Materials

Reuse centers offer recycled building materials at far below original priceby Brian Pontolilo

With so many shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, one may not be enoughby Scott Gibson

The right adhesive will keep joints tight and wood from rottingby John Michael Davis

Especially with interior locksets, the feel, the finish, and the parts you can't see make the differenceby Scott Gibson

From old standbys like hardwood to new contenders like laminates, the choices are daunting. We evaluate the pros, cons, and costs.by Nena Donovan Levine

A look at the pros and cons of vinyl siding and polyvinyl chlorideby Alex Wilson

An electrician describes what kinds to get, where to put them and how to wire them to save lives and homesby Robert Marino

PVC extrusions offer low cost, low maintenance and thermal performance that rivals woodby Scott Gibson

Manufactured kitchens run the gamut on price, materials and craftsmanshipby Scott Gibson

Back in the old days, veneer-core plywood was your only choice. Not any longer.by Scott Gibson

Strip oak is not the only option, but without some guidelines, choosing among strip, plank, prefinished, solid and engineered floors can be toughby Roe A. Osborn

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

Because of environmental concerns, cork and linoleum now compete with vinyl as attractive, durable flooring alternativesby Rick Gregory

Learning the language of grade stamps can help builders pass framing inspections and avoid callbacksby Stephen Smulski

Up in the air about using asphalt, wood, slate, tile or metal to keep out the rain? There are lots of choices, and they all have advantagesby Jefferson Kolle