How-To

Stone Steps Online Membership Required

Skip the mortar, and use packed quarry dust for a walkway that will last a lifetime

Remodeling

Thrifty Solutions for an Outdated Kitchen
Challenged by a tight budget, a contracting couple finds five affordable ways to gain luxury, convenience, and space by Sarah Shideler

Installing Replacement Windows Online Membership Required
Measure, insulate, and caulk. Do it right, and cut your energy bill by 25%. by Mike Guertin

Glue Wood Flooring to a Concrete Slab Online Membership Required
A plywood core makes engineered flooring the most stable choice, provided the slab is flat and dry by Ken Fischer

building basics

Pulling stubborn nails
Sometimes, a hammer claw is ideal; other situations might require a cat's paw or a pair of nippers by John Ross

Mortising a hinge with a chisel
A step-by-step guide to laying out and cutting a mortise for a door hinge by Tom O'Brien

voice of experience

Long time contributing editor Gary M. Katz is a veteran carpenter with books, DVDs, and magazine articles to his credit. He's also a sought-after presenter at trade shows and lumber yards nationwide. . .
read full bio

Essential Building collections

Green Building Guide
Find information about sustainable building materials, processes, and design
Guide to Volunteer Work
Browse our essential home building tutorials before you roll up your sleeves and get to work
Guide to Remodeling
Get your project off to a good start with our primer on everything you need to know about planning a remodel

All home building books All home design books

builders library

Build Like a Pro: Building a ShedInstructions and plans for building four shed projects

Build Like a Pro: Painting and FinishingA practical painting and finishing guide for the homeowner

Build Like a Pro: Remodeling a BasementFrom start to finish

Build Like a Pro: Remodeling a BathroomFrom start to finish

Building Essentials

Framing an Elegant Dormer Online Membership Required
Flanking a shed dormer with a pair of gable dormers adds light and space inside while jazzing up the roofline by John Spier

Choosing and Using a Miter Saw
These indispensable tools come in many shapes and sizes; here's how to get the most from them. by Clayton DeKorne

9 Common Wiring Mistakes and Code Violations
Some are illegal, some are dangerous, and some are both—but all are simple to avoid by Joseph Fratello

how-to Video Spotlight

Cut a Radius in Ceramic Tile with a Wet Saw
Although wet saws cut only straight lines, they still can be used to cut a radius
with David Hart
Back Brushing
Back brushing is a quick way to insure even exterior spraying
with Jon Tobey
Slate Roofing and Repair Techniques
A skilled installer shows how to work with slate tiles
with John Mahan
Upside Down and Backward Works Best for Crown Molding
A simple jig and a couple of pattern blocks reduce the risk of cutting at the wrong angle
with Tom O'Brien

Breaktime Discussions

Poolhouse / Pergola Positive Energy Screwing Up Framing more discussions...