Concrete and Masonry

A modern remodel takes shape on the California coast -- with light, views, privacy, and budget in mindby Michelle Leise

A bright new kitchen blooms from an inspired mix of light, space, and materialsby Rick Proppe

An architect adds a new first floor under his house to gain space and better views of Puget Soundby Frank Karreman

by Fu-Tung Cheng

The perfect marriage of cost, aesthetics and performance is what suits your lifestyle and budget bestby Scott Gibson

by Richard T. Kreh Sr.

A thick mortar bed over a vinyl membrane makes a sturdy base for tile, but it pays to test for leaksby Tom Meehan

A level may be a mason's best friend, but to cover up an unsightly set of concrete steps, an experienced eye takes overby Vladimir Popovac

Laying new shingles over old might avoid the cost of a tearoff, but you still have to replace the vents and flashingsby Stephen Hazlett

Cementitious backerboard speeds up the job, but start with a subfloor that is firm and flatby Dennis Hourany

Start with a sturdy wood underlayment, and plan the layout to get cut tiles in the backby Dennis Hourany

by Jeff Fosbre

Solid, durable and attractive, an uncommon countertop can be cast from common materialsby Thomas Hughes

It can be done successfully if your floor isn't too hot, and the wood is put down dry on a dry slab and subfloorby Don Bollinger

by Scott McBride

Basic tools produce a quartzite surface that's easy on the toesby Paul Holloway

The mason's craft is easier when the bricks are laid on a horizontal surfaceby Bob Syvanen