June/July 2007

Articles	Page
CUSTOM DETAILS MAKE A BETTER DECK by Michael Ayers Smart framing eliminates the ledger and adds a shady seat	46
A SIMPLE APPROACH TO A PANELED PASSAGEWAY by Gary Streigler Starting with a prehung door, you can create an elegant vestibule by adding frame-and-panel jamb extensions	52
SIPs: ARE THEY RIGHT FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT? by John Ross Structural insulated panels make stronger homes that go up faster and reduce energy bills dramatically	56
BETTER UNDERSINK PLUMBING by Rex Cauldwell Throw away the traditional P-trap to minimize leaks and maximize storage space	62
FRAMING A STRONG GARAGE-DOOR OPENING by John Spier Site-built shear walls help a building with large openings to stand up to high winds	64
A NEW KITCHEN AND A BETTER BACKYARD by Michael De Biasse Relocating a detached garage adds privacy to the backyard and makes room for a bigger kitchen	69
LOW-RISK REROOF by Stephen Hazlett Protect the outside and the inside of the house, and tear off only what you can reroof in a day	74
STONE STEPS by Cody Macfie Skip the mortar, and use packed quarry dust for a walkway that will last a lifetime	80
TOOL-TRIGGERED SHOP VACS by Rob Wotzak A crew of carpenters reviews five machines that make cleanup easier by capturing dust before it hits the floor	84
Departments	Page
CONTRIBUTORS	8
LETTERS	10
CROSS SECTION	20
TIPS & TECHNIQUES	28
TOOLS & MATERIALS	36
FINISHING TOUCHES Leading in the light	90
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS	94
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Structural composite lumber, Shop-vacuum filters	102
BUILDING SKILLS Circular-saw repair	108
DRAWING BOARD Designing garages with living space above	114
MASTER CARPENTER Paint-grade wainscot on a curved stairwell	120
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS	128
GREAT MOMENTS Dressed to Drill	130

Custom Details Make a Better Deck, A Simple Approach to a Paneled Passageway, SIPs: Are They Right for Your Next Project?, Better Undersink Plumbing, Framing a Strong Garage-Door Opening, A New Kitchen and a Better Backyard, Low-Risk Reroof, Stone Steps, Tool-Triggered Shop Vacs