Family Handyman

When it comes to home improvement, you need information you can trust. Inside each issue of The Family Handyman, you’ll find see-and-solve expert repair techniques, a variety of projects for every room and step-by-step, do-it-yourself photos.

Stuff We Love • Our favorite DIY tools, materials + gear.

Handy Hints® • Clever solutions from our readers

Get the Best Plywood for Your Buck • 15 tips for better cabinets and furniture

Can You Get the Bow Out?

How Veneer is Cut • The way the veneer was sliced from the log determines its look. The more common cuts—rotary and plain—are also the least expensive. Quarter-sawn and rift-sawn are more labor intensive to cut and are considered more attractive by most people.

CORE OPTIONS AND OPINIONS • The materials used to make plywood’s inner core affect several important characteristics: weight, strength, rigidity, stability, flatness, screw-holding capability, consistency of thickness, and evenness of the veneer.

FIRE BLOCKING BASICS • Holes and gaps in wall and ceiling cavities allow a fire to spread rapidly. They also allow airflow, which feeds a fire. Sealing these gaps slows or may even stop the spread of flames, smoke and gases.

GAME DAY SHED • A wide-open design perfect for work and play

OPTIONAL OUT-BACK STORAGE

LONG-LASTING EXTERIOR

SUPER-COOL GARAGE DOOR

OFF-THE-GRID SHED

DIGGING HOLES • Smart tips for a dumb job

BACKYARD CANTINA • Invite birds to your place for countless happy hours!

CHOOSING CAULK • With a little knowledge, selecting sealant is simple

FOUR COMMON FORMULAS • These types of caulk dominate the shelves at home centers. Labels don’t always tell you what’s in the tube, so we’ve included examples of each type in this article. But there are many more brands than the ones we show. All are available in various colors and paintable.

PROTECT YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER • Installing a surge protector guards against power surges and lightning strikes.

Home Smarts • The knowledge you need to be a better homeowner.

Change your coolant

Buying the right coolant

Great Goofs ® • Laughs and lessons from our readers

READER INFO • Need more Family Handyman? Get our best tips and hints in your inbox. Sign up at tfhmag.com/diytips

5 knots you need to know • Master these five knots. In most cases, they’re the only ones you’ll ever need.