Site Work and Foundations

What you need to know about building codes in the western states, at a glanceby Redwood Kardon

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

An engineer offers a few simple changes to make walls and foundations much sturdierby Thor Matteson

A masonry facade is an economical way to give wood-frame walls the look of solid stoneby Steven Snyder

These time-saving tips make short work of setting sills, posts and girdersby Larry Haun

Prevention is easier than repairby Kip Park

A survey of anchors reveals some surprising alternatives to lead and plasticby Kevin Ireton

Save your mortar for pointing, bed your stones in concrete, and remember there's no substitute for gravityby Stephen Kennedy

Precision-ground concrete blocks make it easy to build a wallby Rob Thallon