June/July 2009

Issue # 204

$7.99

Table of Contents

Articles		Page
AN ELEGANT BORDER FOR YOUR DECK by John Michael DavisHerringbone corners and hidden fasteners require slight framing modifications, but hte results look spectacular		28
SPRAY FOAM: WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW? by Rob YagidTo get the full benefit of this superinsulatioin, you must understand the difference between open- and closed-cell foams, how they perform, and how they're installed		32
AN ELECTRICAL TOOL KIT by Brian WaloA professional electrician shares the tools and materials he relies on for the most common wiring tasks		38
LEAK-FREE SKYLIGHTS by Mike GuertinA peel-and-stick membrane under the flashing guarantees that the skighlight won't leak...ever		40
GREEN YESTERDAY, CODE TODAY by Lynn UnderwoodThanks to the green-building movement, energy efficiency is becoming a mainstay in the IRC and the IECC. But what does it mean to you?		44
BUILD A STURDY STONE SITTING WALL by Brendan MosteckiKeep the look of a traditional dry-stack stone wall, but strengthen the core with mortar and finish with a bluestone cap		48
TOOL TEST: 2-1/4-HP ROUTER COMBO KITSby Kit CampGet double duty when you combine an interchangeable motor with both fixed and plunge bases		54
ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE BUILt-IN BENCHby Brent BennerTemplates, routers, and a foolproof finish make this traditional project approachable and elegant		59
FLIPPING GREEN by George OstrowIn Seattle, a builder and architect prove that remodeling and energy efficiency can be a winning combination		64

Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		8
LETTERS		10
HOW IT WORKS Vapor drive		16
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Fishing wire with PEX, Shop sawdust control		18
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Basement insuraiton panels, Supersize trash bags		24
PROJECT GALLERY Kitchen and bath contest winners		68
Q & A Strong fascia joints, recycling PVC, Hiding deck screws		72
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Deck stain, Circular sawblades, Pavers		76
BUILDING SKILLS Build a temporary brace wall		82
DRAWING BOARD Getting two-story garages right		86
MASTER CARPENTER Sculpting a radiused crown molding in plaster		90
GREAT MOMENTS The rescue		98

View Larger

Homebuilding Best Sellers

1. Energy Smart Homes, Vol. 3 $8.99
2. 2009 Fine Homebuilding Magazine Archive DVD-ROM $149.95
3. Build Like a Pro: Trim Carpentry, 2nd Edition ~~$19.95~~ $14.96
4. Code Check, 6th Edition ~~$18.95~~ $14.21
5. Cut Your Energy Bills Now ~~$12.95~~ $9.71
More Homebuilding Best Sellers

Contact us Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm EST:

800-477-8727

More contact options

Newsletters & sales alerts

Receive our newsletters filled with helpful tips, plus be the first to know about sales and special offers.

Satisfaction is guaranteed

If you are not completely satisfied, you can cancel your subscription or return your book, magazine, or DVD at any time for a complete refund. No questions asked.

SSL Certificate

*Offers are for a limited time only and subject to change. Our free shipping offer applies to standard US domestic shipping only. The sale ends on December 24, 2009 at 11:59 EST.