Issue 327 – November
Features
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Some of these smart devices are more than a leak alarm—they can help you understand your water usage and diagnose plumbing problems.
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A custom finish carpenter shares how he designed and outfit his two-car garage shop with all the tools, jigs, and accessories he needs to comfortably do great work.
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Newer pressure treatments don't offer the same rot and decay resistance. Follow these simple strategies to give outdoor lumber its best chance of survival.
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Understand lumens, ceiling brightness, beam spread, tilt, and color options to make a wise choice on a common fixture that can range from $75 to $750 or more.
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The safety of stairs is directly related to how the occupant uses them, so the safety features related to stairs in the building codes are also related to the user.
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We want to see how you make the most of your workshop.
Tips & Techniques
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Perfect-Fit Fascia
Use this technique to create perfect butt joints in fascia without having to square up the first board and measure the second.
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Make Room Behind Trim
A series of stainless-steel screws on the back side of a fascia board creates a space that promotes drying after a rain.
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Visible Vials
A white piece of paper taped to the back of the bubble window on a spirit level makes the bubble easier to see in low-light conditions.
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Handy Makeshift Level
If you don't have a level on hand, a speed square with a plumb bob or chalkline can create a level line.
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Paint Prep With Less Waste
When painting ceilings, reduce the amount of waste you produce by hanging reusable fabric from the walls instead of plastic sheets.
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Spacer for Deck Boards
The heel/fence of a speed square can be used as a deck-board spacer.
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Remove Stubborn Stakes
To remove metal stakes from the ground, use a pipe wrench to spin them a few times.
Tools & Materials
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Fast Framers
DeWalt's new 20v cordless framing nailer has improved recovery time over previous models, and it can sink nails to the proper depth consistently.
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Bionic Shoulders
Festool's ExoActive supports arms in the raised position for a long time, which makes working on ceilings and other high surfaces less tiresome.
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Flush Boxes Every Time
These adjustable boxes include a metal bracket that wraps around the face of a stud, making them very fast and easy to install.
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Find Your Grind
The DeWalt 4.5 in. — 5 in. grinder has variable speed control (six speed settings), a safety system that shuts down the tool if the blade binds, and a brake that stops the wheel after the trigger is released.
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No-Downside Decking
Deckorators Voyage decking, which is mineral-based rather than made of a plastic or wood composite, is lightweight and doesn't expand and contract as much as standard composite decking.
HOUSES by Design
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Small and Steel-Framed
This family and guest retreat, owned and designed by husband-and-wife architects, cantilevers off a cliff.
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Three of a Kind
The repetition of clean and crisp pitched rooflines on the trio of masses that make up this home—main house, primary suite, and garage—bring a modern look for clients desiring a departure from traditional architecture.
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Deep in the Heart of Texas
This main house is surrounded by nature in a dense urban area and is part of a family compound that includes two smaller homes.