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Issue 283 – June 2019

On the Cover

21st-Century Timber Framing

A mix of modern and traditional methods of joinery and assembly creates an engineered timber frame that goes up fast.

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The Magazine

Fine Homebuilding Issue #283 Online Highlights

High-Tech Timber-Frame Joinery Machine Video; Built-in Cabinet Effortlessly Converts from Desk to Bed
Waterproof Your Windows With Liquid Flashing

Learn how to install liquid-applied flashing to thoroughly seal a rough opening while also leaving a path for water to escape when it does get in.
Tying in an Addition to an Existing Home

Use these tips and tricks to match new floor heights to old and get everything square.
Build a Desk Bed

This practical built-in allows you to quickly convert your home office into a bedroom.
The Power of Good Design

Building houses and community with New Urbanism
Best New Home 2019: 21st-Century Modern Farmhouse Gets the Big Things Right

This compact, innovative home manages design and construction best practices on a budget.

Article

Best Remodel 2019: A Greek Revival is Born Again

Within the existing footprint and with respect for its historic character, an 1850s home is revived from disrepair and reconfigured with a modern floor plan.
Best Small Home 2019: Small and Skinny Spec Home

This 1650-sq.-ft. urban home challenges market norms with a thoughtful modern design.
Best Traditional Home 2019: House of Tudor

A blandly-styled, ho-hum home is gutted and reborn.
Best Energy Smart Home 2019: DIY Passive House

This is the story of a house, a rain tank, an incredible view, and two homeowners who didn’t quite realize what they were getting themselves into.
Editor's Choice 2019: Rugged Modernism

Ricon Ranch is a home that was inspired by and is exceptionally sensitive to its fragile surroundings.
Readers' Choice 2019: Timberline Transformation

A dated ranch house adopts energy-efficient upgrades, building-science strategies, and an open floor plan.

Online Extras

High-Tech Timber-Frame Joinery Machine

Watch a 90-ft.-long custom CNC machine make all the precise cuts for a timber rafter.
Built-in Cabinet Effortlessly Converts from Desk to Bed

This custom Murphy Bed built by trim carpenter Nathan Rinne allows a spare bedroom to conveniently double as an office.

Tips & Techniques

Grout-Space Raking Tool

Modified tool removes thinset and makes for better tile joints.
Staple Standoff

Improvised and improved stapler for securing wiring
The Glue Roller

Easy and professional way to spread glue
Drying Painted Shelves

A better way to paint and let shelves dry.
Cut Tile Underwater

Cut down on dust and cracks when drilling tile.
Making Vent Hood Lamps Work

How to deal with and prevent future stubborn vent hood lamps.

Tools & Materials

Infrared paint remover

Speedheater Cobra Infrared paint remover softens paint for removal without the high heat of a torch or heatgun.
No-slip kneepads

Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Knee Support stay in place and a better job than tradition knee pads.
Cutting-Edge Router

The Bosch GKF12V-25 12v cordless router shines for edge profiling.
Superdurable Tool Tote

The sturdy and flexible Veto DR-XL tool bag makes it easy to keep your small job-site tools close at hand.
Safer stripper

Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover is environmentally friendly and easy to clean up.
An Inside Look at Work Boots

See what construction details and materials make boots safer, more durable, and more comfortable.

What is the Difference

Drill Bits: From Common to Specialty

Learn what makes each type of bit unique to help you choose the right one for every project.
Choosing the Right Hand Float for Your Next Concrete Project

Wood, resin, magnesium, and aluminum versions of this essential masonry tool all have their pros and cons.
The Right Cable for Each Job

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable and metallic-sheathed cable each have their place in home electrical systems.

Know the Code

Landings for Exterior Doors

Get the specifications you need to install stairs, porches, decks, and more to ensure that a home provides safe, code-compliant means of egress.

As-Built

Engineering Lessons

The uneasy relationship between tradespeople and architects is well known, but a bigger challenge many builders face is figuring out how to get along with a structural engineer.

Specs

Bio Fibers

twenty2 grasscloth is a natural alternative to traditional wallpaper.
Easy-to-Air-Seal Electrical Box

The Airfoil electrical box provides a safe and convenient way to stop heat and moisture from leaking through your walls.
Zip System Gets Some Competition

LP WeatherLogic panels–the latest offering in the world of weather-resistive sheathings–looks surprisingly similar to some familiar building products.
Recessed Minisplit

Mitsubishi MLZ ductless minisplit
Acoustical Sound Barrier

Mass-loaded vinyl is a low-profile solution for stopping sound transmission.
Old School Meets Digital

These mod Bluetooth speakers by Urbanears can work alone or be paired together in Multi Mode.
This Industrial-Style Range is a Classic Fit for Any Kitchen

Big Chill's Classic Line mixes modern technology with 1930s style.
Quick Connectors for Timber Framing

These aluminum brackets are sleek, modern solutions for creating solid joints in heavy timber structures.
One Sink, Four Configurations

Farmhouse Quartet sink by Native Trails

Building Matters

Understanding Rainscreens

These construction details can improve the durability of exterior walls by allowing rain and moist air to escape from behind your home's siding.

Keep Craft Alive

Keep Craft Alive: Scott Simpson, builder and founder of Revolution Workshop

This craftsman's love of carpentry and desire to get more people prepared for the construction industry is why he helped create a revolutionary design and craft training program.

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