Issue 298 – April/May 2021
Features
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Building Brick Arches
A seasoned mason's guide to laying out and laying up a classic feature of Roman architecture.
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The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Matt Risinger
This Austin builder is using his growing network to teach builders and clients to demand better.
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Successful Vapor Control
Vapor drive isn't as obvious as air or water leaks, but the potential for mold and rot is just as real.
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Bold Moves Make the Space
How completely rethinking the floor plan helped resolve a cold, cramped master bathroom.
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Built-ins for Odd Spaces
A simple, foolproof method for off-angle cabinets.
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Rock-Solid Guard-Post Connections
Tested and approved installation details to help you build safer deck railings.
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Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
These butt boards are easy to make on the tablesaw and create a recessed drywall-panel joint that's less visible and easier to finish.
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Help Installing Gutters
A plastic wedge holds the drip edge off the fascia without scratching it.
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Safety Bucket
Five-gallon buckets keep first-aid kits and fire extinguishers easy to identify and access on the job site.
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Ladder Leveler
This wedge-shaped platform safely balances a ladder on sloped ground.
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Pulling Nails From Redwood
Use pieces of scrapwood to free nails without bending the nails or splitting the wood.
Tips & Techniques
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Problem-Solving Through Stair Landings
International Residential Code requirements for intermediate and odd-shaped stair landings.
Know the Code
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Put Deck Boards in Their Place
Unlike some other board benders, this deck-board straightener locks in place, freeing both of your hands for fastening.
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Brush With Greatness
Cutting in with this trim brush results in laser-straight edges in a quarter of the time.
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Set-and-Forget Kneepads
Carhartt's washable kneepads fit right inside the company's popular double-front carpenter's pants, offering a decent level of daily protection with very low maintenance.
Tools & Gear
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Historic House, Contemporary Floor Plan
Major changes were made in this whole-house remodel to create a modest and period-appropriate look.
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Pivot-Point Solution
Site restrictions and environmental concerns required a "bend" at the center of the house, which keeps the scale in check.
HOUSES by Design
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Smart Lock in a Small Package
With its technology hidden in the internal deadbolt, this smart lock mimics the look of a traditional door hardware.
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High-Quality Deck Lighting
One often-overlooked piece of a deck project is lighting—specifically, low-voltage LED lighting that will stand the test of time.
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Shockproof USB Outlet
This new collection of receptacles offers ground-fault protection in wet locations and built-in USB charging ports in a variety of finishes.
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Make Deck Framing Last
This acrylic flashing tape is the best defense against water intrusion and rotting joists and ledgers.
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Easy Hidden Fasteners
Plastic collating strips save time and make it easier to match fastener patterns to decking.
Other
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Rethinking the Deck
After spending countless days in our homes, we've begun to view decks as a more versatile "room" of the house, with many design considerations.
Building Matters
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Brad Stoppenhagen, Remodeler
After years of being discouraged from the trades, this craftsman finally left the corporate world to pursue a career in building.
