2 comments about Complete Patio (Complete...).

1. I like this book because it has it all. If you want to make a quick patio by laying some flagstones directly into soil and letting plants grow in between them, here is everything you need to know to design it, get the materials, and put it in next weekend. If you are thinking of something elaborate, like pouring a concrete slab, cutting flagstones and embedding them in mortar on it, again, this is a great guide. In between, there is a whole range of possibilities from a round brick accent patio to tuck in the corner of your yard and set a table and chairs on, to detailed instructions for doing the traditional dry-laid stone method on base aggregate with various edgings.
   
   Besides building patios, they have ways to spruce up old concrete slabs like staining them to make them spanking new and pretty, and treatments to make your flagstones last longer and easier to clean. All of this is shown with great, clear color photographs that make it fun to think about all the different possibilities for making your back or front yard more useable. This is a keeper.



2. Excellent book for refurbishing an existing patio or installing a new one. It features good, clear instructions with plenty of illustrations. I was able to get more landscaping ideas from this book than some of my so-called "idea" books. The suggested materials are readily available, in California at least, and there is good analysis of the pros and cons of each type.

4 comments about Backyard Idea Book: Outdoor Kitchens Fireplaces Sheds & Storage Play Spaces Pools & Spa (Idea Books).

1. I haven't finished reading it yet but so far love it. It has many photos along with a paragraph about why/how this works - the type of landscape and things to make sure you do/don't do. I am buying a copy for my sister for xmas.



2. This book has excellent photo's of backyard ideas. It is a great book if you are just looking for ideas. I had expected a book with a little "how-to" mixed in.



3. I'm satisfied. More than enough pictures with detailed analysis for each. There is nothing missing.



4. This is a wonderful book with beautiful photos and great ideas. It is not a how to book, but it does inspire!

4 comments about Trellises, Arbors & Pergolas: Ideas and Plans for Garden Structures (Better Homes & Gardens).

1. My husband and I had a landscape plan drawn up that included a pergola. Since my husband rebuilt part of our fence, he wanted to tackle the pergola himself. So, I bought him this book and he really loved it.
   
   The beginning of the book shows a variety of ideas for trellises, arbors and pergolas. Even if you're not going to build it yourself, the photos, drawings, and descriptions of styles may help you select or design one that you like and fits your house/yard. My favorite idea from the book was a trellis that goes over the garage door - what a neat idea!
   
   The next section of the book has all the necessary instructions and shows you how to build a number of these structures. This could come in handy if you decide to build it yourself.
   
   Section three offers some suggestions for plants that will climb up structure.
   
   The final portion of the book goes over the different types of tools you may need for your project. There are also drawings and descriptions to help the novice learn the basic building and wood-working skills needed for these projects.
   
   Although we haven't started our pergola yet, I'm sure this book will come in handy. We've definitely been enjoying looking through it to see what kind we might want!



2. Good information on the different aspects of building the various landscape structures.



3. Trellises, Arbors & Pergolas: Ideas and Plans for Garden Structures (Better Homes & Gardens)
   
   I had been searching for a long time to find a suitable design for an arbor at the end of three converging pathways on a rustic portion of our property. I finally found the design I wanted at the bottom of page 9. I showed the design to our carpenter and he built an identical copy out of ipe. The result was so perfect, that I asked him to build a small pavilion in the same style on another part of our property. It also was elegant and sturdy. He commenced these projects in the middle of January in snowy, icy, windy, sub-freezing weather and finished both within about two or three weeks. I am now designing a 200-foot-long fence along two sides of our property in--you guessed it--the same style. If I ever figure out how to work my husband's new handycam I may be able to submit a video review. Useful book.



4. This is an excellent how-to book; great designs, clear instructions and easy to read text. This is a good book for the beginner thru the professional. I highly recommend it.

1 comments about Smart Guide: Ponds & Fountains: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide).

1. This paperback gives you the basics, step by step, for constructing a water feature. It doesn't overwhelm you with projects that you can't possibly complete. Good entry level book.

No comments about The Black & Decker Complete Guide: Build Your Kids a Treehouse (Black & Decker Complete Guide).

5 comments about Ideas for Great Backyard Cottages (Ideas for Great).

1. I should have known better from the title that this was just a book of photos. However, the photos are gorgeous and I often flip through it when I'm looking for something pretty to have a cup of tea with or to look at before I go to sleep. The houses are all kinds, all materials, and all inspiring. They try to sell you plans at the end.



2. This book is just a delight to sit and page thru for dreaming up ideas of your own. Page after page of beautiful cottages, quaint little retreats, and even custom doghouses. I have my own "carriage house" converted into an artist studio and just love it. There is really nothing more relaxing then building, decorating, then enjoying your own backyard cottage. If you have the yard space put the effort into building one; then get this book. Even if you don't have a backyard cottage you will enjoy the book. Hope the author will consider publishing Edition II.



3. Actually, I liked this book. It has fantastic color photos of various cottages, cabanas, potting sheds, sleeping/dining sheds, greenhouses, trellises, etc.. If you are just skimming for visual ideas for what to build in somebody's back yard or vacation property, this book is "tops".
   
   Unfortunately there were no sketches or plans accompanying the pictures. So the reader is left unsure of how to reproduce what he sees. Also, the plans available for sale in the rear of the book are fine as far as they go -- but they don't have anything available if you want a cabana, trellis, or outdoor kitchen.



4. accidently ordered 2 copies of same book
   Books were recieved by two different vendors but in ggood shape



5. An impulse purchase, but still, it gives you some ideas. Such as, "what the hell were those people thinking?" for some of the backyard cottages.

5 comments about Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series).

1. I am a firm believer in the KISS method of doing things. (Keep It Simple Stupid") Every step is covered in this book so that anyone can learn from it. The "Build Like A Pro" series of books are all laid out like this one. The "Expert Tips" are great. They show you short cuts to help you do the jobs right, but in less time. This is stuff you only learn by doing the job everyday. They are trade secrets.



2. After reading through this book, I had the confidence to build my own 10 by 10 outdoor shed.
   
   This book does not contain blueprints for building sheds form start to finish. However, it does have a lot of pictures and informative tips to get you started. Often times I was able to simply look at the pictures to see how they did things.
   
   It contains good step-by-step instructions for setting up various types of bases, and the section on roofing really helped me out.
   
   Overall, I would recommend it if you need some ideas or some tips on how to get started or what to watch out for.



3. Having ordered 3 books on sheds based on the on-line reviews, this book along with Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide To... [Paperback] The Ultimate Guide to Yard and Garden Sheds: Plan, Design, Build.... this is the only book you will need. The other two, while they show up under, "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought..." pale in comparison to the information contained in this book. In addition, the two I listed above are almost identical in content, same photos, diagrams etc. I have reviewed a couple of other offerings while at Home Depot and Lowes and while they may be good for ideas on style this book is all you need for construction. Enjoy it.



4. This book has far exceeded my expectations! I feel confident that I can plan and build my own shed (suited to my needs and budget) and do it for far less money than a chintzy pre-fab one from a DIY store. This book has a great format and loads of helpful information, things only someone who builds sheds for a living would know. I can't wait for the ground to dry a bit so I can get started building!



5. The shed on the cover is the best one. If you want that specific one buy it, but if your looking for ideas find another book.

5 comments about Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro).

1. I am a firm believer in the KISS method of doing things. (Keep It Simple Stupid") Every step is covered in this book so that anyone can learn from it. The "Build Like A Pro" series of books are all laid out like this one. The "Expert Tips" are great. They show you short cuts to help you do the jobs right, but in less time. This is stuff you only learn by doing the job everyday. They are trade secrets.



2. My wife and I successfully built a deck using this book 2 years ago. Planned, submitted plans to village got building permit and final inspection. It felt good to accomplish such a large task with only 2 people who are not carpenters and haven't built a deck before. The deck is around 300 sq. ft. so it is not small. The book has all the information you need to build a solid deck. It also includes information on problems you could run into and ideas for customizing the deck. We are now building a smaller 100 sq. ft. deck for the front of our house. Believe me, we could not have done this without this great book.



3. This is a good book for beginners. Wish there was a little more variety of design style. Haven't built my deck yet, but either way if you follow this books suggestions I imagine it will be a very good deck.



4. Building a Deck (Build Like A Pro)
   
   My construction experience includes home additions, house remodeling/renovation, and many indoor upgrades, but only one deck. So, when we decided to replace our own old deck with one using the latest materials, a how-to book was in order. After reviewing deck books at local stores, this one stood out as the most useful.
   
   Cons:
   
   - This book was written in 2002 and needs a major revision to incorporate current building materials. For example, the deck railing chapter talks mostly about building railings out of wood. The same is true for decking, where almost the entire focus is on wood. The author devotes a page or so to Trex and a few other materials available in 2002, but a host of newer products are now available. Today, there are a wide variety of composite planking (plastics & wood) choices; all synthetic decking such as Azek deck "boards"; PVC and perma-cast balusters; and metal-reinforced vinyl/PVC railing (stainless steel cables, aluminum, steel).
   
   - The book explains attaching the top of a staircase to the deck and methods for anchoring the stairs bottom to a concrete pad; without addressing the frost heave issue. In my area, outside concrete pads frequently frost-heave upwards up to an inch by mid-January. If the author's approach was used here, heaving would jack up the stair bottom, weakening or destroying stairs-to-deck connections. This was inexplicable since the author addresses the frost issue in other places.
   
   - There were a few techniques described that, lacking a diagram or photograph, were too ambiguous to be useful.
   
   - One book can't cover every construction scenario, but it was frustrating that it didn't cover some of the things I needed. E.g., in the section on how to flash the ledger board, the examples show houses with siding above and below the ledger. There were no examples of having siding above the ledger and a masonry wall below.
   
   - If a ledger is lag-screwed against the house sheathing (through to a rim joist), our county building code requires flashing (metal, butyl rubber, etc.) between the sheathing and the ledger. Following the book's approach of having nothing at all there wouldn't pass inspection.
   
   Pros:
   
   - The main focus is teaching the reader how to build a deck, rather than how to deal with a contractor that will build your deck.
   
   - Intelligently organized, with excellent "pro-tips", details, safety tips, building codes, diagrams, and photographs throughout.
   
   - I didn't want a deck book for the novice. Not to worry; the author uses a writing style that worked for me, but should still work for a novice. The book may be too basic for a decking contractor, but it should be helpful for anyone else.
   
   - Multiple approaches are described for most aspects of a deck project, versus having one this-is-the-way-to-do-it, approach.
   
   - Occasional mention of the applicable building code (e.g., balusters can be spaced no farther than 4" apart), with advice of how to exceed standards, when the author believes building codes are too lax.
   
   - Every aspect of a deck project is well discussed, except for financing. It starts with deck planning, and things you should consider, and progresses logically through foundations, ledgers, posts, and beams, joists, decking, railings, stairs, and custom details.
   
   Summary:
   
   This book was clearly worth its small cost, even though it didn't [adequately] cover newer materials or all construction issues. I improved several aspects of our planned deck, based on ideas in this book, and, found out most of what I needed to know in order to do the detail plans required by our county building inspections department.



5. I bought this product because one of the reviews of the other deck books said that this was the best book. My husband has learned a lot from it, and hopefully one day, we will actually have a deck in our yard :) Seriously, this is a good book, it is very thorough from beginning to end of the project. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Treehouses & Playhouses You Can Build.

1. I built the Treeless Treehouse on page 81. During the project, I found the instructions lacking, and sometimes incorrect. Dimensions critical to building were many times left out. There might have been a bright side to this, as I now know my trigonometry, which was critical to getting lengths right. I also found that the recommended decking was heavy and hard to work with. They recommended 2X6 in order to reduce the number of floor joists. A bad trade-off in my opinion, as these are heavier and harder to work with than a 1X6. They recommended installing the railing posts inside the deck as opposed to the outside. A bad recommendation in my opinion, as it necessitated cutting patterns out of 2X6 which is hard to do. In fact, they recommend using a jig saw for this. I used a skill saw and a hand saw. I don't think a jig saw would cut it. I recommend looking elsewhere for a do-it-yourself book.



2. Tree house building is complex.
   This book will help you decide.
   Ideas are informative; but skills are needed.



3. This is the latest installment in a long string of wonderful books from David and Jeanie Stiles. Inside you won't find glossy, double page spreads of extravagant treehouses ... this is not a coffee table book. Rather, it is a how-to book, and the best one available for those that want to build their own whimsical play structure. Inside you will find excellent line drawings and readable explanations of intelligent, creative, and well though-out designs.
   
   David starts with the basics: tools. From there you follow a complete and logical progression to completed treehouse. In between you'll get solid building advice. David has built his designs. He knows how to make life easier for you by using common materials and minimizing cuts. The building advice is spot on throughout.
   
   The huge, huge, huge problem with this book is the 20 or so options David gives you for connecting lumber to tree. They are almost all bad. Never girdle a growing limb with rope or cable. Never use nails. This leaves you with only lag bolting. To be sure, there are other ways. But the only safe and tree-friendly way presented in this book (and any of his other works) is to use lags.
   
   This is the by far the best book to give to a young builder and is probably a treasure to any 8 or 9 year old lucky enough to have a copy. It will get their mind working. The crazy schemes they come up with will amaze you.
   
   The ideas inside this book are great. Fun, imaginative, unique. If you know a young boy (or girl) with a tree, get him this book. And when it comes time to actually build their creation, call an arborist and he'll set you straight about properly attaching it to a tree.



4. ...if you plan to build a treehouse yourself. If not this one, than any other from same author.
   It's that simple.



5. This book is exactly what I was looking for. It has several treehouses to choose from and great step by step directions. It even has extra's that may be added. I love the creativity and great ideas in this book! Also the shipping was fast.

5 comments about Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways: Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations.

1. Full Disclosure Statement: My partner (who has also left a review) and I are featured in the book. That said, I have to say that I'm very impressed with what Debra Prinzing and Bill Wright have produced. The wide variety of styles - from sleek to whimsical to elegant - provides eye candy for every taste. Moreover, the sheds are not unattainable "follies" of the wealthy. They are realistically attainable garden structures that have been re-imagined in ways that truly enhance the quality of life. The book's "Resources" section, brings the idea of having a shed that much closer to reality. And by including information about the owners and how they use their sheds, you begin to understand how a shed can serve a purpose unlike any other room in your home. It can be an art studio, a retreat, an entertaining destination an extension of the garden, or anything else you can dream up. I have to admit that after first reading the chapter on our shed, I spent the next several evenings reading the rest of the book in detail. I found myself lusting after the Greenwich Village shed, and loving the architecture of the Zen-style teahouse in Texas. This is much more than a coffeetable book. It is a book of ideas, inspirations, resources and engaging personal stories. I'm very proud to be a part of it.



2. I'm one of the lucky shed owners in this book Stylish Sheds and
   Elegant Hideaways. And I'm a lover of modern design. When looking through books and magazines I'm always flipping quickly trying to find the "good stuff". Debra Prinzing found the good stuff for her latest book.
   
   This book has several contemporary designs, but I found the other sheds just as beautiful and interesting. I guess that's the style and elegance. Perfect title for the book.
   
   William Wright's photos are gorgeous. He captures the sheds in their surroundings which makes this book a good tool for designing your own backyard oasis.
   
   I want to use many of the great ideas I got from this book. In the chapter Poetic License the Italian tile is installed upside down and the Nordic pavilion in San Francisco has a grass roof. The glass block ceiling in the Manhattan shed makes a great sky light.
   Plenty of planting arrangement ideas in every chapter. I go on garden tours to get ideas. With this book I can visit 28 gardens and their sheds from my easy chair.
   
   I don't think I'm biased because I'm in this book. Just Lucky.



3. Debra Prinzing hit a home run with this book! How did she manage to locate so many creative garden houses and sheds, and each so unique? (Yes, she explains all that). There must be something about having your own special structure that fulfills some primal need in us. Those amazing structures she has included in the book are so personal you feel you have been given some insight into the character of the owners. As for me, I found myself dreaming about building my own garden house. It is easy for me to visualize it as an art studio, but also a place conducive to writing, as well as a wonderful place to escape to and curl up on a comfortable couch with a good book and a glass of wine ... while feeling attached to the outdoors as a gentle rain is trickling down the window panes. Debra, thanks for all the great ideas!



4. Debra Prinzing describes "salvaged" spaces as individual as their owners, detailing how such private places inspire the writers, artists, architects, gardeners and other creative people who are as interesting as their imaginative structures and favorite collectibles. From imported antiques that furnish the elegant outdoor dining room at the Babcock-Nahra abode to the rustic charm of the Boltons' Texas barn and the Suttons' graceful Japanese teahouse, these hideaways will make readers yearn for their own cozy nooks.



5. Debra Prinzing's newest book is a wonderful collaboration with William Wright, as photographer. Together, they documented fantastic outbuildings across the United States. These artist's retreats, decorator paradises, and architectural jewelry for the main house can sometimes scarcely be called sheds, but Ms. Prinzing makes all of us feel like friends who have dropped over for a glass of iced tea on a sunny afternoon.
   
   I knew I was in for quality enjoyment when I opened the book, and the first line paraphrased Virginia Woolf's "room of one's own." Hasn't every writer or artist longed for such a place? I know I have, and now I have several templates from which to choose.