What is the soft shell of a timber pile?
The soft shell is the decayed outer layer of a timber foundation pile that no longer contributes to its load-bearing capacity. Causes, measurement with an impact tester and what it means in a foundation survey.
What is softboard?
Softboard is a soft, lightweight wood fibreboard made without added glue. Properties, use as a flooring underlay, and what to watch for regarding fire safety and moisture.
What is a single-nave church?
A single-nave church is a church with a rectangular plan and one nave without aisles. Features, the difference from a hall church and basilica, and points to watch when converting one.
What is a zaadvenster?
A zaadvenster is an opening window in the seed loft of a Dutch farmhouse, used to keep stored grain dry and ventilated. Origins, features and restoration tips.
Sanding and refinishing a wooden floor: varnish or oil
Sanding and refinishing a wooden floor? How to check if it can be done, which grit sequence to use, and whether to varnish or oil. With costs and drying times.
How to build a wooden garden bridge over a ditch or pond
Want to build a wooden garden bridge over a ditch or pond? Work out the span, timber, foundations and handrail, plus the water authority rules.
What is a Z-section?
A Z-section is a (usually steel) profile with a Z-shaped cross-section, widely used as a purlin or side rail in industrial buildings. Uses, advantages and installation tips.
What is XPS (extruded polystyrene)?
XPS is extruded polystyrene: a closed-cell, high-compressive-strength insulation board with low water absorption. Properties, uses, how it differs from EPS, and handling tips.
What is a wulfmuur?
A wulfmuur is a term from the Dutch province of Groningen for a quay or lock wall made of vertical brick vaults between posts. Build-up, how it works and repair tips.
What is frictional resistance?
Frictional resistance is the resistance an object meets from the surface it moves over. What it means in construction: cone penetration testing, piles, sliding and slip resistance.