Issue 282 – April/May 2019
Features
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Fine Homebuilding Issue #282 Online Highlights
Long Live Our Buildings; Install Joist Hangers; Podcast: Building Permit? #KCA Trucker Hat; and the FHB Forum
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The Particulars of Porch Design
Learn how to nail the details to build a beautiful and functional covered porch; 3 case studies and a checklist of essential questions will help you get the job done right.
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How to Rescue an Old Cedar Deck
A thorough cleaning and a quick refinish give new life to a weather-beaten deck. Get tips for doing the job right from a professional refinisher.
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Attach a Deck to Any Wall
Builder Mike Guertin outlines code-compliant ledger and lateral-tie details for all types of deck builds.
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Synthetic Decking Comes of Age
A maturing industry means composites and PVC deck planks look better than ever and can last for decades.
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How to Build a Curved Ipé Garden Benches
Clamps and lots of screws put a bend in this dense and durable wood.
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Patio vs. Deck Throwdown
Two Fine Homebuilding editors face off on the pros and cons of these popular exterior spaces.
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Dutch Door Done Easy
A layered assembly and clever installation make building and hanging this door a breeze.
Article
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Build a Dutch Door
The trick to making this traditional door easy to build is to use a layered-assembly technique, and to hang the door before cutting it in half.
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How to Cut Belgian Block
Learn two reliable techniques–and what tools you will need for each–for cutting and shaping granite pavers.
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Built-in Cedar Plant Stand
This easy-to-build deck accessory prevents runoff water from plant pots from rotting your deck boards.
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A Better Sprayer for Cleaning Decks and Applying Wood Finishes
Professional deck refinisher Jim Grant built a custom spray rig with an electric pump as an easy-to-use alternative to the typical hand-pump garden sprayer.
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Long Live Our Buildings: An Introduction
Architect Steven Baczek describes his ongoing inquiry into what makes a good building, and how we can continue to improve the way we design and build homes.
Online Extras
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Hyperportable tablesaw
Milwaukee's lightweight cordless 2726-21HD saw is great for remote job sites, but portability comes with a few trade-offs.
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Fine-finish sander
Internal dampening and tiny sanding strokes make Festool’s DTS 400 REQ a top-notch finishing tool.
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Impressive Structural Connectors
This German-made hardware by Pitzl provides sturdy, concealed timber joints that are a snap to assemble.
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Fabric footers
Speed up the process of forming concrete footings while also preventing problems caused by groundwater.
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DIY ductless minisplit
This pre-charged kit from MRCOOL makes for an easy HVAC upgrade.
Tools & Materials
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Lock, lift, and load
Builders find an ingenious solution for installing a custom-fabricated staircase into a home with challenging site-disturbance restrictions.
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Barn built anew
A new home built with salvaged timbers pays homage to a beloved old barn that couldn't be saved.
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Fit for floods
Storm-resistant building regulations inspired this home's architects to give it a better view of its beautiful coastal site.
