Showing posts with label outdoors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label outdoors. Show all posts

Deck & Patio Planner (Better Homes & Gardens) Review

Deck and Patio Planner (Better Homes and Gardens)
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It's a great book. We needed ideas and some inspiration, and that's what we got. Lots of pictures, good tips. No fluff. It steered us away from simply pouring a concrete patio and laying out some lawn chairs. It ran the gamut from drainage, slope and elevation, to materials and costs.

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This all-new edition of a perennial top-seller is designed to lead readers through the process of planning a new deck—from dreaming to designing.
Offers a unique comprehensive approach to deck building that ranges from design to construction.
Quick-read advice from experts around the country on current design trends in materials, deck finishes, railing styles, and outdoor lighting.
Helps homeowners sort through the overwhelming array of deck options to design a structure that helps meet their needs, space availability, and budget.
Filled with gorgeous photography and solid information to help readers create the deck of their dreams.

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Decks 1-2-3 (The Home Depot) Review

Decks 1-2-3 (The Home Depot)
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This is probably my second favorite deck construction book. It is a good supplement to Building Decks. I use them both. This is better as a first book, as it is easier to read, but Building Decks goes into more detail.

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Deck Plans Review

Deck Plans
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I love the deck that is pictured on page 7 of Getting Started. How can I obtain a copy of the plans of this deck by Gary Marsh of All Decked Out. Please e-mail any information you may have.

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Here is a collection of professionally designed decks that homeowners with average skills can build. Colorful, detailed construction drawings, a materials guide, and suggestions on adapting the plans to different situations make this a practical, easy-to-use outdoor building guide.

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Deck and Patio Design Guide (Better Homes & Gardens Decorating) Review

Deck and Patio Design Guide (Better Homes and Gardens Decorating)
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I picked up this book because my Mom's backyard needs an update. Lots of sloping and dips in her yard. Trying to decide out of pavers, flagstone, concrete or wood decking was a challenge because all of them can be beautiful. This book had lots of great pictures with clear details. There was some helpful information, but a lot of it was basic and common sense stuff. It's a great book for helping you find what you do and don't like. Of course the challenge is that it can also give you ideas that may complicate the decision-making process. It would have been helpful if names of designers and location were used or in the Furnishings and Accessories section having a web link to the supplier. Unfortunately, none of the information of where to buy or who designed the decks or patios was provided. So think of this as a great photo book for ideas.

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Filled with inspiring ideas and dependable planning advice, this resourceful book takes readers through the process of choosing the right kind of outdoor space, creating a smart design, and selecting the best materials for the location and budget. Clear, detailed illustrations and photos visually instruct readers on how designs work to meet the requirements of different settings. Step-by-step overviews of constructing decks and patios ensures complete understanding of what is involved in the building process. Discussions of the pros and cons of a wide range of material choices help homeowners shop for supplies or work with contractors on selections. Expert design ideas for furnishings, lighting, cooking spaces, and more enhance any outdoor living area.

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Design Ideas for Decks Review

Design Ideas for Decks
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First let me make it clear that this is not a book about building decks. "Design Ideas for Decks" is a sourcebook for exactly what it states - designs. And the design ideas are plentiful and beautiful. Unique layouts, multi-level decks, accents to give aesthetic beauty, everything about design is covered in the book. Just looking through it once gave me several ideas for my backyard deck that I would not have thought of but will add a lot of character to the deck and make it the functional deck that I want. "Design Ideas for Decks" is a highly recommended resource for ideas for your new deck or to remodel your current one to make it more functional or aesthetically pleasing.

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A successful deck makes the outdoors more enjoyable and functionally expands living space. Design Ideas for Decks provides the design inspiration homeowners need to create the deck of their dreams. Through portfolios of lavish photographs, readers experience the latest trends in deck layouts, decking patterns, built-in seating and storage, railings, and finishes. An easy-to-follow design guide assists readers in creating the deck that best suits the needs of their family and home. This book proves that decks need not be simple, square slabs, but can be distinctive, graceful structures that enhance the appeal - and value - of any home.

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The Black & Decker Complete Outdoor Builder: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects (Black & Decker Complete Guide) Review

The Black and Decker Complete Outdoor Builder: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects (Black and Decker Complete Guide)
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This softcover, colored picture book is the one to have. Be sure to have a pad of Post-It notes handy because you'll be marking pages for future reference. I saw this book in my local mall's bookstore and thumbed through the pages. I liked it so much I went home and ordered from Amazon.com for $[...] less than the bookstore and also received free shipping!
I bought this book because I've been trying to design a porch and deck. Most books have deck plans and ideas but nothing about porches. This book had pictures and detailed diagrams complete with top and side elevations. It showed beam layouts and spans with measurements.
Of course there are many other sections in this book about pathways, patios, fences, walls, gates, sheds, outbuildings, and outdoor accessories such as kids' play structures, raised garden beds, fire pits, and many more. This is a great reference guide for all of us who love to build things but sometimes need guidance. It'll be the best investment under $[...] you'll make.
Bruce Campbell
Camden, Delaware

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Every homeowner wants to make the most of his "outdoor home." Black & Decker The Complete Outdoor Builder begins with sections on Tools & Materials, Building Codes, Yard Surveying, Drawing Plans, and includes a lengthy section on the basic techniques of working with wood, concrete, brick, stone, and roofing materials. Then comes the heart of the book-detailed chapters on Pathways; Fences, Walls & Gates; Patios; Decks; Porches & Entries; Sheds & Outbuildings; and Accessories. With 150 projects, there is value here for every reader, from the beginning DIY'er to seasoned veterans of outdoor building projects. Featured projects include: a three-season porch, a timber play structure for children, a Victorian gazebo, retaining walls, brick barbecue, cobblestone walkway, decorative fountains, a raised garden bed, and a garden pond. As with all Black & Decker home improvement books, this handy manual contains the most precise, detailed and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions in home improvement publishing.

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Sunset Patio Roofs & Gazebos Review

Sunset Patio Roofs and Gazebos
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This book was good for simple, basic overheads for patios and/or decks. It gave some limited plans and recommendations for lumber. It also listed a variety of roofing materials but was somewhat unspecific on the pros and cons of each.
We liked what the book did offer, but finished it feeling rather unsatisfied.

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The Deck Book: Inspirational Design Ideas Review

The Deck Book: Inspirational Design Ideas
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Other deck books show how to design or maintain a deck: The Deck Book: Inspiration Design Ideas by Melissa Cardona and Hickory Dickory Decks goes beyond most in covering literally hundreds of custom-built decks; not just a few designs. Over 300 color photos show wood and composite decks from small to huge; from traditional to innovative, and plain decks versus those with built-ins and railings, gazebos and more. Plenty of homeowners consider adding a deck to enhance a home: few books provide a range of design and material options as does The Deck Book.


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Black & Decker Here's How...Decks: Build Your Very Own Deck in 12 Easy Steps Review

Black and Decker Here's How...Decks: Build Your Very Own Deck in 12 Easy Steps
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Each of the 'twelve easy steps' are broken down into massive amounts of sub-steps. The B + D series is pretty descriptive, but thumbing through made me feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe easy for some, but you need some experience to take on this kind of a project!

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Here's How…Decks offers the basics of building an entire deck from start to finish, at a price never before offered. For less than $10.00, readers get complete instructions and illustrations for laying out and building a basic deck. Presenting this challenging project through a series of 12 easy-to-follow steps, the book makes deck construction easy and affordable for the value-conscious consumer. This book features the same quality information and world-class color photography made famous in the best-selling Complete Guide to Decks, but at a new, affordable price.

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Deckscaping: Gardening and Landscaping On and Around Your Deck Review

Deckscaping: Gardening and Landscaping On and Around Your Deck
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I love to garden but I don't have a huge budget so I was delighted to discover this book, which covers topics I hadn't seen in similar books. Among other things, it includes:
Full color photos of all sorts of deck gardens, from evening gardens to container gardens, trellis gardens and more
Detailed tips on how to camouflage ugly (but usually inexpensive) containers, allowing readers to spend more on plants and less on containers. She provides instructions for numerous and easy "cover-ups" for those awful plastic pots. I love this!
Tips on planning deckside flower beds, choosing furniture and buying or making trellises and other supports are invaluable. This author knows her stuff and even includes plans for all sorts of items (I love the very easy copper trellis she includes)
She lists the plants by their common and horticultural names and includes photos of nearly every plant - in color.
Plans for the deck gardens are incorporated into the larger landscape theme (assuming you have one) so that your deck fits into your total garden design scheme, a very nice touch.
If you aren't a natural decorator, her chapter on "Decorating with Style" will save you time and frustration. Her examples are never tacky, always tasteful and accomplished with a minimum of time, effort and fuss. Again, something to love!
Finally, this book allows readers to simplify their deck gardening time, which means there should be more time to savor the results of your efforts. Who wouldn't love that?

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Ortho's All About Deck and Patio Upgrades Review

Ortho's All About Deck and Patio Upgrades
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I was very pleased at all the ideas and step by step instructions in this book. I wanted to build a cover for my patio and bought this just based on the front cover (had a picture of the type of cover I'm looking for). With great suggestions on what MY patio might need, I'm going forward with my plans! Before this I had no idea where to start. Now I have a good amount of information to make me feel comfortable with drawing up the plans, figuring out my materials list, and starting the project. The photos in here offer some great ideas and really get the creative juices flowing.

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Shows homeowners who already have decks or patios how to improve them.
Expert guidance for do-it-yourself upgrades, including seating, railings, outdoor kitchens, lighting, fountains, and built-in storage.
Includes color photos, step-by-step illustrations, and clear instructions.
Uses readily available tools and materials.

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The Backyard Playground: Recreational Landscapes & Play Structures Review

The Backyard Playground: Recreational Landscapes and Play Structures
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In an unusual departure from books of this type the first thirteen pages discuss what children like to do, the type of play different ages are interested in, and how to match an appropriate play area to the child. With that foundation firmly laid, "The Backyard Playground: Recreational Landscapes & Play Structures" then proceeds Landscaping for Playgrounds, Large Play Projects, and Small Play Projects. For each project there are multiple illustrations, materials lists, tools lists, and detailed step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire project. No steps are left out of the project. I have seen several books that detail how to build a swing set but never discuss the appropriate ground coverings or how to correctly anchor it into the ground so it is safe. "The Backyard Playground" makes no assumptions that you would already know things like this. This text assumes that you are starting with bare ground and covers all the steps to build your project from scratch. The illustrations are so well done that anyone can easily follow along and create a playground area rivaling the best commercial projects. "The Backyard Playground" is a highly recommended book for anyone wanting to build their own children's play area and the only one I have ever reviewed that I would feel comfortable recommending to the novice handyman.

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By combining building projects for children's play structures with tips and ideas for creative landscaping, this book goes much further than any other to helping readers create a fun, safe, and interactive outdoor play area for their children in an environment that is useful and appealing to adults. The projects in this book include a broad range of designs, for toddlers to teenagers. The play structure project is the classic, timber-style set found in many yards and can accommodate several accessories and future modifications. Playing in either of the two tree house projects, kids will find adventure, privacy, and a connection to the outdoors. The climbing wall project provides kids-and parents-with a fun way to develop strength and concentration. There are also projects for playhouses and forts that kids can help build and several plans for child-size outdoor furniture.Where appropriate, projects are designed for adaptation to a different use after the child outgrows them. For example, the sandpit project is a decorative sandbox that can easily be adapted into a garden bed; the playhouse could become a garden shed in later years. In addition to the projects, there are dozens of tips for using trees and other plantings to create private, natural places for kids that are integrated with the general landscape.This book focuses on the nationwide trend of parents encouraging outdoor play for their kids while, at the same time, keeping them close to home.

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Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series) Review

Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series)
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I've looked at several books on sheds and this is the best one I've found!
The author is a real craftsman. His background in cabinetmaking shines through in his attention to detail. He doesn't take shortcuts, as a matter of fact he takes the extra minute or two to do it right. Little tips like painting T 1-11 before installing it is helpful, but pointing out the value of painting the edges too, (to help preserve the wood over time), is the difference between a shed and a quality shed.
There are several step by step sheds to build, and each one offers numerous photos and tips. I would suggest reading the entire book and then building your shed. You will find different tips in each plan and can use them in building your shed.
Some of the outstanding features of this book:
ProTip - On nearly every other page the author offers a ProTip. They are not brain surgery, but if are new to construction you will find them helpful.
Trade Secret - Also on nearly every other page there is a Trade Secret. Here are the kind of tips that the old-timers offered. It's like having a master carpenter give you all the advise you'll ever needed.
Photos - Lots of them, but most importantly, they are from the part of the project the author is explaining. It's like being on the job site and seeing the project in action.
Details - The author is very good at describing the process of building a shed.
Disadvantage to this book:
The plans for the sheds are not included. You must purchase them from other sources listed in the back. It is possible to figure it out by combining different descriptions and sketches together, but if your are new to construction you may be better off ordering the plans.
After reading this book you will never buy one of those superstore sheds. You'll want the very best, and if you build it yourself you can get it for less than the superstore! Enjoy!

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This well-illustrated guide offers a range of building options, with complete instructions and plans for four popular projects: saltbox potting shed, garden storage shed, storage barn, and lean-to tool locker. Author Joe Truini walks the reader through each step, from evaluating storage needs to basic construction to putting the finishing touches on the roof.

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Building Porches and Decks (For Pros by Pros) Review

Building Porches and Decks (For Pros by Pros)
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taunton press does such a great job w/ their publications and this is a very helpful and easy to understand guide.

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The For Pros By Pros titles are compilations of articles from Fine Homebuilding magazine, selected by the editors of the magazine and organized by subject. New articles from recent issues of the magazine have been added to this edition of Building Porches and Decks. Updated and redesigned throughout, this book gives builders the very best and current information.

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Building and Designing Decks Review

Building and Designing Decks
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Used this book several years ago on my first and only deck. It was recommended by someone at work, and since has made the rounds with all the people at work building decks, with positive reviews. I still get complements on my deck, in no small part due to this book. Highly recommended.

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Ultimate Guide to Kids' Play Structures & Tree Houses Review

Ultimate Guide to Kids' Play Structures and Tree Houses
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First, the book was shiped quickley and is in great shape.
The Book: The book has 10 great projects with easy to follow plan outlines. I am 65 years old and have been working with wood most of my life. If these plans are followed the structure will be cpmpletely safe for people to use and will last a lot of years with the only upkeep being a little weather proofing. I think the Teeter-Totter is a gteat unit most anyone can build with only few tools, can be moved anywhere in the yard, in the shade, out in the sun and kids love it. Thanks for a good book.

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Ultimate Guide to Kids' Play Structures and Tree Houses is a complete guide to building a wide range of outdoor play structures, including a central tower to which a swing set and monkey bar can be attached in various configurations or built as stand-alones. In addition, there are various sandboxes, a playhouse, a teeter-totter, a ground-hugging balance beam, a kids'-size picnic table, and a tree house that any kid would love to have. Beginning with chapters on planning, tools, materials, and construction and finishing, the book then presents the projects themselves in lucid presentations that have become Creative Homeowner hallmarks. All projects were designed to conform with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. For any parent considering play yard equipment, this book is an essential guide.

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Sheds, Gazebos & Outbuildings (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) Review

Sheds, Gazebos and Outbuildings (Black and Decker Home Improvement Library)
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I purchased a copy of Sheds, Gazebos & Outbuildings from Amazon this summer with the intent to build a shed as a fall project. While not a journey-level carpenter, I have built decks, added a room and so on. Buying the book seemed a good way to get a basic plan and have guidance on construction tasks unfamiliar to me. The first part of the book gives general start-to-finish construction tips (with good photos) and the second part contains 8 sets of project plans (no photos, only drawings and plans). I read parts of the book in detail, scanned other parts and, with some slight modifications, followed the basic garden shed plans. Right now I'm putting on the roof and am pleased with the overall results. Did the book play an important part? Yes and no. Yes, in that it did give some useful guidance and filled in some information gaps. No, in that lower cost plans are available through resources such as your agricultural extension service or local library. Too, the general building techniques section had photographs of a shed quite similar to the basic shed plans. This caught me when constructing the rafters and I think it might for others who attempt to use the book. The shed rafter design in the general part is not the same as used in the basic garden shed plans. Unless the book is carefully read it is easy to be thrown into a quandary as to which method to follow. Upon reflection, I'm a bit suspicious that there are no photos of completed structures for the 8 projects. I wonder if the plans were ever used to build the 8 structures (only drawings are used to illustrate them for the reader). I wrote the publisher to ask why two different rafter designs were shown. I received a prompt, technically correct, and courteous answer. However, there are any number of ways to construct the different parts of a wood structure and thus it doesn't make much sense to include a design that doesn't seem to directly apply to the plans in the book. The publisher's answer avoided that issue; that made me uncomfortable. I fear that if I tried the some of other plans that I might run into similar problems. In sum, I can't recommend that you buy this nice, but obfuscating book

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Complete plans for 10 versatile buildings.-- Step-by-step instructions with full-color photos and illustrations.

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