Fine Homebuilding Magazine

10/12/2025

Built in 1896 with three-brick-thick walls, this Queen Anne mansion in eastern Washington state has been restored inside and out.

Built in 1896 with three-brick-thick walls, this Queen Anne Victorian "castle" in eastern Washington state has been restored inside and out.

10/12/2025

Although the combinations are nearly infinite, most complex cornice designs share common parts. Components can be added or subtracted, depending on the scale and size desired. In this particular design, Joe Milicia added backing trim on the ceiling that mirrors the frieze below and gives the crown a place to land.

The numbers on each part indicate the order of installation 👇

1. Plywood cleats
2. Plywood L-blocking
3. Soffit
4. Fascia
5. Frieze
6. Bed
7. Ceiling frieze
8. Crown

Read the feature: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/finish-trim-carpentry/mastering-complex-crown

10/11/2025

if you’re looking for inexpensive flooring, especially in a potentially wet area such as a kitchen or bathroom, you’re probably going to consider linoleum vs vinyl flooring.

Linoleum vs vinyl flooring — what's the difference? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, these materials are not the same.

10/11/2025

This resource is tailored for builders and contractors interested in slate siding.

Slate siding is a low-maintenance option and CUPACLAD's innovative approach lets you install slate siding on both new builds and retrofits.

10/11/2025

Use this technique when you end up hanging a new door in an existing frame and have to match the door’s hinge locations to the frame’s.

Use this technique when you end up hanging a new door in an existing frame and have to match the door’s hinge locations to the frame’s.

10/11/2025

When original moldings can’t be found, you can have them custom-reproduced… or make them yourself to perfectly match what’s already there. It all starts with a clean reference piece.

See the full process: https://bit.ly/47eGyIA

10/11/2025

Prep your framing so that drywall sits flat and is easy to fasten securely.

Prep your framing so that drywall sits flat, and is easy to fasten securely. Here are 7 things you can do before you hang your drywall to make the job go smoother.

10/11/2025

Learn about key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Key proposals for the 2027 International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, deck guards, and more.

10/11/2025

For 50 years Old House Journal has been the preeminent resource for those passionate about restoring and reviving historical homes. Enjoy Old House Journal content, from the original restoration magazine, now through FHB: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/old-house-journal

10/10/2025

Running cable between outlets in new construction is relatively straightforward, but it gets tricky when you have to fish cable behind finished walls or ceilings.

Running cable between outlets in new construction is relatively straightforward, but it gets tricky when you have to fish cable behind finish walls or ceilings.

10/10/2025

Tile and grout are water-permeable, so to create a waterproof shower, a substrate system must be completely waterproof.

Tile and grout don't stop water, so to create a leak-free shower, the substrate must be completely waterproof. Here are 3 reliable methods.

10/10/2025

When you’re working on an old house, chances are the moldings you need won’t be sitting on a shelf at the lumberyard or home center. Your only options are to have them custom-reproduced or make them yourself to match the originals.

In this step-by-step guide, Justin Fink of Fink & Son Historic Restoration explains how to replicate old crown molding using simple tools, a bit of patience, and careful attention to detail.

Watch: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2025/08/26/reproduce-historic-crown-molding-using-common-tools