FIN E HOMEBUILDING

RUSSIAN FIREPLACE • SIZING FRAME TIMBERS • SILO HOUSE • KITCHEN RENOVATION

FEBRUARY/MARCH 1982 No.7 $3.00

c.J
Z
o
.....J

BUILDING A CURVED WALL

w
Z

03
o
In just six issues, we've written about everything from We can't repeat these ideas and still keep up with the
rebuilding a staircase to moving a house. And the changing world of homebuilding. So we keep all our
ideas keep coming. Exciting, workable ideas you won't back issues in print. That way, you can always get
find outside the pages of Fine Homebuilding. hold of the articles you want when you want them.

1 FEBRUARy/MARCH '81 Staircase Renovation, Jacobs II House, Form-Based Stone Masonry, Ageless Adobe, Building a Contemporary Adobe
Solo T imber-Raising, On-Site Shop, Four Ele­ On-Site Carpentry with a Circular Saw, T he Home, Solar Site Evaluation, Truss Frame Con­
ments of Designing, Site-Built Solar Collectors, Septic Tank Revealed, Rumfordizing Brick by struction, Concrete Log Cabin.
Gentle Stripping, Venting the Plumbing System, Brick, A Matrix of Design Variables, Hybrid
Molding and Casting Materials, Peaking Over a Trombe Wall Additions, Passive Solar T hermo­ 6 DECEMBER 'SlIJANUARY 'S2 Cooperative
Flat Roof, Massive Passive, A Greek Revival siphon, Rebuilding a Modern House, Florida Craftsmanship, Classical Style in a Porch Addi­
Restoration, Redwood Classic, Building by the Cracker House, Redwood Turret. tion, Contracting Your Home, Fonthill, Trouble
Book, Igloo. Spots in 19th-Century Framing, Ground-Fault
4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER'SI Rebuilding a Fire­ Protection, Rhode Island Stone-Ender, House of
2 APRIL/MAy'SI Restoring a Porch, Bernard Damaged House, Tools for T imber Framing, Steel and Salvage, Home Access for the Handi­
Maybeck's Wallen II House, A Large House on a R.M. Schindler's Kings Road House, Capping a capped, Keeping Termites Out of Your Home,
Limited Budget, Passive Cooling, Waterproof­ Foundation, Renovating a Chimney, Estimating N62FL-Airplane House.
ing Earth-Sheltered Houses, Round Log Con­ Construction Costs, Framing an Open-Plan Salt­
struction, Upgrading Your Electrical Service, box, Distributing Greenhouse Heat, A Modular To order any or all back issues, send your
The Point of Repointing, Table-Saw Molding, Home, House of Steel. name, address and $3 per copy ($4 in
Hands-On Down East, Custom Kitchen Plan­ Canada) to T he Taunton Press, 52 Church
ning, Sculptural Studio Addition, Cordwood
Masonry Sauna.
5 OCTOBER/NoVEMBER'SI Moving a House, Hill Road, Box 355, Newtown, CT 06470.
Rebuilding an Addition, Making Curvilinear
Or call toll-free, 1-800-243-7252, and
Sash, Bow-Cot and the Honeymoon COllage, Re­
3 JUNE/JULY 'SI Formal Entryway, Landscap­ storing Brownstone Facades, Wood Founda­ charge your order to VISAor MasterCard
ing for Energy Efficiency, Frank Lloyd Wright's tions, Understanding Building Regulations, (Connecticut residents call 1-426-8 1 7 1)_

back Issues of FINE HOMEBUILDING

A Taunton Press Publication
FINE HOMEBUILDING FEBRUARY/MARCH 1982 No.7

1 6 Building a Curved Wall

Framing and siding a section of a cylinder by Paul Spring, Rick Harper and Malcolm McDaniel

1 9 Shaping Compound-Curved Sills by Phil Zimmerman

21 Expanding a Kitchen, Step by Step
In renovation, one thing always leads to another by Eric K. Rekdahl
2 4 Sizing Roughsawn Joists and Beams
Methods and formulas for engineering your own timber frame by Ed Levin

29 An Island Retreat
A chainsaw and a milling attachment turn salvaged logs into a simple cabin by David K. Ford

32 Batten Doors
Building a solid door from common lumber by Bruce Gordon
34 Earth Shelter on Cape Cod
An open, light-filled underground house without a southern exposure by Malcolm Wells
40 Working with Green Wood
Getting the most out of unseasoned native lumber sawn at a local mill by Paul Hanke
40 Buying Green Lumber by Paul Fuge

43 Tax Shelters by Tim Matson

44 Getting a Building Permit
Knowing your codes and inspectors will speed approval ofyour application by Edmund Vitale, Jr.

46 A Russian Fireplace
Laying up a masonry woodstove with baffles and tons of thermal mass by Paul Lang

50 A New Facade
Architects work closely with clients to keep costs down by Angela Marie Zar

52 A ttic Venting
Vents can keep home heating costs from going through the roof by William R. Wheeler
54 A Silo House
A farm structure provides circular space at the core of a new home by Karla Kavanaugh

4 Editor
Letters John Lively
6 Art Director
Q&A Betsy Levine

10 Copy/Production Editor
Ruth Dobsevage
Tips & Techniques
Associate Editor
14 Mark Alvarez
Reports
Staff l-#iter
60 Tim Snyder
Reviews Assistant Editor
Paul Spring
62
Calendar Western Editor
Chuck Miller
64
Consulting Editor
Great Moments Bob Syvanen
Carpenters nail cedar siding over kerf-bent plywood underlay­
66 ment on a three-story curved wall. For how this quarter­ Editorial Secretary
Details cylinder was framed and finished, see p. 16. Lynn Meffert

The Taunton Press: Paul Roman, publisher; Janice A. Roman. as­

sociate publisher; JoAnn Muir. director of administration; Karl
Fine Homebuilding (ISSN 0273·1:398) is published bimonthly. Advertising Sales
Richard Mulligan, manager
Ackerman, direct sales coordinator; Lois �eck. business coordina­
tor; Mary Galpin, production coordinator; Jon Miller, assistant to
February. April. June. August. October. an_ d December. by
The launton Press.Inc.. Newtown, CT 06470. Telephone (203)
42&-8171. Second·class postage is paid at Newtown, CT 06470
Carole Weckesser and Vivian E.
Dorman, coordinators
The Taunton Press, 52 Church Hill Rd., Box 355
Accounting:
the publisher.
Art:
by. E laine Yamin.
Irene Arfaras, manager; Madeline Col­
Roger �arnes, executive art director;
and at additional mailing offices. Copyright 1982 by The Taun­
ton Press, Inc. No reproduction without permission of The
Newtown, CT 06470; (203) 426-8 17 1

Books:
Jeanne Criscola, Kathryn Olsen. Laura Cehanowicz Trin­
Taunton Press, Inc. Fine Homebuilding ® is a registered trade­ New England

gali, editor; Lee Hov, associate art director; Deborah Cannarella,

mark of The Taunton Press. Inc. Subscription rates: United Granville Fillmore

Carole 10.
Fullfillment:
editorial assistant. Thomas P. Luxeder, manager;
Ando, subscription manager; JoAnn Canning, Gloria Car­
States and possessions, $14 for one year, $26 for two years;
Canada, $17 for one year, $32 for two years (in U.S. dollars.
please); other countries. $18 for one year. $34 for two years( in
98 Peartree Point Rd., Darien, CT 06820; (203) 426-8 1 7 1
Western States
son, Dorothy Dreher, Mary Glazman, Marie Johnson, Denise Pas­ U.S. dollars. please). Single copy, $3.00. Single copies outside William W. Hague, Richard Ayer, Media Sales Associates
cal, Cathy Sakolsky, Nancy Schoch, Catherine Sullivan, Terry U.S. and possessions. $4.00. Send- to Subscription Dept.. The 26944 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Thomas. Robert �ruschi, mailroom supervisor; Marchelle Sper­
launton Press, Inc., PO Box 355, Newtown, cr 06470. Ad­ (714) 6 6 1 -2423
Marketing:
ling, David Wass. Jack F. Friedman, director; fJlen
dress all correspondence to the appropriate department (Sub­
scription. Editorial or Advertising), The Taunton Press. 52 Southern States
F.
McGuire, assistant sales manager; Kimberly Mithun, secretary. Church Hill Rd.. PO Box 355. Newtown. CT 06470. US news· Jack Cozier, Timothy John N elson
Production Services: Cynthia Lee Nyitray, manager; Annette
Hilty. production assistant; Nancy-Lou Knapp, typesetting.
stand distribution by ��astern News Distributors, Inc.. III
Eighth Ave., New York. NY 10011.
Marketing Communications
5 1 1 5 So. Vandalia, Suite E, Tulsa, OK 74135; (918) 496-8777

Posbnaster: Send address changes to The Taunton Press, PO Box 355, Newtown, CT 06470
 LET TER S

M ark W hite's " Truss Frame Construction"

(FHB#5) was of great interest to me . . . . I may
report his observations. Cary explains, " It was but only when the lower edge of t h e untreated
plywood was a minimum of 1 2 in. above the
an experiment to determine whether or not
be overlooking some obvious fact but it someone else could make as great a savings as grade line. The booklet mentioned in our
appears as though there is a way to construct Mr. Flagg . . . when construction goes on under article, "The All-Weather Wood Foundation:
this house by tying the truss to the floor joist his personal direction." Why, What, and How," shows that a minimum
and still retain the advantages of having the Cary did go on to build his home (although of 8 in. vertical is needed between the grade
flat floor area. I f the floor joists are installed he had his share of problems) . . . and agreed line and untreated wood. We were
on the sills and the plywood deck is nailed to that Flagg's methods worked. As Cary says, conservative in using 1 2 in.
the joists, you would have your flat work "The process of building a house is one of The untreated sheathing cost us about $ 1 0
area except for the perimeter panels, which attrition. You keep on h umping, consulting l ess per 4x8 sheet than the treated sheathing,
could be placed into position without nailing your blueprints and technicians, checking so we saved about $ 1 00 by using untreated
them down. As you are ready to tie a truss to everything over night and morning, and there sheathing for the ten sheets that were well
a joist, you need only remove one perimeter you are. Perhaps that is too simple. The fact is above the grade line.
floor panel on each side to accomplish the that Flagg's methods are simplified methods, Our comment in the article on cutting the
task. The final installation of the perimeter and much of our success . . . is due to his treated plates to accommodate wastewater
floor panels could be done in the same experimental work." pipes was too short to portray accurately what
manner as described in the article. Today's designer/architect can use Flagg's we did . . . . U n fortunately, it is not possible to
For the truss to be raised onto the joist philosophy: keeping the scale small, using build a wood foundation without cutting some
without slipping off, you'd have to secure the unconventional building practices when of the treated wood members unless all of the
gusset to the bottom end of the wall truss needed, reducing costly frills, maintaining cutting is done before the treatment process,
member. After the truss is raised onto the aesthetics and acknowledging the do-it­ which is generally impractical. While the
joist, the gusset is then nailed to the joist. yourselfer. Then he can incorporate these number of cuts should be kept to a minimum,
-Kenneth N. Montgomery, Drexel Hill, Pa. ideas into a paradigm o f our times. the two cuts we made for our pipes will not
-Richard D. Lakes, Cincinnati, Ohio cause any more problems than those
Mark White replies: There are two workable necessitated by the fact that dimensioned
systems that involve truss-frame construction. I found the article on wood foundations by l umber comes in 2-ft. increments.
The first is where the trusses are Irwin L. and Diane L. Post (FHB#5) most We backfilled our foundation with gravel in
manufactured in a plant, trucked to the job interesting and informative. Since a part of my the lower part of the fill and far less permeable
site and erected with a small crane. At the job-related responsibility pertains to the use of native soil to the grade line. We also sloped
other end of the scale we have those who wood in construction, I'm concerned that the ground surface away from the house to
arrive on a site with just a few hand tools and information about systems such as this be direct runoff away from the foundation. We
a pile of boards. The man-hour output is accurate and complete. I take this opportunity disagree with Sprague about using an
larger, but the overhead is smaller so costs to state what I hope will be looked upon as impervious fill such as clay for the upper part
m ay still be reasonable. constructive criticism of this article. of the backfill for three reasons: 1 . When clay
My rendition of truss-frame construction Did the builders really use treated and soils are saturated, they exert a higher
attempts to blend the low overhead of on-site untreated sheathing in the same wall? I f equivalent fluid pressure than other soils,
construction with a portion of the repetitive, untreated plywood was used from grade line which creates additional loads on the walls.
mass-production oriented tasks in an effort to to top plate, then there is the possibility of 2. Saturated soils are prone to frost heaving,
gain structural strength and decrease the time serious trouble in the future. The most whereas unsaturated soils are not. Because of
spent on the job. As a spinoff, the system I've vulnerable area for attack by fungi and the very slow permeability of clay soils, they
developed also happens to be easy to bacteria is in the grade-line zone where the are far more likely to be saturated and thus
understand for the non-professional builder. wood is most likely to stay wet. All elements more susceptible to frost heave than soils with
This means that it is easier to build with are present to support the growth of these a moderate permeability. 3. Some clays crack
truss-frame than with conventional platform organisms-the wood for food, oxygen, when they dry out, which can result in large
frame construction . moisture, and temperatures 60°F and above. conduits directly to the gravel backfill for the
Structurally, t here is no real need to tie the I t was shocking to read that sections were water from the next rainstorm.
studs of the trusses into the floor with gussets. cut out of the bottom plate to accommodate
Simply nailing them down to the existing wastewater pipes in the bearing walls. This Murray Silverstein's fine article on
deck and then tying them into the floor with destroys the structural integrity of the system, R.M. Schindler's Kings Road House (FHB #4)
plywood nailed on as sheathing is sufficient . which otherwise possesses span-carrying delighted me. I was privileged to know and
While your method of leaving a space at the capacity unlike most foundation systems. correspond with Pauline Schindler from 1 970
edge of the floor · f or the application of a Would you cut a piece out of the flange of a until her death in 1 97 7 , and on two occasions I
gusset would work, and while it would add steel I-beam and still expect it to perform as was her guest in the house for several days.
considerable strength, it would take designed? It also violates recommended The lessons of light and space the house
additional time and increase the complexity practice. Never make cuts in treated stock if it taught me were gentle and profound. The
of construction. can be avoided, especially in areas that will be aspect most vivid to my memory was the
I would consider building the floor as part v ulnerable to decay. slowing-down of one's living pace in the house.
of the truss system again Oll ly if the units My final comment relates to backfill. In the Rapid movement in our present-day frenetic
were plant-fabricated and if I had a crane a t text, it was stated that gravel was used as manner was possible, but hazardous. Narrow,
t h e j o b site to hoist t h e m into position. backfill close to the foundation. This allows steep stairs, crisp corners and visual
any free-flowing water to move on under the attractions that invited the eye to linger
i
An addendum to Dan Lev s article " Bo w-Cot
and the Honeymoon Cottage" (FHB#5): While
foundation and to drain away without creating
hydrostatic back pressure, the prime cause of
resulted in a pervading sense of
deliberateness. To live in Schindler's spaces,
looking forward to framing a roof for an basement leaks. It is appropriate to put in an one had to relax and relearn the art of "grace­
addition to a Flagg house, I was introduced by impervious fill such as clay to prevent direct full" living.
the builder to the manual he was using. The penetration from above. This is then capped In one of her letters, Pauline seemed to
book was entitled Build a Home-Save a Third by a layer of topsoil. express the essence of R.M. Schindler's design
by Harold Cary, published in 1 92 4 .
,
-Edward D. Sprague, Portsmouth, N.H. sensibility most clearly when she wrote: "For
Cary, writing f o r Collier's magazine, saw the Wright and Schindler, the answer was in the
opportunity to develop a column on Flagg­ Irwin and Diane Post reply: Sprague raises forms which feeling creates. Their forms were
style architecture. They [the editors] good points that we did not discuss in detail in not intellectually derived, but came from
challenged Cary to build a Flagg house . . . and our article. Yes, we did use treated and within. They were utterance . "
to keep an accurate diary and cost sheet to untreated plywood sheathing in the same wall , -Paul B. Ohannesian, Vancouver, B. C.
4 FINE H OMEBUI LDING
 Why work for somebody else
when you can be a contractor
yourself?
RARE &. SPECIAL Learn to be a builder
at home in your
W OOD S spare time with
NRI's professional
Building
Old Heart Pine Construction
random width&. wide plank flooring Course.

Wormy Chestnut &. Whoever con-

trols the job makes the
South American Wormy Mahogany paneling
money. And that can be
Rough sawn&. hand-hewn beams you ...as a successful
building contractor.
Custom-made cabinets, doors &. trim
Now, you can get in on
the 80's fast-growing
All Wood Kiln Dried building boom and also
build yourself a big, new
Finest Quality Millwork. Available lifestyle. Over 18 million
new homes will be needed in just the can't make you a plumber or an
next ten years. And NRI. can help electrician, but we do give you the
you get in on the action. knowhow you need to deal with all
MOUNTAIN LUMBER COMPANY Includes Energy-Efficient the building trades.
P.O. BOX 285 Learn to Hire and
Home Plans
1327 CARLTON AVENUE Supervise Sub-Contractors
Your training is built around
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 22902
actual plans for a modern energy­ You learn what to look for to
TELEPHONE 1804) 295-1922
efficient home. Step-by-step, you make sure the job's done right...
learn to plan and supervise its con­ how long it should take ...what it
struction. You learn to select energy­ should cost. You learn what every
saving sites, estimate costs, actually successful contractor knows about
build part of the home in miniature, getting work done properly, on time,
then build framing sections full-size. and profitably.
You calculate heat loss, cooling Free Catalog,
costs, plan insulation, air-condition­ No Salesman Will Call
ing, and heating system. And when Build on what you already
you finish, the plans are yours to go know to build yourself a bigger and
ahead and build your first house. Or, better career. Send the coupon for
you can select low-cost plans from the big free catalog that shows and
over 50 other homes specially tells all about your opportunities, the
selected by NRI. practical projects you'll do, and all
Over 100
Hands-On 70 lessons. You'll see how you learn
Training Projects at home, at your convenience, with­
NRI training is practical training. out quitting your job ...how you can
You get special projects throughout be a success in the new building
your course that teach you the skills boom. If coupon has been removed,
and secrets of carpentry, masonry write to NRI Schools, 3939
Wiscon­
work, roofing, painting, even dry sin Ave., Washington, DC
20016.
wall, wiring, and plumbing. No, NRI

III
r------------------- ' -......-- - ---,
o Building Construction Course
All

� �� ;��
career courses

: &
·
ContinUing
o Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
Heating Courses
approved under
GIBilI.

C""", •, ' Education Center

3939 Wisconsin Avenue
Including Solar Technology
o Automotive Mechanics
o Check for

.tM II
details
D.C 20016 o &
Washington. Small Engine Service Repair Course
o Electrical Appliance Servicing
Please rush me the one free o CB/Communications
catalog I have checked. I under­ D Color TV/Audio/lAdeo Servicing
stand there is no obligation. o Computer Electronics Including Microcomputers
NO SALESMAN WILL CALL
Name (Please print) Age

Address

City/Stale/Zip

\333-022
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the National Home Study Council

L ________________________ ________ _

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 5
 Q & A

The editors invite questions from readers on all pins. Dovetail joints are also less likely to sepa­ est way to do this is with an orbital electric
aspects of building, renovation and restoration. rate as framing members shrink. sander. Sand with the grain of the wood and go
We're also happy to publish reader comment on As for your third question, post-and-beam over the entire floor; all you want to do is re­
the answers. Send questions and comments to frames should be bolted to the foundation. Be­ move any small particles that have dried on the
Q&A, Fine Homebuilding, Box 355, Newtown,
cause of the difficulty of accurately locating con­ surface. Vacuum the floor and you're ready to
Conn. 064 70.
ventional anchor bolts and lowering heavy tim­ apply the second coat. This time cut each gallon
ber sills over them, drill %-in. holes in the sills at of varnish with 1 Yz pints of turpentine. Apply in a
I am planning to build a timber-frame home, bolt locations. After the first-floor frame is in generous, even coat as before.
and several questions have come up which place on the foundation, extend the holes 3 in. Repeat the sanding operation, this time using
aren't adequately answered in the books into the cement using 220-grit paper. Then vacuum thoroughly and
I've read on the subject_ First, in our area, a rotary impact ham­ wipe the entire floor with a tack cloth, a clean
hemlock, poplar, and red oak are readily mer. Blow out the ce­ rag impregnated with varnish to make it tacky.
available. Which species is best for timber ment dust, put expan­ You may need several tack cloths to complete
framing? Secondly, what will be the effect of sion shields through the job. Now for the final coat. Apply the varnish
the shrinkage of green timber on framing the sills and into the full strength. Once it dries you should have a fin­
joints? Are there special joinery techniques concrete and screw in ish that will stand up beautifully for many years.
to minimize these effects? And finally, how Yz-in. bolts or threaded
should timber frames be tied to the founda­ rod. The holes in the The house we plan to build will have a con­
tion? -Dale Royalty, Hampton, Tenn. wood can be bushed crete slab that will act as a thermal storage
Ed Levin, a timber framer from Canaan, N.H.,
re­ w i t h h eavy-gauge for solar heat. I once saw an attractive con­
plies: Red oak would be my first choice for a black plastic water crete floor scored in a grid pattern and then
framing timber, with hemlock and poplar a dis­ pipe for a tight fit. stained a dark color. What I want is a fin­
tant second and third. Oak is superior on all Counterbore t h e holes ,-_ , " .. ished floor, stained dark to absorb the sun's
counts save cost and weight, although green oak so that the bolt-heads :,.' �4in.'--oi ,,: heat and with some sort of interesting pat­
isn't much heavier than green hemlock. Oak is
worth the difference i n price. �� �������� �� ��
i
S
t
S)
:�.�.. . �,-.'.'..:.. -,---'-'2; \
'. . . . .....�.: :-'-. tern. Any ideas? Cindy Cutter, Luck, Wis.
-
Freshly poured concrete is patterned by stamp­
Wood shrinks considerably in width (across ing or imprinting. Tools vary from hand-held
the grain) but not measurably in length (along Our house has a teak plank floor in the liv­ versions that resemble b ig cookie cutters to
the grain). The i mp l ications for the t i mber ing room and dining room; rumor has it that large-scale commercial cylinders that look l ike
framer are as follows: Mortise-and-tenon joints, the wood came off an old battleship that was squirrel cages. Stamping tools weigh anywhere
girt to post, remain tight in plan. But in section scrapped after World War I. The varnish fin­ from 1 2 1b. to 40 lb., and they range in price from
the tenon shrinks while the mortise height re- ish is worn and dull_ I'm sure that a thor'­ around $40 to well over $500. Brick and cobble­
ough sanding and refinishing would restore stone patterns are the most common. Stamping
Joint will shrink together in width.
the highlights of the wood_ Is this a job I tools are typically cast aluminum, but are also
could do myself? I've used a big floor sander made of plastic and fiberglass. Instructions are
before, but never on teak. Is teak sawdust provided with the stamping forms.
harmful to inhale, and must a finer grade of Some of the manufacturers of patterning tools
abrasive paper be
used before finishing? are Bomanite Corp., 8 1 Encina Ave. , Palo Alto,
Lastly, what kind of finish should I use to Calif. 9430 1 , (4 1 5) 32 1 -07 1 8; Haivala Concrete
duplicate the original battleship finish? Tools, Inc., Box 1 055, Wichita, Kans. 6720 1 ,
-PauIMarin,Lakeville, C onn_ (3 1 6) 263-1 683; International Design Systems,
Ted Ewen, a restoration specialist in Scarsdale, 1 92 9 Cross Highway, Fairfield, Conn. 06430,
N. Y., replies: Unbelievable as it may seem, teak (203) 259-2900; Leonite International Inc., 1 570
Clearance from scrapped naval vessels did find its way into t::a st t:: d inger Ave . , Suite K, Santa Ana, Calif.
allows for
shrinkage in post. Drawbored pegs
many houses after World War I . You can do the 92705, (7 1 4) 640-4349; Patterned Concrete In­
prevent gap here. refinishing job yourself, although some people dustries Inc., 32432 Alipaz St., Suite G, San Juan
are allergic to teak dust. Use a good filter mask. Capistrano, Calif. 92675, (7 1 4) 66 1 - 1 1 20; Rafco
The coarse belts, usually 20 grit, should be used Products, 1 305 Glen Alan Ave., West Covina,
only to remove the finish quickly. The 3 6-grit Calif. 9 1 79 1 , (2 1 3) 9 1 9-4 1 28; and Stamped Con­
will smooth the surface of the wood and take out crete Impressions Inc. , 4305 Gesner, Suite 1 1 4,
any deep scratches left by the coarse abrasive. San Diego, Calif. 92 1 1 7 , (7 1 4) 275-0630.
The 80-grit sandpaper should give you a surface As for coloring the slab, float on a dry-shake
that is ready for a new finish. pigment such as lampblack while your concrete
Once the sanding is done, vacuum the floor is being screeded. This will create the dark, heat­
thoroughly. You should also vacuum dust from absorbing surface you want. Once your floor has
walls, windows, doors and shelves i n the room. cured, seal it with a wax or polyurethane-based
For your finish I'd recommend a good-quality sealer. Sealers and dry pigments are available
Shrinkage
varnish like Benjamin Moore's Benwood one­ from most masonry suppliers.
will cause gap here. hour varnish. For the first coat, thin the varnish
by adding three pints of pure gum turpentine to I am planning to winterize a cottage and
mains fixed, leaving a gap at the top, as shown in each gallon of varnish, about 37% turpentine by need some advice. The cottage stands on a
the drawing. Notched lap joints, joist to girt, volume. Give the room good ventilation, but 3-ft. high pier foundation, with city water
shrink together in section, apart in plan . don't use a fan except as an exhaust in a door or and gas lines routed under the house and up
To counteract this shrinkage, cut your tenons w indow. Map out your course so you can com­ through the floor. Must I bury the water
slightly shorter than the depth of their respec­ plete each section of floor gracefully, without pipe under the frost line, and how do I go
Y.t
tive mortises, about in. for every 4 in. of tenon boxing yourself in. about insulating the water line where it
length . This will allow the mortise to shrink in Use a 4-in . wide varnish brush with long leaves the ground and enters the house?
depth without forcing out its tenon. bristles and let the finish flow on generously and What about the drainpipe leading to the sep­
Drawboring is another way to prevent tenon evenly. Always brush with the planks, not across tic tank in the back yard?
withdrawal. By offsetting holes i n mortise and them. If you have to stop, finish out the plank -Peter Andersen, Brighton, Mass_
tenon so the driven pin pulls the parts together, you're working on to avoid causing a lap mark. Sam Clark, a designer, author and carpenter, re­
the joint is spring-loaded against separation, as Allow the first coat to dry for at least 48 hours, plies: You need to build a hotbox. It's a small,
shown above. Use dry white oak or black locust then sand it lightly with 200-grit paper. The easi- heavily insulated basement, and can be made

6 FINE HOME BUI LDING

 ���% Fine Tool Shops Inc.

My favorite
wood
drill bits•••
A PASSIVE SOLAR and they're yours
LOG HOME? for an incredible
N a t u ra l ly! This award win n i n g design is
just o n e of t h e m a n y custom l og ho mes we
h a ve prod uced s i n ce 1964. We combine
$9.95
Yankee t h ri ft, i n te g r i ty a n d i n g e n u i ty i n t o
o u r e nergy-e f f i c i e n t l o g h o me designs. A l l It's a 14 piece set. 7 professional quality
o u r log h o mes a r e c u s t o m a t s t a n d a rd
h o m e p rices. Send f o r o u r f ree broc h u re or drill bits and 7 matching stop collars.
Advertised everywhere for $17.95
send $4.50 f o r o u r k i t that lets you des i g n
y o u r own h o me.

You won't find these in hardware

GREEN MOUNTAIN CABINS. INC. stores. These are brad pointwood drill
bits. With brad pOints, you make the
Box 190 FH • Chester, Vermont 05143 holes exactly where you want with no
Telephone (802) 875-2163 j
" umping" or "walking". Each bit has
two cutting spurs with extremely
sharp flutes. You get router clean
holes every time with none
of the splintering that
happens with ordinary
metal drill bits.
No serious pro
would drill without
a stop collar when
precise depth is
important. In doweling,
for instance. This
stop collar set comes
fitted with slotted locking
screws for exact no-slip
drilling of clean unsplintered holes.
Drill bit sizes are 1/8",3/16",1/4",5/16",3/8",
7/16" and 1/2". Use for all 1/4" chucks.
FREE BONUS
Free with each order,

This offer ends March 15, 1982

a 132 page full color catalog
of the world's finest tools.
so please act now.
$5.00. Regularly

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• YES,
please send me your 14 piece wood drill bit and stop collar set. If I'm
•
THE BAND SAW THAT GIVES YOU • not perfectly satisfied. I understand I can get a complete refund by returning •
THE MOST FOR THE LEAST • my order Within thirty days. •
24.5" throat 9" vertical cut - ball
. • 0 Check or money order enclosed. (Include $1.50 for shipping and handling.)· •
bearing construction - bullt·ln dust Charge my 0 VISA 0 AMEX 0 MasterCharge 0 Diners.
collector - scroll saw table - stand
- 112 hp. motor :y. blade - =• � �re

Account No.
0 No, I'm not ordering. But please send me your 132
Exp. Date
page full color Fine Tool Catalog for
=•
20 Backus Ave. which I enclose, (charge or check),$5.00 •
to be refunded with my first order.
• DanburY,CT 06810
• Dept. F9 Name ____________________ •
• FREE $5.00 Address •
• order
Catalog with City State Zip •
'Connecticut residents must include sales tax
� !!If
�•••••••••••••••••••••••••••�
FEBRUARY/MARCH 1982 7
 Q & A

from concrete block or pressure-treated studs I

How can find out more about the commer­ decking material. This will be easier on the feet
and plywood. The box walls should extend cially available chemical treatments for pre­ and also protect the new roof. Build the deck i n
below the frost line. Plumbing lines must also be serving wood? rd like to know about the sections, s o you can l i f t them up t o remove
sunk below the frost line where they leave the trade-offs involved in selecting one over leaves and trash from the roof.
Waste line Water line
another. Thomas
- W.
Bittman, Chicago, Ill. Before you go ahead with the renovation,
Wr i t e to t h e F o r e s t P r o d u c t s L a b o r a t o r y though, check the roof framing in your garage.
(Box 5 1 30, Madison, Wis. 53705) a n d ask for Supporting the new roof shouldn't be any prob­
Floor
FPL-15, "Selection, Production, Procurement, lem, but make sure the existing frame will be
and Use of Preservative-Treated Wood." This able to hold people safely.
37-page booklet is free, and explains the dif­
ferent types and methods of wood treatment. Readers reply
Their research goes back about 75 years, so In renovating my house I've come across a prod­
you'll get a comprehensive look at the subject. uct that could replace the foam weatherstrip­
ping suggested in answer to Donald Jochem's
I recently bought a house with an attached question (FHB #5, p. I O) . Sold as construction or
garage that has a flat tar roof. The top of the sub-floor adhesive under a variety of brand
garage could be converted to an excellent names, this material comes in a gun-type car­
balcony or deck with an appropriate sur­ tridge and is sold at lumberyards and hardware
face, but the tar on the roof is brittle, blis­ stores. It fills the irregularities on old floor joists
I
tered and crumbling. live in a part of the and helps prevent squeaking. In the six years
box . A hotbox can be enlarged to hold a water country where roof temperatures often since I first used this adhesive on an entry floor,
pump or water heater in addition to water and change as much as 75°F in a single day. it has retained its flexibility nicely.
waste lines; don't make it so small that you can't What type of roofing would stand up to the E.
-Paul Phelan, Nashua, N.H.
get in to make repairs. To keep the space warm. climate and also serve as a deck surface?
you can hook up one or two lightbulbs at the bot­ -F.B. Green, Boone, N. C. I have a suggestion for Donald Jochem that will
tom of the hotbox. Make a viewing hole in the Ed Carlson, a roofing contractor in Rockford, h elp eliminate squeaks and pops from h is lami­
house floor so you can check to see i f your bulb Ill. , replies: Your best bet is to have a coal tar nated walnut and ash plank floor. I recommend
has burned out. You can enclose the furnace or pitch roof applied over the deteriorated tar roof, that he use screws (either blind or plugged)
water heater inside the box, and no additional with a dense layer of roofer's pea gravel set into rather than nails, so the boards don't have a
heating should be necessary. Hotboxes aren't the new tar compound. This roof covering is ap­ chance to work loose. For this particular installa­
freeze-proof-you'll still have to take extra plied hot by a roofing contractor, and is designed tion I would use bugle-head screws because they
precautions during severe cold spells. Electrical for flat roofs. are harder than conventional screws and have
heat tape wrapped around the pipes and extra For the balcony, build a slatted deck (duck larger heads for better holding power.
i nsulation are a good combination . boards) with 2x4 sleepers and your choice of -M.F.Marti, Monroe, Ore.

CLooking forcAuthentic 'Period

lWstomtioIL WardWiire ?
We can help -- whether you are involved in
"Old House Restoration", "Historic
Building Preservation", "Recycling
Antique Interiors" or "Building a Fine New
Home" according to early traditions.

Baldwin offers an extensive line of quality

locks suitable for buildings of Colonial and
Victorian architecture. Our locks and
related hardware pieces are faithful
reproductions of the best designs of these
periods. Equally important, Baldwin locks
are built with modern security features to
meet p r e s e n t-d a y protection r e­
quirements.

Baldwin Hardware Mfg. Corp. is located

in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the center
of America's early hardware industry. Our
Lock Makers take great pride in their craft
and would like to offer you a colorful, informative
brochure illustrating Baldwin's complete Historical Lock
Collection. Please include 50' and write to: Baldwin
Hardware Mfg. Corp., 841 Wyomissing Blvd., Box 82,
Reading, PA 19603.

8 FINE HOMEBUILDING
 WAUJd fJUJ.m
:J>-'tMtl.c.U
!Jk, 'VidOJtian age

Whether you are building or remodel­

ing, you can create Victorian elegance
throughout your building. O ver 350
mouldings, headblocks, baseblocks,
casings and wainscot of authentic Victor­
ian designs are illustrated in our32 page
catalog. Custom milled mouldings are
available in any wood as well as in a stan­
dard stock of premium grade pine, oak
and redwood. Our catalog contains 40
detailed construction drawings that will
enable home owners and builders to de­
sign their own Victorian masterpieces.
For Catalog and Price Sheet send $3.00
to:

SILYERTOI
VICTORIAI
MII.J. WORIS
Box 877-13,
Silverton, CO 81433

For Your
Shed

Chateau I
I
I
PlaslmoU
Vinyl Raingutters
I
I
I
o I enclose $2.50 for a 2-year Woodcraft
Tool Catalog subscription (refundable).

Send me the following items:

Do it yourself
I o General Smooth Plane 0 Deluxe Smooth Plane 0 Jointer Plane
I I enclose $
•• Maintenance free ________ _
Permanently glued joints I Paid by: 0 Check 0 M.O. 0 Visa 0 MC 0 Amex
•• Custom fittings available I # _______Expires _

I
Plastmo, Inc. Plastmo, Inc.
NAME ________________________________ ___
920 Shelley St., #D 8246 Sandy Court #8
Springfield, Oregon 97477
Ph. (503) 747-3330
Jessup, Maryland 20794
Ph. (301) 77&-0200
I ADDRESS __________________________________ I
L - - -- -- ----------- - �
CITY STATE ZIP
TWX: 910-459-2030

FEBRUARY/MARCH 1 982 9
 T IPS & TEC HNIQUES

Tips and Techniques is a forum for readers to ex­ stone or adobe wall, and makes space for plants �-in. clearance between the ceiling joists and
change the methods, tools and jigs they've de­ and other things. the panel when the frame is lifted into position.
vised. We'll pay for any we publish. Send details, The heart of the design is a 2x 1 2 frame built My hinge wall was a former exterior wall
sketches and negatives with photographs to Tips w ith clear, dry lumber and then nailed into the sheathed with wood siding, on which I could at­
and Techniques, Fine H omebuilding, Box 355,
window opening. The frame is easily cut and as­ tach the hinges at any position. An all-purpose
Newtown, Conn. 064 70.
sembled on the job site with portable electric
tools and can be fitted with any combination of
Solo framing casement, awning or fixed sash (new or used).
A carpenter working alone can hold a header, Inside, I trim the edges with casings consistent
blocking or similar framing member in place for with other openings in the house. For weather
final nailing with a few bent nails. I use 3d nails, protection I install a sloped metal flashing above
the window and caulk along the jambs and sill. 1 x2 bracing

Bent 8d nails To date, all the windows I've built this way have
proven to be weathertight.
� t
Heavy- d u t y door h i nges
- Glen Jarvis, Berkeley, Calif.

Born-again blades
One of the most essential remodeling tools is the
reciprocating saw, but remodeling work is very
Blocking or
hard on their blades. Here are two tricks I use to
header supported
between joists
prolong blade life. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
First, I use 1 2-in. flexible blades whenever pos­
driven about a third of their length into the top sible and do the cutting with the teeth closest to version of the l ift should include an additional
edge of the work and then bent 90°. These ears the tip. When the teeth wear down , I simply clip horizontal member, permanently hinged to the
w il l support the piece until the first nail is set. off the worn portion of the blade with tin snips frame, which could be fastened to wall studs.
- Craig Savage, Hope, Idaho and go back to work. For loading, the frame is positioned to allow
Second, and more important, I reshape broken the panels to clear the floor and secured with a
Plugged-up plumbing shanks using a metal-c u tt i n g abrasive d isc stop block temporarily nailed to the floor behind
If you're working on an old galvanized water mounted on my bench grinder as shown in the the leg (step 1 in the drawing). I stapled foam
supply system (replacing a section with copper drawing below. Outline the shape of an original weatherstripping to the top of the frame to cush­

[:
pipe to improve water pressure, for example) b lade on the broken shank and grind away the ion the drywall and prevent slippage when the

l,E
and nothing comes out of the faucet when you excess metal with the abrasive disc until the new assembly is pivoted toward the ceiling (step 2).
turn i t on, the faucet screen is probably packed Once horizontal, the frame is held in place with
;g;C,' bI,d,
with rust particles and flux from the soldering the now vertical leg (step 3).
operation. -Chas. Mills, Leadville, Colo.
.. 0 profile at shank
- Paul Turnrose, Forestville, Conn.
// tlf
:,/ I. ' (/ Abrasi
Window box Tub drops in
wheel
In the course of remodeling older homes, I've Using materials and fixtures in a way that wasn't
developed the window box/greenhouse shown originally intended is a mainstay of remodeling
in the drawing below. Its deep recess gives the work. This can even be true of bathtubs. My
same comfortable feeling of a window in a thick project last summer was a tub installation that
called for wood paneling around the walls and
Y,- i n . by 1 Y,- i n . rabbet
at top and bottom included a low bench at the side. What I needed
was a drop-in tub. However, these are very ex­
pensive, hard to color-match to existing fixtures,
a nd take a long time to get after ordering.
Steel My solution was to purchase a standard tub .
mount By i nstalling the finished skirt against the back
c u t from wall of the tub area, as shown in the drawing, in-
3-in . steel a n g l e
a n d t a p ped for two
flathead machine screws

7
Wood paneling
shank fits snugly inside the saw's shoe. Then cut
a slot in the blade just wide enough to accommo­
date the pin and retaining screw.
I've found innumerable uses for the bench Wood benC h
grinder with this wheel installed. It will accurate­
ly cut a variety of materials from spring-steel roll G roove
pins to rubber hose. A work of caution: c heck
the r.p.m. rating for the blade and the grinder to
make sure they are compatible.
-Philip Zimmerman, Berkeley, Calif.

Y,- i n. by 1 'i, - i n .
Another d rywall lift
rabbet for sash While building a recent addition I used the lift

�
(sash not shown) shown in the drawing to help position 4 x 1 2
drywall panels o n the ceiling. The lift consists of
?'
a rectangular frame with a T-shaped leg hinged Conventional
1 50slope bat h t u b
to one end. I built the frame and leg from 2x3 fir
Y.-in. deep
and braced it diagonally with 1x2 strips. My ver­
"'-- d rip kerf
sion is 3% ft. wide and 10 ft. long. The length of
Caulk
the leg depends on the ceiling height.
S e c t i o n at s i l l
I hinged the frame to the wall, allowing about 2x6 knee wall

10 FINE HOME BUI LDING

 C ALL:
(415) 552-4350 Ex: 102 HAVE YOU SEEN SUCH PRICES IEF
TO O R D E R FREIGHT PREPAID ON
P URCHASES OVER $ 500.00
WE ARE THE 4RGEST SPECIALITY TOOL RETAILER I� �RTHER� CALIFORNIA WITH OUR THREE LOCATION' WE CARRY OVER
L 7000 ITEMS IN STOCK AT ALL TIMES B RAND NAME DOMESTIC LINES AS WELL
IMPORT TOOLS. ALL AT INCREDIBLY LOW .1 EXCELLENT PRIC
' Offer eXllires : March 1982 AS

3 " X 2 1 " aELT S�DER

r�d:� �:r 1 1 8 1 II/m"

H"l i h erf,C,enCyonlydust10 colb.\!-
t1l'H'!'I2'-
OU R PRICE

11 999

Maklta's best 3/8" d,,'1. Heavy

duty, powerful motor3 amp 0-1050
rpm. Welded armature and precIsion
ball bearings. Double reduction gear.
Indust"al gear chuck. Metal hip C l i p.
W i th adjustab l e cutting depth. Concrete and g l ass
Weighs 3.3 Ibs.
w i th o p t i o n a l diamond bl ade. One hour fast charge
r em o v b l e battery comes wi th battery, charger comb.
b l ad e , wrfnch
L IST $ 99 . - OUR PRICE 6 799
4 3/8" CIRCULAR SAW 1/2" VARIABLE
SPEED DRILL REVERSIBLE
7.5 amp. power molor
�
Good for heavy duty a p l l c a t lons 1I��b�P �Sp�� tcu r���ro �,' th
�:cca�:��: !����Ia{tf Odp S:�t_S plywood, aluminum,
Ib o plastiCS. Slices through Model DP 4700
ful 1 .8 amp. motor turns 12,000 concrete and tiles with
�Wi"\
R PM. O rbital
W:
action.
l rucllon
All bal l
OUR P�ICE
�t:�I'!!!
"c!'�t:ntaI J4�!�"'-�:r��'iJi;' �! � � � g� ���
l na
al
:1�g�,���d: r�I;���� Chl���
Heavy duty

55
m
p
ot tu
ll neele
c o n s t ru c t i o n . L i g h t w e i g h t
4499 LlST 125.00 8 9 99 L I S T: S
. OUR PRICE
4.4 I b s . M o to r h i p - c l i p . OU R PRICE
128; 00
Mod.l, 9045N
��;.;;:
SAW :;:.::�. 1/2" REVERSIBlE ANGLE DRILL
Heavy duty
m o to r at
4 amp.
10,000 R P M . 99 5 0
�� �� u;;i H'
co I c r
fC
l

4 112", II" paper

dusl

�_::::;::::;.
; -- . LI S T' O rbi tal action. Modol 6300 L
ElectriC power tools from
": l.--:;::;c.--- OUR PRICE
S 145
eavy duty barl &
motor. 5.1 amp
AEG-TELEFUNKEN
L RSK-540 E
14" C U T - O F F SAW ���rc�Of�rR:n�hh a�d change to forwa
Mod.I , 24 1 4 and reverse. Comes With Side hand l e
depth gauge, �rench.
Ideal fOI cutti ng prpe, tubing LlST ' S 189.00 OUR PRICE
n
I a r
�� :�Nu 2� �pl. o,;o���·fu I ly 3/4" HAMM E R DR I L L 12699
enclosed. Vise sWi vels up 2 S P E E D Modol 8419

\
to 45 . Cuts 4" high.
s 3 b
�rW M �s
OUR PRICE DeSigned lor heavy duty /
���s4l680eeBdpfi a Q:1c �f Variable 2 range speed (00110 1 . 0 - 1 7 0 0 & 0 -
dri lling to hammer dri l ling. 2 4 0 0 . Pow erful 5 a m p . m o to r I S a l l p r e C I S i o n
bearine, 6 amp motor. Side b a l l bearing construction. C o m e s I n a h e a v y
360-·L1ST: 186.00 d u ty steel ca f r y Ing c a se w i th 8 a s so r ted b l a d e s .
OUR PRICE 11 999 LI S T: 1 1 70.-
OUR PRICE
1 2950
DRYWALL SCREWD R I V E R S
A p rofeSSional
q u a l i ly A E G
6 amp. motor, F u l l 6 1/8" P L AN E R
saw. 12amps.
" stroke lor fast cuttmg Mod. l , 1805
5800 rpm .
ble shoe for varIOUS depth s wldest-cuth World's biggest planer. �ever M a x depth 0 1
n gs. Comes With metal carry 109 - 5 de r t Variable speed, reverSing, Slmple, P9sl tlve cui of 1 1/2"
case, 3 b lades and wrenCh. OUR PRICE ; ��;1 !�� a
lani� g �i,'th ;;fi s � o:;il� l � y
1 e

turns at 15,000 r�m . Weighs 11.6 I bs.

dep th ad lustment. Well balanced,we lghs
3.3 Ibs. Powerful 3.5 amt ba l l bearrn! mo-
com es w l lh
Doth c a blde­
LIST S 144.- ra 50 lipped b l ade
9799 th
����;��: �: � � o
�plR�or
OUR PRIC E ���a�a�P6�40 O��p�. °Met a� LI S T: t S 46.-
26 9 99 � �j�I� t �g{d��. with Inser"! bit and mag-
s ni h l
. gauge, wrench b la-
de blades add l 85. _
S 31. _) L l S T : S 378._ LIST S 130. _ OUR PRICE
8 599
4 " SAN D E R G R I N D E !! .

Compaci deSl n 1 H .P:

Single phase f 15 v. mo­
tor. t2" width, 6W 'depth
planer.6%" JOiner. FUlly
e b r
C�� :s �l�h :,��i�
rpenlng hol�er, spanner
�h��
2 3/4 H . P . ROUT E R wrench. Werghs 275 Ibs.
Mod.t, 3600 B
LIST' S t880._
Makrta's best. Super duty
p l unge type production
OUR PRICE. 13 8 9 99
1 5 5 18 " P L AN E R
rouler.Powellul 12 amp Mod.l, 2040
��t�,' t�,'�i :Uf29660rpm Unrt I S fully assembled
All preCiSion ball beallng. With 2 H.P. molor. Smgle
� UtCkt
change of cutting
e
pha ItS V. t5 5 '8"
Wid 7 5/8" deep cut-
Weighs
A�Pc :p�:\r� r,��:
,14" :���, :,
shank bi ts. Come s wilh
1.1" .3 '8"h g l cosl l ets,re t l -
���I� ��! lh r�� p� . s
ames With
es, socket wren­
.. wooden level­
l ' T: 1680._
2 8 5 S.V an N ess
add S 18.50.' OUR PRICE
S an F ranCISCO C A., 9 4 1 03
LI ST' S 281 .00 SAN BRUNO a.. K LAND
OUR PRICE
1 8 9 89 1 249 99 1758 EI Camrno R e a l ] 290 'Powell St.
San B runo C A . , 94066 E m erYV i l le C A . ,9 4'08

n � B R U A R YI M A R C H 1 9 82 II
 T IPS & TEC HNI Q UES

stead of in front as usual, I was left with a com­ rafter. Now cut the ends of the studs at the angle in the drawing. For existing construction, either
pletely open outer side for framing the knee wall that fits the rafter slope. Next, cut a piece of stud insulate inside the foundation wall (but not to the
and applying the seat, which I grooved to fit scrap to length A. The length of the shortest stud ground) or stop exterior insulation at least 6 in.
over the lip of the tub. is found by measuring; from then on add the below the top of the foundation. The 6-in. space
B.
-James French, Portsmouth, R.I. scrap block to the length of the previous stud will allow you to see and destroy any termite
and mark a cutting line, as shown. tubes constructed between the ground and a
Insulating a floor Once cut, the studs will nail up easily if you wood structure. It's a lot better to lose a few Btus
In 'Truss Frame Construction" (FHB
#5), Mark make one more block. Cut another scrap piece than the framework of your house.
White describes a way of holding up insulation as long as the distance between the stud faces - Tom Bender, Nehalem, Ore.
with twine so it can easily be installed from (B in the drawing), and use this as a spacer block.
above. Here's an alternative method we used to If you work accurately, the tops of the studs will Bifold bumper
wind up in the right position just by nailing. Bifold doors are often hard to close from the ful­

EJ
-Kevin Kelly, Westfield, N.J. ly open position. Some need a pull from the in­
side back of the lead door to close them. The
Panel hook c ure I've come up with is a simple %-in. diameter
A 4x8 sheet of drywall, pegboard or plywood
Top view . ·· : . ..
can be a nuisance to carry. With my device, one · , , · ·· · · · · · ·

person can easily maneuver these bulky panels. S l i d i n g guide p i n , Wa l l

I fabricated the metal hook shown in the draw­ " ·

ing below from a scrap piece of l 2-ga. cold- . � " . . .. . . . . . . .

Insert rope to B if o l d
length needed. pivot point

Panel i n
Ii:
carryi n g :
r-J7H-I--
R u bber b u m pe r

position :
support l O-in. friction-fit batts in the floor of an
addition with a 2-ft. crawl space. First we stapled
light-gauge chicken wire to the underside of the
� rubber bumper placed near the bottom hinge on
the pivot door. The bumper prevents the doors
1 2-ga . steel
floor joists, using 7\6-in. staples. We then dropped from coming too close to each other, allowing
in the batts, installed a plywood sub floor and rolled steel. A short length of rope is threaded their normal operation.
continued framing. The insulation process is fast through the Y:z-in. diameter hole and serves as an -David Graper, Painesville, Ohio
and easy, with little discomfort to the worker. adjustable handle. By hitching up on the rope
And the insulation "breathes" well with standard slightly and adjusting the panels's center of Wall bracing
venting. -Doug Jackson, Mission, B.C. gravity I can negotiate stairs, up or down, with One common problem in framing is how to
no problem. - George Eckhart, Kenosha, Wis. straight-line a second-story stud wall and brace
Framing under a peak it for joisting or rafters if it leans out. Here's one
Putting studs into the wall beneath the end Termite protection way you can pull the wall back into line and
rafters of a peaked roof can be time-consuming, Rigid exterior insulation should not be attached keep it there:
but two simple jigs make it easy. Using a carpen­ to foundation walls (as c o m m o n l y recom­ Lean a 2x4 (face up) against the stud wall with
ter's square (or a calculator), determine the mended in passive solar manuals) in any area one end resting on the top plate and the other
change in stud length (A in the drawing below). end on the subfloor at the location of a joist. Nail
Assuming that the studs are equally spaced, this Shield extends both ends securely. For extra security nail a 2x4
dimension is constant the entire length of the IY,in. beyond scrap block flat against the double plate at the
insulation.

To pull wall into plumb,

exert pressure on kicker
away from stud wall.
Crawl
space
corros i o n - resista n t
metal
Third stud
Angle of
rafter s l o p e New construction

top of the brace to prevent it from coming loose

C rawl
space
Minimum under pressure.
6-i n . g a p Next, toenail a 3-ft. to 4-ft. 2x4 to the floor
i n i ns u l a t i o n
along the same joist midway between the wall
and the foot of the brace. You'll get the desired
results by pushing this kicker against the brace
Existing construction and exerting whatever pressure is required to
draw the wall into line. Secure by driving two
where subterranean termites are found. It gives nails through the brace into the end grain of the
termites hidden access to the walls of a building. kicker. These braces can be left in place until the
I n new construction, an unbroken through-the­ rafters or joists are installed.
wall termite shield should be installed as shown -Marc Davis, Tucson, Ariz.

12 FINE HOME BU I L D I N G
 THE "SHAPER SHOP"
by

Op&d
Tile " Shaper Shop" by Freud has t>een devel·
01 OOSIC
to satisfy the r"tee<!s loday"s woodwOfker
" wi. make many d,Uerent mokhngs wIth one
8iumll'lum cutterhead Bndlh.r'ya,lfe..enl kn,ves
The standa,d set comes to you complete w,th 20

ITEM 546-17
OIAM. THICKNESS BORE
• your01
pairs prOfiled knives 543-01 Ih,ough 543·20
trI II
rwo Slrll"Ojhl k,nIVes. wrench lln(l Sethl1\l ring
durable and amacl,ve plasl>(: case Kn,vt!s S43·21
through 543-30 ate ophon,,1 aM read" yava,latlfe
Irom Freud d,srnbulor
With these kn,vesaU eSSef1llal moloj,ng worl<.can

Bushings Available to Fit Any Shaper PO$SlbIe ,$

be exe<;uled A vanery of B(ld,hl)f1al mold"'QS
, b y repeal1Olllhe curt,ng p<ocess wllhlt\e
same work plece in a changed tool POSition. Th.s
can be achoeved by r",s"".1 or Iowenng the spondle
01The •. Of10'
the shape or movlI'lg Ihe tence trl out
All knives8te 5/32" lhock and lealure a Irees,ae
reioel,alooglhe enror8 <::uU,ng edge
Learn the t i mber framer's art from an acknowledged JI ,
expert. Tedd and h i s crew w ill take you through all
"$haper Shop" can be used moldmg

(1[".1.
.•
rabbet....g ndjoont'ngwork. jlfeleraDlywlth m.nua!
leedS
For belancong and safely. ItIweys use kmves ,n
paors Also available With th,s set steel blanks to the aspects of timber frame construction as you
WR ITt FOR FREUD CUTTER CATALOG ENCLOSE grind your own pattern

partici pate i n the des ign, cutt i n g and ra ising of an

2 . 00 FOR POSTAGE & HANDL l ljG OR OUR COI1- WE STOCK ALL FREUD CUTTERS SAW BLADES,

PLETE CATALOG
& HAliDL l liG IN
AT 4 . 50 INCLUD I NG POSTAGE
CONT. U . S. AD 1 . 50 OUT-
ROUTER CUTTERS, & SHAPER CUTTERS CALL

OR WRITE FOR OUR CO'IP . P R I C E S . :Ii� ,

actual ti mber frame.
IIf·f
MAY 24 - 28, 1982
'/"�!�
S ID E C O N T . U . S . A L L CUTTERS F . O . B . N I LES MI CHIGM
ht j
DERDA INC. �i'I:l ' For more information call or write >\" 1
?Iif:I IIUII
1195 W. BERTRAND ROAD NILES, MICHIGAN 49120
6 1 6-683-6666 � CORNERS IONES !(
I"
ROCKWELL - TRA
POI ANL
S - ST KRA
EY - BOSCH - PROGRESS - EMER - HATACHI - MAKITA

WOODWORKING MAC HINERY D ISTRIBUTORS Street. Brunswick, Maine 04011 207/729·5103

54 CUmberland

Energy-efficient Elegance
A Lord &.. Burnham greenhouse
takes energy from the sun and makes it work for you.
It is:fu nctional as well as be�utlful. It warms your home. It g ives
�
.. . . YOIl? 'window on your world. an elegant way to add valuable
�
' livr wg >
# ace, a p e
' ,' 0 ' . rfeCt
place for you and your plants ·to grow.
You can choose from over 200 models,
window size to room size.

� ....I.. LR�Pn
II � B�n!���o���
CSB 318 1 , Melville, NY 1 1 747
"the greenhouse people since 1856"
MD FRllSend "Greenhouse Living" educational guide,
Also send beautiful new color catalog and green­
house accessory brochure for which I enclose S2,

__________
__ _ StatelZip

Allow 4 weeks for literature to arrive, 2055

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 982 13
 R EP O R T S

Preservation, Southern style

The 1 98 1 annual meeting of the National Trust
exciting to visit. I spent two evenings at the
Napoleon House Restaurant, an establishment
through rehabilitation and reuse. The Trust
itself gets its financial support from membership
for Historic Preservation was pretty much of a so named because it had originally been built as dues, endowment funds, contributions, and
dress-up affair. Like many of the 1 ,500 a resi<;lence in exile for the deposed Emperor. matching grants from various federal agencies.
members from different parts of the country The building's arched doorways, foot-thick walls Members and interest groups throughout the
who came to New Orleans last October for the of stuccoed brick and small courtyard are as country come to the annual meeting to share
meeting, I found touring the city more inviting now as they were 1 50 years ago, when ideas, achievements and strategies for the
interesting than some of the seminars and travelers first came here to eat and drink. future. The Trust has its share of wealthy
presentations on the five-day program. Topics discussed at the Trust's annual meeting philanthropists, who seem as interested in
While I had no desire to attend a seminar ranged from data processing to climate controls sporting their diamonds and furs as in saving
on managing revolving funds, or one entitled for historic buildings. A recurring issue was old buildings. But they are balanced by city
"Developing a Merchandising and Sales money. Preservationist groups have to show planners, historians, restoration consultants and
Program," I enjoyed the lecture on plantation banks and developers that saving historical developers who also want to keep old buildings
house preservation. The speaker traced the buildings can also mean turning a profit- on their feet and in good health.
restoration of several ante-bellum homes. The I wanted to find out more about the
transformation of these decaying, vine-covered craftsmen involved in restoration work,
mansions involved skilled masons, plasterers though, and none of the presentations dealt
and carpenters whose work was coordinated on this level. So I started to look around town
and supervised by historical consultants. In and soon found that New Orleans is full of
attending the "Preserving Main Street" seminar, architectural-antiques dealers. Mantelpieces,
I had to miss a host of other topics, but doors, columns, leaded glass, ornate cornices
those were focused workshops aimed at and other filigree turned out by craftsmen of
preservationists with special interests like the past find their way into a vast number of
organizing statewide preservation groups, using shops where they are sold to restoration buffs.
television for preservation purposes, developing The largest dealer I visited had hundreds of
local preservation ordinances, and using items in stock, all sorted and stacked in a giant
easements as a preservation tool. The warehouse. This shop also contained a large­
conference brochure and well-organized scale stripping operation, so that all the details
schedule enabled me to pick and choose. Just are sold clean (photo left). Secured to a giant
meeting people was good too-and probably rack, paint-encrusted details are first dipped into
the most important experience for someone a large vat of caustic solution to loosen the
like myself attending for the first time. paint. Then a second dip into an acidic
Fortunately, the local members of the Trust neutralizer deactivates the caustic stripper
had done an excellent job of organizing plenty before it can harm the wood. A water bath
of tours in and around New Orleans. We were completes the operation. Most of this newly
able to visit restored houses in the French bared wood has to be treated with a
Quarter, shotgun house restorations in the penetrating sealer before finish coats can be
Garden District, Creole cottages on Algiers applied. To give an idea of prices, interior doors
Point (across the river from New Orleans) and cost between $ 1 0 and $70-a real bargain,
even an ante-bellu m mansion. Conference or considering the quality of the wood and the
not, New Orleans holds a tremendous appeal degree of workmanship in these antiques. It
Salvaging architectural antiques is big business
for anyone interested in old houses. The rich was encouraging to see a 1 00-year-old door of
in New Orleans. Rescued from old buildings and
combination of French, Spanish and English then commercially stripped of their several cypress heartwood waiting for new life in
architecture, along with a seafaring history in
layers o f paint, these details are resold for use another house. The original carpenter would
that goes back to the 1 700s, makes this town restoration projects. have been pleased. - Tim Snyder

Disappointment underground
The conference I attended in Jackson, Miss.,
looking for some solid information on earth­
sheltered building techniques. This they got,
settling or of temperature-induced expansion
and contraction. Each step of the construction
on earth-sheltered housing last October left me but it wasn't presented in a very positive way. process is fraught with problems, and I just
with a distinct impression, describable in one The two main speakers adopted the approach didn't see enough positive evidence to
word: fear. The slides flashed on the screen, of "Don't build it this way because . . . ," citing convince me that underground houses are the
from one presentation to the next, were the disaster that would follow. It seems there wave of the future. The finished houses shown
mostly of the disaster variety: walls collapsing, are an overwhelming number of mistakes you didn't look very good either-too many low
waterproofing failures, insulation sliding off can make in building an underground house. ceilings and dark corners.
sloped roofs. The state of underground The program was well-organized, beginning The one presentation I found interesting was
housing can't be this bad. Or can it? with the technical presentation on soil analysis on post-tensioning concrete. Already an
The official title of the conference (Passive and footing design, and continuing with accepted technique in commercial
Solar and Earth-Sheltered Housing), organized lectures on wall design, roof construction, construction, post-tensioning involves
jointly by the Universities of Alabama, waterproofing, insulation and backfilling. This compressing poured concrete by tensioning
Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State, sequence of topics was a good idea, since it sheathed cables that are positioned inside the
gave me high expectations. Solar energy follows the normal on-site order of events. The cement. This compression makes· post­
coupled to earth-sheltered design combines number of questions from the audience tensioned walls, floors or ceilings capable of
two hot topics in residential architecture. I was following each presentation shows that people supporting greater loads and spanning greater
disappointed to discover that only one o f the are unsure about specifications and materials distances. A more widespread use of post­
13 presentations i n the two-day program dealt for underground housing. tensioning could open up residential earth­
with solar design. For a conference participant Working with concrete is the real issue sheltered designs by providing greater
interested in strategies for capturing the sun's here - soil loads, settlement and shifting and strength with less mass. Underground housing
energy, the $ 1 50 enrollment fee was a waste. water infiltration are the critical variables you truly needs a fresh infusion of new materials
Earth-sheltered housing is a controversial must design around. No matter how well you and technology to reassure prospective
subject. I'm sure the engineers, architects, lace a concrete footing or wall with rebar, designers and builders. Let's hope the next
building contractors, developers, bankers and your choice o f waterproofing material must conference will have some successful
owner-builders attending the conference were assume that cracks will develop as a result of examples to offer. - Tim Snyder

14 FIN E H O M E BU I L D I NG
 This W&H WOODWORKING TOOLS . SUPPLIES . HARDWARE
for Discriminating Craftsmen
MOlder Planer I We carry only the finest from
...
STANLEY, NORTO N , N ICHOLSON,

Will Add and many others.

J O R G E N S E N , COlUM BIAN, YAN K E E , G R E E N LEE, DISSTON

versatility SUPPLIES The most comprehensive selection

And EConomy
VINTAGE BRASS and BRONZE
H a rdware from the Past
and fJbraslves available from a smgleofsource.
screws
WOOD SCREWS
TO Your workshop ORIGINALS - NOT Reproductions Abrasives, . . . a l l types; G a r n et, A l u m i n u m Oxide,
Hinges, locksets, catches, escutcheons, brass, silicon bronze. stainless S i l icon Carbide, Self-Lubricating,
drawer knobs, fasteners of all types and steel a n d z i n c plated steel. Non-Filling (stearated l ; Emery Cloth
much more. Slotted a n d P h i l l i p s flat, round and Mesh Cloth 9 x 1 1 sheets i n all

Versatile - Because it does

so m a ny j o bs so easi ly: base­
and oval heads.

BRASS WOOD SCREWS

weights a n d grits. Belts, too.

SANDPAPER
S l otted Flat o r Roundhead
G a rnet o r A l u m i n u m Oxide
boa rds, p i cture frames, raised ( i n d icate type)
( i n dicate typel
All sizes from #0 'I,' to # 1 4 4"
pa n e l l i n g , m o d e l s , m i n iature 9"x l l " Sheets - Open Coat
# Lth per 1 00 # Lth per 1 00
10 25 50 1 00
d o l l f u r n i ture, a n d m u c h more. o '14 $1 .90 4 1 $3 . 30
280A $1 .90 $3.95 $7.35 $14.25
C o n v e r t s f r o m m o l d e r to o '/8 1 .95 5 'I, 2.55
240A 1 . 90 3.95 7.35 1 4.25
1 'I, 1 . 90 5 'I, 3.15
220A
planer in two m i nutes. 1 '/8 1 .95 5 1 3.80
1 .90 3.95 7.35 1 4. 2 5
1 80 A 1 . 90 3.95 7.35 1 4. 2 5
Economical - Because it
does the j o b of several tools.
1
2
2
'I,
'I,
'/8
2.20
1 .80
1 .95
5
5
6
1 'I,
1 '/2
'I,
4.40
5.80
2.80
1 50A
1 20A
1 .90
1 .90
3.95
3.95
7.35
7.35
14.25
1 4.25
1 00A 1 .90 3.95 7.35 14.25
E l i m i nates m a c h i ne shop set­ 2 'I, 2.20 6 ,/, 3.30 80A 2. 1 5 4.45 8.25 1 5.85
2 '/8 2.25 6 1 4.15 1 50 C 2.65 5.95 1 1 . 35 2 1 .80
t i n g . H e l ps cut the cost of re­ 2 ,/, 2.55 6 1 'I, 5.00 1 20 C 2.65 5.95 1 1 . 35 2 1 .80
sto r i n g o l d h o m es , b u i l d i n g 3 'I, 2.25 6 1 'I, 6 . 00 1 00 C 2.65 5 .95 1 1 . 35 2 1 .80
3 '/8 2.20 6 1 '/, 7.95 800 3.05 6.65 1 2 .75 24.30
new o n es. Cast iron a n d steel 3 'I, 2.40 6 2 8.50 60 0 3.70 7 . 60 1 4.50 28. 1 5
construction assures l o n g , 3 '/8 2.55 8 'I, 3.45
3 'I. 2.80 8 ,/, 4.40 A l u m i n u m Oxide - Non-filling
tro u b l e-free l ife. 3 '/8 3.30 8 1 5.30 320A 2.30 5 . 40 10.20 1 9 .35
3 "x 8 "
For molding, sel ect from
sets of sta ndard knives, or have
40 Cast bronze sliding door lock set (circa 4
4
3 1

'I,
'I,
2.25
3.55
1 . 90
8 1 '1.
8
8
8.70
1 ' /.
1 ' /,
180A 2.30
6.45
7.40
280A
220A
5.40 '1 0.20 1 9.35
2.30
2 . 30
5.40
5.40
10.20
10.20
1 9 .35
1 9 .35

WWII) made by Russwin for t h e U S Navy.

spec i a l k n i ves m a d e from a
sketch or sa m p l e of f i n i s hed
Connecting shatt, designed for 1 ' /8" thick
doors, can be modified for thicker doors.
......
4

To
_
_ , _
'I_ 2
_

order
.7
_ 5 _
_ 2 _
8 _
_ 9_
_. 70
_
1 50 A
_
L..
_ _ _
2 .3 0
_ _ _
5 40 1 0 . 2 0
_. _
_ _

screws a n dl o r s a n d p a p e r
_ _ _ _
1 9. 35
_ _ _
-1
Orders u p to $20 - add $2 . 50
Price, complete with bronze keys a n d fas- - add $3.00
( m i n i m u m $ 1 0 i n merchandise). add the $20.01 to $50
m o l d i n g u p to 7"
wide. teners - $ 1 2 5 (shipping included) - i n d i -
cate right or lett hand door.
following s h i p p i n g costs, a p p l i c a b l e o n l y $50.01 t o $100 - add $3.75
to the 48 adjoining continental states. Over $100 - add $4.75

We also accept Master Charge and Visa on orders of $20 or more.

Telephone orders, too, ( 2 1 2 1 242-58 1 5. Send $2.00 for complete tool catalog.
The Tool Works
1 1 1 8th Ave. NY, NY 1001 1

81 Life i. $200.°0
..
too short
to be frustrated
For planing, converts waste
a n d r o u g h - s a w n w o o d to
by
dressed l u m ber, v i rtua l l y free miters ANNUAL HEATING BILL IN
of wave a n d c hatter m a rks. NEW ENG LAND CLIMATE?
Pla nes boards up to 14"
wide;
pla nes down to 1 /16". Yes, and often less I Proven perfor­
mance in passive solar homes
which are also attractive looking
and enjoyable to live in . Designed
by leading experts in passive
energy design, construction, and
living. Complete construction
drawings for traditional and con­
temporary styles of all sizes,
buildable at ordinary construction
costs.
Por the Crafts..an - - - - - - - - -
H a n d f e e d a n d p ow e rfeed
m o d e l s a va i l a b l e , sta rti n g
who cares. Send for free brochure or in­
Write for Free brochure:
from $410.00. Master C h a r g e clude $4.00 for detailed in­
and VISA c a r d s a c ce pt e d . POOTATUCK CORP. formation package and port­
folio of designs:
F r e e broc h u re on req uest. RR2, Dept. FH3
Windsor, VT 05089 (603) 67 5-2 1 05
1355 GREEN END AVE.
•__... MIDDLETOWN, RI 02840
�vV Name Name _____________
WILLIAMS & H U SSEY MACHINE CORP. Address ____________
Address _____________
DEPT. 23, Milford, N. H. 03055 City/Town ___________
Call toll-free 1-800-258-1380 ____ Zip___ ___ _ State Zip

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 982 15
 F I N E H O M E B U I L D I N G
FIOBRUARY/ M ARCH 1982 No. 7

Building a Curved Wall

Framing and siding a section of a cylinder
call for precise work and inventive thinking

by Paul Spring, Rick Harper and Malcolm McDaniel

h e view west from the h ills above Berkeley,

Calif., is of coastline, freeways and urban sprawl.
cisco Bay area, and create a sense of intimacy
with things seen at a distance and close by. Even
as patterns at the site . We framed up the walls,
sided them inside and out with several layers of
I t's a b usy landscape, rich i n variety and color. the house itself becomes part of the scenery. material and finally installed the windows.
Our client bought a steep hillside lot near the When we bid o n this job w e knew that the
ridge top h ere with an uninterrupted sweep of curved wall would be the most difficult part of Laying out the wall Because the curve is con­
-
this vista. The home designed for the site has the undertaking, and would call for some crea- cave , and because the house sits on a very steep
two perpendicular walls whose juncture is a tive problem-solving. Despite our attempts to slope, the arc's center point was somewhere out
smooth, 8-ft. radius curve, sided in red cedar plan the construction of the c urve at every in space. So instead o f defining the curve with a
with no trim to interrupt the flow of curved and phase, its deceptive complexity forced us to radius at the site, we located the theoretical in-
plane surfaces. This marriage of flat walls with a work out many solutions on the spot. tersection of the two walls as a point of origin
central c urved one is banded on two levels by First we had to lay ou t the curve, without ref- where we could drive a stake and set up a transit
continuous fixed-glass w indows. These w in- erence to a center point, and then we made the (drawing, facing page).
dows frame a spectacular view of the San F ran- curved plates, which did double duty by serving With the transit i n place, we located wall A

16 FINE HOM E B U I LD I N G
and fixed its location with batter-boards at each
end of the l ine of site . We then swung a 90° arc
and repeated the batter-board arrangement to Laying out a curved wall

establish the l ine of wall B. Stem walls and

P l u m b check
framed underpinnings were located with string
l ines off these batter boards. We found the points U pper level

of tangency (a and b), where the curved wall dies

i nto the straight walls, and referred to these
;-----
points constantly as the walls rose to finished
M id-level
height. The center point of the curve was not
located until we were well into the construction,
h ad spanned the legs of the arc with a beam and
had built a deck at the middle level .

P l u m b check
Making the curved plates - I:\ efore w e began
the framing process, we laminated the plates
Point of
from two layers of %-in. CDX plywood to pro­ origin
1
duce the �-in . thickness of standard framing
lumber. On the shop floor, away from the job ___ Batter boards

�
site , was where our curve took form for the first
time. Using a rigid aluminum channel as a com­
pass beam, and a fixed pin in the floor as the cen­
ter point of the arc, we scribed the i nterior an d
exterior edges of the S Y2 i n . wide plates onto the
f ull sheets of plywood. We m arked several
curved sections on each sheet. and the n cut
them out with a saber saw. Next we glued these
sections, positioning them over a pattern we had
scribed on the floor with the same beam com­
pass used to mark the plywood. Before remov­
ing the plates from the pattern, we carefully
marked the midpoints and ends of the arc for ref­
erence during frami ng, then braced them truss 4
fashion for transport and temporary storage.

3
� orth
Framing the underpinnings and floors- The
To check the accuracy
concrete ste m walls do not extend into the of a 90° angle, use the 3-4-5 triangle.
c urved section of the wall ; they end approxi­ Measure three units (say 9ft. J on one leg, four
mately 7 � ft. from the points of tangency, great­ units (12 ft.! on the adjacent leg. If the two legs are Plan of curved wall
square, the hypotenuse will be five units ( 15 ftf
ly simplifying the form work, but leaving the
lowest point of the curved wall several feet
above the ground. Atop each of these founda­ Rising from a matrix of grade beams, the two framed walls are joined to a third underpinning wall
tion walls we framed the underpinnings to the farther up the hill (photo below). A single beam spans the gap from one wall to the other and supports
thejoisting for the mid· level deck. The blocking between the joists on both levels lies directly below the
floor above. On these walls we set beams that
curved part of the yet unframed wall. In the drawing above, the points of tangency (a and b) are ex·
extend to intersect above the point of origin on a tended upward with plumb bobs at each level. Walls A and B
must be perpendicular; alignment is
th ird underpinning wal l farther up the h ill. We checked frequently with a 3·4-5 triangle.

�)
Jjl
carefully laid out the ends of the curve (points a �

��
and b) on the beams and used these reference
points at every subsequent step of the framing.
The floor joists for each level were clipped on
these beams with joist hangers. The small floor
area between the beams was joisted using one of
the curved plates as a pattern, aligning its ends
W
to the reference marks on the beams, and then
locating short joists tangent to the outside edge
o f the plate, as shown in the photo, right. Ply­
wood subflooring was cut to the shape of the
c urve in a similar fash ion by running it long
beyond the joists, using the prefabricated plates
as a pattern to mark the curve, and trimming in
place with a saber saw.
The same procedure was repeated at the
second-floor level and at the roof level. We care­
fully transferred the reference marks upward
with a plumb bob on windless days, always
plumbing up from the original mark at the low­
est level. Curved wall sections were framed in
the conventional manner by layi ng the curved
plates on their edges and nailing through top
and bottom plates i nto the ends of the studs,

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1982 17
 Section of side jamb

M ullion (or frame)

A l u m i n u m frame
Caulk

Aluminum --- Ca u l k
glazing
Mullion detail
bead

Sections of stud wall, left, have curved plates lam­

inated from two layers of "I.-in. plywood. The 2x6
studs are oriented radially and nailed into place.
Above, a section of finished wall supports curved
cedar sills, tubular mullions and windows.

which were oriented radially (photo above). We above right). The windows would be glazed only make the jambs and sills. One problem we
couldn't resist using the sections as giant rocking a fter the frames were i nstalled. avoided facing until the last moment, something
horses for a few playful moments, before mov­ To e nsure accuracy when ord(;!ring the glass that had nagged us like a rumbling noise in the
ing them into place as whole units, using the ref­ and wi ndow frames, we laid templates on the background, was how to make sills that curved
erence marks on the plates and the beams to po­ curved plates, starting with the window in the in the horizontal plane and sloped in the vertical
sition them accurately. center. The lengths of the tem plates were care­ plane. Luckily, our friend and co-worker, Phil
fu lly adjusted until we were certain that the five Zimmerman, had a trammel-mounted router,
Installing windows in a curved waIl - I n ­ windows and their round m ullions would fit and the canny creativity to figure out a solution.
stalling and trimming out the windows on the properly in the curve. The ends of the frames For how he accomplished this, see the box on
curve were the most challenging problems we h ad to be equidistant from the edge of the plate, the facing page.
faced. We were to install five straight 2 �-ft. wide as did the center point of each window. Any All parts of the curved wall, except the sills,
sections of glass around the arc on each of the small change in length or positioning on the were trimless (no trim overlapped the plan e of
two floors. At the ends of the curve, the windows plate meant that the custom-made window the cedar siding so it would appear as an un­
continued out 7� ft. along the stra ight sections frames wouldn't fit. broken skin) . Window jambs were detailed as
of wall . The windows were to have anodized Once the window frames were manufactured shown in the drawing, top. All jambs were
aluminum frames, and each of the sections was and on the site, we fitted them in place with m illed from clear, kiln-dried western red cedar
to be c aulked, butted against an d screwed to a shims to test actual assembly. Everything went 2x stock. On the exterior the jambs were rab­
1 %-in. dia. tubular aluminum mullion (drawing wel l , and we knew we could safely begin to beted to receive the 1 x cedar siding, which over-

18 FINE H O M E B U I L D I NG
lapped the head and side jambs by % in. This Shaping compound-curve sills
joint, butted, caulked and nailed back from the I have always liked to work out simple solutions to thorny problems, and when I was asked to
edge , serves as the finish trim. take lengths of 2x I 2 stock and make them into arced window sills, I had to think about it awhile.
Once again we shot the rough window open­ Once I realized that the sills were sections of a cone, I knew I could mount each one at the angle
ings with the transit and adjusted them plumb of incline ( 1 1 °) in a fixture, and sweep the upper and lower surfaces with a router fixed to a stout
and level , so we wouldn't have to shim the trammel to produce surfaces that curved to the right radius and sloped at the proper angle.
frames during final installation. We removed I made a particleboard fixture, shown below, for holding the stock in the right relation to the
any excess wood from the openings with a disc arc described by the trammel. I equipped the trammel with a sliding extension to which the
router-mounting plate is attached. The extension allows the router to be moved along the arm and
sander. Where the end-grain edges of the sills
locked in place, so I can cut larger or smaller arcs. Also, I devised a plywood router-mounting
were butted together (actually a go miter), we
box to hold the router base at 1 1 ° to the horizontal plane, the right angle of the slope for the sills.
grooved the wood and let in blind splines. These Having made the base frame and trammel, I proceeded to mill the sills as shown in the steps
joints were then glued up. We handled the head below. -Phil Zimmerman
jambs in the same way. Next, we checked the fit
Reference points
of all the frames in the openings, and finally in­ m o unted o n
stalled them. We fastened the inside stops in spacer b l o c k
place on the side and head jambs, sealed the sill Particleboard
and put in the glass. Interior oak window stools, m o u n t i n g f i x t u re
g l ued to
c urved to follow the arc of the wal l , completed plywood base
the work on the sectional glass.
Installing the windows demonstrated the pre­
cision demanded in the construction of a curved
wall. Because it is a section of a cylinder, if any of
its d i me nsions are slightly off, the others are
adversely affected. The problems caused by the
slightest inaccuracy are surprising to someone
who's used to working only with straight wal ls.
2 3 5
Step 1 Face-joint a 2x4 and glue it to the bottom
Siding the wall-The clean, unbroken surface edge of the 2x l2. Set blade in radial arm saw to
take an 11 °
cut, and trim the 2x4 as shown to
of the west wall belies the complexity of its con­ produce surface 1. Sill blanks are 6
in. longer than
struction. What looks to be a smooth skin of uni­ finished length to allow for mounting on fixture. Step 5 Taking as light a cut as pOSSible, dish
formly thick tongue-an d-groove red cedar sid­ out the sill using a 2'1a-in. surfacing bit to produce
surface 5, which is an inverted conic section.
ing is just the visible layer of a multi-layered
sheath , whose composition in the curved wall is
different from that in the straight walls. The
plans called for an underlayment of �-in. shear
plywood and building felt, with the %-in. cedar
siding on top. On the straight sections of the
wal l, we followed the plans, but on the curved
part, a different strategy was required and we
had to improvise .
Neither 3ft-in. cedar siding nor �-in. fir ply­
wood will bend in an 8-ft. radius curve without Step 6 Use Yo-in.

special treatment. First we had to find a way to

Step 2 With 2'1a-in. carbide- tipped surfacing bit straight-face bit in router
in router and sill blank oriented at 110 in fixture, to cut drip groove. Mill the
bend the cedar boards. We thought about steam­ sweep the upper edge to produce surface 2. underside of the sill with surfacing bit to produce
bendi n g them, but abandoned this idea when surface 6.
Finallv, trim the interior stool

faced with the prospect of building an 1 8-ft.-long

steam box. Our solution was to m ill the siding
thin enough to bend in the curve without being
damaged by tension or compression. Although
the climate here is mild, we had to leave the sid­
ing thick enough to keep its weather resistance.
Afte r some experimenting, during which we
produced a small pile of broken cedar boards,
we settled on a thickness of 3,1g in. After hand­ La m i nated
picking the c learest stock for the curve, we
Step 3 Using surface 2 as a flat reference to
plates
ride on the table, cut surface 3, on which window
thickness-planed it, removing material from one frame will sit. If you don't have a router table, you

side only so that the %-in. tongue-an d-groove

can get the same results using a table saw and Finished sill installed
dado blades set to the proper depth.
boards became shiplap siding.
Next we had to figure out a way to bend the
plywood underlayment. Instead of forcing �-in. Step 4 Cut convex

shear-ply sheets into the c urve, we used two

and concave surfaces 4a
and 4b to within Y1 6 in. of finished
layers of \It-in. plywood with panel adhesive be­ curvature in plan. Use a 2-in. bV
tween the layers. Even these were difficult to Y,-in. dia. 2-flute, left-hand twist spiral
end mill mounted in the router. Position
bend in full sheets, and we had to compress the blank in fixture, mount router in auxiliary
plywood i nto the curve. To do this, we nailed a base to orient bit at 110 and adjust router on
trammel to cut within Y1 6 in. of final curve. Make
vertical stop (a scrap 2x4) to the wall, then posi­ several passes to aVOid chatter and straining the
tioned and aligned the plywood panel an d drove machine. Remove the blank and use it as a pattern to
a single row of nails to secure its free end . To mark the other sills, which you can then bandsa w to
shape. As a final step In shaping, the convex and concave
spring the plywood into t he co ncavity, we edges are trimmed to finished curvature bV remounting
wedged the toe of a pry bar between the panel the sills In the fixture and taking a light cut with the router.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 19
 and the vertical stop, using its heel as a fulcrum
(photo left). The end compression easily forced
the plywood into the curve, and it could be held
there until it was completely nailed down.
B ecause the siding for the curve had been
planed down to % i n . , the underlayment i n the
curve had to be % in. thick (two layers o f �-in. ply
plus one layer of 3jg-in. ply) to bring the outer sur­
face of the siding flush with the %-in. stock and
Yz-in. underlayment used in the straight walls. To
coax the full sheets o f %-in. plywood into the
O's
curve, we kerfed the front face of the panels in.
deep, 3 in. on center) with a circular saw. This
l eft a net thickness of � in. and meant that we
were able to compress it into the curve the same
way we handled the plywood shear panels.
The joints in the siding were mitered along the
end grain for appearance and tightness against
the weather, and we staggered them from
course to course. Where curved and straight
walls met, a course of 3j.-in. siding would extend
below and above a course of %-in. siding. To
keep the boards flush , we ripped 5-in. wide strips
of %-in. plywood and nailed them into the spaces
between the %-i n . boards. With in the curve
itself, we kept joints to a minimum.
Applying the siding was a two-person job. One
of us would spring the board i nto the curve and
hold i t there, while the other would drive and set
the nails, as shown in the photo at left. We found
that panel adhesive provided enough initial tack
to h elp hold the boards in place while the first
nails were driven. The plywood and siding must
be nailed sequentially, in complete and succes­
sive lines, to ensure horizontal positioning. We
used stainless-steel nails, and took great care to
keep the courses perfectly level, as any devia­
tion from a true horizontal line couldn't be cor­
rected without leaving an obvious bulge in the
top or bottom of a board. To keep from splitting
the wood, we used push drills to bore pilot holes
in the cedar when we encountered knots and
came to board ends.
For the i nside walls, we used the same %-in.
cedar siding that we applied to the outside walls.
The i nside wall required no plywood underlay­
ment, and we nailed the siding directly to the
studs. To prevent the wood from failing in ten­
sion, we kerfed the inside face of every board
3 i n . on center and%2 in. deep. As with the con­
cave side, it took two of us to apply the siding to
the convex side-one to bend the board onto
the curve, another to follow behind and drive
and set the nails.
We worked for a year on this job, almost to the
day. There were mornings when we set off with
vigor and enthusiasm, and other days when we
arrived at the job with all the joy and optimism
of whipped quarry slaves. But now that it's over
and done, we have several times walked down
the hill below the west wall for no other reason
than to look up and see the results of our sweat.
The house was designed to get the best view of
the scenic area below, but for us there's no sight
like that of the house itself. It's just magic. 0
Paul Spring, Rick Harper and Malcolm McDaniel
To get a sheet of %-in. plywood to conform to the curve, its outer face is kerfed an d end compression is are contractor-builders in Berkeley, Calif Paul
applied with a pry bar fuIcrumed against a 2x4 end stop (top). Installing the lx6 cedar siding, planed to
a thickness of % in. so it would bend into 8-ft. radius curves without cracking, is a job for two people_ Spring has joined Fine Homebuilding's staff as
Above, McDaniel bores a pilot hole with push drill, while Spring nails from the end. assistant editor.

20 FINE HOM EBU IL0ING

 Expanding a Kitchen, Step by Step
In renovation, one thing always leads to another

by Eric K. Rekdahl
R e novation work is full of surprises. ��ven in
simple-looking jobs, digging into one area will
countertop, separated from the dining room by
two doors and a pantry (drawing, below). The re­
Laundry wall- The area was broken up into so
many small rooms that we hardly had space to
i nvariably expose unanticipated problems in frigerator was in the laundry, a sagging founda­ set up our equipment and move around. 13y re­
another, which in turn will force you to rear­ tion was causing the floor to droop, and i nade­ moving the non load-bearing walls (D, G and in I�
range something else. Good renovators are quate framing had cracked the plaster. the drawing), we created a good-sized working
clever enough both to anticipate some of the The Riemanns wanted a modern, functional area. This was straightforward work, except for
trouble they're likely to run into and to know kitchen with a family eating area and a desk for a problem we had anticipated: The cast-iron
that lots more will show up. They are flexible planning. They wanted an open, informal space, drain from an upstairs toilet ran through wall D.
enough to i mprovise when plans go awry, and with enough room for guests to chat with the We disconnected the plumbing and removed the
imaginative enough to take advantage of situa­ cook. The obvious solution was to eliminate as pipe. It would have to be relocated later.
t ions as they arise. Technical skills are also i m­ many walls as possible, streamlining the maze­ Then we tackled wall 13, the laundry's north
portant to minimize tedium and frustration. l ike circulation created by the pantry, kitchen wall. It was framed with a 2x4 stud wall, which
When Dick and Renie Riemann acquired their and laundry room. They also wanted to enlarge carried 4x6 floor joists for the bedroom above.
1 928 Tudor Revival house, designed by the arch­ the kitchen by enclosing an area north of the I nstead of removing the wall and replacing the
i tect John Hudson Thomas, they also inherited a laundry wall that was covered by an overhang­ top plate with an 8x 10, we kept the double 2x4
kitchen with 48 sq . ft. of floor space and 5 � ft. of ing second-story bedroom floor. top plate and sandwiched it between two rough-

Before renovation New bracing

Beam supports Beams replacing

bedroom above. bearing walls

3- i n .
drain

Work­
room

Pantry

Dining
room

After renovation
 Boxing the top plate
to form a beam

O r i g i na l doubled 2x4 plate

y,- i n . x 1 0y,- i n . carriage bolts

New 3x l Os New 4x4

Cripples
added New plaster
o n gypsum
lath

Second floor
'la- i n .
plywood

Section through
cradle posts
The 4x 10 is nailed to the first 2x4 to ease
the strain on those holding the heavy beam.
Opening the center Then the second 2x4 is measured, cut short and
bearing wall nailed in place. The final 2x4 completes the cradle. Scrap as base for posts

Opening up the north wall of the kitchen re­

vealed IO-in_ long 2x6s supporting an upstairs
wall (below)_ These were replaced with steel sawn 3x l Os. This way we could use the old fram­ offset upstairs wall without a problem. We could
plates and 4x6s, as shown above_ At the south ing as bracing while using the same sandwich only surmise that some change in plans had pro­
side of the kitchen (bottom), joists were attached approach to beef up the posts at the beam ends. duced this structural anomaly. As it was, the 2x6
without cripples or blocking_
After the 3x 1 Os were bolted in place, we re­ rim joist was carrying most of the load. Since we
moved the stud frame. To complete the beam we were changing the rim joist's end bearing, we
bolted a 4x4 between the 3x l Os, flush with their needed to extend the 4x6s the extra 8 in. to
bottom edges (drawing, above left). carry the upstairs wall .
The upstairs bedroom floor joists extended To do this, w e bolted half t h e length of %-in.
4 Yz ft. beyond the laundry wall to rest on an 8x 1 0 steel plates, 5Yz in. wide by 15 in. long, to each
beam ( A i n the drawing o n the previous page), face of the 4x6s. We then bolted 8-in. 4x6s be­
supported by 8x8 posts just beyond a concrete tween each set of plates, and nailed a l x6 rim
path . I�xtending the exterior wall to include joist to the ends of these extended beams (draw­
these posts and beams would gain about 50 sq. ft. ing, above left). The floor joists over the kitchen
of kitchen space without affecting the house's had been face-nailed to the studs of the upstairs
original roofline or proport ions-an oppor­ wall without blocking or cripples beneath them,
tunity we couldn't resist. But we would need to which we added before nailing up a skin of %-in.
remove the 8x8s temporarily so we could pour a plywood to tie everything together.
stem-wall foundation and a slab floor. At the south wall of the kitchen, the same floor
To support the 8x l 0 , we used two 4x l Os ex­ joists had been face-nailed to the roof rafters
tending from the side of the house and meeting with no bracing (photo, bottom left) . Where the
at a point beyond the beam (drawing, above joists didn't line up with the rafters, cripples had
right). We supported the 4x l Os on four posts, been i nserted at the angle of the roof. I think it
each built up out of three 2x4s. We first nailed was just the lath and plaster that held them in
O.
one 2x4 to the side of a 4x 1 This took most of place. We added blocking under each joist to
the weight off whoever was holding the heavy form a new soffit, and nailed a %-in. plywood
beam, so measuring and cutting the second 2x4, gusset to the blocking, cripple and joist for rigid­
which would sit at right angles to the first to form ity. Then we could get back to the storeroom/
a saddle for the heavy timber, was easy. The kitchen wall (C in the drawing).
third 2x4 was nailed up full length and parallel to The wall's load had been evenly distributed,
the first to cradle the 4x 1 0 . requiring only modest footings. Our plan to re­
Once t h e foundation work was done and the place the framing with an 8x l O beam spanning
slab poured, we replaced the 8x8 posts, re­ 1 2 ft. meant larger footings to take the two con­
moved the temporary supports, and fitted cus­ centrated loads.
tom metal window frames in the new wall. A 4x6 carried the 2x8 floor joists under the
wall. It was supported in turn by 4x4 posts on
Central wall-Once we finished the north wall isolated piers about 4 ft. on center. The crawl
of the laundry, we moved on to the area's central space was barely a foot high at its east end, an d
bearing wall (C), just north of the small original the whole thing was clogged with heating ducts,
k itchen wall (/-:).Removing the plaster ceiling, so the easiest approach was to take up the floor­
we were astonished to find cantilevered 2x6 ing and excavate from above. We undermined
joists only 1 0 in . long carrying the load of an up­ about half the bearing of the pier closest to each
stairs bearing wall (photo, center left). Had the point of concentration, poured concrete under
4x6 joists for the bedroom over the laundry both , and incorporated them into new footings
been 8 in. longer, they could have carried the about 2Yz ft. wide by 4Yz ft. long and 10 in. deep

22 FINE HOM EBU ILDING

'la - i n t h readed rod S w i n g i n g d o o r ( before)

New 8x8 posts Making a pocket door

New 8x8 posts

S l i d i n g d o o r ( a fter! D i n i n g room

R emovable stop

Pocket d

2x4s set flat

New plaster o n gypsum lath

Simulating the original

tongue-and-groove floor O riginal floorboard

Foundation work and shear wall

New boards grooved Spline To n g u e

(drawing, above). We realized we now had an item. We decided to simulate the original mate­ patch of rough 2x6 with similar grain. This we
opportunity to add a shear wall tied directly to rial as best we could by using 1 x6 rough fir. We secured with glue and finish nails.
the ground to keep the house from racking, so would chamfer the edges on a table saw and Our simple-sounding assignment to open up
we formed a stem wall on the new west footing groove them for splines with a router (drawing, the room for more space led us inexorably to
directly below the 4x6 beam with anchor bolts above right). It turned out that I x6 rough fir everything from foundation work under the
and a 2x4 mud sill. We then incorporated adja­ 1
wasn't stock either. So found myself standing at house to installing plumbing on the next floor.
cent 4x4 posts in a short 2x4 stud wall 12 in. o.c. the lumberyard in front of a bandsaw where they We found serious structural flaws that had to be
under the 4x6. Before sheathing it with �-in. ply­ 1
were resawing 8x 1 6 fir beams. All wanted was remedied, and had ourselves created conditions
wood, we ran two %-in. threaded steel rods to two 1 x6s, 12 ft. long. The operator sent one of his that would have been unsafe if we hadn't fol­
the bottom plate of the new west shear wall on helpers to locate a 2x6, which he brought back lowed through properly. We'd worked around
the kitchen floor level, binding the new 8x8 post 1
on a forklift, and within minutes drove away the unavailability of materials, and had taken
and the 8x 10 beam together into a racking panel with my custom-milled, roughsawn fir planks. advantage of opportunities to improve the struc­
that carried right down to the new footing. Third, we had to patch the 4x6 beam that had ture of the house as we went along. Most renova­
been hacked away by the plumber installing the tion work is like that. D
Pocket door- Fixing our last nagging problem original drain. This beam would be visible in the
brought our structural work full circle. The new ceiling, so we carefully chiseled and planed I::ric Rekdahl is a partner in the design/build
house had settled so much that the swinging a square recess around the damage, then let in a firm of kekdahl & Tellefsen in Berkeley, Calif
door between the pantry and the dining room
wouldn't pivot more than 900 before it hit the
I n the expanded kitchen, the new carved beams and brackets echo details found throughout the house.
floor and jammed. When it opened into the pan­ Red oak cabinets by Robert Zummwalt harmonize with the oak and trim.
try it was in the way of the stuff stored there . We
decided that the best solution was to build a
pocket sliding door. So we framed up a new wall
in the former pantry out of 2x4s, face side out,
covered with gypsum lath and new plaster
(drawing, top right). This left us plenty of room
to install the original door on its new sliding
track, and enough space in the corner to tie up
another loose end, the waste line from upstairs.
Re-routing the drain produced th ree new
problems. First, because the upstairs flooring
and 4x6 floor joists were to be the finished
downstairs ceiling, we had to run the drain line
above the upstairs floor. Thus the use of a back­
flush toilet, which flushes back rather than
down . Its 3-in. drain is about 2� in. above the
floor, and allowed us a lO-ft. horizontal run (at a
fall of % in. per ft.) before we would have to
penetrate the floor. Our pocket-door corner was
7 ft. away from the toilet, well within range.
Second, some of the flooring under the old
toilet needed to be replaced, and numerous calls
to lumberyards revealed that I x6 roughsawn
V-joint, tongue-and-groove fir was not a stock

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 23
 Sizing Roughsawn Joists and Beams
Methods and formulas for engineering
your own timber frame

by Ed Levin

S tructural engineering in timber design fig­

ures the allowable loads in building members,
you. You'll need to go directly to the formulas
upon which the tables are based. These are the Live load deflection - The
Deflection
dimensions of floor
with an eye to staying safely within the elastic fundamental engineering tools in timber design. joists and beams are usually governed by deflec­
range of the material. The greatest challenge in Some pointers: allowable stress values (modu­ tion. Let's use the most common standard for a
designing and building a timber frame is to ac­ lus of elasticity, extreme fiber stress, compres­ floor: a minimum first-story live load of 40 psf
commodate timber placement to the floor plan sion parallel to the grain, horizontal shear stress with a live load deflection of YJ60
of the length of
of the structure. In this process, the carpenter and so forth) for particular species and grades of the unsupported span (this is the only computa­
should always be at the service of the architect, wood can be found in tables in several of the tion in which you don't need to use combined
developing a framing skeleton so that no diag­ books listed in the bibliography on p. 28. I f work­ live and dead loads). We'll run through an ex­
onal braces have to be ducked, and no posts ob­ i ng stress values for a particular species of wood ample, sizing red oak floor joists, 36 in. on center
trude into the living space. Structural engineer­ are unavailable in the standard references, clear over a 12 Yz-ft. span , to be covered with nominal
ing lets you work to the designer's specifications, wood strength values can be obtained from the 2-in. spruce decking.
choosing scantlings (timber sizes) and deciding USDA Wood Handbook. The formula for finding the deflection result­
upon joist and rafter spacings. Most timber frames are built of green wood, i ng from a uniformly distributed load is:
which is both heavier and weaker than dry. The
5 wL4
I ntuition and experience-Our medieval an­ increased dead load due to the initial high mois­ tJ. = 384£1 '
where
cestors didn't have refined engineering tools, yet ture content, combined with decreased stiffness
they created monumental wooden structures (increases of 20% to 30% are typical after green
unmatched in modern times. An experienced wood dries) can cause a joist or girder to dry with
tJ. = The maximum deflection (in inches)
at midspan;
carpenter seldom needs tables, and with some a pronounced sag. Take care that your floor will
conventional building experience under your be strong enough when new. You may want to w = the weight. each lineal inch of each joist
belt you should be able to extrapolate to dimen­ add temporary midspan support to beams must support (in lb / in.);
'
sion timber in other framing situations. For in­ whose green strength is questionable. =
L the length (in inches) of the unsup-
stance, in a floor where 2x8s 1 6 in. on center are In beam design, you should check all members
ported span;
adequate, then 3x8s 24 in. o.c., 4x8s 32 in. o.c. for shear and bending moment. An additional
� r 6x8s 48 in. o.c. will do just as well, with
heavier flooring as spacing increases.
calculation for deflection is necessary for floor
joists and in other situations as called for by
£
=
= the modulus of elasticity (psi);
b the width of the joist in inches;
I f you wonder whether a certain beam will be code. Shear is the limiting factor in short, heavi­
springy, block the ends up off the ground or floor l y loaded spans or if you're using narrow, deep d= the depth of the joist jn inches; and
and j ump on the middle. With some blocking, members. Deflection governs in long, lightly 1 = the moment of inertia (in in.4), bd31 1 2
beams and planks, you can quickly mock up a loaded beams, as well as in broad, shallow ones. (see glossary).
floor and try it out. Vary the timber spacing and For intermediate situations, bending moment is
see what happens. A little empirical knowledge usually the limiting factor. Begin by substituting
goes a long way in timber design, and leaves you For sizing floor joists, some codes specify' live
better prepared to deal with the complexities of
the more rigorous engineering approach.
load deflection only, while others call for defl�c­
tion due to both live and dead loads. Typical al­
�
3 0'
the maximum allowable deflection,

lowable deflections in floor joists and beams are

Using structural formulas-When you meet l'J60 of the length of the unsupported span if for tJ.,
and juggling the formula algebraically to
up with a problem you can't solve empirically, or you're figuring live load only, or Yz 0 of the length solve for I, which will let us determine accep­
4 table joist dimensions. So:
you want to check on a particular frame ele­ of the span if you're figuring combined live and
ment, it's nice to have the resources of modern dead loads. The minimum standards for uni­ 75wP .
1=
structural engineering to fall back on. Joist and formly distributed live loads are 40 psf for first 1 6£
rafter tables in the standard carpentry texts floors, 30 psf for upper floors and inhabitable at­ We already know some values:
aren't much help, because they are keyed to di­ tics and 20 psf for uninhabitable attics.
m ensioned lumber. There are a few books When you plug values into the formulas, use L
=
1 50 in. ( 1 2 Yz and ft.),
geared to the needs of the timber framer (see the actual and not nominal sizes of members. Final­ £ = 1 ,500,000 psi for red oak.
bibliography at the end of the article), but even ly, lengths in formulas are usually given in To calculate w, we first have to figure out the
the best reference has limitations. For example, inches, not feet, so keep your units straight. load each joist must carry. Each joist supports
if you are checking deflection in 1 6-ft. long, 7-in. The formulas here will let you size a simply half of the uniformly distributed load on each
by 9-in. hornbeam timbers on 37-in. centers with supported rectangular beam that bears a uni­ side of it. for interior joists, this is the same as the
a 95 pound per square foot (pst) live load, formly distributed load or a concentrated load at distance between· two joists (see the drawing on
chances are all the tables in the world won't help the middle of a span, the two most common p . 2 7). In our example, this is 36 in.
loading conditions on floors and roof. The for­
£d Levin, of Canaan, N.H. , designs and builds mulas cover 90% of the bending and deflection = 40 psf (uniform load) x 36 in.
W
timber-framed houses. problems you'll encounter in floor framing. (so w
1 44 in.2/ft.2 is in lb./in.)

24 F I NE HOM EB U I LD I NG
 Glossary of Structural Terms
When a simple beam is bent downward under While a timber's bending strength is its
load, its top is in compression and its bottom is ability to carry a load without breaking,
Tension in tension. Tension is the state of stress in Stiffness stiffness is its ability to remain rigid in use.
which particles of material tend to be pulled Deflection Stiffness is measured by beam deflection, the
apart. Ropes and cables are purely tensile amount a loaded beam will bend below the
elements and will not assume any compressive horizontal. For a fixed load, stiffness
or bending stress. The opposite of tension is
Compression compression, the state of stress in which
particles of material tend to be pushed
together. Concrete resists compression but
doesn't cope well in tension. That's why it is
varies directly with the breadth and the cube
reinforced with steel rods in areas of tensile
of the depth of the timber, and inversely with
strain. It's easy to see that knots are a greater
the cube of the length of the span

Compression
(stiffness a. bd 3/P).
.- �
?! In deflection calculations, timber size is
.. .� - Moment of inertia usually expressed as moment of inertia (I). For
T ension rectangular beams, 1 = bd3/ 1 2.
Shear is the state of stress in which particles
disadvantage in tension. This explains why of material tend to slide relative to each other.
they were traditionally placed in the top Horizontal timbers under load tend to break or
surface of joists and girders. shear off at the edge of their supports. This
Bending stresses are greatest at the top and Vertical shear vertical shear is always accompanied by
bottom surfaces. They decrease toward the Horizontal shear horizontal shear. You can understand this
center. Fibers in the middle of the beam are phenomenon if you take a half·dozen or so
neither tensed nor compressed, and are said to
Neutral axis lie along the neutral axis (see deflection).
Bending strength is limited by the maximum
Extreme fiber stress safe extreme fiber stress. This is the capacity
of the wood to resist powerful compressive and
tensile forces at the upper and lower faces of a
loaded timber. For a given load, bending
pieces of wood about % in. by 2 in. and lay
strength varies directly with the breadth and
them flat one on top of the other. Support the
the square of the depth of the timber, and
ends and depress the middle. You'll notice that
inversely with the length of the span
as the center bends downward the individual

(strength <X '1:). strips of wood tend to slide along one another.
This horizontal shear force operates the same
way In a solid timber, except there adhesion
In bending calculations, timber size is
between the wood fibers keeps them from
Section modulus usually expressed as the section modulus (5).
sliding, which causes shear stress in the
For rectangular beams, S = bd2/6. Bending
timber. The shear stress acts to split the timber
Bending moment force is quantified as the bending moment. For
along the grain, the direction in which wood is
our simple beam, the moment is greatest at
weakest. This points up another property of
midspan and drops to zero over the supports.
Anisotropy wood-it is anisotropic. Unlike steel, concrete,
Elastic Wood is an elastic material, one which
aluminum or plastic, the structural properties
deforms under load, but whose deformation
of timber are not identical in every direction.
vanishes when the load is removed. Materials
Dead load Dead load is the weight of the structure itself
that remain deformed after loads are removed
and aU loads permanently on it. For our
Plastic are described as plastic, and as with any elastic
purposes this generally means the weight of
material there are limits to the loads wood can
the timber frame plus flooring or roofing and
bear without behaving plastically. Live load insulation. Live loads are all loads other than
A compressive or tensile force acting on an
dead loads-usually the weight of people and
Stress elastic material sets up stress (force per unit
their furniture as well as wind and snow loads.
area, usually expressed in psi). This causes the
You need dead load values to design a
material to be slightly shortened or stretched.
structure, but you can't determine them until
Strain This is strain, the lengthwise deformation per
after the structure is designed. So even
unit of a material under load (expressed in
engineers have to start with an educated guess.
inches of deformation per linear inch of
Roof rafters must be strong to take snow
material, or In.lin.). The set of stress values
loads, but stiffness is not a requirement unless
that wood responds to elastically is called its
you plan to finish the underside of the roof.
Elastic range elastic range. The point at which it begins to
So scantlings are often determined by bending
Yield load exhibit plasticity is its yield load. In most strength. But floor joists and the timbers that
cases, persistent plastic behavior immediately carry them must not only be strong, but stiff as
precedes the failure of the timber. well, because you don't want a springy floor, so
Within its elastic range, wood deformation sizes are limited by deflection. A certain
under load is directly proportional to that load. amount of deflection is inevitable in rafters,
This proportion of load to deformation, written joists and beams, but you can take advantage
as the ratio of stress to strain for a particular
Modulus species of wood, is called its modulus of
of elasticity elasticity (E), the constant used to calculate
stiffness in beams. It expresses the linear
relation between a given stress (load) and the
of bowed timbers to introduce an upward
resulting strain (deformation) in the material:
Camber camber in the floor or roof. Then as the

E
(pSl
.
)
_
- stress (Psi) member settles under load it will not assume
str-ain (in.lin.) a negative or down ward curvature. -E.L.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 25
 so w = 1 0 Ib./in. (each inch of each joist must

X 3 3 Y2 4 5 5 Y2 6 7 7Y. 8 9 9Y, 10 11 Y. 12
carry the load of 10 lb.).
Now we plug these figures into our formula:

1 Y2
l/:V 2 l% � 3 V. V: 8 13 21 32
1 =
75wL3
1 6£
=
(75)(10 Ib'/in.)(1 50 i n.)3

= 1 05.47 in.4
( 1 6) ( 1 ,500,000 psi)

2
V V l% 5
� � 12 21 33 48
By checking the table at left for moments of in­
ertia or by substituting for b and d in the equa­

l%�l/:�l%�l%l%����V:�
54 t ion I = bd3/ 1 2 , we see several joist dimensions
3 that would work :
5 6 8 13 15 25 26 32 41 43 50 63 72
3x8: 1 3x83
= = 1 2 8 in . 4

� � 1/ � /
12
3%
4x7: 1 4x73 1 1 4 . 33 in , 4
7 18 31 50 74 = =12

l% VV. �C< �� l/: � 6x6: 1 6x63 1 08 in . 4

4 = =
96
12
11 17 24 33 43 54 67

l/: � � � �
Combined load deflection -The other com­
4 Y2 mon code standard for floors is combined l ive
9 23 39 64 95
(40 psI) and dead loads with deflection of �4 0 of

v.:� �/ �� � k
the length of the unsupported span. To find the
5 dead load, we have to know the weight of the
13 21 30 41 53 68 83 1 20 decking (about 4 psI) and of the joists themselves
(48 Ib./ft. 3 for red oak at 25% moisture content).

1/ � � v, v.:
A 6x6 joist, the heaviest of the three listed
5 Y2
above, contains 432 in.3 of wood per linear ft.
11 28 48 78 1 16
(6x6x I 2), or.25 ft.3 of wood. Multiplying this by

v.:V,: �l/ �Va: C2 �

the value of 48 Ib./ft.3 for red oak gives us a
6 weight of 1 2 lb. per linear ft. Since the joists fall
16 25 36 49 64 81 1 00 1 44 on 3-ft. centers, they contribute

1�/
l% v.:� V,:C( � �
12 ft. or 4 Ib'/ft.2 to the dead load:
7 3
29 42 57 75 95 1 17 1 68
4 Ib./ ft. 2 (Joist weight)

� Va; � �
+ 4 Ib'/ft.2 (Decking weight)
7Y. 8 Ib./ft.2 (Total dead load)
37 103 1 53
+ 40 Ib./ft . 2 (Live load)

n
� � � � 38 66 1 07 1 58
= 48 Ib./ft.2 (Combined load).

Finding w as we did in the first case:

- �V: �V � �
M o m e nts of I nerti a ( I )
a n d Section M od u l i ( S )
48 65 85 1 08 1 33 1 92
w = (48 psf) (36 in.)
1 44 in.2/ft.2
= 12 Ib./in.

� Va:� v: �
bd' , bd2
547 And for I:J. = L l 240, 1 = 25wCl/8E. So
9 I= = 12
S
6 (25 )(12 Ib./ in.)(150 i n.)3
74 96 1 50 216 1 = = 84. 38 in.4
- = b bread t h o f ti m ber ( i n . ) 8 ( 1 ,500,000 psi)
9 Y,

- l/: l? V.
d = d e p th o f ti m ber ( i n . )
81 1 32 195
all four previously selected joist sizes pass the
combined load, Ll240 test. So do a couple of
new choices:

�� �� � lZ
Moments of inertia, at the
10 upper left o f each small 3x7: 1 = 3x73 86 i n . 4
=
box, are expressed in in . ' . 12
60 82 1 07 1 35 1 67 240
- Once y o u have figured

� �
5x6: 1 = 5x63 = 90 in.4.

l/:
whal value is required for
maximum allowable defleclion, 12
1 0 Y2
I
check to see that for the timber
92 1 50 22 1 To check deflection for any concentrated mid­
dimensions you are considering
- is higher. Section moduli, a l Ihe span loads, use the formula I:J.
PL 3/48£1, =
� V
lo wer rig ht o f each box, are where P the weight of the concentrated load
=
11y, expressed in in. 3 . A fter you've in lb. The inverted form of this equation is:
figured the value for maximum 1 60 237
- allowable bending, check to
1 = 1 5PU I:J.
�C<:: C2 �
see tha t S for your timber when = L/360, or
12 dimensions is higher. 2£
1 28 1 62 200 288
PU
I = 5 when I:J. = Ll 240.
£

26 FINE HOMEBU ILDING

 Maximum deflection in both concentrated
midspan and uniformly distributed loads occurs
Uniformly distributed loads
at m idspan. To find deflection resulting from a
combination of the two, we can do the separate
calculations for each and simply add the results.
In a floor with three or more members on cen­
ters of 2 4 in. or less, allowable stress may be in­
creased by J 5'Y.>. See values for repetitive mem­
ber uses in the supplement of the National De­
sign Specifications for Wood Construction.
Deflection figures are based on so-called nor­
mal loading, which assumes that a structural
member will carry its full design load for an ac­
cumulated total of ten years during the life of the
building. Where you expect that a beam will be
fully loaded, continuously or cumulatively, for
longer than that, you should reduce the allow­
able stress values by 1 0% . Timbers permanently
stressed at full design load can deflect as much as
J � times (2 times for unseasoned wood) the
amount calculated for normal loading, because
Each joist carries half of the uniformlv distributed
of long term inelastic deformation, or creep.
weight between it and its neighbors. For interior
joists, each one carries weight distributed
Bending over the on-center spacing of the joists.

Having satisfied the deflection criteria, we

should verify that the joists are strong enough in
bending as well. In bending: Summary of most useful equations
f == M , U n i f o r m l y d i stri b u ted l oa d C o n ce n t ra ted m i d s p a n l oa d
S
where
� == 5 w L4
Deflection :

M wU for uniform loads

384EI
== - 8
1 == 75wL3 1 == 1 5PU
and for � == L l 360 ,
1 6E
for � == L l 360,
2E

M == PL
4
for concentrated loads,
for � == L l 240 , 1= 25wL 3
for � = L l 240 , 1 == 5PL'
8E E
where
M
f == maximum extreme fiber stress in psi Bending: f == f = M
(see glossary); S S

M == maximum bending moment in inch­ M ==

wL ' PL
pounds; M=
8 4
P == weight of the concentrated load in lb.,
and
S == section modulus bd2 (in.3).
6

Solving for uniform loads: Shear: V = �2

M wU
S == T == 7ff '
3V
H = == ==3V 3P
2 H
2 4
Given w == 1 2 lb.lin. ,
L 1 50 i n . , and
== h =
3V
== ..lL h = == �
3V
f == 1 ,500 psi for our red oak joists: 2A 2bd
2A 4bd

wU == (12 Ib.lft . ) (150 in.)2

l 1
For notched beams:
S == == 22.50 in.3.
8f (8) ( 1 ,500 psi) 3 Vd 3 Vd == 3Pd 3Pd
H = or d ' == h or d ' ==
2b '(d') ' 2b 'h 4b '(d') ' 4b 'h
This time we check the table on the facing
page for section moduli:
� == M a x i m u m d e f l e c t i o n ( a t m i ds p a n ) M ==== Bending moment ( I b ' )
i n i n ches f E x treme f i ber s t ress ( p s i )
3x7: S == 25 in.3
w = Wei g h t per u n i t length ( I b . l i n ) S == Section modulus ( i n .3 )
3x8: S == 32 in,3
L = U n s u p ported s p a n ( i n . ) b ' == N e t w i d t h ( i n . ) , a s i n doveta i l w a i st
4x7: S == 33 in,3 E == M od u l u s o f e l a s t i c i ty ( ps i ) d' == N e t d e p t h ( a bove n o t c h ) i n i nches
5x6: S == 30 i n . 3 b = B e a m width ( i n ) v = Vertical s h e a r ( i b . )
6x6: S == 36 in.3 d Beam depth ( i n ) H H o r i z o n t a l s h e a r f o rce f i b . )
1 == = M o m e n t of i n e r t i a (bd3 / 1 2 ) h
==== H o ri z o n t a l s h e a r s tress ( ps i )
All six choices are adequate in bending. P == C o n c e n t r a ted l oa d f i b . ) A == Area o f b e a m c ross sec t i o n ( i n ' )
As with deflection, you can find bending stress

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 27
due to combined uni form and centrally placed Shear with notc hing When a notch is taken
- It is apparent that the wider the timber, the
concentrated loads by addition . from the bottom of a joist or beam , the cross­ deeper the notch that may be taken out. This
sectional area is diminished while the shear sheds some light on the apparently illogical use
Shear force rema ins constant, resulting in increased of square-section j oists and beams in traditional
Once you've chosen timber dimensions, you horizontal shear stress. The concentration of structures where it appears that narrow and
should check their resistance to horizontal shear stress at the inside corner of the notch (which deep pieces would have served better structural­
stress. For the loading discussed here, shear often lies close to the neutral axis where shear is ly. Not only were square timbers easier to hew
stress is greatest directly over the supports and greatest) ma kes spl itting and eventual failure at from the tree, but they were also better suited to
negligible at midspan. With loads placed sym­ this point a danger. the notching necessary to fit them into the
metrically, the vertical shear force ( V) is equal at To allow for this weakness. the shear formula frame. It is often the case in timber framing that
both ends. The formulas for finding V are: (h = :W/2/x1) is modi fied : The net effective when a particular member seems poorly de­
depth of the timber above the notch (d') is substi­ signed in structural terms. it makes perfect sense
V = w2L in continuous loading, and tuted for the total depth The value of the re­
(d). when the demands of joinery are considered.
sultant shear stress is then further increased by One way of relieving the stress concentration
V = in concentrated loading.
!:.- mu ltiplying it by a safety factor equal to the ra­ in soffit notches, when there i s no aesthetic ob­
2
tion of the full depth to the net depth The
(d/d'). jecti on, is to cut away the material below the in­
For rectangular beams, horizontal shear force
revised formula looks l ike this: side corner of the notch in a gradual curve
(H) is I Yz times as great as the vertical shear force
(drawing, below). This brings the strength of the
3 V/2). Horizontal shear stress is equal (h ) ) (d joist in shear back up close to the value indicated
(H
(l L
bd ' d'-I)
=
to the horizontal shear force divided by the area h- 2 by the net depth, unaffected by notching.
of the beam cross section (A ), taken over the
Notching the side of beams. as in dovetail lap
supports A where A = bdl. So:
(h =H/ Going back to our floor-framing example, sup­ joints, for example, also reduces the area of the
3V pose that we use a 4x7 joist and half-lap it into its cross section and increases shear stress. For
h =
2bd carrying timber (drawing, below). Solving the these situations, substitute (the net effective
b'
Our oak j oist with the smallest cross �ection formula for an acceptable d' and plugging in the width of the timber) for (the total width of the
b
was the rough 3 x 7 . acceptable h value of 1 00 psi, we have: t i mber). For a dovetail lap j o i n t . is t h e
b'
Checking it for shear stress. we find: thickness of t h e waist of t h e dovetail, and
3 Vd (3) (900 Ib.)(7 i n . )
( 1 2 Ib./i n . ) ( I S O in.) d' = 1 = 4% i n . h -- �
V = = 900 lb .. and
=
wI. 2 h
b (2) (4in . ) ( I 0 0 psi) 2b'(d')2
2 2

( 3 ) (900 lb.) So when using a 4x7 in this application. a net For a dovetail lap joint with a 4-in. waist in a
h =� = 64.29 psi . depth of at least 4 % in. must be left above the 6x6 joist:
2bd (2)(3 in.)(7 i n . )
notch. Checking the other timbers which were
3 Vd = (3) (900 Ib.)(6 in.) _ 11
A n allowable h value for red o a k of 1 00 psi possible solutions to the joist problem, we find d' = l 2b'h 4 Ill .
- 12 •
(2)(4 i n . ) ( 10 0 psi)
puts this scantling well within safety limits. Safe that for a 3x8. d' = i n . for a dressed 4x8.
6 ; d' =
h values for most species used in framing range S7'I " i n . ; for a 6x6. d' = 3 1 Yl" i n . : for a 3x7. d' = The net depth above the notch must be at least
from 6S psi to I SO psi. S% i n . ; and for a Sx6, d' = 4 �6 in. 4 Yz in . 0

For reference and further reading

Structure in A rchitecture by Mario Salvadori and
Half-lap joint
Robert Heller ($21 .95 from Prentice Hall, Englewood
Relieving shear stress
()76�2).
Cliffs. N . J.
Structure,." or Why Things Don 't Fall Down by J . E.
Cuuing material away in a gradual Gordon ($17.% from Plenum Press. 23� Spring St . .
New York . N .Y. 1001�).
curve relie ves stress
concentration at the
inside comer of Both books a r e excellent i n t roductions t o t h e basic
the notch. structurill concepts without mathematical overload.

Wood Structural Design Data ($12.00 from the Na­

t ional Forest Products Associ ation. 1619 Massachu­
setts Ave .. NW 20036).
The best structural manual for t i mber framers. with
tilbles. formulas and background information.

National Design Specifications for Wood Con­

struction ($6.50 from the National Forest Products
Association).
Supplement includes comprehensive tables of de­
sign values for graded lumber.

Timber Construction Manual by the American In­

s t i t u t e o f Timber Construction ($22.95 from John
Wiley & Sons).
A good basic refereIl'�e. with information on work­
ing stresses and loadi n g situations.

Wood Handbook ($10.00 from t h e U.S. Government

Printing Office. Washington. D . C . 20402).
Another good basic reference. with information on
clear wood values.

Simplified Engineering for A rchitects and Build­

Dovetail values Use b' (waist of the dovetail) to fin d the
minimum acceptable d'.
ers by H . F. Parker ($27.50 from John Wiley & Sons).
An i ntroductory structural t e x t .

28 FIN I, HOM E B U I L D I N C;
 An Island Retreat
A chainsaw and a milling attachment
turn salvaged logs into a simple vacation cabin

by David K, Ford
O ur log cabin was built in less than a month
on an island in central Ontario where we spend
new flat side, and ripped along both sides of the
plank. These cuts produced a timber with three
our summers. It's what is known in Canada as a faces parallel or perpendicular to each other. Be­
sleep cabin-a single room that serves as bed­ cause we used a 2x6 plank as a guide, the face
room and living room-with a screened porch at between the parallel sides of all the timbers was
the front (south) and a small porch at the rear for always 6 i n . wide.
firewood and a wash bench. Sanitation? An old­ To build our cabin, we simply stacked the
fashioned outhouse back in the woods. squared timbers and spiked them together. We
Like the Ojibway Indians who have lived here further simplified the construction by butting
for generations, we oriented our cabin to the the timbers at corners, alternating joints rather
south to catch the warm breezes of Shawandas­ than using the interlocking joints found in most
see, the south wind. Woods to the north screen traditional log buildings.
our site from other buildings on the five-acre The pioneers used the more complex chinked­
island, and also from Keewaydin, the north wind log or scribed technique (see FHB#2 , p. 38-4 1 )
that sweeps off the subarctic tundra around Hud­ because they had unlimited supplies o f logs in
son Bay, and is chilly even in summer. any diameter or length they cared to select, and
The wood for our cabin cost almost nothing a severe shortage o f nails or other metal fast­
because we used logs salvaged from the bay be­ eners. Because they couldn't afford the luxury of
hind our island. Over the years, hundreds of drying their logs, they left them long to cope
them-those with the densest wood-had sunk with the i nevitable end-checking. Our timbers
to the bottom after being pushed into the lake were dry. Besides, these days it's easy to trim and
during logging operations. The logs were be­ shape logs with chainsaws, and because inex­
tween 1 2 i n . and 1 8 in. in diameter, and most pensive steel fasteners are everywhere, it made
had been cut to just over 1 6 ft. in length . It was sense to build in a way that gets more mileage
easy to raise one end of each log out of the water out of available logs.
with a %-in. chain and tow it ashore behind a Our Ojibway building crew, who had built
small aluminum fishing boat with a I O-hp motor. many conventional log cabins, were skeptical at
We used pulleys and come-alongs to roll the logs first, but by the end of the project they were
onto the doc k . We figured we would need about planning, with the aid of our photographs, to sell
50 timbers for the cabin . Working unhurriedly similar cabins to others in the area. Even before
during short summer vacations, it took us three we were finished, they were bringing around
years to collect, cut and stack the logs under prospective customers.
a nother cabin to dry.
Preparation for building - We planned the
Making timbers with a chainsaw- The key to one room to use our full-length timbers, which
our simplified building technique was a chain­ would yield finished inside dimensions of 1 5 ft.
saw m illing device called a Lumber/ Maker, a 4% in. on a side. All doors and windows were
simple attachment that uses a 2x4 or 2x6 pl ank planned to have small panes of glass. Large pic­
as a track along which the saw rides to make ture windows with double panes are attractive,
long, straight, ripping cuts. It's possible for a per­ but we had to carry the materials we used over
son working alone to saw up a log, but the job long distances by boat and by hand. Small panes
goes much faster if one person pulls the saw with are easier to transport, and easier to replace if
a rope while a second holds it upright and guides t hey break.
it along the plank. This way neither person has We drew up working plans, built a small model
to work very hard. Any decent chainsaw will do to check our ideas, and in the spring of 1 980,
this job. We used a Stihl 0 1 5 with a 1 4-in. bar. were finally able to tell George Mathias, our
Just be sure that the saw you choose has a good friend and advisor, and a highly skilled builder,
anti-vibration system, an effective muffler and that h e could muster his crew and be ready to go
an automatic chain-oiling mechanism. Since the when we arrived August 1 .
c uts are long and sustained, you'll also have to The cabin is built of salvaged logs shaped with a
George cleared the site and poured simple, py­
file the teeth regularly for ripping (see the draw­
chain saw milling attachment. Each log is cut in
half, then squared on two sides (top), Stacked and ramidal concrete foundation piers, set with their
ing on the next page). spiked timbers butt at corners in an alternating bottoms on the bedrock. We left the rough wood
Our first cut was right down the center of the pattern (above). Small-diameter logs split length­
forms on the piers so the bare concrete would
log, halving it lengthwise. Then we flipped each not show. Then came the three stringers, 35-ft.
wise and nailed under the eaves and gable over­
hangs reinforce the roof boards. Porch steps and
half-log onto its round side, centered a 2x6 on its jacks are made of leftover slabs. full-round, peeled logs. We notched their bot-

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 29
 toms and set them on top of the piers (photo
Filing for ripping
Parts of a cutter
center left). In central Ontario, we don't have to
You can buy special rip chain if you're going into worry about termite damage, but in many areas
production. Otherwise, just file your standard S i d e plate termite shields should probably be installed be­
chain as shown below. Cutter angles on standard
chipper chain are usuaf/y filed to an angle of 35°. Depth gauge
tween the posts and the stringers. We then flat­
For ripping, an angle of between 10°
and 15°
makes for quicker and more efficient cutting. The
tened and leveled the tops of the stringers with
hook in the Side plate should be angled at about
drawknife, ax and chainsaw, and were finally
15°, too. Make sure the depth gauges project less ready to start building.
than the cutters. You don't want them digging in
as you make your long cuts.
Laying up timbers- We decided not to install

Filing a cutter for ripping

the floor until the house was enclosed, because
Depth-gauge setting

150 5
the chipboard sub flooring we were planning to
Angle of hook in side plate use would warp badly if it got wet. So we began

�� ir' 0
Top-plate f i l i n g angle to lay the timbers that would make up the walls,
10° to
nailing each, round side out, to the one beneath
it with 1 2-in. spikes, which we spaced every 2 ft.
or 3 ft. With four of us working, three or four
rounds went up easily each day. We used full­
length timbers for the first round and wherever
openings did not interrupt the wall, and shorter
ones between doors and windows. Our numer­
ous door and window openings stretched our
Concrete foundation piers support three notched full· round stringers (below). Cabin timbers are laid
supply of timbers and also speeded up the work,
up with their inside faces flush (bottom). Fiberglass between the rounds will fill gaps in case of shrink· because short timbers are easier to fit and to
age. The outside faces of the timbers are more sharply rounded so snow won't stick and water will run spike into place than long ones.
off. Door and window openings were laid up rough, then trimmed to size with chainsaws. The timbers were thoroughly dry, some hav­
ing been under cover for as long as four years.
They worked beautifully with drawknife, ax and
plane when we had to trim their surfaces to
achieve a tight fit (not too much work here, be­
cause everything had been sawn straight to
begin with). We decided to lay strips of fiberglass
2 in. wide by about % in. thick between the tim­
bers in case shrinkage of the wood opened up
gaps. One of the builders said that the last log
cabin he had built, using the traditional full­
round, green log method, settled 4Yz in. the first
year. We have a bet with him that our walls won't
settle measurably, because the timbers were all
so dry and laid so tight.
In addition to trimming the flat surfaces, we
also beveled off sections of the gently curving,
unsquared outer faces (photo below left). This
way the outside wall would present no flat
shelves on which rain or snow could accumulate
and then seep into the joints. The Ojibways
referred to this as " giving it a loggy look."
One of the most satisfying results of construc­
ting a log cabin by this method is the handsome
paneled look of the inside walls. We could have
planed them smooth and finished them, but we
like the texture the chainsaw gave them. As
they age, they will take on a pleasing golden col­
or, and when we want to hang anything on a
wall. we just drive a nail or bore a hole for a peg.

p
A change in lans When the walls reached
-
their full 8-ft. height, we decided to change the
details of roof construction. Our plans, made
many months before and many miles away, had
called for plywood sheathing and drop siding to
form the gable ends at north and south, 2x8 roof
rafters and %-in. plyscore roof sheathing. On the
site, we decided first that since we had plenty of
logs, we would lay timber walls above the 8-ft.
wall heights to form the gable ends. Each course
was slightly shorter than its predecessor, but was
left with ample stock to allow for the trim. When
we reached full height, we snapped chalk lines
to mark the final slope, tacked up a straight 2x6
 plank and cut the finish line using a chainsaw
and the milling attachment (photo right). This
went very quickly, and it was an efficient use of
the short pieces of timber that had accumulated.
We also felt that the appearance of plyscore
roof sheathing on the inside of the cabin would
not be in keeping with the rough pine walls, so
we bought I -in. rough-cut pine boards 1 0 in. to
12 i n . wide from a lumber mill. And, at George's
suggestion, we decided to save time, material
and money by forgetting about rafters. Instead
we used a top plate, a ridgepole and a single pur­
lin halfway up the slope on each side of the roof.
George trimmed them so the roof planks would
lie flat and be easy to nail. We nailed them up di­
agonally, leaving the planks long at the eaves
and the ends of the building, and snapped a line
and trimmed them with a chainsaw (photo be­
low right). The final roof was built up of a layer of
builder's felt covered by standard asphalt roll
roofing. After it was installed, George took a
long, slender log and split it lengthwise with his
saw. We nailed each half as reinforcement under
the board ends along each eave. We did the
same at the overhangs on the north and south,
tying the splits into the ends of the top plate, pur­
lin and ri dgepole. The resulting roof is strong
and rustic-looking.

Windows, doors and fl oors- Once the roof

was on, we trimmed the window and door open­
ings square with a chainsaw, cutting them about
� in. oversize on the sides and the top to allow
for any expansion of the frames, contraction
and settling in the timbers. When the window
and door frames were wedged and nailed into
place, we packed these gaps with fiberglass to
cut drafts, and covered them on the inside with
trim boards. The window frames, the sashes and
The gable end, laid up of short timbers, is trimmed with a chainsaw and milling attachment using a
the two doors were then given two coats of a
board as a guide (top). Diagonal roof boards overhanging the eaves are cut the same way (above).
good sealer.
Although we were building a summer cabin,
w e decided to insulate under the floor. We Finishing touches - We framed the screened timber, log or other item in place particularly
started with 2x6 joists, set on edge on top of the porch with round log posts supporting the outer well, they would step back, admire it and com­
stringers and nailed to the walls. The joists were corners of the overhanging roof and the ridge­ ment, " It looks just like it gro'd der." Our oldest
set so that their tops were 1 % in. below the level pole. The unscreened back porch was too shal­ son, who was helping on the job, disappeared
of the finished floor, as determined by the top of low to require supporting posts. one day with a nice piece of slab wood under his
the first round of timbers. This required some We used a single layer of the 1 Y.t-in . tongue­ arm. When he returned several hours later, he
notching of the joists, but the ubiquitous chain­ and-groove pine flooring on both porches. Two presented us with a sign he had carved from it
saw made short work of the job. Furring strips coats of a good grey floor enamel protect the saying, "It Gro'd Der. " This so amused the
( I x2s) nailed to the bottom of the joist sides porch floors from the weather and from wear. building crew that they used it as the lintel over
made a shelf, on which we laid %-in. tarred A few of the logs we cut produced slabs with a the screen door on the front porch. Now our
sheathing board. Batts of 6-in. fiberglass were l O-in. or I 2-in. flat side. These made great stair island cabin even has a name. D
dropped into the resulting troughs. We used treads and sides for the porch steps.
tarred sheathing because it is one of the few ma­ Brown creosote stain is the traditional ex­ David Ford is a manufacturers' representative
terials that the voracious local mice, squirrels terior finish preservative around here, but creo­ based in Cleveland, Ohio.
and chipmunks won't scavenge when they're sote is nasty to work with and doesn't resist the
building nests for the winter. weather very well. The new water-base stains
The Lumber/Maker is available from Haddon Tool,
On top of the insulation and joists, we nailed a are much nicer to use, but they look unnatural
subfloor of %-in . chipboard, followed by a vapor
4719 W Route 120, McHenry, lI/. 60050. Other chain­
and heavy to us. We liked the light grey patina
saw mills are made by Granberg Industries, 200 S.
barrier of 4-mil polyethylene. Next we nailed our long-immersed timbers had taken on, so we Garrard Blvd., Richmond, Calif 94804, and Sperber
1 Xt-in. by 4-i n . pine tongue-and-groove flooring decided just to leave them unfinished and let Tool Works, Inc. , Box 1224, West Caldwell, NJ. 07006.
boards to the chipboard and into joists with nature take its course. Our liberal roof over­ For information on chain and chainsaw acces­
1 �-in. finish nails, properly set. As a finish, we hangs shelter the walls from rain, and the space sories, write for catalogs from Bailey's, Box 550,Lay­
applied one coat of penetrating sealer, followed under the building lets air circulate freely. If the tonville, Calif 95454, or Zip Penn, Inc., 2008 E.33rd
by two coats of polyurethane varnish . All this timbers begin to show checks and cracks that St. , Box 179, Erie, Pa. 16512.
may seem l ike a bit much for a simple summer could collect moisture, or harbor ants and other For an authoritative and enjoyable guide to the use
and maintenance of chainsaws, try Barnacle Parp's
cabin, but a floor finished this way retains its harmful insects, we'll fill them with a caulking
Chain Saw Guide by Walter Hall (Rodale Press, Em­
natural wood appearance, is easy to sweep clean that matches the color of the wood.
and does not absorb dirt stains. Whenever our Ojibway friends got a building
maus, Pa. , $7.95).
F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 31
 Batten Doors
Building a solid door from common lumber

by Bruce Gordon

A fine-looking batten door can be made

from materials sold a t any b u i l d i n g-supply
to length , tongue or groove (or half-lap) each
edge and do any decorative milling.
bored and plugged, and carriage bolts for the
substantial look they give the face of the door. In
house, and can be built with limited funds and I edge-join the boards with dowels to keep the any case, the batten should have an oversized
equipment. In the years when our business had door from sagging away from its hinges and use h ole, to allow the body of the door to move with­
no shop and little machinery, we produced cus­ a Stanley self-centering doweling jig to drill two out bowing the door. Be careful to predrill even
tom batten doors at job sites, using only a table holes for 2-in . long hardwood dowels in the mat­ for clinch nails to avoid splitting the wood where
saw, an electric drill and a few clamps. They ing edges of all the boards. The holes should be the nail breaks through on the opposite side.
looked great, and were also competitive in price drilled level with the eventual position of the Ideally, the clinch nail should be bent twice so
with factory-made doors. hinges-about 13 in. from the top of the door that it penetrates back into the wood (drawing,
Batten doors do have some inherent prob­ and 7 in. from its bottom. Dowel diameters vary facing page), ensuring a tight fit. However, it is
lems, though. Wood moves. A 3 6-in. door can with the thickness of the stock, but I use %-in. common practice simply to fold the clinch nail
vary as much as % in. in width between a dry dowels with J,a -in. boards, and �-in. dowels with flat. When the battens are secure, remove the
winter and a humid summer. This will show on thicker stock. Once the holes are drilled, I apply Formica spacer strips.
the side opposite the hinges, and the door that a sealer (usually Watco or tung oil) and a first A few tips regarding hardware may help you
fits perfectly this winter may need to be planed coat of finish or stain to the boards. On a door avoid frustration. Interior batten doors are usu­
down next summer and have its latch mortise that will be painted, a coat of primer will do. a lly too thin to take either a mortised latchset or
reworked. The problem can be minimized by ac­ On a flat surface, assemble the door, inserting a cylinder latchset. Consequently, you should
commodating wood movement in the construc­ the hardwood dowels in the drilled holes. The plan on either a thumblatch or a rim lock. Batten
tion. Sealing the wood also helps, but if you use dowels should not be glued, nor should the doors are most often installed with a strap h inge,
an oil finish, the door will move more than if you boards be pulled up tightly in the clamps. In­ an H-L h inge or an H hinge.
use varnish. stead, I insert strips of Formica between the I f you don't want the traditional look such
As a rule, batten doors do not stay perfectly edges to produce uniform gaps between the hinges give a door, you can use butt h inges.
flat and straight. They tend to bow across their boards (photo facing page, top). The resulting They should be sized so that the screws fasten to
widths and sag away from their hinges. The se­ gaps allow the wood to expand. the edge of th e door itself, not to the end grain of
verity of these problems will depend on the spe­ Being careful to keep the eventual location of the battens where they won't hold. There are
cies, grading, dryness and thickness of the lum­ h ardware in mind, l ay out the battens on the also offset hinges that can help you work around
ber th at you use, and how carefully you put the back of the door. Several pattern possibilities are batten placements. Size the h inge so that its
door together. s hown in the drawing below. Check to be sure throw and the length of the batten allow the
Boards I in. thick are best for interior doors, as the door i s square and flat, then clamp the bat­ door to open 1 800 without h itting the casing. In
are I %-in . boards for exterior doors, although tens in place. Battens should never be glued to some instances it may be best to hang the door
you can use %-in. tongue-and-groove stock for the body. Attach them with metal fasteners so from the casing, not the jamb, or use a half-sur­
i n terior doors and I �-in . stock for exterior the wood can expand and contract freely. face hinge, one that combines a strap across the
doors. The batten should be I Y.t times as thick as I use four types of fasteners: rose-head clinch surface of the door with a butt plate mortised
the door body, and 6 in. to 8 in. wide . n ails for their old-style look and ease of applica­ into the jamb. 0
To begin, select the stock and cut it to approxi­ tion, drywall screws for speed when I'm not con­
mate size. If it is roughsawn, joint one face, cerned with the looks of the batten side of the Bruce Gordon is a partner in Shelter Associates,
t hickness-plane, joint one edge, rip to width , cut door, wood screws, countersunk or counter- a design and building firm in Free Union, Va.

32 FINE HOM EBU I L0ING

Ton gue·and·groove stock cut to approximate
length is laid out across two sawhorses and
clamped together flat and square. Two hardwood
dowels inserted in holes in the mating edges of
each board prevent sagging (detail, below). Above,
battens are clamped to the back of the door. For·
mica strip spacers produce gaps that will permit
the inevitable swelling. Battens should be fast·
ened with either drywall screws, clinch nails or
wood screws (left to right in bottom photo) or car·
riage bolts. Battens are predrilled for oversized
holes, right, to allow for wood movement.
 Earth Shelter on Cape Cod
An open, light-filled underground house that gains
solar heat without a southern exposure

by Malcolm Wells

34 FINE HOM EB U I LDING

 Vo u can build an earth-sheltered house on al­
most any site. Even if there's ledge rock or
groundwater under the surface, you can build
above it and then cover the building. The ideal
site, though, is in well-drained, easily dug sand.
That's what Shirley Wells and I found on Cape
Cod. Having written several books on earth­
sheltered housing and been involved in under­
ground architecture for the last 1 7 years, I knew
that my home would have to be a true earth
shelter, impinging on the environment as little
as possible. Mounding earth around and over a
house may be, in a sense, artificial, but it is far
more appropriate than building a conventional
box to stand on what was once living land.
The lot we eventually bought is a low, sandy
ridge that runs north and south. It didn't seem
suitable for the solar design I had in mind. I tried
a few south-facing designs, bisecting the ridge to
get the best exposure to the sun, but all of these
plans wound up at war with the site. Besides, I'd
always wanted to try a non-south-facing solar
h ouse . Here was my chance. Sunlight could
enter the house through a ridge-capping sky­
l ight. This long triangular tunnel of glass became
the design theme of the house. Earth berms and
extra insulation would enhance its energy effi­
ciency. Thermal mass would keep it going.

Design and planning-Our house would serve

as a year-round residence, and would also need
guest-room space, an office and a workshop/
carport. Putting this vari( d space under one roof
made sense, but using valuable energy to heat
and cool the infrequ �ntly used guest rooms,
workshop and foyer didn't. So I decided to use
one end of the house for residence and the other
for office space and guests. The foyer could sepa­
rate the halves, and would allow me to heat the
office and guest half independently.
Earth-sheltered houses must be strong enough
to support their earth covering and yet not be
fortress-like, or so confining that they trap their
occupants in rooms with only one exit. They
must also be warm and dry, well ventilated and
full of sunlight. Cape Cod is mildew heaven in
the summertime, and an underground house is a
prime target. Even with adequate waterproof­
ing, moist air will condense on a cool wall, allow­
i ng the mildew cycle to begin. I've seen this hap­
pen in many an earth-sheltered building. As a
defense against mildew and moisture build-up,
m y design included operable w i n dows and
vents, an open plan for free air flow and enough
glass to admit plenty o f sunlight. An added
measure for humidity control is the concrete.
Left exposed and unpainted, the massive but­
tresses and walls of my house would act as blot­
ters, removing excess moisture from the air.

Digging in- Most earth-sheltered houses are

built by the cut and cover technique. Soil exca­
vated to make the depression for the house is
used to berm the walls and cover the roof once
the structure is complete. My house was also built
this way. Before the heavy equipment arrived,
w e m a r k ed trees and s u p e r v i s e d t h e site­
clearing operation to ensure that no pine or
Foundation and walls with
scrub oak would be cut down unnecessarily.
floor plan Then we called in the bulldozer to hollow out the

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 35
Anchor bolt Skylight detail Lead ridge cap 1 x3 m u llions
hand-c l i nched

I 4x4
over wood
__�"��� -
- Cou n tersunk
�,--- -
45° slope ridgepole screws
��--- '!.- i n . x 'la-in .
rabbet

Galvanized t ie plate

Buttress detail
Lead
sheet

I nsulated fiberglass

I
panels
Plenum open i n g
below floor S ky l i g h t

East-west cross section

Cedar s h i n g les

V1 6 - i n .

4x12
18 i n . soil ---���
Copper cap

� .-

S teel plate an t;
I
bolts Window q u i l t

l O- i n . i n sulation batts
2-i n . foam board insulation
o n heavy vapor barrier
6- l n . r i g i d foam
insulatio n over
---lIIIl mud slab pitched east
waterproofed
concrete wa l l

sandy embankment where the house would go. square voids left in the bottoms of the buttresses ridge. The trusses were built on site from rough­
We began by pouring the concrete footings, create a continuous underfloor plenum in the ra­ sawn 4x 1 2 pine beams. Rather than order ex­
which are 8 in. h igh and 20 in. wide, strength­ diant floor slab along both sides of the building. pensive 35-ft. beams, I decided to use shorter, lo­
ened with �-in. rebar. Standard 24-ft. by 32-ft. The four centermost buttresses that enclose the cally milled timbers, joining two lengths with
concrete basements are a snap for the local foun­ unheated foyer have no voids. shop-made steel plates and lag bolts. Each of the
dation contractors, but forming and pouring the As soon as the concrete had set and forms 1 0 trusses would be mounted on facing buttresses
foundation for our house was unusual. As the were pulled away, we waterproofed the exterior on opposite sides of the house. The steel saddles
walls, buttresses, cantilevered floor edges and with two coats of asphaltic foundation com­ that secure trusses were made by a local black­
underfloor openings were poured, we had form pound. The first coat was brushed on, the second smith, then galvanized.
collapses, bulges, voids and m isalignments. troweled on thick. The flexible asphalt base will The roof of my house is made of wood, earth
These things bring excitement to home build­ tend to bridge the tiny cracks that occur in al­ and glass. While lending the finished structure
i n g . Fortunately, we caught most o f these most all concrete. The compound also served as an airy but earthbound character, the materials
mistakes before irreversible damage was done. an adhesive for the insulation board we put on made special demands on the framing details for
Our plan was to pour the walls and buttresses the walls. We scraped off strips of day-old asphalt the roof. We used stock 2x 1 2 joists 1 2 in. on
first, erect the wood frame of the house and then skin, exposing patches of adhesive gook that center across the trusses, running from the
start work on the double slab floor. We separated would hold the boards in place. As protection overhang to within 5 ft. of the roof peak.
the exterior retaining walls from the house with against roots and rodents, a stucco finish was ap­ Before laying the %-in. plywood deck that
a 6-in. layer of rigid insulation (drawing, above). plied to galvanized c hicken-wire, which we would support the shingles and earth cover, Bob
This thermal break from footing to roof helps draped, loose, from the top edge of the wall and Syvanen, the carpenter, first nailed l x4 furring
keep heat in the house during the winter. With­ extended down 3 ft. below finished grade. strips down at right angles to the 2x 1 2 joists.
out it, heat from the main wall would be lost These provided space for air circulation above
through the retaining walls. I:: r ecting the forms Shingles and earth on the roof-The con­ the l O i n . of fiberglass insulation.
and pouring the cement took the crew about 20 crete buttresses, located on 1 0-ft. centers, rein­ Installing the waterproof cover over the lower
days-long, hard work , but essential because of force the massive beams that support the roof, roof section was the next job. To achieve a de­
the role that concrete plays in the house. The with its heavy earth cover and glass-enclosed pendable waterproof barrier between the earth

36 FINE H O M E B U I L D I N .G
fill and the wood roof, we used \k in . thick
��PDM (waterproof elastomer) sheets. Similar to
b u t y l m e m b rane (inne r-tube material), the
sheeting came in two seamless 50-ft. sections,
and required everyone's help to position and in­
stall. The manufacturer (Carlisle Tire and Rub­
ber Co., Carlisle, Pa. 1 70 1 3) also sells contact
adhesive for joining the I�PDM to the plywood
and itself. A narrow band of shingles overlaps
the I�PDM at its top edge. Seven courses up, the
shingles tuck under lead flashing.

Skylights on the ridge- Because the entire

ridge of the 1 00-ft. long building would be cov­
ered with glass, I kept details modular and un­
complicated. I�ven though the size of the glass
panels (28Yz i n . by 60 i n . ) was not standard, by
purchasing 84 of them, we got a discount from
the supplier. I specified single-pane, Ys-in. tem­
pered glass. Using single-pane skylights would
leave the ridge uninsulated, but this would be
"­
overcome by the double layer of fiberglass glaz­ Head carpenter Bob Syvanen applies butyl glazing tape to a skylight frame. Rabbeted Ix3 mullions cut
i n g I planned to run horizontally under the from treated stock have been nailed in place over the structural 2x4 frame. A Ix3 cap is then screwed
ridge, on the inside of the house. This light­ through the mullion and into the 2x4, sealing in the tempered 'kin. glass.

weight, translucent material would diffuse the

sunlight and also work with the skylights to ac­ Thinwall plastic pipe spans the width of the house, connecting the heating plenums on both sides. With
the pipe in place (foreground) the sand is graded and compacted in preparation for the finished floor
centuate the greenhouse effect, trapping solar pour. The sand will act as thermal storage.
heat for distribution through the house.
The 2x4 rafters slope up to a 4x4 ridgepole to
form the backbone of the skylight. For added
strength, we had to nail sheet-metal tie plates to
facing pairs of 2x4s. i':ven though the 2x4s were
carefully placed, their spaci n g wasn't exact
enough to accept the glass panels. So we made
m ullions from preservative-treated I x3s, rab­
beting both edges (drawing, facing page) before
nailing them to the rafters. We cut the rabbet
large enough (% in. by % in.) to accommodate
strip glazing (photo above right) and allow for
expansion of the glass.
Rather than i nstall a I x3 stop across the bot­
tom of each skylight pane, which would be a col­
lecting place for water, we simply laid down the
strip glazing and used roundhead screws with
rubber bushings to hold the angled glass in posi­
tion . Screwing I x3 caps over the mullions com­
pleted the job, and to make a more weather­
proof seal, we milled a shallow concavity along
the inside face of each cap and filled the depres­
sion with caulk before screwing it fast. Wood
glazing strips admittedly face a fierce environ­
ment, the most destructive element of which is
sunlight. From one season to the next, I spend
time up on the roof, inspecting the glazing,
painting on wood preservative and dabbing
caulk where it's needed. This isn't a high price to
pay, considering the l ight and heat I get in re­
turn. While damaged mullions can easily be
replaced, their supporting rafters remain pro­
tected and should last the life of the build­
ing-especially since each one is covered on its
south face with aluminum foil. The foil reflects
the many narrow bands of sunlight into the
building. This sunlight would otherwise be ab­
sorbed by the wood, so the foil also protects the
2x4s from solar degradation.

Heat-storing floor- With the shell of the house

complete, construction of the floor began . First,
a 6-mil vapor barrier was laid on the sandy sub-

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 37
 soil inside the house. Then we put down 2-in.
thick Styrofoam around the inside perimeter,
extending the insulation a total of 6 ft. in from
the walls. If there is a hard freeze, this extra insu­
lation will protect the thermal mass of the floor
slab from the low ground temperatures outside.
We poured a rough "mud" or working slab, 2 in.
thick, sloping it towards the east side of the
house so that i f leaks occur anywhere, water will
find its way to the plenum for removal.
Allowed to cure for a week, the sub-slab then
received its sand and vent-pipe bed, the heart of
my heat-storage and distribution system . The
4-in. dia. plastic pipe
connects plenums. slab

2x 4 form supports insulation board pipes (4-in. dia. ABS sewer pipe) were laid paral­
are removed after pour. lel and on 1 2-in. centers. Each runs from one
side of the house to the other, connecting intake
and distribution plenums (drawing, left). Dry
4-in. thick finish floor slab
is cantilevered over plenum. Radiant-slab heating
sand from the site was compacted and graded
over the tubes by a small bulldozer.
Solar-heated air from top
Furnace fan blows We poured the top slab in checkerboard fash­
ion, section by section. This allowed the use of
of rooms is drawn down and
solar-heated air to
blown into east-west tunnel.
expansion joints and eliminated long, unbroken
east plenum.

runs of concrete-an important way to prevent

cracking in the finished surface. I wanted some
texture in the finished floor, so each section was
roughly screeded and then left to cure.

Finishing up-Since the partitions dividing the

inside of the house would serve no structural
purpose, I specified 2x3 framing beneath �-in.
drywall. Paintings, sculpture and photographs
would be part of the finished house, so our deci­
A ir loses or gains heat sion from the outset was to keep the interior fin­
from sand bed, depending
on sunlight and bed temperature.
' " ,jwl!",f!1:A:.i .Ir: (('�.Y"II"/.(� ;, !:�,
" "4�Wl ' Warm air travels through
pipes to west plenum.
%.1A§: '";''.';l.: ' ik'�'11Ii
� . "
,
.:; East plenum
ish simple. Shirley Wells took charge of interior
design, and we worked together on landscaping.
is sealed.

A wood-strip screen made by Wells separates the kitchen from the dining area. The skylight duct over­ I still spend time in the workshop adding to our
collection of furniture. The simple, raw-wood
head brings solar-heated air down to the floor slab.

designs I've built so far go well with the rough­

sawn truss beams and exposed, unfinished con­
crete buttresses and walls.
The slab floor needed a finish sealer, so I con­
cocted a recipe of about one part Minwax Jaco­
bean stain and two parts Dutch Boy urethane
floor sealer. We used a medium-napped roller to
apply this home brew, and the results were ex­
cellent: a dark brown, leathery-looking slab that
soaks up sunlight and is a breeze to clean.

How the house wor�s- The north section of

the house, where we spend most of our time,
gets its heat from the radiant slab. On sunny win­
ter days, the oil burner stays off. A thermostat­
activated fan pulls solar-heated air through what
I call sniffer ducts at the ridge sunspace and
blows i t through the pipes set in the sand and ce­
ment floor. The slab releases its built-up heat at a
slow, steady rate, and there is also a supply o f
warm a i r that rises through t h e plenum o n both
sides of the house. If it's overcast, and in-house
temperatures fall below 60°F, the furnace trips
on and blows warm air into the plenum to main­
tain the temperature of our floor mass.
We use a wood stove to heat the south half of
the house. I haven't rigged a vent and blower ar­
rangement to link the stove to the floor mass as
yet, so this guest-room/workshop/ office section
didn't enjoy the benefits of a radiant floor during
our first winter. Judging by the performance of
the north half, however, it should work pretty
well. We burned 1 � cords of wood, and I can't re-

38 FINE HOM EBU IL0ING

Massive concrete buttresses support trusses constructed from roughsawn 4x 12 beams. Lag bolts through a steel connecting plate join beams together along
the central axis of the house. The interior of the house gets heat and light through the skylight ridge.

member being uncomfortably cold in the office to make it work better-adjusting the thermo­ well for us. Being able to roll a hand truck, dolly,
or workshop. The 6 in. of foundation insulation stat that governs the blower, using the wood garden cart or wheelchair anywhere has proved
does a good job of holding the heat inside. We stove more selectively and weatherstripping the extremely convenient, not only during con­
also bought and installed Window Quilts for the folding doors between the l iving room and the struction and moving in, but also every week as
windows on the east side of the house, and these foyer. It doesn't take long to find out that a low­ we continue the pleasant business of feathering
have helped to hold the heat gathered during energy design doesn't work by itself; the inhabi­ our nest.
winter mornings. tants have to chip in. Building my own house was very much of an
I n the summer, the overhead sniffer ducts con­ Designing and building the house taught me a experiment because it gave me an opportunity
tinue to pull solar-heated air down and through few lessons. From now on, I'll try not to create to try some t.h ings that I wouldn't want to force
the underfloor tubes just as they did in the air-leaking beam penetrations in exterior ma­ on my unsuspecting clients. Solar gain through a
winter. The blower comes on when the top-of­ sonry walls. I dearly love cantilevered beams, ridge skylight, north-south axis, rough concrete
room temperature reaches 80°F. The ducts sniff but when they shrink or twist the resulting floors, sand-bed heat storage; these were all un­
away the hot air, running it through the sand cracks admit mini-gales of cold air when a blow conventional designs I'd long wanted to use.
bed. It emerges 1 5° to 20° cooler. Where all the comes to the Cape. I'll also make sure that all Since we have been living with the house for only
heat goes, I'm not quite sure. Probably into a big built-up beams (individual planks held side by a little over a year, it's difficult to assess these fea­
bubble of warmth in the �oil far belo the house.
� side) are buttered with caulking at the wall pene­ tures. We used 200 gallons of fuel oil during the
That's why we use no oil heat until December. tration point before being spiked together so first winter; the insulated, roll-down Window
H eated air also exhausts naturally through the that shrinkage won't admit air between layers. Quilts and extra weatherstripping we later added
large, operable ridge windows above the en­ Removing and replacing the large fiberglass should reduce this figure quite a bit. The sun­
trance foyer. During the hottest summer ' days, panels overhead (under the skylight ridge) is a filled interior space is a delight, and for me it's
we fasten canvas shades over individual sky­ pain in the neck. The insulated panels aren't important to know that another small step has
l ights. The shades were made by a local, �ail­ needed in summer, and it's nice to see stars, been taken toward building and living with our
maker, and snap on easily. We do the entire sky­ clouds and seagulls through the skylight over­ natural environment in mind. 0
l ight in about 20 minutes. h ead. But having to erect a scaffold to unbolt,
The house needs some finish work done on clean and store the glazing is a lot of trouble. I'd Malcolm Wells writes and practices architecture
the inside: trim, closet doors and other small rather see a hinged or swinging insulated-panel from his home on Cape Cod. Two of his books,
touches. We're still learning the peculiarities of arrangement, something that could be operated U n derground Plans Book 1 ($13 ppd.) and
our new home, observing how i t works under by cords from floor level. Underground Designs ($6 ppd.) can be ordered
different conditions. We keep trying to find ways The open plan, with its one-level design, works by writing to Box 1149, Brewster, Mass. 02631.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 39
 Working with Green Wood
Getting the most out o f unseasoned native
lumber sawn at a local mill

by Paul Hanke

G reen, roughsawn lumber from a sawmill is

both cheaper than commercially dried wood
Buying lumber from a sawmill- You may not
be able to find local m ills simply by looking in
liver? At what cost? Does the mill have a thick­
ness planer, or can you arrange for special mill­
and stronger in the long run. Its price can be as the phone book. In our area of Vermont there ing like tongue-and-groove or shiplap i f you
much as 40% to 50% lowe r - w h ich could are some good-sized ones, a number of small op­ need it? How much extra will planing cost? Is
amount to a 1 5 % savings on a typical house­ erations, and some specialty mills that saw only there any inventory that has been around long
building project-and sawmill lumber is ulti­ clapboards or cedar shingles. Ask around and enough to be pretty well air-dried? If so, you're in
mately stronger than kiln-dried because it is cut you'll probably find several leads. Then shop luck, but give it a test lift to see how dry it is.
to full dimension (a lumberyard 2x4 is only and compare. Mills and sawyers differ in their Ask for references from other builders i f you
1 �x3 H I also think it makes more sense to use reliability, capabilities, prices and quality. haven't already gotten one from someone you
native wood than to import commercial lumber Be sure to allow enough time for the sawyer to know and trust. The two most important things
from far away on gas-guzzling transcontinental do your job. A single house may be a pretty to find out are i f the sawyer delivered on time
trucks. There are some disadvantages, though. small undertaking for a large mill, and in any and the quality of the lumber. Some experienced
The high moisture content of sawmill lumber case the operator will want to give priority to sawyers are especially good at making straight
and the shrinkage that will occur as it dries work for regular customers. Depending on the cuts and reducing dimensional variation, and
usually cause distortions that have to be com­ location and size of the mill, the sa wyer may also their work is worth more money.
pensated for. Commercial lumber has customar­ h ave to find and buy special logs for really large Once you have shopped around and are ready
ily been dried to a moisture content of 1 9% , but pieces, like big timbers for post-and-beam con­ to place your order, set delivery dates a week or
a green 2x4 will sometimes be so full of water struction, or long 2x 12 rafters. Order early to two in advance of when you need the materials.
t hat it will squirt you in the eye when you drive a give yourself and the sawyer plenty of lead time.
nail into it. In shopping for lumber, make a list of the sizes, Grading and drying - Kiln d ried lumber is in­
-
Problems also occur during construction be­ lengths and species you want. Then begin in­ spected and graded based on its species, the exis­
cause the dimensions of green framing lumber quiring whether the mills can supply them from tence of defects (see the box on the facing page)
vary by as much as % in. Such problems are not inven tory, or whether they will have to be and mechanical testing of its strength character­
insurmountable, but you need some practical c ustom-sawn. Other questions to ask: How far in istics (primarily fiber stress in bending, f, and
advice to minimize them. advance should you order? Does the mill de- modulus of elasticity, E). Such lumber will have a

Buying green lumber . . by Paul Fuge

.

When you're buying wood from a sawmill, remember that straight pine, and makes much better structural members. It's decent for framing,
lumber comes from straight trees. Understanding this, you can talk to too, though no one will ever mistake it for Douglas fir. Hemlock tends to
your sawyer about what trees he'll be cutting to fill your order. He may be a bit brittle. Watch out for shakes (see the box on the facing page).
already have the logs in his yard. If he does, be sure they're straight, and A sa wm
i ll might have some logs with subtle flaws-seams or stains or
that they haven't been there too long. Check to see the bark is still tight, little branches-that keep it from being sawn into high-grade lumber. It's
that no rot has set in, and that the wood is not infested with ants. liable to be pretty wood, and you can often buy it at a bargain by offering
The best boards and trim stock come from the part of the log some a few cents a board foot over the price of industrial lumber.
distance from its center. Lumber sawn from near the pith is subject to When your order is delivered, stack and sticker it immediately. I
stresses that can lead to warping and twisting. One good approach is to recommend shading the pile with scrap or waste wood so the sun doesn't
tell your sawyer that you want him to box the hearts of a certain number dry out the top boards too quickly. I don't believe in c;overing stacked
of the logs. This way, you'll wind up with 4x4 or 6x6 posts from the center lumber with plastic, which I feel results in higher humidity and slower
of the logs, and lots of high-quality stock from the outside- perfect if drying, even if the ends are left open in the air.
you're building post and beam. If you've ordered hardwood, this also It's worthwhile to take the trouble to stack imperfect boards with their
forces t�e sawyer to use butt logs (from the lowest and straightest part of bends, bows and cups opposing each other. They will straighten
the trunk) rather than industrial-quality tie logs (cut from the more somewhat as they dry. This is particularly important for hardwoods.
twisted, upper portion of the trunk). This isn't as important when you're The irony of all this is that most commercial, milled framing lumber
ordering softwood, which tends to be more uniform. As long as the these days is stamped S GRN, which means surfaced green. It's not kiln·
lumber is straight an� the knots are tight and less than 2 in. across, it dried, and probably has a moisture content significantly higher than the
doesn't matter if it was cut from a tie log or a butt log. Boxing the hearts, standard 1 9% . On most production jobs it is nailed in place and
though, is always a good idea if you need posts. restrained before it dries, so it doesn't twist or bend badly. If you were to
Different parts of the country, of course, have different native woods to let it dry unrestrained, though, you could have problems.
work with. Around much of New England, the most common are oak, One more thing. When you order from a sawmill, the sawyer is custom·
white pine and hemlock. Oak is great for structural posts and beams, and sawing for you and has no alternative market. Figure carefully, find a
is a safer bet than any softwood where water is liable to stand. White sawyer you think will do a good job, and then consider a deal a deal.
pine makes fine siding and trim, but doesn't hold nails well, and yields
lousy studs and beams. Hemlock is denser, heavier and stiffer than white Paul Fuge operates a lumberyard and millwork shop in Shelton, Conn.

40 F I N E HOM EB U I LD I NG
grade mark stamped on it that gives you some
assurance of quality. At a sawmill. you are on
As green wood dries
your own in determining the quality of what you
buy. A conservative rule-of-thumb for sizing Most construction lumher will shrink from 5% down ward deflection under load;
to 10% as it dries (about '/, . in. per inch across Twist- a curve in two dimensions;
joist and rafters (or for using span tables) is to as­
the grain) and about half that amount radially Checks-minor separations of the wood
sume an f-value of 900 psi to 1 .000 psi (pounds
across the growth rings. Lengthwise shrin kage along the grain, harmless if not too severe;
I�
per square inch) and an of 1 .000.000 psi for un­
is insignificant (ahout 0.2%), since wood cells Splitting- longer and deeper separation
graded lumber. (For more on sizing roughsawn reduce mostly in diameter, not length, as they along the grain (often through the board). This
lumber. see p. 2 4 .) dehydrate. A board that starts out 6 in. wide may seriously weaken beams or joists. End
If you order your lumber far enough in ad­ may he 5:'j, in. or less after it dries. That could splits measuring more than one·third the depth
vance. you can dry it yourself. Drying your own mean 'I.-in. to :y,.·in. gaps between all your of the piece of wood can result in horizontal
lumber will reduce shrin kage. checking and beautiful vertical siding. Dense woods like oak shear under load. If such splits develop during
warpi n g . i n crease strength. relieve residual shrink most, but they are also very difficult to the first year, repair or replace the board;
stresses. and minimize the possibility of decay work if dry, because they are so hard. All Shakes- similar to checks and splits, but the
wood, green or dry, will shrink or swell to wood is separated between the growth rings.
and stains. According to the USDA. I -in. boards
some extent with changes in temperature and Shakes can be serious if they are over Y8 in. or
will dry to 1 5% to 20% moisture content in
humidity. You can usually live with these small greater than one·third the board thickness.
about two months of warm. dry weather. Two­ Other defects, not caused by drying, are:
changes if you let the wood acclimate itself to
inch stock will take two to three months. Double the temperature and humidity of your site for a Rot-a serious defect, caused by moisture
that in cool weather. Here's how to do it proper­ few days before it is used. It is the defects that and fungus. Never use for a structural purpose
ly: First stack your lumber pile at least 6 i n . develop as a result of drying that you must be any piece of wood that appears punky or soft;
above t h e ground. P u t t h e thicker material on sure to compensate for, not the small changes. Knots-If there are any large knots near the
the bottom of the stack, as it is better able to These defects include: edge of a piece of wood being used for a joist
resist the weight of the boards above. (Irs harder Cup-curling of edges across the grain. This or rafter, place them up, since compression
can pop the heads of flooring or siding nails forces in the wood under load will then clamp
to get at when you need it. though.) Place
fast if you don't use th readed nails; the knot tightly in place. This is more
stickers ( I -in. spacers) between layers. perpen­
Bow-a lengthwise curve along the flat important advice than the crown-up rule, but if
dicular to the boards at 1 2-in. to I S-in. intervals.
surface of a board; there is a conflict, or if the knots are large or
Be sure they are directly over each other. and Crook-a lengthwise curve along the edge of numerous, play it safe and use another piece;
that the ends of the pile are supported. Cover the a board. In boards used on edge, such as joists, Wane-a beveled section along the edge of a
top and sides. but not the ends of the pile (as this is called a crown. It is a good practice to board where the bark used to be. This is a
shown in the drawing at right); this way you pro­ place crowns up when installing joists or visual defect, and you can use such a piece
tect it from rain yet also allow air to circulate. rafters because this helps them to resist where it isn't fully exposed. -Paul Hanke
You may want to paint the ends of the boards
with aluminum paint to slow down the rate of
o n center
drying and reduce the chance that end checks Stacking lumber for drying
will develop.
A simple polyethylene plastic "greenhouse"
with a small fan to circulate air can speed up the
drying process. Make it black on the north side.
clear on the other sides. and slope the south side
to face the sun. The USDA Forest Products Lab
(Box 5 1 30. Madison, Wis. 5 3705) has detailed in­
formation on the solar drying of lumber.

Fi n anci n g - Because sawmill lumber is not

planed smooth or stress-graded. many building 6 1n

inspectors. codes and lending agencies prohibit

its use. Banks naturally want to protect their in­
vestment. and the final condition of a green­
wood house frame is impossible to predict. since
many defects won't appear until after a year's
drying. Of course you the owner can find, eval­
uate and repair any defects that develop, but this
isn't likely to satisfy other people who are in a
position to make decisions about your project.
However, if you are building without a loan or in
an area without a lot of building regulations, you
will probably have no trouble.

Working with green wood- Luckily, given

the inconveniences and problems you can run
into working with green lumber, there are ap­
proaches and techniques that will help you do so
with every expectation of success. Here are a
few tips.
A /ways use threaded nails. Threaded nails
have 1 60% to IS0% more holding power than
e q u i v a l e n t s t r a i g h t-shan ked n a i l s , because
wood fibers expand back into the grooves after
the nail is driven. They come in various sizes and
in two types: spiral-groove (thread is cut into the

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 41
Nailing board and batten shank) and ring-shank (looks like a screw, but Further reading
doesn't spiral (see the drawing, bottom).
Designing and Building Your Own House Your
Boards can move
I once used 9-in . threaded spikes to attach Own Way by Sam Clark ($8.95 from Houghton :vlif­
as they shrink. dormers to the roof of an old Vermont farm­ f l i n Co . . 2 Park St . . 130st o n . �ass 02 1 (8). Includes air­
house. Occasionally one would bend after being drying. defects of lumber. sawmill vs. l u mberyard.
driven an inch or two, and we couldn't pull it out a n d step-by-step procedures. l3y a n experienced
with a wrecking bar' It had to be hacksawn off. green-wood carpenter.
and a new nail tried elsewhere. The Green Wood House by Larry Hackenberg
Threaded nails are the best insurance that ($4.95 from University Press of Virginia. Box 3608.
your joints will stay together. They cost about Uni versi t y Station. Charlottes v i l l e . Va. 229(3).

50% more than the straight-shan ked type, but The Owner Built Home by Ken Kern ( $ 7 .95 from
they are worth it, especially when you consider Charles Scribner's Son s . 597 5 t h Ave .. New Yor k . N .Y.
that the cost of nails is typically only about I % of 1 ( 0 1 7 ) . Chapter 24 discusses wood and v a r i o u s
the cost of a house. I�xcept for 6d flooring nails, t h readed fasteners.

threaded nails may not be readily available at Low-Cost Green Lumber Construction by Leigh
building supply dealers, so inquire in advance, Seddon ( $ 8 . 95 from Garden Way. C h a r l o t t e . V I .

and order i f necessary. 05445). I n cl u des pract ical advice. case studies and
Boards can't p l a ns for a solar drier.
move, may split.
Larry Hackenberg, who wrote The Green
Wood House, suggests n a i l i n g battens into From the Ground Up by Charles Wing and John

boards when applying siding to reduce cupping Cole ($9.95 from Little. I3rown & Co . . 34 Beacon St . .
B o st o n . � a s s . (2 1 0 6 ) . G r a d i n g a n d s e a so n i n g
(drawing, top left). This is the opposite of con­
l u mber, p l u s span tables for roughsawn stock.
ventional construction practice. I think you'd get
In board-and-batten construction, don't nail the
batten to the boards in an attempt to prevent extra splitting using Hackenberg's method. A
cupping. As the boards dry, they will shrink and better solution is to pay attention to the Heart
move . If they are nailed to the battens, they will
probably split.
Side Out rule, explained at the end of this article. in deflection. They'll be 30'Yc, to 100% stronger
Always nail at close i ntervals into green wood, when they're dry than when they were green. A
G reen wood for joists and studs
but don't nail within about I � in. of the ends of temporary brace will keep them from bending
I -in. boards or you'll split the wood. Driving nails out o f shape while they season.
at a slight angle mak�s a stronger connection Do finish work only after the first year. Most
than flat nailing. shrinkage occurs during the fi rst year after con­
Get lumber planed on two edges. The dimen­ struction , especially if the house has gone
sions of roughsawn lumber will quite likely vary through a heati ng season. By leaving the house
slightly from one piece to another. Sawmills are unfinished on the inside during that time, you'll
not precision machines, and the experience and be able to see and correct any problems that oc­
finesse of sawyers vary. A batch of 2x6s from the cur. Insulate and install your vapor barrier, but
same mill might vary in width from 5% in. to resist the urge to hang that Sheetrock or nail
6 % in., which can be quite a headache when it down your hardwood floor. You will immediate­
G reen-wood joists comes to doing finish work. ly notice any splitting that occurs, and eliminate
of slightly d i fferent d i mensions In floors and roofs you can usually cope with nail-popping in finish materials.
some variation in widths by either notching or Neuer use green wood for finish work. Wood
Because green wood isn't cut to precise
dimension a t the mill, joists often must be shimming (drawing, center left) or by sorting will warp and shrink as it dries, leaving gaps
shimmed or notched. Choose the widest and laying joists or rafters in descending order. where you don't want them. Also, using green
stock to be plates, then set studs flush
against the interior side of the pla te.
This second method will result in a floor that is wood for window frames may result in cracked
S t u ds f l ush slightly out of level, though , and the first method glass later.
,: on i is preferable. For walls, it's best to line up all your Use solid blocking. Use solid blocking between
pieces in order of thickness, use the widest ones joists, studs and rafters at mid-height , midspan,
for plates, and align interior edges for a smooth or every 6 ft. to resist the inevitable twisting
s u r fac e , as shown in t h e d r a w i n g at l e f t . forces that occur when green wood dries. The
Sheetrock i s a much less forgiving material than only exception to this rule is in the airspace of
exterior sheathing and siding. venti lated roofs. Here, use blocking 2 in. smaller
The problem can be avoided altogether by than the rafter size to leave an airspace.
having your lumber planed on two edges, so that Use narrow pieces. To minimize gaps caused
all pieces are a uniform width. This is what I rec­ by shrinkage , use narrow boards wherever pos­
ommend, especially for wall framing. sible. A rule-of-thumb is to use a maximum
Irregularities less
troublesome on exterior Temporarily brace some beams. Certain width of 8 in. for I -in. thick boards. Using shiplap
rafters or joists may carry especially heavy loads or tongue-and-groove decking and siding makes
gaps less apparent.
Put heart side out. The heart side of a board is
Threaded nails have a 101
more holding power (han
.. " the side that had been closest to the center of the
srraight-shanked nails. They are less likely to pop
as green wood dries and shrinks. tree-the side to the inside of the circumference
described by the growth rings. As the board
dries, it will tend to cup so that the heart side is
R in g-sha n k
convex. If it has been put in place facing out (sid­
i ng) or up (flooring), such cupping won't pop
nails, as it would if edges were allowed to curl
away from the nailing surface. 0
Paul Hanke is a designer and architectural
draftsman at Northern Owner Builder in Plain­
field, Vt.

42 F I NE HOM EBU I L0 I NG
 Tax Shelters
by Tim Matson

S ure as mud roads and redwing $20 a year in taxes. That's $200
b l a c k b irds s i g n a l s p r i n g in t h e since we i nstal led it. On wheels in
Green Mountains of Vermont, so the same place , no tax ." Ma rty
vernal flocks of tax listers arrive winced. He pointed to another fi­
f l a p p i n g t h e i r papers, clac k i n g nancial drain in the kitchen. "They
yardsticks and poking into their tax these cabinets I built in. If I had
n ei g h bo rs' n ests. Tipped off by built hutches instead they couldn't
building permits, they home in on touch us. It's just a matter of four
dwellings and barns, new and re­ na ils but it c osts hu ndreds. You
modeled alike. Once permitted to h ave to make a lot of aesthetic com­
enter a house, they h iss and claw promises to get ahead."
over windows and kitchen count­ Dave and �Jaine V. built their
ers, l ight fixtures and floors. They first house not long ago. And they
especially like to turn up the carpet knew about the card. They grew up
to see what may have been swept in town with a couple of listers for
under the ru g; they prefer to find kin. So they designed with one eye
h ardwoods. Since the tax lister is a on the blueprints and the other on
protected species and it is a crime tax shelters. Instead of building a
to shoot one out of season, the af­ base ment, they poured concrete
flicted house is certain to su ffer Blake Spencer stands alongside the studio he built for Vermont artist Ellen p i l l a r s for a f o u n d a t i o n . T h ey
some damage, most often in the Langtree. Roll roofing rates Below Average on Form 49 1 , so builder and n a i l e d up ra n d om-width r o u g h
form of a painfully sharp bill stuck boards for interior a n d exterior fin­
client decided to bring it all the way to the ground, thus beating the west

in the mailbox. ish. To cover the floor they laid I -in.

wind and the high tax on roofing and siding as well.

W h a t can be d o n e t o g u a rd plywood, ta x-exem pt because it

against the ravages of the tax lister? Average, boards or pi ywood Below bathrooms are toted up, along with rates as s u b f loor i n g , a l ready
While many coun try heads have Average. (Still wonder why those square footage. The h i gher the counted in the footage. For a ch im­
h ar d e n ed up after a decad e o f backroad folk never get around to sum , the higher the tax . Valuations ney they choose removable insu­
grinding out double-digit R-factors, finished sidi ng?) Cedar shingles top are tacked to several features: An lated metal stovepipe rather than
only a few have l earned how to the l ist of roofing, fol lowed by o i l fu r n ac e is t a g g e d b e t w e e n masonry; on that component they
shelter their homes against tax loss. metal, asphalt shingles, roll roof­ $2 ,000 an d $3 ,000; a wood furnace save about $50 a year. Their tax is
For some the following precautions ing, and last and surely least, tar at $400; and a woodstove won't $400 a year; comparable new "fin­
will come too late. Once appraised, paper. As yet no rating has been at­ cost you a dime. Electrical hookups ished" dwellings are taxed two or
always appraised-allowances for tached to sod. However, there is a are worth $ 1'5 0 for 200 amp, $ 1 20 three times higher.
d e p r e c i a t i o n a n d d is c o u n t s a t rating for design, and complexity is for 1 00 amp; a fireplace is valued at Nothing is wrong or right about
grievance m eetings notwithstan d­ d e e m e d E x c e l le n t . O n e l is t e r $ 7 5 0 ; u n derground plumbing at taxes. After all, folks must support
ing. But if your dream house has warned m e , "Just build a straight $350. Out of all these points, rooms, their schools and roads. But with
not yet become an annual night­ house. It's cheaper." foota g e , a n d do llars comes t h e town budgets sky high , builders
mare on the town-report delin­ To make the system accountable, h ouse's Estimated Reproduction should be aware t hat it's t he n ew
quent list, take h eed. ratings are scaled on a point sys­ Cost. The appraisal is then multi­ house that pays the inflated tax .
Let's start with a lister's-eye view. tem: Excellent gets a 1 0, Good 8 , plied by 1 % and taxed at the town " People building nowadays get hit
Most dwellings in Vermont are seen Average 6, Below Average 4 . What rate. For example, in my town the hardest," Mrs. K . admitted ., She
in the l ight of Form 49 1 , published if you mix your materials? Perhaps tax rate is $ 5 . 3 4 . For a house feels pressure each year to come up
by James Knowles J r. and Associ­ your foundation is a mix of con­ valued at $50,900, that means 50 with the extra money needed to
ates, Appraisers, Northeast Harbor, crete posts and cinder block, like m ultiplied by $5.34, or a tax of meet the budget. " People complain
Maine. Similar charts affect homes one of my neighbor's. Or perhaps $267. (These figures don't include that the listers make your taxes,"
all across the country. Reverently the walls are a mosaic of board and land tax-that's another story.) she said. " But it's the people at the
referred to as The Card by my plaster and drywall. Blending ma­ Naturally, the home builder who town meeting voting every spring
hometown listers, 49 1 is an omi­ terials seems to l ower the overall calculates the solar energy falling to raise the budget."
n ous y e l l o w 8 x l 0 i n d e x of all rating. There is no room in the for­ on his site but neglects to look at Perhaps it's mountain justice: In­
household trappings deemed tax­ mula for part Excellent and part Be­ the card i nvites the l ister to black vading flatlanders who raise their
a b l e . From foundation to roof, low Average . One for mer town out his energy savings. "I always hands to vote for cafe-society ser­
more than 3 0 components are vul­ lister keeps the back wall of h is tell people who are building to go to vices should foot the bill for them.
n erable, and each is awarded an ap­ house sheathed in rough boards the town clerk's and look at the On the other hand, there's nothing
praisal ranging from Below Aver­ while putting a respectable clap­ card," Mrs. K told me. " But not stopping n ewcomers and natives
age to Average to Good to Excel­ board face forward . It's the best of many do." alike from taking a close look at
lent. The higher the ratin g , the both worlds at excursion rates. As Marty M. is one of my neighbors their cards before making any bets
more i t h urts. veteran lister Mrs. K. told me, "The who wishes he had looked at his on a house . 0
For instance, a poured concrete tax b us i n ess is very s ubjective. card before remodeling the house
foundation is Excellent, followed i n Sometimes I just don't see some he bought ten years ago. His dish­ Tim Matson, of Strafford, Vt. , is a
descending order by block, pier things." Her husband was more washer, installed under the kitchen writer and photographer. His book,
and post. Exterior walls covered succinct: " I t's a complicated mess." cou n t e r , is c o n s i de r e d taxable . Earth Ponds, will be published this
with clapboards or wood shingles A few items, though, are straight­ "The d i s h washer is assessed at spring by the Countryman Press
rate Excellent, aluminum siding is forward. Rooms, bedrooms and $388," Marty told me, "so it runs us (Woodstock, Vt. 05091).

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 43
 Getting a Building Permit
Familiarity with local codes and inspectors
will speed approval of your application

by Edmund Vitale, Jr.

S eCUring a building permit for your home

building project can be time-consuming, confus­
specific references to the code. Your knowledge
and understanding can enlighten him and sway
and fireplaces. Review the book carefully. These
subjects may be covered i n chapters whose
ing and unpleasant. At worst, your work could h is decisions in your favor. headings don't tell you what you'll find i nside.
be halted , following a grim confrontation with a ��ach building code is set up di fferently and uses
h eadstrong building i nspector. At best, you Understanding the building permit- The its own chapter titles to describe similar con­
could keep official interference to a minimum building permit is the contract that you and the struction requirements.
and make a friend who would be a valuable building inspector must follow. All inspections, When reviewing the code, locate the subjects
sou rce of information in the future. You can do i ncluding the certificate of occupancy, enforce of interest. You'll need to know these sections
several things to ensure that your working rela­ this contract of agreements. The permit, accom­ first when you sit down to design your house.
tionship with your building inspector is produc­ panied by your application, plans, specifications Then read the chapter on administration to get
tive and harmonious. and site plan, governs what you're entitled to an overview of the rules a building inspector en­
build. Should you go to court over a dispute with forces and to learn about what you need in order
The right attitude -All the legal requirements the inspector, the judge's opinion on the permit to apply for a b uilding permit.
for a building permit, jobsite inspections, even a will decide the matter. You can get your building permit application
certi ficate of occupancy, were expressly codi­ The building inspector can't revoke a validly from your building department's office, but gen­
fied to protect the home buyer from the negli­ issued permit, nor can you change the original erally, you can't fill out the application until
gent or greedy home builder. Bu ilding inspec­ plans and specs without his approval . So make you've completed the house and plot plans.
tors deal mostly with co ntractors, not with sure that the application, plans, specifications
owner-builders, who generally have different and permit all reflect the building you want to Developing house plans - B y now, you've
priorities and concerns from those of profes­ construct and the methods you want to use. An probably chosen a b uilding site, examined the
sionals. These diffe rent priorities can cause amendment process allows changes after a per­ property and sketched a design for your house.
problems for both parties; an awareness of them mit is granted, but it's a hard way to win ap­ Unfortunately, at this stage building regulations
will help you secure your building permit on proval of a new design or building method. can intrude on your project, because many as­
favorable terms. pects of house design can affect your success
The building inspector doesn't have to be your The local building code- You should get your with the building permit application.
enemy. His job is to see that code requirements own copy of the building code from the building Location. Building codes and zoning ordi­
for safe construction are followed. A t the same inspector's office at your town hall or county of­ nances determine how far your house has to be
time, the building code he enforces is not as in­ fices. Don't assume you aren't covered by a from your property l ines. If the house is specifi­
flexible as you might expect. 'I:he building in­ building code. I gnorance o f the construction cally designed for a particular portion of your
spector, i n asking for detailed plans and in ap­ regulations is no defense for code violations. property, you'll have trouble changing its loca­
proving alternate construction methods, can ex­ You can save some money by asking for only tion if it doesn't meet the code for some reason. I f
ercise considerable discretion in i nterpreting the code that covers single-family home build­ you've redesigned your house t o catch a certain
the terms of the code . ing. This separate single-family dwelling code is view or to face south for solar gain and its loca­
In other words, the building code is what your easy to read and understand. Unfortunately, not tion violates zoning laws, then you have three
local building inspector decides it is. You have all jurisdictions publish single-family house con­ choices. You can pick a new location, redesign
the opportunity to convince the building inspec­ struction in a separate book. the house or apply for a variance-a specific ex­
tor that the work you want to do, even if i t's not If you plan to have the electrical and plum bing ception to zoning laws. The first two are pre­
specifically approved by the code, is both safe work done by subcontractors, they are respon­ ferred, since variance procedures are costly,
and acceptable. Therefore, i t's not a good idea to sible for following code requirements, and you ti me-consuming and not always successful .
antagonize this official . On the other hand, if won't need a copy of those codes, which are gen­ Water supply and waste disposal. I f your muni­
you have developed a friendly working relation­ erally found in separate volumes. cipality or township provides both services, you
ship, he is more l ikel y to interpret am biguities in Don't try to read your local building code need only run pipes and drains from the street to
your favor. straight through . There m ight be much material your house. However, if these services are not
Learning about the code and knowing h ow that's u nrelated to your project, especially i f provided, house design and location could be af­
your design and construction methods relate to there is only a one-volume code for a l l building fected. Certain areas of your property may not
it are i mportant steps. Most building inspectors types. Examine the table of contents and see have suitable soil conditions to support a septic
know basic construction techniques, but some how the book is divided. tank and leach field. Thus, you could be forced
have trouble understanding and i nterpreting Generally, the administrative section is first. to build on a part of your land that isn't appro­
building regulations. If you are tactful, you can This part deals with the authority of the building priate for the design you want.
show the i n spector how yo u r construct ion inspector, the required permits and inspections, It's important to resolve water-supply and sew­
methods fit the spirit of the regulations, making a schedule of fees, the penalties for violations erage problems before you apply for a building
and some definitions and procedural details. permit. Ideally, you should do this before you
Edmund Vitale, Jr. , is a former real-estate lawyer The rest of the code deals with foundations, buy the property.
who has represented both owner-builders and floors, wall and roof construction, fire resistance" Required plans. The plans you need for obtain­
town groups. He lives in Flat Rock, N.c. standards, roof and wall coverings, chimneys ing a building permit are not the same plans

44 F I NE HOM EB U I LDING
that a contractor needs to build the house. Con­ rate boundary survey which. in most cases, must approach the inspector wi th a lot of questions
struction plans are more detailed. If you're going be prepared by an engineer. An outline of the about some hypothetical house he's thinking of
to build the house yourself, you may not need house must be drawn on the property in its exact building. This can give you insight into the per­
such complete drawings for the permit. The location. giving setback distances from the sonality of the i nspector and tell you how he
building code will specifiy j ust how detailed the front. back and side property lines. You should might react to the building techniques you pro­
permit plans must be . Some codes even allow show the location of existing or proposed struc­ pose to use .
the building i nspector to determine whether tures. ��xisting structures in violation usually Besides t h e specific knowledge you gain. you
plans a re needed at all. have the right to remain as they are , but pro­ should also realize that some building inspectors
I f the code in your locality doesn't require de­ posed structures must comply with building and serve at the pleasure of the mayor or town or
tailed plans, it will mean less work and expense zoning codes. city commission that appointed them. There's an
for you . However, when you subm it a simple Proposed plans should show easements. or inherent insecurity to the job. Often the buildi ng
house plan with your permit application, you rights of way. ��asements give utility companies inspector's position is right between the politi­
still must follow the basic construction methods or neighbors the right to use or go over part of cians and the people.
outlined in your code . Generally, these call for your land. and you cannot build in these areas. Also important is the fact that many building
2 x4 frame construction on \ 6-in. centers. Any You must also show that your proposed bui lding inspectors h ave come from the construction
deviation will not be approved by the inspector. won't create water run-off problems on your trades. They are familiar with standard frame
I have found that you can't get away with provid­ land or on adjoining properties. The plot plan construction but not with post-and-beam con­
ing minimum plans if you don't follow conven­ will also show where your water-supply well will struction or other unconventional methods of
tional buildi ng practices. be located and where your septic system will be work. That's why I recommend that you have a
If you're using an unconventional construc­ dug. Check your code for the required mini mum thorough knowledge of the code. This way you
tion method, you have to show the method on distance between these two points. can point to appropriate code sections that al low
the plans that you submit with your permit appli­ you to build what you've designed . The building
cation. Once the plan has been approved, the Filling out the application-Often, a town will inspector who is not familiar with different con­
building inspector cannot change his mind dur­ use only one permit applicat ion form that's struction techniques or various readings of the
i ng inspection. However, if you don't show these meant for single-family dwellings, factories and building code will have a difficult time proving
other techniques, your progress is dependent on everything i n between. Some applications ask you wrong.
t h e building i nspector's opinion. He may ap­ the length and width of the house. If you've de­
prove your new method, but he doesn't have to. signed an L-shaped house with a few outcrop­ A ppealing a permit refusal - I f your building
There could be long delays that play havoc with pings, indicate "irregular, see plans attached" on inspector or his deputy refuses to grant you a
your construction schedule. And you may not be the appropriate l ine. You should refer to the at­ building permit, you can appeal the decision to a
able to continue with your building project until tac h ed plans as often as necessary. You shouldn't special board. Don't be afraid to exercise this
the new method is approved. have to describe in words what is already drawn right. In many cases you won't get the i nspector
Some codes allow you to draw t he plans, while on your accompanying plans. angry at you . He might welcome the chance to
others specify that only architects and engineers Que stions about construction costs or house be taken off the hook by the Board of Appeals'
,
can prepare t h e drawings. However, in some jur­ value are often part of the permit application. decision to grant you a code modification.
isdictions that requ i re professionally drafted The building inspector considers these questions There is another way to appeal the i nspector's
plans, the buildi ng inspector can waive this rul e important because the fee you will be charged decision. This kind of appeal takes place in
for single-family home building projects. Your depends upon the total valuation of the house l arger building departments. I f you have been
own drawings will probably do if you're building you propose to erect. Determining construction dealing with only one of these deputies and he
a standard frame house. But if you are plan ning cost and house value for the permit . application refuses to grant a permit, you can appeal that de­
to use any new or complicated building tech­ is easy for a person who contracts all the work. cision to the building inspector hi mself. Possibly
niques, then professionally drawn plans could But if you do much of the work with the help of the matter can be resolved at that point without
help you convince t h e i nspector that these unpaid friends and family, you'll have to read the a formal hearing.
techniques are sound. . building code to determine the basis o f fees. If you do decide to appeal , be sure to check the
Other requirements. You should also take into Valuing the house as low as possible will reduce appeals section of your code for the time within
account the following non-construction items, the application fee. which an appeal has to be filed. I f you fail to file
also covered by your building code, when you Some towns have a plan-checking fee as well. your appeal within the prescribed time, the
design your house: It pays for reviewing your pla.n s and specifica­ building i nspector's decision against you w i ll
• the m inimum size of all habitable rooms; tions to see i f they conform to the code. This fee stand, and you will have to change your plans to
'
• the size of windows and kind of ventilation can be as high as half of the permit fee in some conform to h is i nterpretation of the code. You
each room should have; areas of the country. should also obtain the rules of the Board of
• ceiling height in habitable rooms; There's generally a line on the application for Building Appeals and copies of the appeal form
• the size of bathrooms, the r equi red space the contractor's name. As the builder, this means that you must complete. The rules will tell you
around toilets and the finish of the shower; you. Another blank space is for the town or state where the appeal should be filed, who is re­
• the kind of glazing for door windows; license number of the contractor. You're allowed quired to be served copies, and how the hearing
• what rooms an interior garage door can and to build your own house without such a license, on your appeal will be conducted.
cannot open into; so put NI A in that space. These hearings are generally informal, and
• the kind and number of exits requ ired for The application form usually ends with a certi­ the strict rules of courtroom evidence are not
sleeping rooms; fication oath, which you have to sign. You agree followed. You don't necessarily need an attorney
• the size of doors, the width of hallways and the to conform to all local ordinances and laws and to argue your case. But you should be prepared
rise and width of stairs; not to deviate from the building code during to show that the building technique you propose
• when handrails and guardrails are required; construction, unless you get prior approval . (and which was denied) is as good as the stan­
• the presence of a smoke detector. dards in the building code. You might want to
Plans that don't conform will not be approved, Presenting your permit application - Before h ire an architect or engineer to substantiate
and attempts to waive these provisions are usu­ meeting with the building inspector to submit your case. Finally, your attitude at the hearing
ally unsuccessfu l . your application, it's a good idea to find out what should be positive. You want to build a home
kind of person you'll be dealing with. One of the that will be an asset to the town. This attitude,
Developing a site plan -M ost b uilding codes
require that the building permit application be
best approaches is to talk to others who have
dealt with this individual.
combined with the above information about the
process of applying for a building permit, should
accompanied by a site plan. I t includes an accu- You can also ask a friend to test the waters and ensure success. 0

F E B R U A R Y/ M A RC H 1 9 82 45
 A Russian Fireplace
Laying up a masonry woodstove with baffles
and tons of thermal mass

8x8 flue tile must be surrounded b y 4 in. o f masonry

al/ the way to the roof.

Damper

Vermiculite or f i n e sano

lII!!�iLci�==:::::�:;--
3rd run narrows
t o 8 x 8 open i n g
Stain less
steel

16

�
1t
Zi nc-plated frame

ra�SflI.=-''---T- 2 n d run
•
Damper slides
within frame to open and close.

;IR--"='-'-'--
8% x 12 ru n

6-i n . opening
to 1 st run

Cutaway view
of a Russian fireplace

Floor joists --�

Concrete blocks �
---�-�'
Ash-d u m p door Ash d u m p

50

Footing

A. Cleanout door open i n g : 9 x 9

B . Loading door open i n g : 1 2 x 1 5 Section through
Measurements given in inches. C. Firebox: 1 6 x 16 x 32 foundation
h e revival of wood burning has kindled new
interest in getting as much energy as possible
squeeze one in somewhere like an additional
closet. Masonry heaters work so well that I dis­
firebrick slabs and precut arched firebricks are
available only from a refractory-materials sup­
from every log. Though there are lots of cast­ like compromising their e fficiency for mere ply firm, as is the h igh-te mperature cement. All
iron and sheet-metal stoves on the market, the architectural considerations, but my feelings in other materials are sold by masonry suppliers.
masonry stove may well be the most efficient this regard border on masonry madness and No special tools are required, although I often
means of heating with wood. should be viewed as such. Suffice it to say that use a diamond-blade brick saw to make the
I first became interested in masonry stoves space and clearance can be a problem. Ten tons necessary cutting faster and more precise. In
after reading an article in the February 1 978 of hot brick can't go just anywhere . most cases, a mason's hammer or a bric k set will
issue of Yankee magazine. It was through this There is no single correct way to build a ma­ do the trick (for how to break brick, see FHH #3,
article that I came to meet and work with Basilio sonry stove. Flue configurations are limited only p . 43). The standard cast-iron c1eanout and
Lepuschenko of Ri�hmond, Maine, who had de­ by the builder's imagination, and many stoves loading doors used on the stove can be bought at
signed a masonry heater that is popularly called differ in this regard. The basic design of Lepu­ most masonry supply yards. The sliding damper
a Russian fireplace. Basilio and Albie Barden of schenko's Russian fireplace has proven itself effi­ is stainless steel in a zinc-plated frame. This is
the Maine Wood Heat Company have been re­ cient. Since my introduction to Basilio I have one item that is not readily available. I have a
sponsible for generating most of the recent built four stoves to h is general design, though no friend w ith access to sheet-metal fabricat ing
interest in masonry stoves. For a history of ma­ two were exactly alike. equipment, who can make one up for me in
sonry stoves, see the box on p. 49. The masonry Every masonry stove has its own design prob­ about two hours.
heater in the drawing on the facing page is a lems and requires some modification to fit with­
modified version of the stove designed and '
in a given house or masonry system. Brickwork Construction- First make sure the floors have
copyrighted by Lepuschenko. isn't nearly as easy as it looks. If you haven't got been framed so there's enough room for the ma­
Masonry stoves have little in common with the patience to plan precisely and proceed care­ sonry to pass through. A plumb line, a ruler and
the traditional open fireplace. With their en­ fully, or if you have a low frustration threshold, a little thought are all you need. Once the layout
closed fireboxes and baffle systems, they are you may want to leave the construction of your has been established from basement to roof and
more like modern airtight metal woodstoves. masonry heater to a mason. all the necessary carpentry has been done, it's
But there are functional differences. Most ob­ One of the main differences between this time to start.
vious is that the masonry heater can store heat. stove and those of Lepuschenko's design is the Foundation work for a masonry stove is con­
I�ven the smallest unit contains about 64 cu. ft. of thickness of the walls. Because of strict building ventional- using the same materials (concrete
mass, and once the external walls heat up to codes in Connecticut, where I work, the walls of blocks) and procedures you'd follow for a tradi­
their maximum 1 50° to 200°F, the brick will this stove are 8-in. double-brick thickness tional fireplace. For this job, we poured a footing
slowly radiate warmth for nearly 48 hours. throughout. The ones I learned to build with 1 2 in. deep in the basement, 5 in. larger all
A stove of this design has to have a minimum Lepuschenko in Maine were a single 4-in. brick around than the external dimensions of th e
of three runs and two baffles. The smoke must t h i c k in the baffles above the firebo x . The heater. Then we built up to the first floor level
go up, pass down over the hot firebox, and go up double thickness increases the thermal mass w ith 8-in. block laid to the same dimensions as
again . Larger units have four baffles, and smoke substantially but also lengthens the time the unit the heater. The whole center of the foundation
makes an additional pass down and up before takes to heat up. I personally think a single 4-in. becomes an ash dump, so we left an opening for
exiting up the stack. brick wall is the way to go, and that additional a clean out door. If the stove is being built on a
Another difference is that a masonry stove is thickness is unnecessary for either safety or slab, there's a lot less work, but you still need
not designed to burn continuously. It is fired up thermal storage. that 1 2-in. thick footing.
only once or twice a day. A quick, hot fire with Another variation in this particular unit is the Once the block foundation is at floor level. you
relatively small, split wood is ideal. After the use of high-temperature refractory cement in need to cap it. Often you can just span the gap
wood has been reduced to ashes, a sliding the laying of the firebox. I lay all the firebrick with 4-in. solid block, leaving an opening for the
damper located at the end of the last baffle is used in the construction with a premixed, air­ ash dump, and building up courses to floor level.
closed, trapping all of the heat inside, allowing it setting, high-temperature cement, which pro­ The courses of brick begin above the floor
to warm the room throughout the day or n ight. vides a strong bond with little deterioration after joists. I use plumb lines to keep the brickwork
Temperatures of up to 1 ,200°F ensure the secon­ extended firing. I also use either precut arched true. I think this makes the construction both
dary combustion of gases in the baffle system firebrick or 1 2-in. by 24-in. by 3-in. refractory quicker and better looking. This is also why I lay
and eliminate the danger of creosote buildup. slabs to form the ceiling of the firebox. The corners first and use a horizontal line to lay the
(The only time I've ever seen creosote build up in arched firebox ceiling provides greater strength brick between them .
a masonry heater was in one with baffles much than the refractory slabs, and I like to use it in T h e firebox sits about 1 2 i n . above t h e floor. Its
longer than usual . Baffles longer than about five-run masonry stoves. firebrick base is laid and leveled in standard
48 i n . let the temperature drop enough for The dimensions of a masonry stove are based mortar (I mix mine with one part portland ce­
creosote to begin to form.) upon the length of the individual bricks, the ment to one part lime to four parts clean sand,
Firing up th is way, wood consumption is dras­ n umber of baffles and the location of the stove. adding water as needed). The opening for the
tically reduced. Even the most ardent wood­ '
There are some key factors to consider, how­ ash dump should be close enough to the loading
burners should be willing to forsake their dream ever, when designing a masonry heater. door to allow access, and it must fit flush with the
of a 24-hour burn for a 60% reduction in the Firebox dimensions are important. The fire­ top of the firebox floor. To accomplish this, I
amount of wood required to heat their homes. box of this stove is 12 in. wide by 16 in. h igh by notch the firebrick � i n . deep, using a contrac­
Masonry stoves are relatively simple to build, 32 in. deep. Height and width should remai n the tor's saw with a carborundum blade.
but designing a heater into the floor plan can same even on larger stoves, although the depth Next, I lay six to eight courses of the external
present some difficulties. Proper clearance from can be i ncreased to 40 in. Substantially larger brick walls, , leaving an opening for a 1 2-in. by
combustible material like framing and siding is a fireboxes and the resulting larger fires could i 4-i n . loading door at the front. It's important
must. The minimum is 36 in. on all sides. cause i n c reased t h e rmal stress a n d m i n o r that this brick be laid with full joints, and that
In order to take full advantage of the stove's h a irline cracks in t h e mortar joints. In masonry any excess mortar be removed, and the re­
ability to radiate heat, it should be centrally lo­ heaters, bigger is not always better. mainder jointed smooth on the inside as well as
cated. The stove shown here is 50 i n . long and A three-run Russian fireplace built on Lepu­ out. This will ensure a tight fit between the fire­
28 in. wide. It is complete at about 6Yz ft. above the schenko's model will heat an area of 600 sq. ft. or box and the external brick.
floor, and from t here , a single 8x8 flue tile ex­ more. Significantly larger areas would require a The firebricks of the firebox walls should be
tends to join up with those from other fireplaces. five-run heater. Both work well.
I like to see floor plans designed around the Simplicity and availability of materials are im­ Paul Lang of New/own, Conn., has been a mason
masonry stove rather than awkward attempts to portant features of Lepuschenko's design. The for eight years.

F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 1 9 82 47
laid out dry to determine its exact depth. They
are then laid in refractory cement, which can be
thinned and the bricks dipped , or left as is and
applied with a trowe l . I trowel it on because it is
easier for me .
The firebrick must be set tight against the ex­
terior walls, because any airspace will act as an
i nsulator. There should be no cement or mortar
betwee n interior and exterior bricks. In this
stove, I used a layer of Ys-in. mineral wool as an
expansion joint between the firebrick and the
e xternal brick. This was an experiment. I've
read that master Finnish stove-builders employ
joints of this type to allow for some movement of
the firebrick without hindering the conduction
o f heat.
At the rear of the firebox, I build a shelf two or
three bricks h igh and about one brick's length
deep (photo left). On this job, I used cement
block to form the shelf, then covered it with fire­
brick. This is th e beginning of the flue passage .
This first vertical run is the hottest spot in the
stove . It must always be built to double brick
thickness, even if the rest of the stove is only one
brick thick. I raise the external brick walls
another few courses-enough so I can install the
3 x 3 x 'l,; angle iron 20 in. long that spans the top
of the loading opening. Then I continue the fire­
box walls to a height of about 16 in. before lay­
ing its ceiling.
The ceiling of the firebox can be formed with
cantilevered firebrick, refractory arches or fire­
brick slabs. I chose slabs for this stove because
t hey are quick to install, they fit nicely within its
dimensions and they are strong enough for a
h eater this small . I use refractory cement for
this, too. The first slab is set tightly in place
against the front wall just above the loading open­
ing, and all three slabs butt together to form a
continuous firebox ceiling that stops 6 ill. to

Above: Lang sets firebrick at what will be the

hottest part of the masonry heater: the begin­
ning of the first run. The m ineral wool between
the exterior common brick and the firebrick
along the side of the stove is experimental - an
attempt to eliminate stress cracking. The ash·
dump door is set in the floor of the firebox, while
the loading opening is spanned with angle iron.
A cast iron door will be hung after the brickwork
on the stove is completed,

Left: The entire h eater is of double·wall con·

struction. Lines dropped from above ensure
plumb at each corner. The two cantilevered
bricks at the center are temporarily supported
by scrap. A third brick will span the gap to form
the base of the second baffle, allowing the smoke
to pass beneath. The opening just begun in the
front of the stove, top, is the cleanout.

Facing page: The first two vertical runs are

sealed off with refractory slabs, surrounded by
mortar and common brick. Several courses of
brick will cover the slabs, then the outer walls
will be laid up to the ceiling. Sand or vermiculite
will be poured into the cavity as a firestop.
 8 in. from the back wall to leave room for the the flue would continue straight up, and be sur­ A History of Masonry Stoves
first vertical run. rounded by 4 in. of masonry. by Albie Barden
Next I lay six to eight more courses of exte rnal The unit is ready to be capped off about 4 ft.
brick, incorporating a cleanout opening i n the from the top of the firebox. The first baffle ends
In Europe the shift from a hunting. gathering
front wall just above the firebox ceiling. As with 8 in. from the top , and the second continues all
existence to an agricultural society produced
the loading opening, the cast-iron door can be the way up. At this po int, the first two runs of the
both permanent shelters and bake ovens. The
installed later. This opening is helpful in clean­ heater are sealed off. I use firebrick slabs, as primitive European oven was also a wood-fired
ing up fallen mortar during construction, though shown in the photo below, but canti levered masonry heater. A fire was built directly in the
its primary function is to allow access for inspec­ brick would do just as well. The slabs are quicker �Iay and stone oven. Once the fire burned out,
tion and cleaning of the first two runs during use. to install but more e xpensive. coals and ashes were removed, and bread was
Properly built and used, masonry heaters should The firebrick slabs should be covered with a put in to bake.
require no cleaning at all. Only the repeated coupl e of courses of brick so that there is at least In Central Europe and the Alps, masonry

burning of green wood could cause creosote to 8 in. of masonry over the vertical runs. At this heaters and bake ovens have been built for
several hundred years. These have a firebrick
build up i nside. point th e brick can stop, but I usually l ike to
core and a ceramic exterior, often surrounded
I lay out the base of the baffles dry to position continue the external walls up to the ceiling be­
by warm benches reserved for the elders of the
them so each of the three vertical runs will be cause the stove looks more complete that way.
family. Sometimes the heaters are fired from a
the same size . Runs should be 8 in. by 12 in., The resulting interior space can then be filled kitchen and project into a dining·living room.
though small variations are all right. The first with fine sand or vermiculite to act as an addi­ Sometimes they are fired from a hall or some
baffle is built right on top of the firebox ceiling. tional firestop. other service area.
T he second requires an 8-in. opening at its bot­ After the stove has been completed, stoutly re­ In Scandinavia, the tall rectangular and
tom . The easiest way to form this opening is with sist the temptation to fire it up immediately. A cylindrical styles of the heaters that evolved
cantilevered bricks (photo facing page, bottom). great deal of moisture is trapped i nside the ma­ serve no baking function. These massive, tile­

Both baffles must be tied into the side walls of sonry and must be allowed to evaporate com­ covered radiation heaters were placed in rooms
that required heating. In Russia, Lithuania,
the h eater. I make this bond by laying a baffle pletely. The mortar must cure slowly. The ideal
Poland, Czechoslovakia and Finland, heaters
brick into the interior side wall every four or five curing period is three or four months, though
more commonly used brick or whitewashed
courses. In a heater with walls only a single brick few owner-builders can be so patient . Firing
stone than the fancier tile used for heaters in
thick, the 4-in. butt e nd of these bricks will show early can cause the moisture to be driven out Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
on the outside. I�xternal and internal walls go up quickly, causing possible stress cracking. Fires The brick heaters currently becoming popular
several courses at a time, with the baffles con­ should be small at first, allowing a break-in in the United States and Canada have their
tinuing upward within them. period of about three days. origins in the simple brick heater, or grn
bka,
This masonry stove will draw well with an or­ Whether you choose to build a masonry found in nearly every home of the great Russian
dinary 8-in. by 8-in. flue tile. The final run is nar­ h eater or oversee the construction of one, try to land mass. Their efficiency and rustic charm

rowed to this d i mension with cantilevered brick, keep one thing in mind. The internal brick of the attracted American attention at least oll<.'e
before, nearly 200 years ago when Ben Franklin
and the damper is set in place. The damper and heater should be laid with the same care as the
and John Adams saw them in Europe.
frame a re only % in. thick, and fi t into the mortar external walls. Though the flue passages will
In the late 1 700s, models of the European
joint of the external brickwork. n ever be seen after the heater is completed, they
brick stove were brought to Salem, Mass., by
A flue tile is set atop the damper, and the brick are really the heart of the stove. The reward for John Dodge, an enterprising sea captain who
is laid around the flue to ensure a tight fit. In this careful craftsmanship can be an object of func­ quickly patented and began marketing the idea,
stove, the clay flue tile had to angle sharply to tional beauty that will heat your home for many until his business was brought to an abrupt end
clear the framing of the second floor. Ordinarily, years to come. 0 by a heart attack. Apprentices carried on his
work for a brief time, and elsewhere in New
England other heaters of brick, stone or
soapstone were built.
In the 20th century, a modest tradition of
Russian·style masonry heaters was sustained by
a small White Russian community in Richmond,
Maine. At the same time Sam Jaakkola, a Finn in
western Maine, built several Finnish·style
heaters, the first masonry heaters I ever saw. In
contrast to the Russian·style heaters, which are
end·loading and work well as room dividers, the
Finnish-style heater is front·loading and doubles
as an open fireplace, with large doors you can
open to see the flames.
The best research on brick·and·mortar
heaters is being done in Finland, where a
leading architect·designer, a major foundry,
brick and firebrick manufacturers and a cement
firm are all working together to design and test
projects using vocational schools as
construction sites and students as their labor.
In the United States, the New Mexico Energy
Institute in Albuquerque and the Southeast
Community College at Beatrice, Nebraska, both
have home-grown research programs on
masonry-heater construction.

Albie Barden 's Maine UtJod

Heat Company
sponsors workshops on masonry heaters, sells
plans and materials,and publishes the Masonry
Stove Guild Newsletter. (For information, send a
self-addre ssed
, stamped envelope to RED 1,
Box 640, Norridgewock, Maine 0495 7.)

F E B R U A R Y/ MA R C H 1 982 49
 A New Facade
Architects work closely with clients
to keep costs down on a renovation project

by Angela Marie Zar

w' en Alan and Karen Kodish wanted to re­

face the exterior of their Chicago home, they
found that sufficiently detailed drawings reduce
the chance for carpenter errors on the job.
asked a neighborhood group, the Lincoln Park Fourth, we felt the porch should impart some
Conservation Association, to recommend some depth to the facade. It should also employ famil­
architects for the job. We were one of four design iar architectural forms, and be a warm and wel­
firms named who had recently done renovation coming feature of the house.
work in the area. After a brief interview, the Finally, we would add only those decorative
Kodishes asked us to design a new facade for components that would not be costly. These in­
$ 6 ,000. While we felt that this figure was too low cluded reclaimed architectural elements such as
to accomplish what they had in mind, our final an ornamental porch l ight, antique front doors
design closely met both their expectations and and a pair of ornamental porch brackets. We
their budget. also called for a custom iron handrail (which the
Our task was to create in wood a new facade owners supplied) and plaster ornaments over
that reflected the character of the original three­ the main entrance and attic window.
story building and respected' the neighborhood The design process followed a pattern that's
setting. While the Kodishes wanted protection typical for this kind of renovation. We made sev­
from the rain at the front entry, they also wanted eral freehand sketches of different designs and
the stairway to remain open , so. they could sit on made three separate presentations to the clients.
their front stoop in good weather and talk with Once they approved a design, we prepared an
passing neighbors. itemized statement of probable costs for labor
The house was in generally good condition. It and materials. As shown in the preliminary esti­
had been sided originally in wood clapboard mate on the facing page, the co.nstruction cost
that had been covered some years ago with would be $ 7 ,860. Though this was higher than
fake-brick asphalt siding. This material, and the their first figure, the Kodishes agreed that we
doors and the trim, were sadly aged and worn. should proceed with the project and prepare
There wasn't enough of the original facade left construction drawings and specifications.
to work from. Yet a clever solution might pre­ To reduce the cost of the job, the clients asked
serve the old and friendly feeling of the ho.use us to purchase several items on their behalf be­
and the neighbo.rhood. cause we would be able to buy them at a dis­
Before proposing any designs, we had to. count. These materials were installed by the
measure the facade and front yard so we could contractor. The Kodishes themselves supplied
prepare an accurate template for alternative de­ the following items: iron handrail, asphalt roof­
signs and constructio.n drawings. These meas­ ing shingles, ornamental light fixture , founda­
urements were noted on a rough drawing made tion bricks, paints and stains, storm windows,
at the site . After several discussions with the antique entry doors, wood porch ornaments,
clients, we were able to make so.me preliminary plaster ornaments and lockset.
decisio.ns about the impro.vements. Here's the Our drawings were done in a week. We had
plan we developed. worked quickly on these drawings so that the
First, we would replace whatever building ele­ job could be bid and built before winter set in . A
ments and materials had deteriorated, and re­ structural engineer, Harry Marshall, designed
use whatever materials po.ssible to. reduce costs. the cantilever detail. We sought bids from two
So we planned to tear away the brick-textured contractors recommended by the clients and
asphalt siding from the front elevation and from two recommended by our firm, providing highly
a portion of the north side of the house that was detailed drawings so the bidders could make an
partially visible from the street. This would ex­ accurate assessment of their costs. The bids did
pose the wood siding underneath, and we could not include any of the owner-provided items.
decide whether to replace o.r re-use it. Deteriorated asphalt siding is replaced with ce­ Here are the bids we received:
Second, considering the amount of money the dar siding, top. A new arched porch roof, above, Contractor A . . . $3 ,5UU
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
clients wanted to spend, we ruled out develop­ is supported on one side by a single post made of
four 2x4s. The post sits on the concrete porch in
Contractor ]j 5, IUU
ing any major features like bay windows, or Contractor C . 7,;n 4
a 1 2-ga. galvanized channel plate. A laminated
changing the size of existing windo.ws, the con­ beam of two 2x8s, glued and lag-bolted, is let into Contractor ]) . . . . . . . . . 7 , bOO
crete sto.op, the steps or the brick fo.undation . the post and attached to the house with a joist We advised the Kodishes that Contractor A
hanger. To support the other side of the roof,
Third, we would deiail the design so that the had underbid the job. He had just begun his busi­
another doubled 2x8 beam was bolted between
carpenter would be able to use locally available ness , and had a low overhead and only a few
plywood gussets fastened to the closely spaced
dimensioned lumber and hardware. We have studs at the door frame, forming a cantilever. completed jobs under his belt. With over $2 ,UUU

50 FINE HOM EBU I LD I NG

 Preliminary estimate
Demolition
R emove e x i s t i n g s i d i n g $ 225
B reak u p concrete 100 s:
30
:::::::::::�--�::::::....
:: :::N;;;�
R emove ra i l i ng s
R e m o v e storm w i n dows 60 - .
R emove doors and post 60
D u mpster fee 220 -
695 - -
Carpentry - -
F u rring s t r i p s $ 130
C e d a r bevel s i d i n g 735
Ceda r l u m be r for porc h ,
railing and trim 375
M isc . f r a m m g l u m ber 100
Door, panel and f ra me 1 ,210
H a rdware ( h i n ges, lockse t ,
k lc k p l a te , m a l l boxl 250
M I SC . nails a n d bol t s 200
New storm wmdows 420
i
New ron r a i l i n g 60
New wmdow a n d corner tri m 240
New porch a n d r n i l l l lgs 1 ,050
4,770
Painting
S c r ap i n g , p a i n t i n g and stamlng $ 800
C a u l k i n g a n d seal i n g 140
940 -
Electrical
Two open i n g s 70
L i g h t f i x t u re 75
$ 145
Subtotal $6,550
C o n t ra c t o r overhead
and p ro f i t (20% I �
Estimated construction cost $7,860
A rchitect's fee (12%) 943
Total $8,803

Final budget
Contract amount
L a bor a n d m a te n a l s for work
p rovided b y R . A n derson &
Co . $5,100
Extras to contract
I n st a l l i n g storm w i n dows,
extra coats o f stam a n d pa m t ,
p rl n le r , f l a sh i n g , relocation o f post
a n d i ro n work and i n stallation
o f trim o n c o rn i ce 600
Items furnished by owner
O rn amen tal h a n d rail 275
A sp h a l t shmgles 28
Ligh t f i x t u re 35
Bncks 16
Pa m t a n d s t a m 225
S torm w i n dows 302 .,
F ro n t doo r s 200
Wood ornamental brackets 40
Plaster o rn a me n t s 1 15
H a rdware 60
$1,296
Architect's fee
12% o f IOtal construction cost 839
An iron railing, designed by Zar & Hicks, joins the new facade and the existing railing. An existing
Total $7,835 doorway to the basement, located under the porch, was bricked in by the owner. Finally, the contractor
stained the siding, painted the doors and trim and roofed the porch with asphalt shingles.

worth of materials required for the job. he had storm windows. flashing and some minor con­ medallions. corn ice and porch root: As you
left little margin for his labor and profit. The crete work. Items provided by the owners cost might expect. the colors that were eventually
chances were good that he would run out of $ 1 .2 9 6 . our design and construction planning selected were a result of compromise among all
cash, and the job would suffer. service fee ( 1 2 'X,) was $83 9 . and the total project parties involved in the project.
The Kodishes rejected the two highest bids. cost was $ 7 . 8 3 5 . Construction began in late November 1 980.
These contractors had been in business the While the project involved more labor than The job proceeded quickly. and the carpentry
longest, had a proven track record for jobs com­ the contractor had anticipated. there were few was finished before nasty weather set in. Paint­
pleted, and had the highest overhead. problems during construction. Color selection ing. staining and installing the plaster orna­
&
Contractor B (R. Anderson Co.) got the con­ for the paints and stains proved to be the most ments were postponed until spring. The final
tract. The Kodishes negotiated a contract price troublesome and time-consuming portion of the color selections were also made in spring. and
of $ 5 . 700. which is detailed in the final budget project. It's not easy to tell how a paint or stain the job was completed in May 1 98 1 . LJ
above . This contract covered the cost for all color will look until it's actually on the walls. So
demol ition. carpentry. roo fing. painting and we put up twelve stain samples for the clapboard A rchitect Angela Marie Zar is a principal of Zar
electrical work. as well as the installation of and six paint color samples for the doors, trim. & Hicks. a Chicago design firm.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 51
 Attic Venting
Installing vents can keep home heating and
cooling costs from going through the roof

by William R. Wheeler

M ost o f today's "tight" houses, built or re­

mudeled to conserve as much energy as pos­
and then damage the ceiling below. Outside the
house, peeling o r flaked-off paint on the soffit is
space. The warmth held inside an unvented attic
can melt snow on the upper section of the roof,
sible. also need the benefit of proper attic venti­ a sign of moisture build-up behind the soffit and this meltwater will re-freeze on the cooler
l<.l tion. Provisions for good ventilation are nei­ boards. The average family of four puts 18 lb. of l ower roof above the soffit. A cool attic is neces­
ther difficult nor expensive, and can save the moisture into the air daily; washing machines sary to keep snow on the roof and prevent ice
home owner energy dollars and prevent dam­ and clothes driers, stoves, humidifiers and moist build-up. With the recommended R-38 attic insu­
age to insulation and structural members. basements or crawl spaces add to the substantial lation in the ceiling, heat loss from the living
Proper ventilation combines natural wind and amount of water vapor that can be trapped in a space below will be kept to a minimum. In fact,
thermal furces to remove heat from the attic in poorly ventilated attic. tests have shown that increased attic ventilation
the sum mer and moisture in the winter. In an does not increase winter heating costs.
un venti lated attic, summer sunshine on the roof Vents create air movement- When air is re­ There are alternatives to the ridge and soffit
heats the shingles and roof sheath. These mate­ moved from an attic, it has to be replaced. To vent configuration for venting your attic. For ex­
rials can get as hot as 1 65°F to 1 70°F. Insulation create the air movement that is the basis of good ample, roof and gable-end louvers can be used
in the attic floor joists is slowly heated and may ventilation, most houses with gabled roofs need i ndependently or in combination with soffit
r each 1 1 0°F to 1 20°F. Convection currents in soffit vents under the eaves and a ridge vent at vents. And i f the roof of your house has no peak,
the attic move air from warm surfaces, and in a the peak. During warm weather, warm air rises then soffit vents and roof louver vents are what
relatively short period of time, attic air is up to naturally to the roof peak and escapes lhrough you need. The important thing is to establish a
1 3 0°F . Th us the ceiling warms and radiates heat the ridge vent. The exhaust action draws fresh flow pattern in the attic that will eliminate dead
to the living space below. air in through the soffit vents (drawing, below spots of stagnant air.
During the winter. water vapor makes its way l e ft). This air picks up heat from the roof as it
into the attic by vapor pressure (humid air diffus­ rises under the roof sheath and passes out the How large a vent do you need?- The stan­
ing into areas of lower humidity) and condenses ridge vent. dards for attic ventilation in the chart on the fac­
on the roof sheathing as frost. The thaw/ freeze In winter, a properly ventilated attic will be ing page are based on a ventilation rate of 1 . 5 cfm
cycle and continual moisture build-up causes the only 3°F to 1 0°F warmer than the outside air, so (cubic feet per minute) per sq. ft. of attic floor
root framing and sheathing to rot . Water can the moist house air doesn't condense inside the area. A vent system that lets air circulate at this
condense on the rafters. drip onto the insulation attic, as it would in a warmer, poorly ventilated rate should keep heating and cooling costs

Installing a rectangular Installing a

soffit vent ridge vent
R after

Fascia

! For .1
•
.
continUOUS

�f srit
vent,
make cur full
lengrh

52 F I N E H O M E B U I L D I N (j
down, and minimize the possibility of water
damage due to condensation in the attic. 1 1 , 500
To determine how large your vents should be , 1 1 , 000
Gable louvers a n d soffit vents
first calculate the square footage of your attic 1 0, 500
floor and locate this figure on the baseline of the 1 0; 000
chart. Then follow a vertical line upward to the 9 , 500
point where it intersects the line of the venting 9 , 000
system you'll be using. Read horizontally to the 8 , 500
left for the net free ventilation area required. 8 , 000
Net free ventilation area (N FVA) is a measure 7 , 500
Attic ventilation with
ridge and soffit vents
(in square inches) of how much air a given vent 7,000
will let through. This figure is usually printed on 6 , 500
the vent. An average-sized ridge vent has an 6,000
N FVA of 18 sq. in. per lineal foot. I! you plan to 5, 500
install screening over soffit openings instead of Roof I o'uvers and soffit vents
--: 5 , 000
using manufactured vents, add 25% to the N FVA .�0- ' 4 500
figure to determine the dimensions of your soffit .!E 4 , 000
openings. l{emember that the N FVA should be � 3 , 500 Example:
divided equally between intake and exhaust � 3 , 000 is
The floor aff,la of your attic
1,!XX)
sq. ft. If you are using a ndge
vents. In a conventional gable-roofed house, for
example, hal! the total N FVA would be allocated
.g'" 2 , 500 vent with a soffit vent, you'/! want a net free
ventilation area of 2,250
sq. in. Using gable louvers.­
� 2 , 000
to the ridge vent, with soffit vents each having c
� and soffit vents, you'/! need 4, 100
sq. in. , and
1 , 500 with a roof-louver system, 4, 700
sq. in.
one-quarter of the total figure. �
.;:
1 ,000 Divide the venting area equally between
intake and exhaust vems.
500
Q;
Z 0
Installing a soffit vent- You can either cut the
500 750 1 , 000 , , 250 1 , 500 1 , 750 2 , 000 2 , 250 2 , 500 2 , 750 3 , 000 3 , 250 3 , 500
openings and cover them with screen, or fit Attic floor area (sq. ft.) Ventilation calculator for gable roof
factory-made units into the soffit. In both cases
you'll have to saw out openings in the soffit
board, using either a keyhole saw, a saber saw or
a circular saw. Watch out for lookout boards, at least 2 in. between t h e outside edge of the sof­ depend on the dimensions of the vent. To retrofit
since cutting into them will weaken the soffit. fit and the outermost cut-line. One good way to a ridge vent in a gabled house you have to re­
Lookout boards are usually located on centers mark cut-lines is to snap parallel chalklines from move the cap shingles along the ridge (drawing,
identical to those of the rafters; the best way to one end of the soffit to the other. I! you are plan­ left). Then snap chalklines on opposite sides of
find them is to look for several nails in a line ning to cover the slot with hardware cloth or the roof, running parallel to the ridge and 1 Yz i n .
across the width of the soffit. I! you're using a cir­ some other kind of screening, 2 in. to 3 i n . is a t o 2 i n . down from t h e peak.
c ular saw, adjust the blade depth to the thickness good width. Use a utility knife to cut through the shingles
of the soffit. Be sure to remove all nails that will As an alternative to a continuous soffit vent, and roofing felt along these two lines and strip
be in the path of the blade. there are rectangular vents that you can install away the cut-out material to expose the sheath­
Continuous soffit vents run the entire length of between lookout boards. You'll need to install a ing. Cut away the narrow bands of exposed
the soffit. Match the width of the slot to the fit re­ series of these for adequate ventilation. The sheathing on either side of the roof peak with
quired by the continuous aluminum vent. Leave easiest way to mark cut-out locations is to use a your circular saw. Take care to pull all nails in
cardboard template that corresponds to the fit of the path of the saw, and set your depth adjust­
the vent. Drill holes in the corners of each rec­ ment so that you'll cut only through the sheath­
tangle and saw out the sides with a saber saw or ing and not into the rafters.
a keyhole saw. Then lift the vent into position A pry bar is handy for removing the strips of
and nail or screw it in place. sheathing once you've ripped through them
Some soffit vents have individual louvers that with your saw. The slots you've opened up be­
slant uniformly toward one side of the unit. I! tween rafters and on either side of the ridge­
this is the type you're working with, be sure that board will serve as air passageways up through
they slant away from the house, toward the out­ the ridge vent. You'll have to cover the upper
side of the soffit. This directs incoming air up hal! of the shingles exposed when the cap course
against the roof sheath, where the circulation was removed. Use matching shingles or other
will do the most good. good-quality roofing materials to protect the
I! you choose to screen your soffit openings, peak from leaks during storms. Cut them narrow
the best time to do so is during construction. This enough so that the top edge comes up to the slot,
way, you can tack the screen to the inside face of leaving the bottom edge exposed.
the board before the soffit is nailed in place. Ridge vents come in sections that must be fit
Otherwise you'll have to fasten the screen over together to make a continuous run across the
the soffit slots on the outside face of the board. A roof peak, using connector caps to cover the
screen with less than Ys-in. openings is best. Be joints. Rather than nail each section to the roof
sure to tack or staple the screen securely; other­ i ndividually, it's better to put the entire assembly
wise birds and bees find their way into soffit together and align it on the ridge before nailing.
nests. Trimming the vents with molding will Otherwise you may get an uneven, staggered
keep them out. It also looks better. appearance. Properly installed and painted to
match the roof color, ridge vents can be unob­
Installing a ridge vent-A ridge vent is de­ trusive as well as functional. 0
signed to fit over a long, narrow opening at the
peak of the roof. For new house construction, Bill Wheeler, of Princeville, Ill. ,
is technical
you can leave this space open when sheathing manager of He
Products Company, manufac­
and shingling the roof. The width of the slot will turers of attic-venting equipment.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 53
 A Silo House
A traditional farm structure provides circular space
at the core of a new home

by Karla Kavanaugh

O ur idea of incorporating a silo into a house­

building project had its beginnings as we drove
and splining the stave-ends together. The final
round filled in the remaining slots with half·
through Saratoga Springs, N Y. , one day, admir­ length staves. All this required a lot of site-made
ing the old Victorian houses with their turrets scaffolding and some aerial gymnastics that we
and conical roofs. Silos can hardly be thought of hadn't anticipated.
as Victorian, but the desire to build a house With the cylinder assembled and resting on
around a wooden cylinder had enthused us. Ned the foundation, we installed six separate hoops
Foss, David Haust and I shared a diverse crafts around the silo, spacing them 3 ft. apart. We
background, but only Davi d had extensive tightened these just enough to keep them in hor­
building and woodworking experience. Never­ izontal alignment, and then we plumbed up the
theless, we wanted to create a livable, well­ cylinder by pulling on the hoops with cable and
crafted house to sel l for a profit. A silo seemed a come·alongs at various points, checking for
good starting place. Through friends we discov­ Twin parabolic roofs cover entryways flanking plumb with a level set against the staves-a
ered that a company less than 1 50 miles away the silo. Well-made parts and uncomplicated con· tricky operation. Tightening the hoops, fasten­
struction provide three levels of living space,
(the Unadilla Silo Co., Unadilla, N Y. 1 3849) ing and tightening the anchor bolts, and driving
pleasant views and a unique focus for this home.
could ship a silo kit to,our building site. From in the steel dowels gave us the tight, true cyl­
their brochure we could see that the kit didn't inder that would be the core of our house.
have a lot of complex parts and would be rela­ which would later secure the V·braces fastened We framed the roof with pre-cut rafters that
tively easy to put together. We ordered a silo to the outside of the wall. After removing the came with the kit. The rafters for the lower gam­
18 ft. in diameter and 22 ft. high. The cost in forms for the last layer, we built a long trammel brel section of the roof had bird's-mouths that fit
1 977 was $4,500. from 2x4s and used a 20d nail to scribe the 1 8-ft. into the top of the silo wall. Their opposite ends
diameter of the silo into the top of the wall. This were cut to receive the nailing ring that forms
A circular footing and foundation wall- The line would serve as a guide when positioning the base for the conical top section of the roof.
wooden staves of our silo had to rest on a secure stave walls on the foundation. light upper rafters (also with bird's-mouths at
base o f poured concrete. We excavated to a their nailing-ring juncture) join an octagonal
depth of 4 ft. to get the footing below the frost Stave raising-The materials arrived in good nailing block at the roof peak to form the cone.
line. To make the circular form for the silo foot­ order, inventoried and labeled. In addition to Since the rafters were cut from 2x4 stock, we
i ng, we first pounded stakes along the inner and staves and hoops, the package also contained drilled pilot holes before nailing to avoid split­
outer circumferences of the footing and then some important fittings (drawing, facing page): ting the wood, and we added extra blocking be­
bent and nailed %-in. plywood to these vertical brackets for circular stairs, nailing rings, pre-cut tween rafters for additional strength. Sheathing
guideposts. Footing forms for the rest of the rafters and pie-shaped plywood sheathing for went quickly because of the pie·shaped plywood
house were constructed the same way, but went the roof, anchor bolts and metal splines. The sections we got with the kit. Working high off the
up more easily since no curves were required. splines fit into slots cut into the exposed end ground in the middle of February, we really ap­
. We rented foundation forms from a nearby grain of each stave, ensuring that all butt·joined preciated the pre·cut parts. Measuring, cutting
silo contractor and set them directly on the cir­ staves remain in vertical alignment. For addi­ and fitting the roof framework by hand would
cular footing. These forms have a wood frame tional stability, each stave is pocket-bored at the have been tough work in the cold wind.
with bent sheet metal on the form face. They can factory, with two holes at the top, two at the bot­
be bolted together and come in two sets: one for tom, to receive steel dowels. Joining the circle to the square-To com­
the inside curve and one for the outside (photo We were told that a professional crew could plete the house, our plan called for a post·and­
facing page, top). However, the standard foun­ raise a silo in a few days. It took us a good deal beam wing radiating about 1 600 from the center
dation for a farm silo is only 18 in. h igh, so we longer. The staves are spruce with beveled of the silo and oriented south-southwest to catch
had to pour our 4-ft. wall in three layers. We also tongue-and-groove joints cut at the factory. We the sun and the view (photo facing page, right).
had to key the outside face of the wall at points began by fitting them together, alternating tall Structurally, the post-and-beam framework
where the block foundation for the rest of the and short, and following the line we had scribed would have to support itself, since we couldn't
house would join it. To do this, we simply posi­ on the foundation (photo facing page, left). We safely hang major beams from the silo wall .
tioned 2x4s vertically inside the forms at these held the first few staves in place by tacking strips We framed t h e floor levels for t h e rest of the
junction points. The 2x4s would later be re­ across them. As the curved wall took shape, the house with 2x 12 joists supported by the block
moved, leaving open slots known as keyways. structure stood on its own, and we removed the foundation and a 6x 12 superstructure. Where
When the first layer had been poured and strips. Before closing the first round, we had to beams join the silo, we drilled oversize holes in
allowed to harden, we removed the forms, pass in a ladder so we'd be able to get in and out the silo walls and then used lag bolts and
cleaned off the concrete debris, and raised them as construction progressed . washers to connect the two parts. This tech­
up a level on cement blocks all around. Then we The s ilo has to be completely erected before nique of slip�lag bolting allows for some move­
bolted them together, drew them tight with openings for windows and doors can be cut. We ment as the staves expand and contract, provid­
cable and come-alongs, and poured the next started the second course, sliding staves into the ing the bolts aren't overtightened.
layer. Into the last layer we set 10 anchor bolts, open slots between the long first-round staves After installing the plywood subfloor, we cut

54 FINE HOM EBU ILDING

Circular fonns, raised on cement blocks, hold the last pour for the silo foundation. The vertical 2x4s set inside the fonns wiD be removed once the concrete has
set, making keyways for strong joints between the block walls and the cement circle.

Alternating short and long staves are fit together to make the silo wall, left. Floor and walls for the surrounding wing of the house must be self·supporting,
right, to keep the silo stable. Plastic sheets protect an open section of the roof gambrel where windows will later be installed.

Plywood
sheat h i n g
,/
/��/�"''",,-" � , •
"
Reinforcement and anchoring hardware

clearance
"" ff.l1:1I'bW'- Hoops are tightened bV
tensioning bracket
to hold stav8S in �_--'-""
compression.
��I ����
�

V-shaped base anchors

Laminated nailing rings

tie silo to bolts set ----+'O.A
in the founda tion.
to support floor joists are
fastened to staves bV steel angle brackets.

- Staves

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 55
 and fit the posts and beams that would support
the main roof over the living room. Each post­
Bending gypsum wallboard and-beam section had to be cut and test-fit on the
ground; then we raised them into place with
For our silo, we bent gypsum wallboard using a form, as shown in the drawing below. (For
pump-jacks, which involved more daredevil ac­
another way to bend wallboard, see FHB N 5 , p. 24.) The form can be built to hold full·size (4x8)
robatics. The 1 7-ft . posts set against the living­
gypsum board, or made smaller for bending shorter, narrower sections. We bent Yz·in. thick board
room side of the silo give the cylinder extra
to a 9·ft. radius; for a tighter curve, you'd be better off using 31s·in. board. Before putting the board
shear resistance. The fireplace also adds rigidity.
in the form, wet the back side uniformly while the board is lying flat. A garden-type hand mister
With the silo set securely against the frame­
is a good spraying tool. Saturate the backing paper thoroughly so that water can penetrate into
work for the rest of the house, the next step was
the gypsum, then lift the board over the form, holding the corners so the maximum flex is across
to cut openings in the staves. Unadilla recom­
the center. This is a job for two people. Then slowly lower the convex (upper) form down into the
mends that extra dowels be set into the staves
mold, checking the board face for sharp folds or cracks. You can expect some minor crinkling
just above and below all openings, so we drilled
due to surface compression; this can be easily covered with joint compound once the wall is
pocket holes in these locations and drove in
nailed up. If the gypsum board is still too stiff to bend into the concave form, it probabaly isn't
more dowels. Then we made plunge cuts with a
wet enough. Beware of soaking the board, though-this causes crumbling. Once in position, the
circular saw and removed the cut-out staves to
weight of the upper form will exert sufficient clamping pressure to hold the board down. Lift it
make the doorway. We cut window openings the
off in two to four hours, remove the wallboard and nail it up. Go easy with the hammer, since the
same way. Narrow vertical windows work best
gypsum may still be damp. -David Haust
in a silo because they needn't be curved and can
be framed into an opening no wider than two or
three staves.
Framing the interior of these curved walls was
a painstaking operation. Studs were toenailed
between the laminated nailing rings, and batt in­
sulation was installed in the conventional man­
Weight of upper form exerts
clamping pressure on board.
ner (the 1 �-in . stave thickness doesn't provide

/
adequate cold-c l imate R-value on its own).
N either studs nor rings were fastened directly to
the staves since this would have interfered with
the free expansion and contracton of the silo
wall. The kit contained angle braces to connect
the nailing rings to the stave wall. The rings also
support floor joists on each level.
To bend the Sheetrock for interior walls, we
sprayed the back of the gypsum board with
water and then nailed it to the studs. To drywall
the kitchen, we had to construct a mold and pre­
form the board to the curve of the wall before
nailing it in place, as explained at left. To enclose
the master bathroom on the second floor of the
silo, we built a small interior silo, and also bent
the waterproof gypsum panels to fit its 1 0-ft. di­
ameter. Throughout the silo, fitting in square
things-cabinets, stove, toilet and floor tile, for
example-required a little more time and imagi­
nation to make the room seem right. It also
meant more waste in the form of offcuts. David,
the most experienced woodworker among us,
did a great deal of the cabinetwork.
On the exterior side of the house, the meeting
of circle and square created two parabolic porch
roofs over entryways flanking the silo. The grace­
ful curve of the roof relies simply on the pitch as
it is transferred to the cylindrical silo wall. To
weatherproof this curved roof joint, we cut a
�-in. deep, angled kerf just above the shingle
line and bent copper flashing into this slot.
When the construction was complete, we had
added another 2 ,300 sq. ft. of living space to the
silo's 750, and had enlisted several artisans in the
area to make stained glass windows, a massive
fieldstone fireplace and custom-built windows
and doors. Still, the silo remains the heart of the
house. Its simple parts and straightforward con­
struction gave us a smooth start, and a focus for
the craftsmanship that followed. 0
Shee
trock-bending jig Measurement in inches,
except where noted Ned Foss, David Haust and Karla Kavanaugh
are principals of Solos Construction Company,
based in northern Columbia county, New York.

56 FINE HOM EBU I L0ING

The kitchen fills the first of the silo's three levels. To finish the interior, drywall panels had to be bent on a fonn before they were nai led up (see facing pagl').
Shelves were custom· made, and the backs of all cabinets were cut to match the curve of the wall.

,1'1
Angle braces anchor a laminated nailing ring to the staves and support the joists for the third floor, left. A smaller, lO·ft. diameter silo fonns thl' wall bl"
tween the hallway and the master bathroom. Though far larger than the silo, the rest of the house literally radiates from this circular core. Doorways to
two of the silo's three levels can be seen from this Iiving·room viewpoint, right; the kitchen is down the steps and to the right.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1982 57
 SALE
DPS
Deep Penetrating Sealer
CPS penetrates deeply, seals, stabilizes and
applies easily. I t retards the movement of mois ·
ture from inside and outside by l in i n g the c e l l u l a r
walls and seal i n g those c e l l s .
Polymerization is complete i n 24 h o u r s , leav­
i n g a d ry, clear, non-tox i c , water-proof finish . .
DPS penetrates from 1 -4" deep on e n d g ra i n ,
and u p t o 1 /8" d e e p 011 surface g r ai n .

DPS c a n be appl ied b y rag , brush, spray or by

d i p p i n g . It w i l l enhance the wood's natural color
and can be m i xed with any o i l based stain . Var­
n i s h , s h e l l ac , l a c q u e r, e n a m e l s or u re t h a n e s
may be a p pl i ed o v e r DPS; or two coats of DPS
w i l l provide a d u ra b l e undercoat for all f i n ishes.
Introductory Pint: $6 including s h i p p i n g .

Freud PPD.
Model Diam Teeth Arbor Use L s /S A L E
i t
72 M E 1 0" 40 51a" All Purp $66 /$44
73 MD 1 0" 60 %" Cut Off $76 /$50
84 M D 1 0" 50 %" Rip/Cross $72 /$50 Replicas of 19th century Originals in kiln dried. •• Factory direct affordable pridng.

71 MA 1 0" 18 %" Rip $61 /$41 premium grade solid Oak or Poplar. Custom millwork available for unusual
Our expanded line includes designs for all interior requirements.
72 M E 1 0" 40 20mm All Purp $69 /$49
and exterior applications: rails and balustrades. Send $3.50 for complete 24 page, full color
73 M D 1 0" 60 20mm Cut Off $84 /$59 brackets. corbels. posts. grilles. fretwork. and catalog and Price List.
much. much more'
84 MD
Perfecta
1 0" 50
3
20mm
:%"
Rip/Cross
Molding
$81 /$57
$220/$185
• Precision manufactured so that product groups ellMBERbANB WEJElBeRAFT
Wood Working
Box 3 :v.. "
Doors &
g
M o l di n $379/$305
are compatible with each other for total design
unity.
eEl1t1PANY. INe.
2500 Walnut Bottom Road
Dept. 46

• Unlimited quantities for total design freedom. Carlisle,PA 17013 ( 7 1 7 1 243·0063

Cassette 65
Plus 3 :%" . Molding $428/$365
72 M D 9" 36 %" A l l Purp $62 /$42
74 M E 1 0" 80 ¥e" Thin Kerf $96 /$64
84 M C 1 0" 40 ¥e" Rip/Cross $68 /$45 Building the
DADO 3 8" 18 ¥e" $162/$122
Timber Frame
H ouse is a
Bridges & Cupolas
bri l l iant book o n
two levels, as a
h istory and
p h i losophical

GREENLEE
G re e n l e e b rad p o i n t d r i l l s ; h a v e p r e c i s i o n
raison d ' etre ' of
t i m ber frame
constructio n Book consists of designs for 22 foot
ground flutes that shave the inside o f the hole _ .and (as) a no· bridges. 8 covered bridges, 36cupo­
smooth, a sharp brad point that prevents s k at ing nonsense, how 51
las and some history of each_ udy
and two razor sharp cutting spurs keep holes to gu ide" Plan Book of Bridges and Cupolas
extra clean. Made from the finest grade of h i g h . BasIon G lobe. · $8.50PPD. Complete plans available
for each design.
carbon steel, tempered f o r long l i f e , designed
for use in d r i l l press or 3/a" portable drills. The set
includes Va", W', SI,6�" 3fa",
31,�', 71,"" W'
bits and a
Published by Charles SCflbner's Sons

protective pou c h . Sale$22 " I have read your book Building the Timber Study Plan Books
Sizes 91,�', o/a", 3/4", 'l'a" & 1" all have W'
shanks and Frame House, a l l that I can say is
are loose packed, cost $46 both sets togeth e r fantastic ! ! Your love of the s u bject as well
FROM
$62 PPD. as your pride of craftsmanship certainly SUN DESIGNS
Hardwood Sample Pack
O u r lumber sample pac k contains 32 species of
come through."
. V . K . Pontiac. Michigan ·

" H aving become obsessed with your book

P.O. Box 206, Dept. 23
D elafield, WI 53018·0206

American and imported hardwoods x2x (V4 6"); and t i mber framing; I must write you a let·
ter. So far, I've gone to a 3-day sem i nar and
( 4 1 4 ) 567·4255
one pint of DPS (the u l t i m ate sealer), o n e pint o f
PF, t h e polymerizing tongue o i l f i n i s h , a n d f i n ­ read, read, and read; and by far you rs i s the
best book out on the market."
i s h i n g i n st ructions p l u s t h e' F i n e Hardwood
Selectorama. Sale $43
ppd. li
. E. r E yr a . Ohm · Gazebo
CATALOG The catalog
conta i n s ' t he w i d est c o l l ec t i o n o f professional
A vailable through your local bookstore or you
�-----------.
directly from Benson WoodworkIng
can now buy
3 4 beautiful designs i n 5 classic
styles from band shell size to
gazebos for small yards. $6.55
Please. send me copy(ies) of Building the
-- PPD. Complete plans also
I
tools, h a rdwood l u m ber, s u p p l i e s and accesso­
ries ever p r inted between two covers. Val ua b l e Timber Frame House I @ $ 1 2 .95 plus $1 .00 for available.

I
i nf o r m a t i o n , new p ro d u c t s , s p e c i a l p u rpose
t oo l s , h a rd -to-f i n d items, i n all s i z e s ; p rofes­
postage.
I Privy
$3 I
sional supplies, a l l industrially p r i c e d . Send N ame
I
for this valuable catalog. The Ciassic Outhouse Boo k .

�John Harra II
Address
City, State, Zip I 25 unique designs with conver;
sions to playhouse, tool shed,

Wood C1 Supply Co. I MAILTO:

I
Benson Woodworking
Pratt Rd.
sauna, etc., and humorous
history. $7.95 PPD. Complete

511 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10001 212·741·0290

I
A lstead, N . H . 0 3 6 0 2
.. - - - - - - - - - - - ..'
plans also available.

58 F I NE HOM EB U I L D I NG
Six times a year an enthusiastic
group of woodwor kers get
together to tal k shop .
Join them .
O pe n a c o p y of Fine Woodworking
m a g a z i n e a n d start read i n g . Yo u ' l l fi n d
w o o d w o r k e rs f r o m a l l over t a l k i ng
a b o u t j i g s t h ey've i n vented , t ricks
t h ey've d i scovere d , p r o b l ems t h ey've
s o l ved . Yo u ' l l also f i n d deta i l e d , c le a rly
w r i t t en a rt i c l es o n tec h n i q u e s , too l s ,
m a te r i a l s a n d des i g n . A l l w r i t ten b y ex­
p e r i e n ce d woodworkers eager to s h a re
i n fo rm a t i o n a n d i d eas . A l l o f fered with
one end in v i ew - hel p i n g y o u become
a better woo d wo r k e r .
To s u bs c r i b e , use t h e o rd e r form i n
t h i s i ss u e . O r y o u can c a l l u s t o l l - f ree ,
1 -800-243-7252, a n d c h a rg e y o u r order
to V I S A o r M a ste r C a rd( Co n n ecti c u t
residents c a l l 1-426-8171 )

tr �!���
ewlown, Conn.�N 06470
P ublIshers 01 FIne HomebUIldIng magazine

-
HOUSEBUILDING COURSES SUMMER RESIDENCE PROGRAMS

-
For the 5th year now Heartwood will be offering 3-week resident
courses in the design and construction of energy-efficient homes. Our three week classroom/hands-on

,--t
The courses focus on three major areas: courses i n the California Sierra Nevada foothills

-
DESIGN SKILLS how to design a beautiful home as empha size energy efficient, passive solar
building to nIeet building
well as on economicol one.
CONSTRlJCTlON TECHNIQlJES m ode understandable
through lectures, demonstrations, discussions code requirements_ '
and an extensiue slide program and library.
BlJlLDlNG SKILLS he
hands-on experience is gained
each day in all aspects of house construction A G REAT SUMMER Owner
""�!t-�
through a unique lab program and actual
building of passiue solar homes. VACATION! Builder
Write or call for a brochure.
Center
(413) 623-6677 Owner Builder Center
Mass. 01235 1824 4t h Street dept. FH Berkeley, Calif. 94710

Glow with
Box 76A, Warren, Vermont 05674 802-496-5545 pride Build your own home.
We teach energy efficient housebuilding to doctors,
S11JD
R RESmEN'1'IAL
D!l PROGRAlIIIB teachers, lawyers, housewives, students; people from
all walks of life. And we teach by doing, not just from a
a.in:ing
Two weeks of intense design tr
textbook. You' l l meet some great people and have fun learning
combined with jobsite construction classes.
Emphasis is on Integrated Solar Designs
skills that could cut up to 50% off the cost of a new home.
We offer a special housebuilding course for women, one for
Winter Eve ning Classes Also energy efficient house renovation, another for energy
auditors, and many others. Find out why we make
1982 Starting Dates building affordable and fun.

COR
NE RSTON
ES
Design for Own
er-Builders ________ ______5/30, 6/20, 7/ 1 1 , 8/ 1
Own Buil
House Construction for er- ders 5/30, 6/20
ding
Buil Construction for Architects _________ 7 / 1 1, 8/ 1 54 C u mberland St., Dept. FH, BrunswiCk, M aine 04 0 1 1
 REV I EW S

30 Energy-Efficient Houses . . . You Can in more than one, the photographer shows fireplaces, recommendations for further
Build by Alex Wade and Neal Ewenstein. up as either a reflection or a shadow. reading on various topics, and, most precious
Rodale Press, 33 East Minor St. , Emmaus, Pa. The text on each house covers the special of all, supplies and materials recommended
18049, 19 77. $14. 95, hardcover; $ 1 1 . 95, requirements of the builders, the techniques or panned by brand name.
paperback; 3 1 6 pp. and materials they used, and the problems There are quirks and flaws here, too. Not
they ran into along the way. These problems many readers, for example, will want to use
A Desig n and Construction Handbook for
were often with codes, building inspectors and Wade's "minimum plumbing system," which
Energy-Saving Houses by Alex Wade. Rodale
the like; difficulties that owner-builders incorporates a combination shower base and
Press, 1980. $19. 95, hardcover; $14. 95,
planning to do something out of the ordinary squat toilet. And the author enthusiastically
paperback; 420 pp.
must be warned to expect. One couple, for advocates the use of formaldehyde foam
Most potential owner-builders are compulsive e xample, couldn't afford to install the insulation without discussing the major health
readers, digesting everything from the composting toilet they had been planning on problems associated with it. (To be fair, the
fatuously funky ("Save Your Old Tires For because the health department required that book was published before the controversy
Roofing Material") to the ponderously they build an expensive full-sized septic reached critical mass, and Wade does discuss
technical ("An Analysis of the Movement system as well. This sort of thing happens all it in the second book.)
of Convection Currents in Multi-Story the time, and inexperienced builders need to A Design and Construction Handbook
Dwellings"). Wading through everything in know about it. expands on Part I I , with good, quick
between can be a lot of fun. It can also be The houses discussed in this book are summaries of how to do foundation work,
pretty confusing. Does all this stuff work? Is it organized into three groups: Small Houses and framing, sheathing, wiring and plumbing.
half-baked theory? Is it cost effective in your Studio Livingspaces (my favorite), South­ There is a criticism of insulation, windows
situation? Is it technological overkill? What FaciQg Hillside Spaces (Wade's own favorite) (Andersens are " vastly overpriced") and
supplies and materials should you use? How and Underground and Passive Solar Tempered cabinetry ("Sears makes a line of crisp,
do you use them once you've got them? Houses. Don't be misled by the title of this contemporary cabinets of exceptional quality
No book has the final answer to all these third section. Most of the houses in the book at a very low price"). A section on installing a
questions, but these companion volumes by take advantage of the sun's energy, and some standing-seam terne roof is alone almost worth
Alex Wade make a nice try. 30 Energy­ of the houses built on southern slopes take the rather hefty price of the book.
Efficient Houses is a plan book, as its title advantage of earth tempering as well . Wade's brand-name, model-number, tool
suggests. But it's not Wade's purpose to give Wade designed a number of these houses recommendations are solid, if open to
you a blueprint you can copy. Instead he tries h imself; others were designed by their argument from aficionados. H e praises the
to demonstrate how others have developed builders. Some are beautiful, some bizarre, Milwaukee Electric Tool Company for its
their designs and followed through on their some superficially orthodox, and some are just commitment to quality, and reports favorably
own houses. Wade, an architect with hands-on ugly. A few weren't built at the time of on its 7 �-in. heavy-duty contractor's saw and
building experience, urges you to think, publication, and appear only as models. All the famous Sawzall, both industry standards.
integrate and modify. H e says the purpose of have a lesson or two to impart. An He also praises Makita tools, but he seems to
the book is to give you the background to do inexpensive foundation system here, a have more faith in Craftsman (Sears)
so. I think it largely succeeds. standing-seam terne roof there. Integrating a equipment than do most of the carpenters
Each of the 30 houses is given two or three simple solar water heater. Using salvaged I know. But the equipment debate is never­
pages of text with photographs, and a graph­ materials. A nice post-and-beam system. If ending, and Wade is providing a service for
paper spread of scaled floor plans and Wade had stopped there, the book would have amateurs, not professionals. (One of his
elevations. Most of the houses are under been interesting, certainly worth reading, and reasons for recommending Craftsman tools is
1 ,500 sq. ft. , and several are under 1 ,000. maybe worth buying. But what makes it really the Sears one-year replacement guarantee.) He
The author's own house has only 336 sq. ft., valuable is Part II: Design and Construction steers the reader away from junk, and advises
illustrating Wade's first principle for Principles, where the houses are reintroduced spending enough to get something that isn't
economical housing: Don't waste space. as examples in a detailed discussion of tossed together for occasional users. He's used
Neal Ewenstein's photos are serviceable. A techniques, materials and supplies. This the tools he writes about, and he gives reasons
pair of them look like they were taken with 80-page section is full of meat-construction for his choices.
too small a shade on the wide-angle lens, and details for elements from doors to Rumford Paper quality, never a Rodale strong point,

6e�\
is poorer in this second book than in the less

�0 ;1� .r "" ,-2 G �

eeAlll\ .J expensive first one. Photo reproduction
c:4.a..L.V. ANI .. 0 DR'/, ec suffers, and details sometimes become murky
. '2.1(1'l FA.�C. I ;'" (L1GH Gave. //:/;// P'/' or disappear. This is annoying, to say the least,

L '>� i ����R « � 'i, W�� �1 'l. "'T R'I� "f especially given the book's cost.

rY
.AIL i Q'Ov�Q

.�52':0. 000M
EX'HAVo;i I"AN -
r V A Design and Construction Manual includes

�
&,b.TT. el'l
1
' .. 4
-- I :
C2.0/lr.. - .v.-
'1'2.· C.' 8" 1iJ.�\J- j
," OAK / eflMU>'ATe l'AIL. lists of sources with their addresses, and
4�
\,..AT·"-O fJ >1M. • (eQ\'/IQap ey
V=-�,; ".1
" M< -
oowc. ==--' suggested legal specifications for those
wll/.-6<>'"
.,
4-- S'S � 4,'. o�o,� -i
"'eT Or! r

-� 10 IJoot G
V
Of �r.\l $
�
working with a contractor. Eleven houses are
Of JS�AM.I " ft." F.6.c... O �I
';:'-
::1,7 51&' �"e£ fC'0<'1( presented in much the same way as those in
\14" 1'1.." )(1
C.L� .4'5- jC'OOf't I �r- /7V' eRI.l.Gl,..K.,b.1'. �e'S'1' va.
T" 6.eSOIt6 30 Energy-Efficient Houses. Three are from the
" Gc,,'"
I ,
WlI.9'\",eft "'•o-lo
OM'" E &.""
eo 1(..\(. 'TOr most popular designs presented in that book.

j�:eo ...
[,_,- J 4'- l4- �o�T;_� �T"OM
To �1«n.toe.fl4 ;«- t..ATIOi4
F I'{ �\rt GIA:C.U Wade says that the saltbox seemed to be the

PR�S" Q.E '1Qi�\' "" "'" ; i

PL.�t.J bf;tJ.c;.W, ..... ..ao w rt'OO most popular shape among the first book's
e>fl'�" 100\1'1
rt. ---. .��'f.:F
" fj8�
4-'$.
- readers, and that his feedback indicated that

�.... ..
"
1./Ir; ,.lto. . . U,e: CO" , , .. �u�,; . .':---0.::,0 , .' ' '.,'. ,�o' "
'
. . . "everyone wanted a greenhouse . " So on the

;\HEN �ou..;e.� L� ,�'.�.

s,
�.'-.0 .
.� ",0 . .::> . . •, . �0 " -, �� ' .� ... .
..
. ..,..oJO l.""0./
(?;A"Onve last 32 pages of the second book he provides

" \ easily modified working drawings for a saltbox

;,\t;I�-G�AO"
r with a greenhouse (drawing, left) and a simple
:,J, llli r-- "'"'I>.ron,,
M'\. l'' eAt.� \.", ,",")
\ eR." \.&>JI&

� �
) solar water heater. The plans, with their six­

"�.�J �'"'
.�:!. '2.",<.., P«:£<s
-;�(!
," page materials list, are clearer and more
mEATE.O -$\l complete than high-priced sets I've seen sold
" , ",', cf-- ,,' <..0 iJc.q"·n�; G AOIl "O'tAt..1\.
', " � through the mail. But even if you're not
'Z� �e\.OT't. ·T\.-le� ..
.�.. -- -. -. - -�- -- '-'":�. I-----·4 (\1--...- Qouud)-- --- -- -i- -- - - <I> Tor boNO flO To M. interested in someone else's design, these two
" .� '----
"- - - volumes are worth adding to your owner­
,. builder's library. -Mark A lvarez

60 FINE HOMEBUILDING
 OLD SOUTH COLUMNS IN EXTRUDED ALUMINUM CAN BE USED Build this beautiful
TO REPLACE ROTTING WOOD COLUMNS IN 8 EASY STEPS I Dome Home by
1. Call 1 -800-841 -8674 for literature and yourself!
prices.

2. Study literature and price sheet to

determine that aluminum columns are less
expensive and easier to obtain than wood
columns.

3. Sell spouse on all advantages of aluminum

columns.

4. Call factory at same toll -free number and d i ameters.

sauARE-
place order for columns to be shipped
immediately from stock of 50,000. Use
4"x4", 6"x6", 8"x8",
10"x l0", & 12"x I2".
Enjoy super-low energy bills
credit card or mail check.
SMART
FLUTED DESIGN
and house payments
Save up to 50% on utilities, and up to 60% on b u i l d i n g
S. Schedule Saturday morning do-it-yourself complete with standard
costs. Beautiful Monterey Domes geodesic homes are
extremely energy-eff icient, unbelievably strong. earth­
project. 8' g'
Long cap and base. . .
ADDITIONAL CAPS
quake resistant, and easy to assemble. N o special tools
or skills necessary. Our u n i q u e , patented b u i l d i n g sys­
6 Columns will arrive in approximately 10 110'2' AVAILABLE-Scamozzi, tem makes home construction a reality for the novice.
Monterey Domes pre-cut, color-coded shel l packages
days. Corinthian and split cap
1 6' start at $3995. Models u p to 3,500 sq. It.
18'
7. Arrange for moral support, 2 soft drinks, 20'
and base. . . PERMANENT,
TROUBLE·FREE-will not rot.
Send lor our color Catalog &
Plan Book - 90 fact-filled
pages of exciting. affordable homes. Sales representa­
1 can elbow grease, hammer, saw, level, 230'4 ' warp or split. Replace your tives available for all 50 States. Write today!

and jack.
old wood columns with
aluminum . . . LlGHTWEIGHT,
.. - - - - - - - - - - - .
a. Follow directions and install columns on EASY TO INSTALL-cut down
I 0 Rush me your 90 &
page CATALOG PLANS BOOK.

Saturday morning, eat lunch, then play

labor costs, material costs and

I 0
Enclosed Is $6.00, postage Included.
Also send your ASSEMBLY MANUAL for an add'i
$5.00.
I
golf with friend s .
handl ing tlme . . . BAKED·ON
FINISH-oven baked columns

I NAME
I
completely f i n ished for home

ADDRESS I
��
remodeling when quick
�
Phone 800/841·8674 toll·free
installation I s required ... I CITY. STATE, ZIP I
HOMES- perfect for porches,
I --
Moultrie, GA 31768 entrances, colonnades - a new
idea in interior decorating.
I
..
Mall To: MONTEREY DOMES
1855 Iowa, Dept. BK-2
i 92517
Riverside, Cal f .
,.*.,
MONTlREY l$
1.'�9.'DOMC. II
- - - - - - - - - - _ ..

Makita
TODAY'S BEST POWER TOOL BUY
I CAST I RON
All
p ro ducts
made

Two
10 circulate
Model 2116 List Sale between floors. Warm those
2040 15 5/8 " Thickness Planer: 1680 1225 hard-IO-reach areas of your home or office. Make
2 HP. 1 10 V, 6500 RPM those wood and coal stoves even more efficient.
REPLACEMENT fLOOR GRILLES
Motor, cutting range
1/4 " - 7
5/8" Replace

2116 1 6 " Bandsaw, 2 HP. 1 1 50 1880 1395 those ugly,

lin, forced
RPM Motor cuts stock
hot air
12 3/8 " thick
2030 1 2 " Planer - 6" JOinter, 1880 1395 registers
with our
V,
f�qpMCt Md S�
2 HP, 1 10 6500 RPM beautiful
Motor, cutting range cast iron

AA/k'� �a.Ut. ptU'� .

1/4 " - 6 1/4 " replacement
grilles. Siandard
Don't 8e Sonyll Before you buy, check with us for duct sizes available.
our mont hly specials on Makita stationary tools. LARGE fLOOR GRI Serrd in COuporl for Free
36018 1 1/4 HP Router 187 140 Color Cntnlog
PPD
9924D8 3 "x24" D u stless Belt Sander 199 145 ,. .... . ....... ...... ..
PPD Please send me your free color catalog.
804510 4 "x4 3/8 " 1 2 . 000 RPM 72 48
PPD
• •
=• Street
Name
=
Finish Sander

Send $ 1 .00 for Makita catalog and pricelist We also carry

. •
Inca power tools and a wide variety of kiln-dried , cabinet
grade hardwoods. = City State Zip __ •
The Xylophile's Company for catalog of
all available sizes.
·
•
�:Uc,.
!�9a#t {�(J
J. I.
138 Ea.t Loudon Ave. The Reggio Register Co. Dept. 022X •.. •
4� WATE� ST., WORCfSTfR MA55,Ofb04
Lexington, Kentucky 40505 ii1?:?72-3493 Box 511 Ayer, MA 01432 '
(606) 254-9823
� .............. . ...-.
F E B K U A K Y/ M A K C H 1982 61
 CALENDAR
CALENDAR lists events of direct inter­ Energy Technology conference and Solar Construction for Building Log Building Classes Qf;gin n e rs'
est to home builders and renovators. exposition , Feb. 1 6- 18, Sheraton Wash­ Professionals workshops on the de­ course, March 7- 19; rool. structures,
The deadline for the April/May issue is ington Hotel, 2660 Woodley Rd. at Con­ sign, construct ion, detailing, pricing March 2 1-26. Legendary Lag Home
Feb. J; for the June/July issue, April J. necticut Ave. NW, Washingto n , D . C. and marketing o f passive solar homes School, Box 1 150, Sisters, Ore. 97759;
Contact Energy Technology C o n fer­ and other buildings. Feb. 4-5, Hartford, (503) 549-7 19 1 .
Adobe Building Workshops covers ence, Inc., 966 Hungerford Drive #24, Conn . ; Feb . 1 7- 18, Philadelphia, P a . ;
Seminars Construction cost estima­
basic construction, passive solar heat­ Rockville, Md. 20850. March 25 -26 , Boston, Mass. Contact
ing and cooling, plumbing and wiring. ting and bidding, Jan. 25-26; site plan­
Sunrise Builders School, Route 12 1 ,
Energy-Efficient Operation and De­ ning and engineering, Jan. 27-28, Clem­
Fe b . 2 2 - 2 7 , Tucso n , A r i z . C o n t a c t Grafton, vt. 05 146; (802) 843-23 1 1 .
South west Solaradobe Schoo l , c / o
sign of Build ings cou rse for de­ son University, Clemson, S.c.
Contact
signers and contractors, March 15-19, Energy Exposition M arch 1 2 - 1 4 , Office o f Professional Development,
Adobe Today magazine, Box 7460, Old
A l b uquerque Sta t i o n , Albuquerque,
Wa sh ington, D.C. Contact Director, Mun icipal and Exhibition Hall a t Con­ c
P.O. Drawer 912, Clemson, S. . 2963 1;
Continuing Engi neering Education, vention Center, Kansas City, Mo. (803) 656-2200.
N . Mex. 87 194; (505) 842-0342.
George Washington University, Wash­
Open House exhibition of solar ener­ Infrared Workshop Evaluation and
Workshops Passive solar house de­ ington, D.C. 20052; (202) 676-6106.
gy equipment and seminars on applica­ application of infrared scanning equip­
sign, Feb. 20; passive solar greenhouse
Courses E a r t h -s h e l t e r e d h o u s i n g tions, sizing and installation, for in­ ment to detect heat losses in buildings,
design, March 13-14. Domestic Tech­
a n d passive s o l a r systems: J a n . 1 6 , stallers of solar energy products. Feb. Jan. 14- 16 and Feb. 25-27, Burlington,
nology Institute, Box 2043, Evergreen,
Grand Rapids, Mich.; Jan . 23; Fremont, 22, Sheraton Regal Inn, Kingsbridge Vt. Contact Paul Grover, The Infraspec­
Colo. 80439.
Mich.; Jan. 30, Flint, Mich.; Feb. 6, De­ Rd., Piscataway, N.J. Contact R. Nicho­ t i o n Institute, H u l lcrest Drive,
Solar Hot Water Conference March troit. Solar water-heater workshop, las Loope, Sun works, Box 3900, Somer­ Shelbourne, vt. 05482; (802) 985-2500.
1 1- l 3 , Parkview H ilton Hotel, Hart­ Feb. 26 and March 6, Grand Rapids, ville, N.J. 08876; (201) 469-0399.
Conference A systematic approach
ford, Conn. Contact Gale O . Jensen, Mich. Energy tour of Israel, Feb. 18 to Workshops electrical systems and to building material evaluation and se­
Conference Director, Box 778, Brattle­ March 2. Contact The Energy Group, repairs, Feb . 13; preventive mainte­ lection. For design p rofessionals, con­
boro, vt. 053 0 1 ; (802) 254-2386. Jordan College, 360 W.
Pine St., Cedar nance: con tracts and contractors, tractors and b u i l d i n g o fficials. Feb.
Springs, Mich. 493 19; ( 6 16) 696- 1 180. March 9; 280 Broadway, Room 70 1 ,
Workshop solar additions and re­ 8- 12, Madison, Wis. Contact Philip M.
modeling. Feb. 23-24, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Energy Exposition Feb. 6-7, Myriad New York City. Contact Housing Pro­ Bennett, Program Director, Dept. of
March 1 0- 1 1 , Valley Forge, Pa.; March Convention Ctr., Okalahoma City, Okla. gram, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Engineering, University of Wisconsin­
27-28, Fairfield, Conn. Contact Mid-At­ I I I B roadway, 1 7th Floor, New York, Extension, 432 N. Lake St., Madison,
Earth-Sheltered Course problems N . Y. 10006; (2 12) 587-9742.
lantic Solar Energy Association, 2233 Wis. 53706; (608) 263-4705.
i n earth-sheltered design and construc­
Gray's Ferry Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. Energy Expo March 18-2 1 , Nassau
tion techniques, Monday evenings in Extension Courses Passive solar de­
1 9 146; (2 15) 545-2 150. C o l i se u m , U n i o n d a l e , N . Y . Contact
March, for people experienced in de­ sign tools, Feb. 10- 12; e arth-sheltered
Classes Passive solar design for pro­ sign, construction and consulting. 10 1 Energy Expo Inc., 33 Bell St., West
architecture, March 15-16, Madison,
fessionals, Feb. 6-7; finish carpentry for Mendel Hall, College of St. Catherine, Babylon, N . Y. 1 1 704; (5 16) 293-5533.
Wis. Contact Donald Schramm, Pro­
women , March 1 - 12; energy auditor 2004 Randolph Ave., St. Pau l , Minn. B u i l d in g Wor k s h o p F e b . 2 2 t o gram Director, Dept. o f Engineering
training, March 2 1- 2 7 . Cornerstones, Contact T LH Associates, Inc., Suite March 5, days a n d evenings. Shelter In­ and Applied Science, University of
54 Cumberland St . , Brunswick, Maine 900, Mi nnesota Bldg., St. Paul, Minn. s t i t u t e , 38 Ce n t e r S t . , B a t h , M a i n e Wisconsin-Extension, 432 N . Lake St. ,
040 1 1 ; (207) 729-5 103 . 5 5 1 0 1 ; (6 12) 22 7-8866. 04530; ( 2 0 7 ) 442-7938. Madison, Wis. 53706; (608) 262-206 1 .

Fine
Woodworking
Books
From the
publishers of
Fine Homebuilding
You 'll fin d volumes of
deta iled , practical information
in our growing libr ary
of Fine Woodworking Books.
For a complete l isting send for
our free catalog . You can write
us at the address below . Or call
toll-free , 1 -800-243-7252
(in
Connectic ut , c all 1-426-8 1 7 1 ).

62 FINE HOM E B U I LD I NG
�#J ==v
� Make Housebuilding Pay Off!
REMOVE PAI� � �
_
The':'Easy Way With
\ NEW REVISED EDITION ! NEW EDITION I
THE WEATHER F U N DAMENTALS OF
The,·.EASY GUN CONDITION E D HOUSE
By Groff Conklin, revised a n d updated by
CARPENTRY
Practical Construction
No fl ames, no toxic fumes, no S. Blackwel/ Duncan. You can achieve total Fifth Edition
mess with the EASY G U N - the thermal comfort in your home - and without By Walter E. Durbahn and Elmer W. Sundberg.
paying off the power and gas companies l This Completely u pdated to reflect the latest tech­
light-weight, all-electric, almost classic reference on controlling indoor climates niques of construction, this new edition provides
silent way to remove paint! The is now updated with the latest technological. en­ the essentials that anyone doing carpentry work
vironmental, and economic developments in the must have. Each step in the construction of a
EASY G U N , designed with the
field. Easy-to-apply techniques of thermal and house is carefully explained - from laying out
do-it-yourselfer in mind, draws moisture control are accompanied by practical the building lines to applying the final interior
on l y 4. 5 amps at 1 20v! how-to data on insulation, ventilation, pest finis h . Over 500 illustrations demonstrate not
control, fire prevention, maintenance, and much only new practices in the field but also accepted
Onl y $59.95
plus $ 1 . 5 0 for ship­
ping. W I residents add 4 % sales
more. Start now to obtain year-round living com­
fort at less building, operating, and maintenance
regional variations. 528 pp., 8% x 1 1 , iI/us.,
$ 77.95 paper. A vailable in April.
costs than you ever imagined possible I 256 pp.,
tax. Offer expires April 1 , 1 982. 8 '12 x 1 1 , iI/us. $18.95

From the EASY G U N to repro­ NEW ! EARTH SHELTERED

ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK HOUSING DESIGN
duction hardware, lighting, and Guidelines, Examples, and References
OF HOME CONSTRUCTION
plumbing . . . to tools to books By The Underground Space Center, University
B y Halsey Van Orman. Building your own home
of Minnesota. Lauded as "the first comprehen­
t o y ou- n am e - i t we have can save you a lot of money, but only if you can
sive underground design manual" by the AlA
what you're l ooking for! Send avoid expensive and time cons uming mistakes .
Journal. this best seller - over 1 50,000 copies
This source of time-saving building tips covers
$ 1 . 50 refundable for our com­ practical steps to cutting home building costs ,
sold to date - g ives plans , details, and photo­
graphs of a variety of earth s heltered houses .
p lete catal og ! from design through constructing. All facets
You'lI discover how an underground dwelling can
of the process - masonry, plumbing, electrical
save you money and energy as well as provide
C rawford's work, and carpentry - are carefully explained.
comfort and beauty.
Van Orman covers such essentials as housing
Old House Store specifications and design, drawing plans, con­
"The definitive book on the s u bject. Almost every
book on underground houses refers to this volume
301 McCa ll SI. Room 551 Waukesha, WI 53 1 86 struction techniques, building materials , and cost
estimates. You'll also find foolproof directions on
as its source of inspiration." - Workbench

� fir
" Best first source. All encompassing . Packed with
installing roofs , doors. windows, cabinets, stair­
beautiful detailed draWing. Best review avail­
ways, fireplaces and other additions to your
able of the current option for living beneath the
home. 350 pp., 8'/2 x 11, iI/us., $21.95
earth ." -Shelter, 3 1 8 pp . , 1 1 '/. x 8'12, iI/us. , $ 1 7. 95

r--- ---- -- --l NEWI

THE HOU S E B U I LDING

I �� I EXPERIENCE
B y Jack McLaughlin. When you build i t yourself,
NEW !
EA RTH SHELTERED HOMES

I fot � � II how can you assure quality construction with­

Plans and Designs
out spending exorbitant amounts of time and The Underground Space Center. University

I
of Minnesota. Don't grin and bear high heating
money? By tapping the advice of hundreds of

wcod
A·/Vu
rV,VVA�I�1I
." vv,?f' owner-builders who tlave successfully created
costs-go underg round I Earth Sheltered Homes

I I their dream homes while staying within a budget.

The Housebuilding Experience serves as a com­
shows you how to construct partially or fully un­
derground dwellings that use the ground to both

l WATCO® \
panion to standard building manuals because it insulate the home during winter cold and cool it
explores the human, decision-making aspects of during summer heat. It provides you with easy­
to-follow construction tips, plans, and energy
building that tend to be ignored or glossed over

I :Ylw f!AifJUzaI and [Ftd/ tk flJe:.{ I

data for over 23 different dwellings. The sam­
in basic how-to hand books. Besides explaining
ples represent actual energy-saving bui ldings

I DAN I
how to build your home, the author demonstrates
that have proven their value as sturdy, visually
why you should do it one way and not another.

ISH O I L His friendly tone and vividly described experi­

appealing, and comfortable places to live. Data
sheets and charts accompanying each home's

I
ences make the hand book fun reading as well as

I WOOD FINISH an invaluable guide. 224 pp., iI/us., $14.95

description give you vital information at a g l ance.
x
I
160 pp., 1031. 8 '/., iI/us., $16.95
LIKE MAGIC NEW EDITION '
I
O n e easy a p p l i c a t i o n sea l s ,
p r i m es , f i n i s he s , hardens, protects a n d bea ut i ·
BLUEPRINT READING r---------------·
I SAVE MONEY
f i e s . True, l o n g · l a st i ng e l egance.
I A N D SKETC H I N G FOR
I anyone
h
Do i n g y o u r own wood f i n·
i s i ng is a b i g money saver a n d w i t h Watco, I C A RPENTERS - Residential
Van Nostrand Reinhold
Mail Order Service
can finish wood like an expert I Third Edition
I For c o m p l e te i n f o rmat i o n , f i l l in a n d mail t h e
I By Leo McDonnel and John E. Bal/. The faster
7625 Empire Drive, Florence, KY 41042

I coupon today.
I and more accurate you can get house construc­ Send me the book(s) checked below for
Free Examination. After 15
days
days, I'll pay the pur­
15

�---- ---- -- - -- - - --- - , tion data on paper . . . the sooner you'll have your chase price plus local sales tax and handling or

I I
- homel This Third Edition of a popular manual ex­ return the book(s) and owe nothing. Oller subject to
WATCO·D E N N I S C O R P. , 1 756·22nd St. plores how to most effectively communicate your credit department approval.

I s a n t a M o n i c a , C a . 90404, D e pt . FH-22
I ideas - through trade blueprints and fast
on-the-job sketches - to masons, plumbers,
__ 22655·1
25887�9
The Weather Conditioned House .
Illustrated Handbook of Home
$1 8.95

I
o Send f re e book let " H o w to Bea u t i f u l ly Construction . .. . $21 .95
I
e
electricians, and builders. Easy-to-read ex­ __ 25398�2 .
The Housebuilding Experience $1 4.95
F i n i s h W ood. "

I
planations and exam ples are supported with 26265�5 Blueprint Reading and Sketching $1 1 .95
21 900�8 . $1 4.95
I
e
Fundamentals of Carpentry . . .
numerous illustrations . Comprehensive de­ 261 57�8 . $1 7.95
Nam
I
Earth Sheltered Housing Design
scriptions are given of the latest technolog ical _ 28675�9 Earth Sheltered Homes. . . . . $1 6.95
I advances and materials being used in the con­

I
St re t
struction industry. You'll also get an extra
I Name _______________________________
L�t_e___ .: _____ J
City bonus - a complete set of specifications for con­ Address __________ _
structing a given house. 160 pp .. 73/. x 10'/., City State
__ ___ Zip
iI/us. , $ 1 1 . 95 Price subject to change F7145

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 982 63
 � ... .. • I ', . -/, p -p - ,
.., ': ., .'·•:;•.'G� R_�_-_,_,' -.\ ·\\;i // / :,' - ,' . "..' : ,' ,
E-A\T, ,i." . NfQ'M-E,N.T S I N B U I L 0 I N G H I S T O R Y
with penta, and tack down the spliced-in
member with 1 6d nails.
We picked up momentum, and were really
clicking. Tom had finished fitting and nailing
down the new plywood floor, except for the
narrow strip where I was working. I picked up
my heavy �-in. drill. put a long ship's auger
bit in the chuck and started boring the beam
for the bolts that would splice the new and old
" .�----. wood. The bit chewed through the wood with
wonderful efficiency. The new wood turned
out white chips, penta-flooded wood produced
greenish chips, and the old heart pine beam
turned out golden chips and a rich, resinous
smell. Then the drill snagged, apparently
caught on a knot, so I gave it a final push . A
geyser erupted from the floor!
Water sprayed the ceiling and trickled down
the walls to form mud puddles in the dirt we
had tracked onto the new subfloor. A lake
formed near the beam , floating the wood chips
l ike so many miniature ships. Stunned, Tom
started to laugh. I concluded that it would be
faster to turn off the water to the entire house
The Best Laid Plans followed, and after a thorough sweep-up, than to trace piping in the crawl space and
we felt we had a firm grip on the situation. guess which valve controlled the bathroom.
Fighting from room to room like renovation But then the tide began to turn. With flat I ran to the street, ripped the cover off, and
guerillas, my wife and I reached the bars and hammers, we began tearing up layers discovered that the valve required a wrench to
downstairs bathroom in our two-story of vinyl, hardboard, and linoleu m tile to get close it. I raced back to the workshop behind
Victorian house. The bathroom, a 6x8 down to the original pine flooring. The the house, grabbed an adjustable wrench and
oversized closet appearing bigger thanks to its installer of the hardboard had been a fanatic ran out to the street to turn off the water.
I O-ft. ceiling, had to be gutted back to its studs with a staple gun; 6-in. on center and at least Then slowly, reluctantly, I returned to the
before we added new plumbing, wiring and I -in. long, cement-coated staples resolutely bathroom to survey the damage.
i nsulation. We also wanted to replace the h eld the board tight. Further, the mastic I had hit the brand-new, �-in. copper
swinging door with a pocket door to save holding the ancient linoleum tile was like iron feedline for the entire house dead center. Had
precious floorspace, install a new subfloor and and had to be chipped off. Tom started at one the pilot screw for the bit been � in. to the left
floor and add new fixtures. Finally we'd nail side of the room, I at the other, and we or right, it would have glanced off the pipe
the old moldings back up and paint the room . carefully worked our way toward the middle. and we would be installing the pocket door
Trying to minimize the effects of the As the morning slipped away and the now instead of mopping up. The room was
i nevitable dirt and dust on the finished rooms, cleaned floor steadily spread, more serious soaked, and mud covered the floor, but since
we decided to make a one-day all-out effort to problems became apparent. Years of plumbing we hadn't started hanging Sheetrock, no
complete the demolition and get as far as neglect had led to seriously rotted areas of irreversible damage had been done. The first
laying down new sub floor and hanging the floor around the old toilet and under the old priority was to repair the pipe, then clean up.
new Sheetrock, an ambitious goal but one we sink, so we finished cleaning off the layers of At a nearby plumbing supply house I bought
felt had to be reached. old flooring and started tearing out the rotted a clamping-type, stainless steel patch, took it
This strategy conceived, we began plotting floor-an easy task since it crumbled in our home, bolted it on and turned the water back
the campaign. Our faithful plumber removed hands. The floor joists below the toilet had on. The pipe leaked profusely. I decided it
the claw-foot bathtub for refinishing and the also rotted and had to be replaced, and an was time to call in reinforcements.
other fixtures for recycling. Then he roughed 8x 12 load-bearing beam under the wall behind Unflappable, the plumber arrived and
in new copper water lines and plastic wastes, the sink had suffered considerable rot on its patched the hole. I surveyed the battlefield,
relatively straightforward tasks because the top and had to be strengthened with new and decided to retreat. I put the tools away,
main feedwater line and drain for the house lumber spliced in. It was by now early thanked Tom for his help, cleaned up and
ran directly under the bathroom. Next the afternoon, so we retreated to eat and regroup. started planning how to end the campaign.
electrician deftly bored a series of holes i n the Over lunch, Tom and I decided to start with Not too many weeks later the job was
soon-to-be-torn-out plaster, found the wires he the joists under the toilet, so Tom could start finished with no damage to adjacent rooms.
had previously dropped in the stud space and laying down subfloor while I hacked away at The geyser turned out to be no more than
fished them out. Our wiring was roughed in. the rotten beam on the opposite side of the an inconvenience-another one of those
The damage thus far was minimal. The 1
room. Spirits renewed after lunch, crawled i ncidents conceived to test the mettle of old­
plumber had removed one stud space worth under the house with a light, measured the house renovators. The lesson it taught was
of plaster; the electrician, several holes' worth. spans for the two new joists, and yelled them well learned, however. Had I bored into a live
The bathroom project was still under control, up to Tom , who quickly cut them and passed 1
wire, would not have gotten off so easily.
but the true test was ahead. them back down the hole where the rotten Before boring or cutting into a wall or floor,
The final preparations for D (Destruction) flooring had been. I nailed them up, then I now check and recheck to make sure that
Day were completed. All materials were crawled out to work on the rotten girder. I will be cutting only into wood. All future
bought and staged on the front porch, and 1 attacked the rotted beam like a dentist fountains will be outside in the garden.
Tom, a friend who was also renovating a filling an especially decayed tooth. All the - William B. Pitt, Statesville,N. C.
house, was enlisted for an entire day of work. rotted material had to be removed, and the
The day of the attack dawned bright, and cavity filled with new material. With a heavy We buy readers ' accounts of their building
we hit the enemy hard: old Sheetrock over 1
mortising chisel and mallet, started cleaning experiences-humorous, inspirational,
hardboard tile over rotting plaster walls came out the crumbling fibers. Across the beam, embarrassing or otherwise noteworthy. Send
down quickly, and the debris was shoveled then along it, probe for rot, find it, dig it out. your story to Great Moments, Fine
into the wheelbarrow, then dumped into the Smooth up the cut so a 2x8 would slip into the H omebuilding, Box 355, Newtown, Conn.
back of the truck. The cracked plaster ceiling cavity, flood the newly exposed, sound wood 064 70. We'd like to hear from you.

64 FINE HOMEBUILDING
 BUILDERS' MART
BUILDERS' MART NOT OLDER-JUST BETTER
m
Our is a marketplace for shoppers of home building equipment and supplies. It is an advertising
, section devoted to unusual and interesting items.

A1[1 lr1J.IDE. N lrll<t $ 1 6,000 SOLAR SALTBOX

<t ([DJLONllAlL
You can bUild this 1 1 40 sq ft
expandable home for under

� "
$1 6,000' Passive solar piUS

A<r:CCJE.NTS " super-msulatlon cuts heat bills

10 80%'
PLANS
COMPLETE 13 pg

!1 PKG $20 STUDY PLAN $2

HOMESTEAD DESIGN BOX 430 h.
LANGLEY. WA 98260

COUNTERSINKS with stop collars and taper point drills

PLUG CUTTERS
Improve work done • Save time

WRITE FOR CATALOG State your needs A comprehensive color catalog of

22 Cypress SI. •
W.L. FULLER,02888
INC.• 401-467-2900
Warwick, R.I.
old-style hardware, lighting and
plumbing fixtures, decora tive
accessories, and other hard-to-find
products. This catalog includes
ARCHITECT AND BUILDER costs can be elimi· pieces from the Colonial Era
nated! Design and build your own solar home or renovation. through the 1 9 th Century in solid
Our personal but intensive two week programs show you how brass, wrought iron, porcelain and
by doing. Contact: oak. All items newly-manufactured
YESTERMORROW, Box 76a, Warren, VT 05674 for a lifetime of use. Many are

o r call 1 8 0 2 ) 4 9 6 · 5 5 4 5 . FREE brochure.

authentic reproductions of period
pieces. Catalog costs $2, refund­
able with purchase.

SLIPCASE for FINE HOMEBUILDING issues �EIV" <>�_A..'T'

<>� S
Bl ue front embossed in gold. One case holds 1 2
issues and costs $5.85. (Order 3 and pay just
SYJ"F»F»LY'
1 2 4 Northfield Rd.,
$5.30 each.) Send check to: The Highsmith Coo,
Millers Falls, MA 0 1 349
Victorian Gingerbread and Fretwork Box 25FH, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Post­
paid, money-back guarantee.
(4 1 3) 659-348 1
add charm and value to your home. Authentic
solid p i ne reproductions, for interior and exterior.
A beautiful selection of scrolls, brackets, bal l
and dowel work, custom-length panels, graceful
gazebos, and much more. New 36-page catalog WORCESTER
with prices, $2. Vintage Wood Works, 77 Main
Tool factory outlet. Manufacturers of wrenches and tools since 1 893.
Stevens Walden, Inc., 475 Schrewsbury St.. Worcester, MA 0 1 604. CLASSIFIED
Street, Q u i nlan, T X 75474. 1 6 1 7) 799-4 1 1 1 or 7 5 6· 6252. Our wrenches and tools, 50% off.
Master distributors of all MAKITA tools, Black & Decker, DeWalt saws,
The CLASSIFIED rate is $ 1 . 50 per word, minimum ad 1 5
Channellock, Greenlee and t housands of other tools. Full selection of words. Payment must accompany order. Send to: Fine Home­

Back to Nature.... hand tools, power tools, stationary power tools and 1001 boxes. building, Advertising Dept., Box 355, Newtown, CT
Deadline for the April/May issue is January 25; for the
06470.
June/July issue, March 25.

ARCHITECTURAL METALS I::COCONSTRUCTION. 500 books on low-cost alternatives:

energy efficiency, passive solar, building skills. Send 20-cent
CATAlOG $2 stamp for book list. M ETA Publications, Box 1 28F, Marble­
mount, WA 98267.

OAK POST-AND-BI::AM HOMI::S. Oak structural finish flooring

C OPP ER � and roof sheathing for exposed beam construction. American

1:111
Restoration Trades, PO Box 255, Danville, OH 430 1 4 . ( 6 1 4 )

Matthew Richardson , 599-7959 .

....Underground
MPt.£ . • Homes the Coppersmith
1III1
C I::NTURY HOME OWNERS/ BUYERS: Is your home worth re­
o 1liECO
BOOK EARTH
TE
56 15 EARTH SHELTERED
storing? How do you go about it? Find out in the Dunbar­
� b
SHELTER

�"3������n:
HELTER Box fXJ GreenIieId
MAOl:m Conover Woodworking School's Restoration Class next
NA TURand
o EARTH S
E DESIGNS
42 pi11gesole)lClhng
plans bluepnnr
BACK TO

�$4.75
,11oor
NATUREW OO
ANO OO

mformatlOr'l 3255 D HOMES

MES INC,
SUITE &"8
August at Hiram College. Intensive one-week courses. For
more i n formdtion write D u nbar-Conover Woodworking
OAt< DRrvE
• Add 50( each lor p'tglhdlg YPSIlANTI . MI. 48197 School, 1 8 1 2 5 Madison Rd . . Parkman, OH 44080. Or call (2 1 6)
548-348 1 .

MOVING?
F IN E HOMEBUILDING SLI PCASE. Magazines fit into cases to

GILEEN ILIVEIL TILADING CD,'M become valuable reference volumes. Blue front embossed in
gold. One case ( 1 2 issues) $5.85, 3 or more $5.30 ea. The High­

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY smith Co., Box 2 5 F H , Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

LOG HOMES We don't want you to m i s s an issue, so SOLAR PYRAMI D I::NERGY HOUSI:: PLANS. I::conomical
modular design. Government approved. Complete set $24.95,
Send 25r for our Brochure p lease give us your new and old ad­ payable to Shapiro. 20395 Calion. Topanga, CA 90290.
BOSTON�rCORNERS ROAD d resses a t l eas t six weeks before the
MILLERT 8-�::lmRJ( 1 2546 nex t issue.
Trim center lor 9-in. motorized miter box. Light, portable unit
(8-ft. table, left and right). I::asy setup; base is unit's own carry­
ing case. Detailed plans. $8. Frostco, 2 1 0 Mayflower Dr.,
Woodstock, GA 3 0 1 88.
Write: Fine Homebuilding
DISCOUNT BOOKS - 20% OFF POSTPAID Address Change, I NVERTI:: D -CAVI:: CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM. Former VPI
KRENOV'S WORKER IN WOOD ($24.95 list) Box 355 professor demonstrates economical earth-tempered home
above grade with unique hybrid solar. Research guide. $5.
-ONLY $ 1 9.95. Most books available, 200/0 off
ppd. q Re uest free brochure or send title, author & Newtown, Ct. 06470 Thomas Loxley, Shepherdstown, WV
25443·0299.

list price less 200/0 (Add 5% in MD) allow wks. 4-6 Build a 3-ft. by 6-ft. SOLAR WATI::R COLLECTOR for $ 1 80, an

Ea.'l.th �<WO'l.kj.
Or, call (toll free): 1 -800-243-7252 8-ft. by 1 0-ft. air collector for $400, a solar food drier for $50.
In Connecticut, call 1 -426-8 1 7 1 Detailed step-by-step plans. $ 1 0 each or $20 for all three.
Money-back guarantee. Sevenstar I::nergy Systems, 536 N.r:.
8 1 35 Ball Rd., Frederick MD 2 1 7 0 1
Hobson, Lewistown, MT 59457.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 9 82 65
 D E T A I L S
Topo doors
These thick, narrow redwood double
doors on a house in Muir Beach, Calif.,
have a special sense of place. The
topographic contours of the surround­
ing ridges and bays are routed y:! i n .
deep into t h e exterior surface a n d left
to weather.

66 FINE H O M EB U I LD I NG
 This column features attractive and weI/-designed details, both traditional and con­ black and white photos (with negatives), sketches (we 'll redraw them) and brief
temporary. We pay $50 for items that are published. Readers are invited to send descriptions to Details, Fine Homebuilding, Box 355, Newtown, Conn. 06470.

Metroliner sink
For a restoration in Philade l p h i a's
Rittenhouse Square, I
used mi rrors
and a sink inspi red by those on trains
to give more space to a bathroom l ess
than 5ft. square. I bought a standard
brushed stain less bowl with a l ip, and
had the triangle shape fabricated by a
commercial sink factory that was will­
ing to make up a single unit. The sides
against the mirrors are 36
in. long, and
the plumbing fixtures are standard.
-Dolores Brown, Philadelphia, Pa.

Cook-top vent
The island cook-top counter in Paul
and Sue Eisenberg's kitchen is vented
t h rough a funnel-shaped box hung
from the roof framing. The fan-shaped
top serves as both a geometric focal
point and a hidden pathway for the
ductwork to avoid the ridge beam on
its way to the roof-mounted fan.
A rc h i tect / b u i l d e r Glen Jarvis of
Berkeley, Cali f ., designed and con­
structed the box from a 2x4 frame­
work covered with %-i n . pl ywood
sheath ing. Then diagonal bands o f
�-in. t h i ck cedar veneer were contact­
cemented over the sheathing for the
finished surface.
T h e recta n g u l a r r a n g e h oo d is
vertical-grain Douglas fir, lined with
stainless steel and bolted to the 2x4
framework. Light fixtures above and
below t he hood allow a range of illu­
mination, and hooks on a Y.-in. thick
stain less-steel band keep pots and
pans out of the way.

F E B R U A R Y/ M A R C H 1 982 67
 I
Corrugated House
Many of the old industrial buildings
here are clad in corrugated steel.
David Ireland liked the rhythmic look
and greyish cast of the material and
wanted to use it on a home. He linked the
house and garage with a two·story addition
and added a sawtooth dormer to pull in light.
Inside, he opened the Iiving·room ceiling
and built a piano·curve bridge to the upstairs
bedroom. The house is near a busy intersection
and occasionally a stray car will dent the wall.
Fortunately the steel panels are easy to replace.
-Alec Lambie, San Francisco, Calif.