Dave's Articles

Here's a list of articles you might find of help.

Basics 1: Power Tool Safety

The first article on the basics series discusses power tool safety including how to keep power tools maintained.

Basics 2: Lumber Dimensions, Wood Grades and Engineered Wood

The second article on the basics series discusses the following topics: From Logs to Lumber, Grades of Lumber, Plywood, Plywood Grades for Cabinetry and Other Engineered Woods.

Basics 3: How to Read a Tape Measure

The third article in the basics series explains how to read a tape measure and includes a drawing showing the breakdown of the fractions of one inch. The importance of accuracy is discussed.

Basics 4: How to Make a Straight Cut with a Circular Saw

How to use a circular saw to make a straight cut. This helpful article includes a drawing of the detail of the set of the blade, as well as a drawing of the saw cut in relation to your cut line.

Cabinets 1: Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets 2: How to Build Face Frame European Cabinets

Cabinets 3: How to Make Cabinet Doors

This is the third article on the cabinet series of articles. This article discusses how to make your own doors for a modern cabinet. The article includes the following drawings: MDF profile doors; an elevation and section of a home made panel door; an elevation and section of a glass paneled door with muttin bars. The following subjects are discussed: how to make different styles of doors for cabinets; moldings on doors; installing glass in doors; tips on sanding before staining and discussion on various finishes for doors.

Cabinets 4: How to Make a Formica Counter Top

Deck 1: Raised Backyard Wood Deck

Our first article in the deck series discusses the raised backyard wood deck off the main floor. The article includes the following drawings: elevated backyard wood deck or balcony floor plan and backyard wood deck support. The following subjects are discussed: attaching the backyard wood deck to the house or keeping it independent; laying out, forming and pouring the footings; the beams and floor; the sheathing and finish.

Deck 2: Deck Railing

Deck 3: Deck Stairs

Deck 4: Deck Stairs with Returns

Electrical 1: Electrical Safety

Electrical 2: How to Wire a Three Way Switch

How to Build a House 1: House Lot and House Plans

How to Build a House 2: The Concrete Foundation

How to Build a House 3: Services, Concrete Slab and Backfill

How to Build a House 4: Install Aluminum or Vinyl Soffits

How to Build a House 5: How to Install Vinyl Siding

This article in the How to Build a House series discusses vinyl siding with cedar trim as I installed on my own house. It comes with actual pictures of the steps to install the vinyl J-molding around the windows of your house.

Jigs 1: Table Saw Feather Board

Jigs 2: Table Saw Push Stick

Jigs 3: Dado Router Jig

Jigs 4: Feather Wedge Table Saw Jig

Jigs 5: Table Saw Tapering Jig

Jigs 6: Circular Saw Guide

Jigs 7: Construction Compass

In my construction career there have been numerous times I needed to scribe an arc or a complete circle, usually full size. For example, scribing the trim for a 6' wide circle head window with a 3' radius or making a template for rounding off the corners of a curved archway. This article explains how to do this very simply with construction materials usually found around a shop or work site. A drawing is included for clarity.

Jigs 8: Circular Saw Cutting Jig

When you find it necessary to cut or rip large pieces with a circular saw, a handy guide helps keep the cuts straight. I use mine mostly for cutting gable ends for cabinets to length, as well as, trimming doors, etc. This article shows two pictures of my circular saw mounted on my cutting jig and gives instructions to make your own.

Plumbing and Ventilation 1: Plumbing Rough-in Measurements and Instructions

In this article I give you the usual heights for fixture drains, vents, cleanouts and supply lines for rough-in for the following fixtures: toilets, countertop or drop-in lavatory, pedestal lav, tub/shower and kitchen sink. I also include the heights for curtain rods, toilet tissue holders and towel bars.

Plumbing and Ventilation 2: Removing and Replacing Plumbing Fixtures

There are times when the homeowner must replace a plumbing fixture or at least remove it. I'm referring to the toilet, tub and sink faucets or just removing a valve stem to replace its washer. In this article I explain how to do this.

Plumbing and Ventilation 3: Questions on Plumbing and Ventilation

Here's a list of Dave's answers about plumbing and ventilation.

Renos 1: Mould and What to Do About It

While answering a question from a member on the subject of mould in her home, I came upon this article written in March 2001 by the Workplace Safety and Health Division, Manitoba Department of Labour & Immigration, Canada. This article tells it all, so I want to share it with you. Keep in mind that this report is mainly for contamination in large commercial buildings; however, information contained in this report can be helpful if problems arise in your own home as well as the office. This is the only article on our website that isn't written by myself and includes the following topics: Introduction to Mould - What is Fungi/Mould, Health Effects, Moulds of Health Concern, Investigating Potential Contamination, The building history, Present state of construction or deterioration, Present environment of building, Impact of renovations or additions, Biocontamination Remediation Procedures - Introduction, Hiring a Consultant to Help, Where Do You Look?, and Defining the Work to Be Completed.

Renos 2: Moisture and Humidity Problems in the Home

Your home's worst enemies are dampness, high humidity and lack of ventilation. I live on the West coast of British Columbia, the banana belt of Canada, or so we boast. With the warmest winter climate in Canada comes the problem of moisture infiltrating our homes. Don't despair, however, for every problem has a solution. In this article, I'll discuss ways in which the average homeowner can attend to these headaches, without spending a fortune. I touch on the following topics: Caulking, Bathroom and kitchen fans, Dampness in the basement and crawlspace.

Renos 3: Home Renovations Ideas

I describe some of the ideas I got when I built my house and share them with you. Each idea comes with a picture. I discuss the following topics: window curtains; window sills; window seats; mantle piece; ceramic hearth; hardwood steps; oak handrails and curved handrails. With a little care and a computer nearby, the two of us can do wonders. There's a great sense of accomplishment when you can tell your friends, 'I did it myself'.

Renos 4: How to Frame a Wall

Framing a wall is not that complicated, if one learns a few basic principles. In this article, I explain the terminology of the parts of a wall, framing in doors and windows, headers, laying out the walls, studs for an intersecting wall and for a corner, straightening and squaring the walls, wall sheathing, basement walls. The following drawings are included: Framing a window; Plan measurements; Corner stud layout and an intersecting wall.

Renos 5: How to Install a Window in an Existing Wall

This article goes into the details of installing a window in an existing wall. It discusses what is on the outside and inside of a wall with a drawing showing the various parts. I discuss the stocks sizes of windows, as well.

Renos 6: How to Make a Drop Ceiling

Usually a ceiling is just a nice covering of the bottom of the next floor up. A drop ceiling, however, is lower than the bottom of the upper floor. There are different reasons for making a drop ceiling. Some people put one in the basement so it's below the pipes, ducts, etc. Others may have a 10' ceiling in an old house and want to drop it down. It's very common in a bathroom to put in a drop ceiling if the house is built with a 10' ceiling. This article goes on to explain how to build a drop ceiling in a room and shows a drawing to make it very clear.

Renos 7: How to Install a Skylight in an Existing Roof

'Location, location, location!', is what they say in real estate, but it's just as important with skylights. In this article, we will talk about a 2'x4' skylight, so if you have a larger one, just adjust the numbers. I go on to discuss location in a truss or rafter roof, the tunnel, the curb, cutting the roof opening, roofing and flashing and the finish.

Renos 8: How to Install a Hardwood Floor

This article explains how to get started, laying out the boards, the doorway and the stair nosing when installing hardwood floors. Details covered include which direction to lay the grain of the wood, how to start the layout, how to secure the material to the floor, and tips on how to cut the material when it encounters the edges of the room or obstacles.

Renos 9: How to Install Ceramic Tile

This article explains how to install ceramic tile over wood and concrete. I go on to discuss the layout of floor tiles and wall tiles, adhesive or mortar, grouting and cleaning up. A drawing is included showing the layout of floor

Renos 10: How to Cope an Inside Corner

COPE: To cut or shape the end of a base or crown molding so it will cover and fit the contour of an adjoining piece of base or crown molding. In this article I explain how to install crown molding by coping the joint with a drawing and a picture.

Renos 11: How to Cut and Install Crown Molding Around a Ceiling

The days of the back saw and miter box, I think, are things of the past. Today, we use compound power miter saws, also commonly called cutoff saws. Our discussion on cutting inside and outside corners for crown molding will be based on using these modern tools. In this article I explain how to cut and install crown molding with the use of 3 pictures.

Renos 12: Cutting Wide Crown and Cove Moldings

When installing crown molding wider than 3 1/2", we find that when cutting the crown molding to length, we have to lay it face down rather than upright on the turn base of a slide compound saw. I explain how to do this in simple language with the use of a drawing of crown molding angles.

Renos 13: How to Install a Rounded Corner in a Door Opening

This article explains how to start with a square opening to end up with a rounded one with a drawing to help. The focus is on a drywalled wall.

Renos 14: How to Build a Door

You're planning on building a shop or backyard shed and would like to build your own door a little wider or taller than a conventional door. You can go to the Door Shop and order a custom door and pay through the nose or build it yourself. I've made exterior doors for buildings and garden sheds before without a problem. The door framing shown is for a 4' x 6'-8" door, perfect for a large storage shed. A drawing with dimensions shows the frame of the door. Pictures show the hinge, the threshold, the weatherstrip and the door sweep. How to keep the door from warping is also discussed.

Renos 15: How to Install a Pre-Hung Door

In this article I give the rough openings for pre-hung doors. A drawing explains the details of how to hang the door and where to shim and fasten it to the door framing. Step by step instructions walk you through the procedure.

Renos 16: How to Hang a Pocket Door

A pocket door is so named because the door slides into a pocket in the wall and disappears, leaving only its leading edge visible with a little hooked pull showing to close it. The framing of a pocket door is a bit more involved than a regular door. I go on to explain how to install the hardware and hang the door. A drawing is included which shows the pocket door frame.

Renos 17: How to Replace a Sliding Patio Door

In conversing with a member of our site, recently, I was shocked to hear that he was quoted $900 for labor to remove an existing patio door and replace it with a new unit. I sent him these instructions, hopefully they will help you too. Here are the steps to remove and replace a sliding patio door unit with the same size unit. Included is a drawing of a sliding patio door with trim.

Renos 18: How to Install and Finish Drywall

Drywall, also known as gyproc, Sheetrock®, plaster board, gypsum board, to name a few, is a very popular method of applying a wall or ceiling finish. It is quite inexpensive and is easy to install and paint. Its only draw back, for the novice, is the requirement to apply drywall joint compound, we call mud, and sand it down smoothly. The following article will help you understand the principles of installing and finishing drywall. I include a drawing showing the angles to start and finish with the drywall trowel.

Renos 19: Dimensions of Wheelchair Ramps According to the Building Code

In this article, I have translated the Building Code into simple layman's terms for building residential ramps for the disabled in wheelchairs. I have given the desired slope and width, as well as height of handrails and curbs.

Renos 20: Questions on Home Renovations Framing

Here's a list of Dave's answers about home improvement and home renovations about house framing, foundations, installing a window, headers, etc.

Renos 21: Questions on Home Renovations Finishing

Here's a list of Dave's answers about home improvement and home renovations about finishing kitchen cabinets, doors, ceramic floors, and drywall.

Roof 1: Rafter Tables on the Steel Square

For the purpose of this discussion we will only be interested in the rafter table and how we determine the length and cut of a common rafter. I go on to explain the terminology of the rafter square, the pitch of a roof, the parts of the roof and rafter and how to layout a rafter with the rafter square (framing square).

Roof 2: Calculating a Roof Pitch

Carpenters don't refer to the angle of a roof, such as 30° or 45°, but to the pitch of the roof, which is just the ratio of vertical to horizontal measurements. A drawing is included showing the relationship between the rafter and the square.

Roof 3: How to Frame a Hip Roof

In this article I discuss how to frame a roof as well as the terminology of the hip roof. I include three drawings to help explain: the common rafters in a hip roof, dropping a hip, the layout of an intersecting hip and valley roof. I also explain how to shorten the span of rafters in a roof.

Roof 4: How to Install Trusses

In this article I explain what to look for when the trusses arrive, how to start erecting them and bracing them up temporally and permanently, hurricane clips and final inspection.

Roof 5: Insulation and Soffits

This article discusses estimating and installing fibreglass batt insulation. It mentions caulking and vapor barrier, as well

Roof 6: Answers to Questions on Roofs

This article discusses some questions asked about roofs; Angle of a Roof, Framing a Gable End Overhang and Number of Shingles to a Roof. In my answer in Angle of a Roof I give a table of angles for different pitches. In my answer in Framing a Gable End Overhang, I show a drawing of a typical lookout and explain how to install them in a gable roof. In my answer in Number of Shingles to a Roof, I focus on how to estimate the quantities of shingles for a roof, including the starter shingles, ridge and hip caps, and valley flashing.

Seasonal 1: Fall

This article gives six points that a homeowner should follow when preparing his or her house for Fall.

Seasonal 2: Winter

This article includes a list of seven points to remind the homeowner to do before Winter.

Seasonal 3: Christmas

Let's keep this happy season happy by learning a few safety tips and suggestions.

Stairs 1: How to Build Stairs

The first article is entitled How to Build Stairs. The following drawings are included in this article: Correct and Incorrect Steps; Total Rise; Parts of a Step; Slope of a Stair; Headroom; Deck Stairs showing pickets, post and beam support, footings stairs and handrails; Handrail Heights. This article discusses how to start off the calculations of a set of stairs, explaining terms such as total run and total rise. It explains the relationship between run and rise and how to calculate the exact number and size of the risers. The article continues with topics such as: Enough Room?; Width of the Stairs; Outside Stairs; Putting it All Together; Stringer Support and Handrails.

Stairs 2: How to Layout Stair Stringers

Our second article, How to Layout Stair Stringers, discusses choosing the size of the stringer; the layout using the steel framing square; the bottom riser and installing the stringer. The following drawings are included in this article: The Stringer; The square on the stringer; stair gauges; the bottom of the stringer and stringer with strip.

Stairs 3: Stair Calculator

This third series is a Stair Calculator a popular tool on our website. This calculator is downloadable to a laptop or home computer to run independent of the Internet. The builder types in his total rise into the calculator and clicks on calculate to find a breakdown of the size and number of rises, the size and the number of runs and the length to purchase of the material for the stringer. An optional size of floor opening calculation is also included with the height of the floor space inserted.

Stairs 4: Installing a Landing in a Set of Stairs

The fourth article in our Stairs series discusses installing a landing in a set of stairs. The following drawings are included in this article: the stringer on the landing and the landing framing. The article discusses changing the direction in a set of stairs; how to place the landing in the set of stairs; constructing the landing and supporting the stringer on the landing.

Stairs 5: How to Install an Inside Handrail

This fifth article is about installing an inside handrail on a set of stairs including around a landing and the floor opening. Spindles and newel posts are also discussed. The diagrams in this article include: Spindles and Newels; Stair parts; the scroll assembly and rail connection; different rail profiles; securing spindles; securing newels and spindles on the stairs; components in a staircase. The following pictures of the staircase in my home are also included: base of the newel post and spindles; spindles on a step; front view of the bottom of the stairs; side view of the bottom of the stairs; view from the top; a curved top rail and newels and spindles around the floor opening.

Stairs 6: Installing Hardwood on Stairs

The fifth article is entitled: Installing Hardwood on Stairs. Its topics include: Top and Bottom Risers; Inspect Your Stringers; Install Risers Before Treads; Installation Details.

Stairs 7: How to Build Concrete Stairs

The seventh article in the How to Build Stairs series is How to Build Concrete Stairs. Drawings included are: Concrete Stairs Forms with a riser detail. The article relates to a story of my first job forming concrete stairs and how I did it.

Stairs 8: Lapeyre or Alternating Tread Stairs

Our eighth article discusses lapeyre or alternating tread stairs used for lofts and areas with limited room for conventional stairs. Two pictures are included of finished lapeyre stairs, one of wood and one of steel. The following drawings are included: the working triangle; stringer detail and tread detail. This article gives the building code points for these stairs as well as a math lesson on figuring them out.

Stairs 9: Questions on Building Stairs

Our final article, Frequently Asked Questions on how to build stairs, consists of 33 questions from members of our site and my answers on the general subject of building stairs.

Tables 1: Rafter Table

The rafter table as commonly found on a steel square (carpenter square, rafter square, framing square). This is a handy reference for our members.

Tables 2: Span Tables for Joists

These joist span tables are taken from the National Building Code of Canada, 1998 BC Edition (still current) and are for reference only. The final authority in building codes, including joist spans, lies with the building inspector in your local area. There are two tables for spans of dimension lumber for two common species hem, fir and spruce, pine, fir. The first table gives values for spans for floor joists in living quarters. The second table gives values for spans for ceiling joists in attics not accessible by a stairway.

Tables 3: Span Tables for Rafters

These span tables are taken from the National Building Code of Canada, 1998 BC Edition (current edition) and are for reference only. The final authority in building codes, including rafter spans, lies with the building inspector in your local area. These tables include spans for dimension lumber in the species hem/fir and spruce, pine, fir for the snow loads of 20 to 60 pounds per square foot.

Tables 4: Common Conversions

Here are some of the more common conversions that are used in the building trades, including Centigrade to Fahrenheit, metric to US or Imperial, energy, power and insulation values.

Tables 5: Conversion Calculator

This calculator converts the most commonly used measurements in the building trades, work or school. It differs from the previous table of conversions, in that with this calculator all the math is done for you. Simply plug in your values, click on Compute and you have an answer.

Tables 6: Nailing Schedule

This table gives the length and number of nails recommended for a particular joint in house construction.

Tables 7: Penny Nail

The term 'penny', used with nails, was an English measurement originally meaning price per 100. It now means nail length and is abbreviated 'd'. This table converts the inch length of nail to the penny size. It also includes an estimate of the number of nails in a pound of common and finish nails.

Tables 8: Cutting Crown Molding

This table gives the miter and bevel angle settings of a cutoff saw in degrees for a wall to crown molding angle of 38°/52° and of 45°/45°.

Tables 9: Concrete Volume Calculator

This calculator will do the math for you if you feed it your measurements of the length, width and height of your forms and click on Compute. It will give an answer in cubic yards or feet; meters or liters or number of 80, 60, 55 or 40 pound bags of pre-mixed concrete with the Metric equivalent.

Tables 10: Fractions to Decimals and Decimals to Fractions

These are the common fractions and decimals that are used in the building trades. To convert a decimal to a fraction, find its nearest match in the decimal column and see what the fraction is for that decimal. Decimal equivalents are included from 1/64th to 63/64ths.

Tables 11: Inches to Decimal Foot

This is a table of conversions from inches to decimal feet, useful for surveying. For simplicity this table starts off with 1 to 12 inch equivalents in decimals of a foot. Included also is the 1/8 inch conversion to decimals of a foot from 1 inch to 2 inches. We also include a calculator which does the math for you. Feed it your values for either a foot with inches or a decimal of a foot and click on Convert to get the equivalent measurement.

Tables 12: Estimate Checklist

This is the checklist I used when estimating a new or renovated building before giving a client a price quote. I found it useful to prevent me from forgetting to charge for a certain material or stage of the construction. I hope it is useful to you, as well.

Tables 13: Weights of Materials

A table and calculator giving the different weights of various common materials on a building site.

Upholstery 1: Questions on Upholstery

Some questions about upholstery people have asked Frances and her answers.

Useful Stuff 1: Simple Steam Box

A steam box is needed to bend wood to rounded shapes without breaking the fibers of the grain. Steaming wood softens the fibers, making them bend around a mold easily. I needed three pieces of molding bent around a staircase when I was building my house. This is how I made a simple steam box. A drawing of my steam box is included.

Useful Stuff 2: Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Anyone that has been brought up on the coast or around a large lake or humid area knows what mold, mildew and algae is and what it can do to the vinyl siding on your house. Well, here is a mold mildew cleaning solution (notice the pun) to help remove mold mildew from your vinyl siding and make your siding come out like new.

Useful Stuff 3: Dave's Basic Tools

I've selected the most used woodworking tools in my tool box and found a link for you to look at each one through Amazon.com. This way you'll be familiar with what I'm talking about.

Useful Stuff 4: Some Helpful Tips

Here's a random collection of tips for you that I've collected over the last 45 or so years.

Useful Stuff 5: The National Building Code

Have you heard the phrase, 'Authority having jurisdiction'? This refers to the municipality or regional district building inspectors who interpret each country's National Building Code. Here are some questions a new homeowner should ask his inspector.