No comments about New Patio Design.

2 comments about Barns, Sheds & Outbuildings: Complete How-To Information Design Concepts for Ten Buildings.

1. This book isn't just about barns and shed; it's about proper building and framing practices for any type building. Sure, you can use what you learn here to build barns and shed-- and there are very complete plans for some lovely projects in the back of the book-- but you could just as easily use this book as a guide to building an addition on your house, or for framing a roof. The illustrations are fantastic; clear, concise, with good captions. The writing overall is very clear and understandable. I recommend this book highly to anyone doing any type of building.



2. Even though I have been a "do it yourselfer" for many years and have done many refinishing projects in houses I have never built a structure as large as a 14 foot X 18 foot x 11 foot high Saltbox machine shed from basic lumber. The sections on Basic Framing, Roof Framing, and Closing In contained enough detail to be very helpful. I also looked at the Wiring and Plumbing section even though I have completely wired a new house and partially wired other houses. While I would want other sources with more detail I thought the section had some good tips.
   
   Overall, this is a really good book and would use it in conjunction with other more specific Creative Homeowner books such as House Framing, Plumbing, and Wiring.

5 comments about Wooden Fences.

1. 
   I wanted to see some examples of privacy fences of various materials, since I am planning one for our back yard.

   This book is replete with photographs, drawings and text covering all sorts of fences, with ideas galore for enhancing your home. Most of the fences depicted are wooden, and I have opted for a vinyl model, but nevertheless the book is a splendid effort and worthwhile for anyone who is thinking of putting up a fence, either for decoration, security, or privacy.

   Joseph Pierre




2. George Nash's writing, with the aid of former National Geographic photographer James P. Blair, expounds on the history and great variety of fences. Although primarily about wooden fences, he does touch on rock, iron and wire fences in the discussion of the history of fencing.

   Nash points out the many reasons for fencing, from the practical to the ornamental and how each type may be designed and constructed. He explains the reasoning and functionality of purpose-built fences very clearly.

   There is also great technical detail, from how to pick materials to how to layout and set fence posts. There are clear diagrams of common fence joinery and shop tips for making the various components. Do's and don'ts in design are pointed out. Repairs and maintenance are also discussed.

   Although there are no measured drawings, the aspect ratio of the "golden rectangle" is presented to aid you in making an attractive, as well as functional, fence. The rich plethora of color photographs and clear diagrams depicting an incredible variety of designs will inspire, or perhaps confound you, with ideas to build your own fence.

   The only problem with this book is that there are so many great ideas, it's hard to pick just one!




3. This book offers a nice glimpse at some very basic traditional fences. It's mostly a guided pictoral journey showing some colonial, old traditional and farmland fencing - NOTHING remotly contemporary.

   NOT PRACTICAL for someone looking for a reference of fence designs or construction techniques. Sure the author gives good information about basic design factors but does not offer much help to develop and build a finished product.

   A great book if you have some time to kill and you enjoy hearing about and looking at pictures of old-fashined fences. - Mine's going back to Amazon in exchange for something more practical. In fact, I wish Amazon would do a better job in reviewing these books to save me a lot of time.




4. Provides a wide range of answers to common and not so common questions regarding building fences.



5. My husband and I have found this book to be most helpful with ideas and step by step instructions. We do not want a fence that looks like every body else's. This book could be a coffee table book it is so beautifully illustrated!

2 comments about Black & Decker Landscape Design & Construction (Black & Decker).

1. This book is easy to read & understand with lots of pictures showing how the work is done. I completed a large brick patio with no prior experience using this book as a guide. The patio turned out great and I impressed all my friends! My only negative point would be that the model in the photo never gets dirty.. a little unrealistic :)



2. This book is a must for anyone planning on building a patio, building a stone wall etc. I has many step-by-step photographs, not drawings!! I find actucal photo's to be much more helpfull, they are true to life where as drawings give you a perfect situation, not very realistic. In short an invaluable reference that you can take into the field with you, and inexpensive too!!

2 comments about Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets: Dog Houses, Cat Trees, Rabbit Hutches & More (Black & Decker).

1. This is the most poorly written project book I have ever seen. We had to make repeated trips to the hardware store for more parts because of the poor instructions and missing information. There is no accurate shopping list. Other building instructions and photos are unclear. We would have done better looking at a finshed photo and guessing on how to build the project. Pass this book by.



2. If I'd had this book when I built my first 2 cat trees they would've been MUCH improved!! For me, the beauty of this book isn't so much the projects themselves but the techniques, such as cutting a block to fit inside a length of PVC pipe so that legs can be securely mounted to the base, or building a miter box to cut said pipes squarely. I have to say, though, I can't wait to try the window sill cat bed!!
   
   If you have elderly or disabled critters you should note that one of the projects is a carpeted vehicle ramp, and instructions allow you to customize it to the height of your vehicle.

5 comments about Ortho's All About Sprinklers and Drip Systems (Ortho's All About Gardening).

1. Although I am stating that this book is a little to basic, maybe what I was looking for was just more then this book was intended to deliver. I was looking for a book to help calculate how many zones were needed, what type of sprinkler heads, etc. This book had great photographs and basic knowledge. If you are ready to design and install your own system you might want a more detailed book.



2. Book does a pretty good job at hitting all the points in planning and installing your irrigation system. Installing a system kind of feels like a major undertaking at first, but after reading the book I feel pretty comfortable about it (although I've only begun my installation, guess we'll see if things stay nice and comfy). I liked some of the side points in the book where it went into a little more detail about certain aspects of the job, however, in other areas I felt there should have been more detail. Book seemed like it might be a little dated as a few topics seemed to stick with more old-school standards (e.g., poly-pipe is now used in many new areas to hook-up from the meter to the house, but the book assumed that you would only find copper, galvenized steel, or PVC (stiff white) pipe for this application). I also think a book like this should provide as many "common mistakes" as possible, this books only has a few.

   Although my gut feeling says 3 stars, I have to upgrade to 4 because there isn't that many books our there like this one and relative to those it seems to be a winner.




3. Just like most fields, irrigation is evolving quickly as regards new materials, products and standards. Overall, I feel the Ortho book gives good solid information for a do - it - yourselfer. There was no "BAD" information per se, and it does demystify the home irrigation system. You can save a lot of money installing your own system. You can also cause a lot of damage doing it incorrectly. This book can give you a good idea whether you can tackle installing a system or not. Use this book along with careful planning, to know what questions to ask either a sprinkler supply distributor or to hire an irrigation contractor.



4. Far too basic. If you want a glossy introduction to sprinklers, but have no plans to actually install a system, this is the book for you.
   
   If you want to install a sprinkler system, there are maybe 5 pages of useful information in this book, and not near enough detail to actually break ground. Find another source of information.



5. I've never done any irrigation work until recently. So I took a one day course from a pro and bought this book. Since a one day course can't cover all contingencies, I found that this book filled in a lot of gaps. My interest has mainly been in drip systems, not sprinklers. I now have a good working knowledge and sound like less of a fool when I order stuff from experts.
   
   BTW, I think with this book and all the free specialized information on the Internet, most folks don't have to go much further to study the subject.

3 comments about Outdoor Shelter Plans: Overheads, Sheds and Gazebos.

1. This is a good book with excellent plans and drawings, but it assumes you have a background in construction. It doesn't include much background info such as basic techniques and tools. It does have plans and material lists for 15 different structures. I consider this to be an excellent book to be used in conjunction with other books. If you want more "how-to" info, go with "Building Backyard Structures" by Levine, Begnal & Thornton.



2. Nice plans, but little instruction. Could benefit from pictures of more modest dwellings and projects more suited to the regular homeowner.

   A good supplement to other, more detailed books, but unless you are an accomplished carpenter, don't make this your only book.




3. I found the book to be very helpful. Instructions, drawings and material lists are all very detailed. I have building experience. A novice may want to supplement with a "how to" book that covers techniques and tools. ("How to Build Small Barns & Outbuildings" by Monte Burch. <$13.95 at Amazon.com> is good) What I find disturbing is the price for the used copies of this book, ranging from $28 to $41. New, the book sells for only $9.95!!! Something's very wrong with this picture. But, for some reason, no new copies are for sale here. I wanted to purchase a new copy for my brother. At these rediculous used prices, I think I'll let him borrow mine.

No comments about Dream Backyards: From Planters to Decks, Over 30 Projects to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Living Space.

1 comments about Conservatory Style: Garden Rooms, Glasshouses, and Sunrooms.

1. The pictures gave me many ideas on how to approach the patio/sun room that we are having constructed. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy this new area in the spring of 2008.

No comments about Black & Decker Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain (Black & Decker Complete Guide).