Materials

In 25 years, a new house won't look like a spaceship, but appearances can be deceivingby Roger Yepsen

Comfortable quarters for a family of five on a postage-stamp lot in Houston, but for only $70 per square footby Carlos Ulloa

Cross-linked polyethylene is tough and flexible, and you don't need a torch to install itby Dave Lovesky

Tips from a custom framer make the engineered-lumber learning curve easier to negotiateby John Spier

If vinyl’s final, you’d best get the details right. A veteran builder shows how to make it water-resistant and attractive.by Mike Guertin

The right tile in the right place can make or break the look as well as the function of your kitchenby Lane Meehan

The right roof slope, materials and venting will lengthen the life of the roof and the structure under itby Henrik Bull

by John Carroll

One alternative to the high cost and poor quality of lumber these days is finding the trees and cutting them into boards yourselfby Doug Amsbary

Get evenly spaced courses and consistent mortar joints by using the proper layout, mortar consistency and troweling techniquesby John Carroll

When properly detailed, high-tech wrappings can reduce the flow of air into outside walls while allowing moisture to escapeby Rick Arnold, Mike Guertin

Today's sheathing materials offer strength, energy efficiency, economy, and fire-and water-resistance -- but not all in the same packageby Bruce Greenlaw

Woven corners are a good-looking and low-maintenance alternative to corner boardsby Oliver Govers

Laminate-covered substrate produces a bright, clean and washable cabinet at a lower cost than hardwood panelsby Rex Alexander

A demonstration house in Canada shows new approaches to energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive constructionby Kip Park

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

A few tricks can save time when cutting studs, blocks and cripplesby Larry Haun

Tips on ordering, placing, screeding, floating and finishingby Carl Hagstrom

Cutting shears and spray adhesive are among the tricks that make the job easierby Herrick Kimball