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UC field guides

Know your options.
Understand the why.

Learn where each building method makes sense, what it improves and what you give up. Follow practical examples through to measurements, material choices and the matching planning tool.

01
7 guides · reading order

Sheds

Fit the shed to its use. Compare roof shapes, concrete supply, siding, insulation and material orders by the work they involve.

All topics ↑

  1. Plan a shed footprint, roof and openings

    5 min read

  2. Coordinate shed openings and header checks

    4 min read

  3. Estimate a shed slab: concrete bags vs. ready-mix

    3 min read

  4. Plan shed roof framing, soffits and fascia

    5 min read

  5. Choose and plan shed siding

    9 min read

  6. Estimate shed wall, roof and floor insulation

    3 min read

  7. Read a shed material order and cost estimate

    5 min read
02
10 guides · reading order

Decks

Understand what shapes, borders, board patterns and support choices add to a deck—and what they ask of the build.

All topics ↑

  1. How to design a custom deck shape

    4 min read

  2. Plan an L-shaped deck and picture-frame border

    4 min read

  3. Deck board spacing: how much gap should you leave?

    5 min read

  4. Plan angled and herringbone decking with matching framing

    4 min read

  5. Lay out deck joists, beams, posts and footings

    6 min read

  6. Set a joist cantilever over dropped beams

    4 min read

  7. How to calculate deck boards

    4 min read

  8. Estimate deck joists and fasteners

    3 min read

  9. Preview deck railings and framing in 3D

    4 min read

  10. Estimate railing materials and record supplier quotes

    5 min read
03
5 guides · reading order

Wall framing: wood & steel

Choose framing for the wall’s purpose, understand the opening details, and coordinate supports with the finish.

All topics ↑

  1. How to measure wall framing and rough openings

    4 min read

  2. How to read a wall framing cut list and lumber plan

    5 min read

  3. Steel stud and track dimensions: webs, flanges, mils and gauge

    4 min read

  4. Plan steel stud openings, track cuts and material quantities

    5 min read

  5. How to carry a framing layout into a drywall plan

    4 min read
04
5 guides · reading order

Bulkheads & basements

Balance headroom, access and appearance. Compare framing methods and plan the enclosure as part of the whole room.

All topics ↑

  1. Measure and plan a basement bulkhead

    6 min read

  2. Flush vs. underneath bulkhead framing

    3 min read

  3. Plan a bulkhead with steel studs and track

    3 min read

  4. Read bulkhead materials, drywall and saved plans

    4 min read

  5. Plan basement walls, bulkheads and drywall together

    3 min read
05
6 guides · reading order

Drywall

Choose sheets and joint locations by handling, support and finishing effort, as well as material cost.

All topics ↑

  1. How to measure a wall and stud layout for drywall

    3 min read

  2. How to lay out drywall on sloped and gable walls

    4 min read

  3. Horizontal vs. vertical drywall layout

    5 min read

  4. How to choose 8-, 10-, and 12-foot drywall sheets

    3 min read

  5. How to plan drywall joints around doors and windows

    3 min read

  6. How to read a drywall cut list and estimate waste

    3 min read
06
9 guides · reading order

Stairs & stringers

Understand how finished surfaces, top connections and repeated layout choices affect the complete stair.

All topics ↑

  1. How to measure total stair rise

    3 min read

  2. Standard vs. flush top-tread mounting

    3 min read

  3. How to calculate the first stringer rise

    3 min read

  4. How to lay out a 2×12 stair stringer

    3 min read

  5. Seven common stair-layout mistakes

    3 min read

  6. Stair handrail vs. guardrail

    3 min read

  7. How to measure a sloped stair rail

    3 min read

  8. How to lay out stair guard posts

    3 min read

  9. How to space balusters on a stair rail

    3 min read
07
3 guides · reading order

Railings & balusters

Compare end treatments, prevent drifting marks and keep the intended openings when a rail slopes.

All topics ↑

  1. How to calculate equal baluster spacing

    3 min read

  2. Baluster layout marks without cumulative error

    3 min read

  3. Baluster spacing on angled stair rails

    4 min read
08
5 guides · reading order

Flashing & coil

Choose joints for exposure and movement, understand where coil is consumed, and plan practical cuts and allowances.

All topics ↑

  1. Flashing joints, locks, and laps

    4 min read

  2. How to calculate flashing coil stock

    3 min read

  3. Calculate sloped and gable flashing cuts

    3 min read

  4. How to calculate the final flashing piece

    3 min read

  5. Flashing laps, bends, and waste allowance

    3 min read

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