December 2004/January 2005

Articles		Page
WARM FLOORS: NOW EASIER THAN EVER by Rick Arnold Radiant-panel systems a carpenter can install are perfect under a wood floor		52
RETROFITTING RECESSED LIGHTS by Cllifford A. Popejoy Replacing an old surface-mount fixture with recessed lights is an easy upgrade that you can customize with different trim kits		58
HOW TO COPE WITH A BEAUTIFUL SITE by Chris Bigos Don't force the footprint. Let the surroundings choose the palette, and plan plenty of outdoor rooms.		62
REPLACING A BROKEN TILE by Jane Aeon With the right tools, it's easy to make a fast fix in a flawed floor		68
NOT YOUR OLD SAW by Rick Arnold and Mike Guertin New circular saws are more lightweight, comfortable, convenient, and precise than ever before. Here's a look at 10 top models.		70
FROM ROUGH FRAME TO FINISHED STAIRS by Bruce Abernathy A foolproof method for installing skirtboards, treads, and risers		76
20 COOL TOOLS FOR $20 OR LESS by the Fine Homebuilding staff Some are time-tested. Others are innovative. All are good and cheap.		81
CUSTOM DOORS, DONE EASY by Scott McBride Sandwich-style construction offers strength and flexibility		86
SLEEK STYLE FOR A MASTER SUITE by John Lindsey Commercial components and a convenient floor plan integrate a bath and a walk-through closet		90
ROLLING ROOF TRUSSES by Larry Haun Factory-made trusses are strong and easy to install		94
Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		6
LETTERS		10
CROSS SECTION Is wood the greenest building material?		20
TIPS & TECHNIQUES Trimming cabinet doors, Utility-sink upgrade		30
TOOLS & MATERIALS Cordless bandsaw, Portable drying deck		36
BREAKTIME		44
FINISHING TOUCHES Beauty under your feet		100
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Fixing rough-framed stairs		106
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Ladders, Bowl gaskets, Deicers		118
DRAWING BOARD Sensible kitchen storage		132
MASTER CARPENTER Inlaying a floor medallion		142
INDEX to Issues #160 through #167		147
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS		156
GREAT MOMENTS The Wax Ring		158

Warm Floors: Now Easier Than Ever; Retrofitting Recessed Lights; How to Cope with a Beautiful Site; Replacing a Broken Tile; Not Your Old Saw; From Rough Frame to Finished Stairs; 20 Cool Tools for $20 or Less; Custom Doors, Done Easy; Sleek Style for a Master Suite; Rolling Roof Trusses