Issue 292 – July 2020
Features
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The Future of Tile Is Big
Full-wall porcelain panels offer the seamless look of stone with less cost and maintenance.
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Set for Life
A compact new build takes cues from boat design to create a long-term, low-maintenance home.
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Site-Built Deck Railings
Stout connections and a simple design turn decking and 2x4s into a safe, handsome feature.
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Install a Whole-House Sediment Filter
Sturdy mounts and a filter bypass prevent problems down the road.
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Flangeless Windows Done Right
Learn how to install European-style windows that sit within the rough opening and require a face-sealed approach to water and air management.
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Build a Sturdy Shop Table
A gridded top makes clamping easy and keeps sawdust out of your way.
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Cut Pipes From the Inside
When there are too many obstructions, a modified washer-head screw helps make cuts from a different angle.
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Protect Corners During Construction
Drywall corner bead keeps cabinets and trim mar-free during construction.
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Ceiling-Light Locator
Dig out insulation and inspect for obstructions before cutting the hole.
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Easier Inside Measurements
Use a measuring block to to get accurate dimensions in hard-to-reach corners.
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Stay-Tight Miters
Get a better bond with glue sizing.
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Square Sander, Round Paper
When you're out of standard sandpaper, sanding dics fit well in a quarter-sheet sander.
Tips & Techniques
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Capable Cordless Brad Nailer
This Milwaukee 18v finish nailer holds up to challenging materials with a great combination of power and consistency.
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Better Nitrile Gloves
Venom Steel gloves are much tougher than the blue ones, and hold up well when working with finishes and solvents.
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Smart Fiber-Cement Siding Tool
The SoloSider Pro siding gauges work with a variety of siding thicknesses and maintain consistent, easily adjustable reveals.
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Job-Site Rolling Kneeler
The Racatac provides comfortable support for tilesetting, installing baseboard, and other low-down work.
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High-Value Circular-Saw Blades
These affordable Oshlun sawblades provide the same cut quality as more expensive brands.
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Easy Masking for Divided-Lite Windows and Doors
This sprayable water-based masking liquid saves time and peels easily off glass after paint is dry.
Tools & Gear
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Simple Shape for Passive House Performance
A low-slung roofline delivers a cost-effective, energy-efficent envelope.
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Breaking the Thermal Bridge on Steel Beams
Beams create a deep overhang and support the cantilevered roof, and also define the interior living areas.
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Sensitive Scale, Modest Materials
This Cape Cod home maintains a pared-down simplicity with a low-pitch roof and visually separate forms.
HOUSES by Design
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Control Panel for Connected Homes
The Brilliant Smart Home Control is a user-friendly system for managing all the smart features in a house.
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Easy Flashing for Hoses and Wires
Quickflash high-density plastic flashing panels integrate into the water-resistive barrier and form a tight seal for water management.
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Frank Lloyd Wright–Inspired Art Tiles
These period-inspired, handcrafted tiles make ideal accents.
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One-Step Wood Finish
This two-part formulation is easy to apply and leaves behind a subtle sheen.
Spec
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Mystery Plumbing Find
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Sizing HVAC Equipment
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Floating a Shelf
