Blog
Practical guides for professional tradespeople and DIYers.
Floor Joist Spans: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Build
Understand IRC span tables, species and grade ratings, and how to select floor joists that meet code while avoiding bouncy floors.
Concrete Mix Ratios Explained: Which Mix Do You Need?
Understand concrete mix ratios for slabs, footings, and structural work. Learn when to use standard, high-strength, and fiber-reinforced mixes.
Understanding Wire Gauge: How to Choose the Right Wire Size
A practical guide to wire gauge sizing for electricians and DIYers, covering ampacity tables, voltage drop, and NEC requirements.
How to Size Ductwork for Your HVAC System
Learn the fundamentals of HVAC duct sizing, including airflow velocity, friction loss, and the equal friction method used by professionals.
Drywall Estimation: Sheets, Mud, Tape, and Screws
Accurately estimate drywall materials for any room. Learn how to account for waste, choose sheet sizes, and calculate joint compound and fasteners.
Retaining Wall Design: Materials, Drainage, and Height Limits
Plan your retaining wall project with confidence. Covers block vs. timber walls, drainage requirements, and when you need an engineer.
Snow Load Calculations: Is Your Roof Built for Winter?
Learn how engineers calculate roof snow loads using ASCE 7, ground snow load maps, and adjustment factors for slope, exposure, and thermal conditions.
Understanding Voltage Drop: When Wire Length Matters
Why voltage drop matters for long circuit runs, the NEC 3% and 5% recommendations, and how to calculate and fix excessive voltage drop.
Mulch Calculator: How Much Mulch Do I Actually Need?
Stop guessing at landscape supply orders. Learn to calculate cubic yards for mulch, gravel, and soil based on area and desired depth.
How Much Paint Do I Need? A Room-by-Room Guide
Calculate exactly how many gallons of paint you need for any room. Covers wall paint, ceiling paint, trim, and when you need primer.
Welding Heat Input: How to Calculate and Why It Matters
Learn the heat input formula, how it affects weld quality and metallurgical properties, and the recommended ranges for different materials.
Stair Building Code Requirements: Rise, Run, and Headroom
Everything you need to know about IRC stair code requirements including maximum rise, minimum run, headroom, handrails, and landing dimensions.
Manual J Load Calculation: What It Is and Why You Need One
Understand ACCA Manual J residential load calculations, why oversizing HVAC equipment wastes money, and how to get accurate heating and cooling loads.
Gas Pipe Sizing: A Complete Guide for Plumbers and Contractors
Learn how to properly size natural gas and LP gas piping based on BTU load, pipe length, and pressure drop using code-approved methods.
Roof Pitch Explained: How to Measure and Why It Matters
Understand roof pitch notation, how to measure it safely, and how pitch affects material choices, ventilation, and snow load capacity.
Conduit Fill Calculations: NEC Rules Every Electrician Should Know
Master NEC Chapter 9 conduit fill requirements. Learn the 40% rule, how to calculate fill for mixed wire sizes, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Calculate Concrete Volume for Any Project
Step-by-step guide to calculating concrete volume for slabs, footings, columns, and irregular shapes. Includes tips on ordering the right amount.