Issue 329 – Feb/Mar 2025
Features
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A Kominka Comes West
Thanks to an international effort to preserve traditional Japanese homes, an old timber frame is rebuilt in Oregon.
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Making Small Kitchens Work
In older homes like these, the main remodeling goal is often a more welcoming, more social, and more functional kitchen.
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Eight Common Electrical Myths and Mistakes
Dangerous electrical work and widespread misconceptions cause fires, deaths, and $1.5 billion in property damage annually.
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That Modern Look
Veneered wall paneling is popular for its clean style, but it's a surprisingly complex trim carpentry job to do well.
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New Life for Old Hardware
With the right approach, you can restore old hardware—whether through soaking, scrubbing, or polishing—giving it a fresh look while preserving its original charm.
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From Craft to Company: Starting Your Own Business
If you're looking to start your own business, there are key considerations to address, including defining your services, setting up your books, and building your team.
Tips & Techniques
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Simple Miter MeasurementsAlign the workpiece and the tape measure on the edge of a saw base for easy measuring and marking.
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Template for Bullnose Base CornersUse a simple jig made from scrap boards to measure the length of base trim for a curved corner.
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Handy Wire StrippersEaton outlet and switch receptacles have built-in 12-ga. and 14-ga. wire strippers and a hole for terminal loops.
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Pool Noodle Ladder ProtectionThese homemade ladder bumpers protect gutters, shingles, and roofing.
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Magnetic Wall MountA metal connector plate forms a handy mount for a line laser when there's no metal corner bead.
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Save Time Snapping LinesIf you have two people, and two chalklines, tie them together and snap lines without walking back and forth.
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Steam Out ScratchesA wet rag and a hot iron can take care of marks on unfinished wood.
Know the Code
Tools & Materials
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Auto Ladder LevelerThe LevelSafe Pro automatically adjusts to uneven surfaces, making it easier and safer to work with extension ladders on sloped terrain.
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Sturdier Pocket-Door WallsThese plywood clips allow you to strengthen the walls around pocket doors to support shelves, cabinets, and other fixtures.
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Steady Set Put to the TestThis window installation system allows most of the work to be done from the inside, making the process faster and safer for one person working alone.
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Versatile Tool VestThe Diamondback 701 Vest offers an alternative to traditional tool belts, with adjustable features and the ability to accommodate both clip-on and traditional tool pouches for different tasks.
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A Modern Texture With Historical RootsPapyrus pavers combine a distinctive clay-like texture with a design inspired by ancient Egyptian paper, offering a modern twist on traditional concrete pavers.
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High-Demand Heat-Pump Water HeaterThe LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater uses advanced inverter technology to ramp up or down in response to hot water demand, maximizing energy savings.
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All-Terrain ScaffoldingThis lightweight scaffolding adjusts to uneven terrain, offering stability and portability for various job sites.
HOUSES by Design
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Reinvented RanchThis single-level home reimagines the traditional layout with a modern, accessible design that emphasizes open spaces, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
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Three Stories of StyleThis three-story home in Austin combines downtown views, modern finishes, and personal touches in a compact urban design.
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Functional Floating HomeThis floating home maximizes its waterfront location with seamless indoor-outdoor living, a unique two-story layout, and a design that prioritizes light and views.
The Restorationist
Building Business
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