

  • Tough Choice: Double-Pane vs Triple-Pane Windows

    For ProHOME, the double-pane choice met the net-zero target — and the cost savings paid for a PV solar array.

  • How to Tile Everything

    Use the right substrate and mortar for a long-lasting tile installation.

  • Window Placement: Use One Ratio

    In order to create visual interest, use the right proportions when deciding what goes where.

  • Wired for Wireless

    The growth in home wireless devices demands more wiring and better hardware.

Article

  • Insulation for Both Sides of the Sheathing

    Insulation is a critical component to achieving net-zero energy.

  • Designing High-Performance HVAC

    The ProHOME uses three minisplit systems, each 9000 Btu/hr.

  • Mechanical Ventilation Required

    Low electricity consumption and very high energy-recovery efficiency are features to look for.

  • Hot Water and Cool Air

    heat-pump water heaters are very efficient because they transfer heat rather than creating it.

Tools & Materials

  • Finally, Another Finger-saving Tablesaw

    A look at the Bosch Reaxx, SawStop’s first real competition.

  • Worm-drive Tablesaw

    This powerful, lightweight saw cuts square and true with daily use on an active job site.

  • Breakthrough Battery

    A look at the performance of three cordless tools on the new Flexvolt battery platform.

  • Self-stick WRB

    A continuous, self-adhered housewrap like Henry Blueskin VP100 makes the job of renovating a leaky old house a lot easier.

  • Light and Sturdy Work Support

    Lightweight frame, ease of transport, and 1500-lb. rating makes for a sturdy sawhorse.

  • Mini Dust Collector

    This smaller system offers the power or dust collection capability of a full-size vac.

Project Gallery

  • The Bath House

    This design considers shifting weather patterns when deciding the placement of clerestory windows and screens and selecting solar panels and roof materials.

Energy Smart Details

  • Does Passive-solar Design Actually Save Energy?

    Do they result in energy savings, or am I just dragging around the stubborn legacy of my hippie past?

  • Spray-Foam Problems
    The Pros and Cons of Spray-Foam Insulation

    The most important thing isn't necessarily what insulation material you choose, but that you get the installation right.

Building Skills

  • make flare connection
    Make a Flare Connection

    A reliable seal that’s resistant to damage from vibration is the right choice for plumbing oil, gas, and refrigerant lines.

Drawing Board

  • Baths with Freestanding Tubs

    Residential design tips: freestanding bathtubs add elegance to a bathroom like nothing else.

Tailgate

  • Tailgate Interview: David Erotas, Builder

    This industry veteran has devoted a 20-year career to building smaller homes that are not only architecturally designed but actually affordable.

Finishing Touches

  • The Lego Lounge

    The former unfinished basement now features a custom bar and a Lego collection of 250,000 pieces.

More? View Past Issues

Ask the Experts

  • Ridding an Old House of Radon
  • Upgraded Deck
  • Extra Footings In Lieu of a Ledger
  • Digging Safely
  • Is My Abandoned Chimney Hurting My Energy Efficiency?

Readers Tips

  • Bucket Work Platform
  • White Stair Risers
  • Easy Two-Part Epoxy Mixing
  • Easy Flat Basement Ceilings
  • Better Call-Out Measurements
  • Shop Sink-Drain Filter
  • Chalk-Box Angled Lines
  • Sonotube Cutoff Fixture

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?
  • Issue 304 - Dec 2021/Jan 2022
    • Why You Need Blower-Door Testing
    • Passive-House Standards for Everyone
    • Window Replacement With a Side of Rot Repair
  • Issue 303 - November 2021
    • Compact Cordless Miter Saws
    • Maximize Space with Thoughtful Built-Ins
    • 10 Essentials for Quality Trim Carpentry

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

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

Sign Up
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

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

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

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

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

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

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

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 set_percent%

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