There are several types of roof trusses, all of which solve different design and space problems, provide different load bearing capacities, and use different dimensions of lumber. Your local lumber suppliers are usually affiliated with a local truss supplier, or you may contact them directly. Here is a chart illustrating commonly used truss patterns.

Metal roofing is the best idea on a home with a sloped roof. Metal will last longer than you will. Asphalt gets replaced in 25 years in most cases. Asphalt is made of petroleum, which is bad for the environment and the future economy and is nearly an obsolete technology. You could take a peak […]

Laminated Structural Timber, also called Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), and even called Microlaminated Lumber, is composed of layers of wood joined with glue. It is usually stronger than the same dimension of solid lumber. It costs a little more per board foot, but you tend to need smaller members, and it tends to be very […]

I have watch all kinds of wood decking over the years. They all require regular laborious maintenence. New products are on the market that overcome that burden with substantial longevity, and they look great. Composite decking is partly wood and partly synthetic. You may have to drill starter holes for the nails. Maybe even use […]

Of course you would like to see all the choices available for beautiful floorings you might install in your new house. If you can open a website, you can have a lot of fun shopping for flooring. I have made the effort to provide you with some links to nice flooring galleries of recommendable manfucturers. […]

Ants or termites will find a way to get into your walls and eat the studs, especially if moisture occurs. You have only two options: 1. apply pesticide every year around your perimeter or – 2. install a zinc flashing under the sill planks, on top of the foundation wall, with a 1-1/2 inch lip […]

Homes between 500 SF and 3000 SF will frequently encounter the most planning struggles centered around the stairs. The reason for this is that the stairs tend to dictate much of the circulation pattern in the floor plan, on both floors. With the stairs in the wrong place, it seems impossible to find a room […]