Construction Guides
Long-form guides on construction topics — the "why" behind the math. Each guide pairs with one of our calculators so you can read the deep-dive then jump to the live tool.
Available Now
23 guides shipped — focused answers to specific questions, paired with the calculator that does the math.
- How Much Insulation Do I Need in My Attic?DOE 8-zone climate map, energy savings projection by city, comparison with spray foam + rigid foam, and Energy Star 25C federal tax credit eligibility.Read guide →Pairs with: Attic Insulation Calculator
- Blown-In Insulation CalculatorInstall-method deep dive: blower rental terms, dense-pack vs loose-fill density, wet-spray vs dry-blown applications, drill-and-fill wall retrofits.Read guide →Pairs with: Attic Insulation Calculator
- Cellulose Insulation CalculatorBorate vs ammonium-sulfate fire retardants (the buyer-decision factor), 18–20% settling factor over 1–2 years, why air-sealing matters more for cellulose.Read guide →Pairs with: Attic Insulation Calculator
- AttiCat Blown-In Insulation GuideOwens Corning AttiCat bag-yield by R-value (R-19/R-30/R-49 verified), climate zone R-targets (DOE/IECC 2021), DIY vs contractor cost ranges, vapor retarder by zone, federal tax credit eligibility.Read guide →Pairs with: Attic Insulation Calculator
- AttiCat R-40 Coverage Chart: Bags per 1,000 Sq FtR-40 interpolated bag count (~20 bags/1,000 sq ft at ~14.25 in depth) from Owens Corning AttiCat TDS. Multi-attic-size table (1k/1.5k/2k/3k sq ft with 10% buffer), top-up delta math, cost vs R-38/R-49, climate zone 4 narrative.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
- AttiCat R-60 Coverage Chart: Bags per 1,000 Sq FtR-60 published bag count (~32 bags/1,000 sq ft at 20.5 in depth) from Owens Corning AttiCat TDS. Deep-energy retrofit + ENERGY STAR + utility rebate focus. Zones 5-8 climate table. R-49 vs R-60 decision section. Section 25C $1,200 cap nuance.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
- Topping Up Attic Insulation: How Many Bags to AddBags-to-add formula from any existing R to R-38/R-49/R-60. AttiCat TDS coverage chart, multi-spot depth measurement method, mixing compatibility (fiberglass over cellulose), soffit baffle check, and settling math for old cellulose.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
- How Big Is a Sheet of Drywall (Sheetrock)?Full weight matrix at 4 sizes × 3 thicknesses (1/4", 1/2", 5/8" Type X), drywall-lift-vs-second-laborer tipping point, when each size is worth the trouble.Read guide →Pairs with: Sheetrock Calculator
- Sheetrock Thickness Chart by ApplicationDrywall thickness reference: 1/4 / 3/8 / 1/2 / 5/8 inch by application — walls, ceilings (16 vs 24 o.c.), fire-rated assemblies, wet areas, curves. GA-216 + ASTM C1396 + IRC R702.3.8 cited. USG / CertainTeed / National Gypsum product names.Read guide →Pairs with: Sheetrock Calculator
- Stairs With a Landing CalculatorIRC R311.7.6 landing dimensional minimums, IRC R311.7.3 12-foot flight cutoff, L-shape vs U-shape design tradeoffs, split-flight worked example.Read guide →Pairs with: Stair Calculator
- How to Calculate Stair Runner LengthStair runner length formula: (tread + riser) × steps + landing overhang. 14-tread worked example, 30% higher waste than flat rooms, brand widths (Natco/Mohawk/Karastan). CRI 105 §6 cited.Read guide →Pairs with: Stair Calculator
- Cellulose Insulation Thickness Chart by R-ValueCellulose insulation depth at R-30, R-38, R-49, R-60 by brand: Greenfiber SANCTUARY ~13.3 in at R-49 / 71 bags per 1,000 sqft (SANCTUARY DEFENSE identical chart). Per current Greenfiber SANCTUARY Rev K 05/26 + FTC R-Value Rule.Read guide →Pairs with: Cellulose Insulation Calculator
- Underlayment CalculatorAcoustic performance (STC/IIC ratings) for FloorMuffler / QuietWalk / Roberts, foam vs felt vs cork comparison, and IBC §1206 multi-family compliance for condos and rentals.Read guide →Pairs with: Laminate Flooring Calculator
- Paver Base CalculatorICPI 4" pedestrian / 6" residential driveway base depth, #57 stone vs crusher run aggregate selection, geotextile placement, and tons-of-gravel math by project size.Read guide →Pairs with: Paver Calculator
- Patio Stone CalculatorLarge-format flagstone (Belgard Mega-Arbel ~40 lb), travertine / limestone / bluestone densities, 50%-bond install pattern, and 8-12% cut-stone waste vs 5% standard paver.Read guide →Pairs with: Paver Calculator
- Paver Walkway CalculatorADA § 403 36" minimum width, edge restraint type comparison (plastic / aluminum / concrete), curved walkway 10-15% waste vs straight 5%, dual-direction drainage slope.Read guide →Pairs with: Paver Calculator
- Paver Weight CalculatorPer-paver weight × count for transport planning, pallet weight vs pickup truck capacity (½/¾/1-ton), NIOSH 51-lb safe-handling guidance, and IRC R301.5 floor-load PSF for elevated patios.Read guide →Pairs with: Paver Calculator
- Drywall Thickness GuideWhen to use 1/2", 5/8", 1/4" drywall — walls, ceilings, fire assemblies, and IRC code.Read guide →Pairs with: Sheetrock Calculator
- Concrete Curing TimesHow long concrete takes to cure: 28-day strength timeline, temperature effects, ACI 308.Read guide →Pairs with: Concrete Slab Calculator
- Waste Factor by MaterialHow much extra flooring or drywall to buy — waste factors for hardwood, vinyl, tile, carpet.Read guide →Pairs with: Vinyl Flooring Calculator
- Insulation R-Value Depth Chart by Brand & ZoneMaster depth chart for blown cellulose and fiberglass: Greenfiber SANCTUARY (71 bags at R-49 settled), AttiCat fiberglass (25 bags at R-49). Reverse lookup: existing inches → current R. DOE zone targets in inches.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
- Cellulose R-Value per Inch: Loose-Fill vs Dense-PackPer-brand R-per-inch reference table (Greenfiber SANCTUARY R-3.7/in settled per Rev K 05/26, SANCTUARY DEFENSE identical chart, generic cellulose R-3.2/in FTC baseline), settling mechanics explained, FTC 16 CFR Part 460, and depth lookup at R-30/R-38/R-49/R-60.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
- Blown-In Insulation by Retailer: HD vs Lowe's vs OCHome Depot vs Lowe's blown-in insulation: blower rental terms (free with 20 bags), AttiCat blower exclusivity (HD only), GreenFiber price per bag (~$13–$22), return policy, and the bag-minimum cliff explained.Read guide →Pairs with: Blown-In R-Value Calculator
In the Works
Preview of guides we're writing now. Order reflects priority based on search demand.
- How to Estimate Concrete for a SlabMeasuring, cubic yards vs bags, waste factor, bag-vs-truck threshold.
- Waste Factor Guide by MaterialHow much extra to order — by material, install type, and project complexity.
- DIY vs Contractor: Materials List ChecklistWhich projects to DIY, which to hire out, and why.
- Understanding Lumber GradesConstruction grade vs structural vs finish — when each matters.
- Roofing Underlayment GuideFelt vs synthetic vs ice-and-water — how to choose.
- Concrete Curing Times ExplainedWhy early loading fails slabs, proper cure schedules.
- When to Use Rebar vs Wire MeshReinforcement decisions for slabs, driveways, patios.
- Paint Sheens: Where to Use EachFlat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss — by room and surface.
- Tile Waste Factor: Diagonal vs StraightWhy diagonal installs need 15% vs straight's 10%.
- Fence Post Spacing StandardsWhy 6ft and 8ft are standard, when to go tighter.
- Deck Board Spacing GuideGap sizing for drainage, expansion, and aesthetics.
- Sod vs Seed: Which for Your Lawn?Cost, timeline, and maintenance trade-offs.
- Mulch Depth RecommendationsHow deep to apply for weed control, moisture, and root health.
Know when new guides launch
Subscribe to get notified when each guide ships. One short email per new post, no spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Suggest a guide topic
Have a topic, specific question, or gap you've hit? Your suggestion lands directly in our editorial backlog.