June/ July 2000

Articles		Page
CHOOSING MATERIALS FOR EXTERIOR DECKS by Scott Gibson From tropical hardwoods to manmade plastic composites, the choices are more varied than ever		64
ENSURING THE DURABILITY OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOUSES by Stephen Smulski Why are so many of today's homes plagued by rot, mildew and stale air, and what can we do about it?		72
ARM AND HAND PAIN ON THE JOB SITE by John Fuhrman A doctor's take on wrist, elbow and shoulder troubles common to builders		78
INSTALLING KITCHEN CABINETS by Kevin Luddy Careful planning and knowing exactly where the framing is help factory-made cabinets go in quickly and easily for a custom look		82
A HOUSE OF INSULATED CONCRETE BRICK by Fred Leadbeater Dry-laid walls reinforced with steel and filled with concrete make a weathertight, bugproof house		88
A CARPENTER'S LUMBER RACK by Gary Williams A two-level welded-steel rack boosts a small truck's carrying capacity and pops out easily when not needed		94
A SIMPLE APPROACH TO FRAME-AND-PANEL TRIM by Gary Striegler Assemble the frames with pocket screws and trim plywood panels with moldings for a traditional look		96
FINISHING BASEMENTS by Rick Arnold and Mike Guertin Despite the obstacles, converting that dark, scary place into comfortable living space is much cheaper than adding on		100
BUILDING A GRAND VERANDA by Kevin Wilkes A New Jersey design/build team recreates a large, comfortable porch with 19th-century details built to last into the 21st century and beyond		106
POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS by Bruce Greenlaw These low-velocity tools are the ones carpenters choose when driving fasteners into concrete or steel		110
DOWNSIZING WITH STYLE by David O'Neil Flared eaves and an intimate courtyard entry help to make this small but grand cottage the perfect setting for a simple but full life		116
Departments		Page
LETTERS		6
Q & A Retrofitting skylights in a truss roof, Lightening darkened cedar		24
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Pry-bar holder, Salvaging a slate roof		34
DRAWING BOARD Home-office design: where to put one		42
CROSS SECTION Building better houses, Unified building codes now exist		54
FINISHING TOUCHES The art of the prairie-style kitchen		122
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Rabbeting power plane, Gloves for carpenters, Easy-to-use underlayment		128
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE Hearing protection, Silicone caulk		140
REVIEWS The Way of the Carpenter		146
GREAT MOMENTS Hue and cry		158

Choosing Materials for Exterior Decks, Ensuring the Durability of Energy-Efficient Houses, Arm and Hand Pain on the Job Site, Installing Kitchen Cabinets, A House of Insulated Concrete Block, A Carpenter's Lumber Rack, A Simple Approach to Frame-and-Panel Trim, Finishing Basements, Building a Grand Veranda, Powder-Actuated Tools, Downsizing With Style