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Issue 292 – July 2020

On the Cover

High-Strength, Long-Life Lap Siding

A carpenter's guide to accurately laying out, cutting, gapping, and fitting engineered-wood clapboards.

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The Magazine

The Future of Tile is Big

Full-wall porcelain panels offer the seamless look of stone with less cost and maintenance.
Set for Life

A compact new build takes cues from boat design to create a long-term, low-maintenance home.
Site-Built Deck Railings

Stout connections and a simple design turn decking and 2x4s into a safe, handsome feature.
Install a Whole-House Sediment Filter

Sturdy mounts and a filter bypass prevent problems down the road.
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.
Build a Sturdy Shop Table

A gridded top makes clamping easy and keeps sawdust out of your way.

Article

Fine Homebuilding Issue #292 Online Highlights

Here are the digital extras from Fine Homebuilding’s July 2020, Issue #292: On page 8 of issue #292, we featured a number of online extras and urged readers to check…

Tips & Techniques

Cut Pipes From the Inside

When there are too many obstructions, a modified washer-head screw helps make cuts from a different angle.
Protect Corners During Construction

Drywall corner bead keeps cabinets and trim mar-free during construction.
Ceiling-Light Locator

Dig out insulation and inspect for obstructions before cutting the hole.
Easier Inside Measurements

Use a measuring block to to get accurate dimensions in hard-to-reach corners.
Stay-Tight Miters

Get a better bond with glue sizing.
Square Sander, Round Paper

When you're out of standard sandpaper, sanding dics fit well in a quarter-sheet sander.

Know the Code

Rules for Rooftop Solar

Solar PV now has a solid footing in the residential market, and the building codes have caught up—here's what you need to know.

Tools & Gear

Capable Cordless Brad Nailer

This Milwaukee 18v finish nailer holds up to challenging materials with a great combination of power and consistency.
Better Nitrile Gloves

Venom Steel gloves are much tougher than the blue ones, and hold up well when working with finishes and solvents.
Smart Siding Tool

The SoloSider Pro siding gauges work with a variety of siding thicknesses and maintain consistent, easily adjustable reveals.
Job-Site Rolling Kneeler

The Racatac provides comfortable support for tilesetting, installing baseboard, and other low-down work.
High-Value Circular-Saw Blades

These affordable Oshlun sawblades provide the same cut quality as more expensive brands.
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.

HOUSES by Design

Simple Shape for Passive House Performance

A low-slung roofline delivers a cost-effective, energy-efficent envelope.
Breaking the Thermal Bridge on Steel Beams

Beams create a deep overhang and support the cantilevered roof, and also define the interior living areas.
Sensitive Scale, Modest Materials

This Cape Cod home maintains a pared-down simplicity with a low-pitch roof and visually separate forms.

Spec

Control Panel for Connected Homes

The Brilliant Smart Home Control is a user-friendly system for managing all the smart features in a house.
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.
Frank Lloyd Wright–Inspired Art Tiles

These period-inspired, handcrafted tiles make ideal accents.
One-Step Wood Finish

This two-part formulation is easy to apply and leaves behind a subtle sheen.

Building Matters

A Revolution in Building

Houses are becoming more complicated, material options are multiplying, and our workforce is stretched thin. We can all do more to help.

Keep Craft Alive

Keep Craft Alive: Ben Bogie, Building Production Manager

A second-generation builder addresses the skills gap and the need for the construction industry to compete with other fields.

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