February/ March 2000

Articles		Page
INSTALLING VINYL-CLAD WINDOWS by Rick Arnold and Mike Guertin A nailing flange makes installation quick and easy; but pay attention to the details, or you'll never get the windows open		64
THE ARGUMENT FOR I-JOISTS by Paul Fisette New products adn increased competition make superior I-joist performance available at solid-lumber prices		70
MAKING A CURVED HANDRAIL by John Griffin With the stairs as a form, laminating commercially available bending rail is easier than it appears		74
A KITCHEN FOR ART'S SAKE by Serge Therrien A mix of color and materials, unconventional cabinets and angular shapes create a vibrant space		80
EXTENSION-CORD BASICS by Ken Textor Wire size, jacket materials and voltage drop are important, often-ignored features of these ubiquitous job-site umbilicals		84
FRAMING A BAY WINDOW ROOF by Scott McBride It's only a small hip roof, but its 45-degree corners befuddle many carpenters. Drawing bay roofs out full scale is key to fast, accurate framing.		90
A HOUSE DISGUISED AS A COTTAGE by William F. Roslansky This 1920s-style gate house combines steep-pitched roofs, a shingled exterior and careful detailing		94
BUILDING DRYWALL ARCHES by Myron R. Ferguson With flexible 1/4-in. drywall and a variety of bendable corner beads to choose from, creating the perfect curve is easier than ever		100
RETROFITTING A FOUNDATION by William Anthony Digging and pouring a foundation with the house suspended in the air require patience, great subs and a little sleight of hand		104
A GATE THAT'S BUILT TO LAST by Andy Beasley Weather-resistant construction means this driveway gate will stand up to Rocky Mountain storms for years to come		110
NORTHWESTERN MODERN by Tim Rhodes The creative use of inexpensive materials and open spaces shape a new Seattle house		114
Departments		Page
LETTERS Kitchens & Baths, Generators		6
Q & A Shingling a low-slope roof, How electric water heaters work		22
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Freezeproofing a garage sink, Preventing cracked ceramic floor tiles		34
DRAWING BOARD Putting the TV in its place(s)		44
CROSS SECTION Student architects build a house		55
FINISHING TOUCHES What you see is what you get -- sometimes		120
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Drawer slides, Tile backer, Tool belt		126
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE Steel roofing, Abrasive cutoff wheels		140
REVIEWS Contractor's Guide to QuickBooks Pro, Hydronic Radiant Heating		152
GREAT MOMENTS The construction cat		166

Installing Vinyl-Clad Windows, The Argument for I-Joists, Making a Curved Handrail, A Kitchen for Art's Sake, Extension-Cord Basics, Framing a Bay-Window Roof, A House Disguised as a Cottage, Building Drywall Arches, Retrofitting a Foundation, A Gate That's Built to Last, Northwestern Modern