No comments about Garden Surfaces: 20 Projects for Paths, Decks, Steps, Patios, and Edgings.

No comments about Creative Ideas for Lawns, Patios, Decks and Paths: Practical advice on designing garden floors and surfaces, using grass, groundcover, stone, wood, brick, tile and gravel (Creative Ideas for...).

1 comments about Advanced Deck Building (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library).

1. The book had good pictures and several good ideas on how to create an advanced deck. It is well written and easy to follow. This book includes multi-level, decks with angles or curves, low profile decks, etc.

   However, they assume that you are an advanced deck builder and gloss over many of the basics. They do have a basic deck building book by the same company that they recommend, although I haven't seen it anywhere.

No comments about Popular Mechanics MoneySmart Makeovers: Porches, Decks & Patios (Popular Mechanics MoneySmart Makeovers).

No comments about Ortho's All About Decks (Ortho's All About Home Improvement) (Ortho's All About Home Improvement).

2 comments about Step-by-Step Deck Projects (Better Homes & Gardens Step-By-Step).

1. In general this book seems to be pretty good. The only complaint I have is that laser levels are wonderful tools and really obsolete a lot of the other leveling techniques. This book does not cover using a laser level at all.



2. We saw this book in Lowe's one day and we were looking for a plan that would not get us in trouble with the local permit police. The plan in this one fit our needs. It has a modular deck that is made of modules of about 2 feet by 2 feet joined together that are placed on a stone bed. Just your imagination can stop you from finding ways to use these modules, but it shows a simple square deck made of these components. We plan on building it this summer after my husband has an operation this spring. We needed something not to demanding and simple. All the other books have nothing but complex plans and the easy ones show them built with those concrete engineered blocks, and our township won't allow them even though they sell them in the Home Depot less than a mile from our city limits.

1 comments about Complete Deck Book (Southern Living (Paperback Sunset)).

1. Quick turnaround, good condition of book and packaging. Very satisfied with dealer and would use them again.

No comments about Stylish Spa Design.

5 comments about Swimming Pool.

1. My review will be short and to the point. This book does not deliver what the title implies. If you just enjoy looking at pictures of pools in different settings -- then this book is for you. If you need what the title implies -- look elsewhere.



2. I saw this one in the bookstore and didn't buy it. Pretty pictures but way above the average person's spending budget. It lists styles of pools in the middle section and gives stars for levels of expense - 1 star was $10,000 or less, etc...I couldn't find any at all that were one star. Maybe there was one but I didn't see it. If you want waterfalls and fancy shapes and pools inthe $40,000 range this is the book for you. If you're not rich, get the Sunset book...at least it's practical.



3. this book is the least technical,yet, most informative book I have read concerning swimming pools. The quality of pictures and settings is second to none. As a matter of fact I used the idea of a post and beam cabana with a built in bar to incorporate into my own pool area. Pick up this book and enjoy.



4. This book does not contain the information necessary for building your own pool as it implies. This book contains only general inforomation on building and designing a pool. If you want someone else to design and build your pool and would like to have an understanding of what professionals are talking about, this book is good. This is by no means a "how to" book.



5. The title implies that there are sections that show HOW to build and Landscpe a pool..There are not. There a ton of beautiful pictures of other people's pools. The book tells you what to tell the person that is building your pool. It is the only book I have ever returned to Amazon.

3 comments about Landscaping with Wood: The Practical Guide to Building Outdoors.

1. This is one of the most informative and useful outdoor construction books I have seen. It is packed with practical and doable ideas to enhance the structure and beauty of any garden space or outdoor living area.

   There is a great section on wood characteristics and making the right selection for your application. Joinery, hardware and finishes for outdoor use are covered in detail. Masonry foundations and heavy timber construction are also included.

   Projects include borders, steps and retaining walls. Raised beds can add stable planting areas and decorating opportunities. Free standing structures include arbors, pergolas, trellises and fences with some great design ideas.

   Excellent diagrams, step-by-step instructions, tool & safety tips, and a resource guide should help anyone with basic carpentry skills complete some very impressive projects. There is something here for any yard or garden.




2. I just love this book. I'm new to woodworking.
   One of the things I like about this book, is the tips. It doesn't just show you how to put the project together, he gives you tips on making it last.
   Although I thought the parts on wood selection would be boring, it will help me to select better wood at the lumber yard.
   The pictures are in color and shows you the steps to complete the project. These are practical projects so there are not a lot of fancy trim details, which is great for a beginner. The hardest item is the arbor on the cover page and I think I could do that after looking at the book. Some of the projects will depend on the size area that you have. He doesn't give you a list of materials but tells you the size boards he uses or recommends.
   If you're a beginner this book will give you confidence.



3. Found this very basic. Someone with no introduction to outdoor construction of structures may find it helpful.