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Entries by admin
How to Install Tile in a Bathroom Shower
TOOLS electric screwdriver spacers pencil sanding block rubber grout float mask notched trowel buckets level broom tile nippers sponge safety glasses tape measure wet saw MATERIALS thin-set mortar screws marble tile sanded grout unsanded grout fixtures Prep the Shower Space Once demolition of the old tile is complete, install a cement backer board in the […]
Building a Porch Roof
Building a porch roof or screened in porch roof over an existing deck or patio can be fairly straight forward or very complex depending on the type of roof you choose. We show you how two different roofs are constructed so you will know what is involved. Most porch roofs are typically shed roofs or variations […]
How to lay a patio
This is a fairly simple project but paving can be heavy so you may need some help. Depending on the size of your patio, the project could take you two to three days. Before you get started on any of our ‘how to’ guides, please take a moment to read through our DIY safety tips. Step […]
Designing Floor Systems For Optimal Performance
When designing a wood-framed floor system for residential projects, building to meet the applicable codes is only one step in the design process. Having met code requirements, there is an array of choices a designer must consider that impact the day-to-day use of the floor. The size and depth of Trus Joist® TJI® joists and related framing members, and […]
9 Steps To Prevent Floor Squeaks
A beautiful, high-performance floor starts with what you can’t see—a stable floor frame and subfloor underneath. Simple installation mistakes can lead to squeaky floors or damaged finishes, along with the cost and hassle of associated callbacks. Get it right the first time by following these installation best practices: Use the Right Materials. Choose dimensionally stable […]
4 Strategies To Reduce Jobsite Framing Waste
Excess or unused wood accounts for up to 40% of jobsite waste, according to estimates from the NAHB. Too many builders, contractors and dealers accept waste as an unavoidable consequence of construction and remodeling, with not enough consideration being given to how waste adds to a project’s cost. Most estimators, for example, are still commonly […]
The Built-Up Column Conundrum
It is common practice in residential construction to use multiple pieces of 2x lumber connected together (sometimes referred to as “stud packs”) to build interior columns. One rule of thumb is to install enough studs to match the width of the beam above. But how do you determine if the field-built column is really strong […]
The Science Behind The Strength
Engineered for consistent performance, Parallam® Parallel Strand Lumber is one of the strongest engineered wood products available. This post examines the science behind the product, and why it’s such a reliable long-span, heavy load beam solution. Manufactured in Delta, British Columbia and Buckhannon, West Virginia, Parallam is made primarily from Douglas fir in the west […]