3 comments about Deck Designs: Plus Pergolas, Railings, Planters, Benches.

1. Deck Designs packs in a wealth of deck design ideas and patterns, featuring designer's unique approaches and their tips on how the deck feature was achieved. Color photos of patterns and decks supplement information on design considerations and details on construction techniques for the homeowner who wants to create his own custom deck.



2. I almost made the mistake of letting the contractors design my deck. They came up with a big boring rectangle. Thank goodness I bought this book first! It is packed with many wonderful ideas, including photos and tips to making a deck interesting and functional. It covers layout, railing design, and yard and use considerations. It is a very small investment for a big project, I suggest that anyone building a deck take a look at this book before proceeding.



3. If it hadn't been for this little gem of a book, I'd have ended up with exactly what I thought a deck was: a 10x30' rectangle on stilts outside my back door.

   Thanks to the inspiring designs outlined here, I was able to upgrade my $4K do-it-yourself deck with some snazzy details and useful layouts with little additional work and expense. Please do yourself the favor of flipping thru the pages of a book like this - if for nothing else than to see how it can be done by the best designers and builders.

   No, just like me you will never be able to afford the hand-sanded grade A redwood beauties that are featured on a couple of these spreads - materials alone would run into six figures. But you will be able to steal the design of the railing, or perhaps the notion of a split level or a nifty little nook for a bench or some other detail from the top end decks. There's enough closeups and sketches of the design to run with a concept that you find appealing, and the narrative will help you think thru the elements of your design that might open up new possibilities.

   After reading it from cover to cover a couple of times I shared the book and my comments on post-its with the contractor I had hired to help me complete my project, and it inspired him to come up with some ideas of his own, as well as better understand where I wanted to go with the project.

5 comments about How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery, Third Edition (Model Railroader Books).

1. Dave Frary presents this topic in a logical, progressive manner. Even if you have experience in building scenery, I'm sure you will still find some useful tips.



2. Very good advice. excellent Step by step approach. The book tries hard to keep up with the latest technology and trends. I have the first edition, which I believe to hold a better overall perspective of scenery construction and color theory, which seems to be missing from the current edition. The two editions do complement each other quite well however. This edition goes into a great deal of detail of realistic rock outcropping construction. it would be nice if other aspects of scenery creation were treated with as much detail and finesse, such as trees, water, ground cover and prairie grass.
   
   -BK



3. Full of helpful suggestions, particularly for those who like to scratch build. Innovative use of all sorts of materials to create great scenery. Good color pictures & 'how to' steps. Plus the book names brand name items that have been used in the scenery shown, so you know what to buy & what it can do if you are after a particular effect.
   Highly recommended.



4. This author has done an amazing job going through step by step on how to create realistic scale model scenery. He adds tips and tricks that helped me to build some small scale movie sets I was making. I suggest this book to anyone trying to do what the title implies. It does not go into much detail on any other model railroad facets, but for the money and subject matter, it is well worth the money.



5. this book was late coming but that was due to slow shipping,NOT the seller. they followed up on it when i had concerns that i hadn,t received it. it was in very good condition

2 comments about Construction Contracting: Business and Legal Principles (2nd Edition).

1. At first I was disappointed when I realized the book was written primarily as a teaching text for senior students in baccalaureate university programs in construction engineering or construction management. However, the book is so well written and full of case law references that I was immediately provided with excellent material for two in-process construction claims packages.



2. I was terribly disappointed in this book. I teach construction law at a community college and was assigned to use this book my first semester. I'll not use it again. The organization of the information was questionable. Many statements contained in the book were flat wrong or presented only a misrepresentative portion of a bigger picture. Many key topics were completely unaddressed. I can say that where the book is correct, the information is presented in plain English and provides the student with useable information about the basics.

1 comments about Taunton's Deck & Patio Idea Book.

1. This book has some good designs, but not what I was expecting. I am looking to build a new deck (my first), and want ideas... This book had some fancy ideas, but not too many practical ideas... So if you are looking at a book like this, you are most likely going to pay someone else to do the job... There is nothing wrong with that though.... ;)

5 comments about Tile Style: Creating Beautiful Kitchens, Baths, and Interiors with Tile.

1. I have always been an avid DIY'er and a passionate lover of tile, so I have just about every book on the subject. I've been waiting for the release this newest book TILE STYLE and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Truly an all inclusive book, it covers in great detail everything tile including natural stone, glass, metal, mosaics, terra cotta, brick, porcelain, ceramic, cork and numerous decorative tiles. Not only will you learn the qualities of each, but how to chose, design with, install and care for them as well. The book is filled with beautiful photos of tiled rooms (even the installation sections are full color). And when it comes to the installation sections, this has to be one of the most detailed, yet simply presented of my entire collection. Plus, the projects incorporate the newest setting methods and materials in conjunction with the most current trends in kitchens, baths and flooring such as a granite tile countertop, a glass and metal backsplash and setting a travertine tile floor! Beautiful, extremely informative and cutting edge - a must have tile book!



2. This book is chock full of gorgeous tile applications in a variety of styles. I especially love the mosaics. Pure eye candy!



3. This book has some wonderful examples of tile projects to inspire you to do your own. After I read the book I did my own project and it turned out well. The book is packed full of useful information to help anyone complete their own project.



4. This is a great book about tile. It has creative, inexpensive ways to upgrade your tile look and to help enhance your end result. There are beautiful pictures of tile work someone would actually install into their own home. Highly recommend this book for the person who is looking for creative ideas.



5. Tile Style: Creating Beautiful Kitchens, Baths, and Interiors with Tile I am a professional interior designer and Tile Style is my new favorite tile book, and I buy alot of books. It offers not only great pictures for ideas etc., but is a great "how to" for anyone just starting out.

No comments about Singer Upholstery Basics Plus: Complete Step-by-Step Photo Guide.

2 comments about Civil Drafting Technology (6th Edition).

1. When I read the word Drafting in the title I assumed this book would focus on civil drafting as it applies to modern (CAD) technology. Instead there are many references to manual drafting which few drafters use any more. A better title would leave the technology out of the title and substitute the word theory, thus letting the buyer know that this is a generic overview of civil drafting theory, not a book that a CAD operator will get much use out of.

   In my estimation this book has a Value of around thirty dollars only. Unfortunately, pricing trends seem to indicate that any words committed to print by the The Gods (engineers, programmers, etc.) are worth their weight in gold, regardless of their value.




2. I purchased this book with the hopes that it would help me understand civil drafting. There is no answer section to check my work. So,,,I do not know if I am on the right track with my understanding.
   Does anyone know if there is a solutions manual?

5 comments about Positive Discipline for Preschoolers, Revised Second Edition: For Their Early Years - Raising Children Who Are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful.

1. Dealing with preschoolers, as any parent will tell you, is a challenge. How do you deal with this little being, that is both independent and dependent, at the same time? Nelsen, et al, have provided a common sense approach to raising preschoolers.
   
   The ideas that are presented in this book, when used properly, are incredibly powerful. An example of this is recognizing the message being sent by the misbehavior of a preschooler. If you can identify what the message being sent is, then you have a greater chance of being able to redirect the behavior. Of course, you have to be willing to take the time to analyze the behavior and define what you are willing to do in response to the behavior. While the tools provided in this book are very powerful when used properly, they can also be very damaging when used improperly. If you have someone that can read the book with you and provide support, you will be much more effective at implementing the strategies successfully.
   
   This book provides an idea for raising children without using humiliation or punitive measures to get short term changes in behavior. If you are looking for support for the, "My parents raised me this way and I turned out just fine." mentality, then find another book. If on the other hand, you are looking for a book that provides a basis for what I would consider to be an improved method of dealing with preschoolers, then this is your book.
   
   The one thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is that it fails to address immediate safety issues. In many cases the book suggests plans that are implemented after you have had a moment to consider your response. It would be helpful if the authors provided some ideas as to how to respond to potentially dangerous situations without losing your cool and still treating your child as a human being who has control over their own actions.



2. Our daughter has just turned three and wow, what happened? We feel like we have tried everything for discipline from time out to consequences and even the "S" word. Nothing really works. My friend recommended this book and it really does help. It's not the end all and be all of all books but it reminds you to think on their level and gives you good ideas for when you are faced with those very tough moments. I must say they suggest a positive time out, which I thought was CRAZY but figured I have tried everything else so why not? It really does work and continues to work. The best part is that I make it her choice and most times don't even have to get mad. I simply say, if you are going to behave that way (explaining the bad behavor, i.e. not playing nicely) please go to your time out corner until you are ready to come back and play nicely and sometimes she goes running in there crying (and then will return letting me know she is done and ready to play nicely) and sometimes she'll stop and think a moment and say, I don't need time out I can play nicely now. It's amazing.



3. Jane Nelson once again provides sound, practical advice for creating a positive energy household. Our 4 year old had us spiralling out of control until we read this book and made some simple changes and became more understanding of her developmental capacities.



4. There was a spot in the book that I didn't particularly like. It was about co-sleeping. Although it was claiming not to be putting down co-sleeping, it was definately inferring that it was better not too, I felt that it was putting the undertone suggestion that it wasn't the best thing. That children need to be able to self sooth etc...We are strong advocates for Attachment Parenting, and very researched in this area, and those related topics around it, and it is not correct to assume a child won't learn to sleep on their own, if not put in an alone situation, or that they will some how miss out on skill's like calming or soothing themselves, if you don't push them more quickly towards independence. Children will grow independent, on their own time table, and because of the attachment you unselfishly allow when they are young, which is not pulling away the security they need, they become more grounded, having been allowed to mature on their own, and reach towards independence step-by-step when they are ready, they grow up feeling secure. When children grow up feeling secure, that were not rushed into sleeping in their own bed, or forced to stop Breastfeeding before they are ready, etc... These people grow up more secure and independent than otherwise. Our Daughter just turned Three and still sleeps with me, and i'm in no hurry to move Her anywhere, and She's a very happy person, and, with no issues, and growing more and more independent on Her own, anyway, everyday : )
   
   This does NOT mean that we put down any other Parents for anything they are doing, or whats right for them. Thats not what I mean. We have Friends that Parent in all different ways. I just wanted to say my peace about the co-sleeping, for some Families like us, it works, and has turned out to be a great experience, and I don't agree that it is some how any kind of a negative. For us it's a definate Positive!



5. This is a great resource to have. However, I have found that you need to be open to other methods of discipline. This is quite informative and a great resource to have on your shelf.

5 comments about Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop.

1. Don't know if anyone else has addresed this. I have been building my barn shop for 7 years now. The book covers many of my thoughts and concerns. Would have wanted this sooner than later. Points raised for consideration. Noise and sound. I put in some wood walls, painted white and sealed against moisture, but I fussed with that or drywall. I considered my own sound issues and went with wood. But after reading some of the author's comments I will be spending extra time for fire protection and sound absorption when I do other parts of the shop. Not for me alone, but for my nieghbors as well. Good book to read before, during or contemplating a shop. Hey, we get to find out about how the masters of wood roughed it as well.



2. I was very disappointed in this book. I have found shop set up for effecient layout and dust collection to be the most important aspects of my woodworking. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to be as effecient and effective in these areas. I could find no difference in this book and the earlier version it replaces. Even the photos are same outdated photos that appear to be taken in the late 70's used in the 2001 release. Please, Taunton, don't insult your readers by continuing to regurgitate the same information with a shiny new label in an attempt to sell more books. Please strive to produce new and relevant photos and information. Your books and magazines are already some of the most expensive, it would be nice if the quality matched.



3. Good book for anyone who is contemplating establishing a woodworking shop. After years of dabbling in woodworking, I recently took the plunge and started buying more equipment, and am using the book to guide the sequence of purchases and setup of my basement shop. The book also covers stand-alone shops in garages or polebarns, and discusses the very basics as electrical power needs, lighting, security, heating, dust collection, layout, workstations, and a few other topics. All-in-all, pretty comprehensive treatment of the subject.



4. This book has many practical ideas, is very well illustrated and detailed.
   Effeciency, safety, and comfort are addressed well. Dust collection, electrical supply and shop layout are covered completely. I would recommend it highly.



5. This is a very clear, thorough, well-written book. It details many aspects of setting up a small wood shop, from layout to electrical work to insulation and soundproofing. The author also talks about what tools to select and suggests a priority order for people who cannot get all they want at once. It is an excellent source of information for anyone from hobbyists to beginning professionals.

5 comments about Runabout Renovation: How to Find and Fix Up an Old Fiberglass Speedboat.

1. I found this item helpful, but maybe a little outdated. As a European, a lot of the stuff is a bit the American way. Eg. carpets i boats, which are hardly used i Europe. An option without carpets or vinyl would have been nice.
   
   The lack of presentation on new materials such as vinylcell (eg. Divinycell and other similar products)makes the impression that this book could be updated. But in general, it is very helpful. Nicely written, a joke here and there, and good focus on security, helth hazards and other information.



2. I bought this book for my son-in-law who's renovating a boat for pleasure and fishing. I know NOTHING about boats and don't like to fish, but he was THRILLED with this book, so that's recommendation enough for me!



3. This book is a very helpful guide for anyone needing to perform repairs on their boat, ranging from minor touch-ups to major renovations.



4. Although a little short on detail and possibly a little outdated, this book covers the topics very well and is a very enjoyable read. It could have been improved through the addition of more photos and diagrams, but still gives the reader enough information to tackle the jobs of floor replacement, transom replacement, etc. I highly recommend this book for anyone who owns, or is wishing to buy a boat of this era.



5. This book give a lot of info on the basics of rebuilding a boat. Most of the info could have been found online, but it's good to have it on paper in front of you. Not a lot of info on working with fiberglass, I would recommend you get Fiberglass Repair by David Aiken for that. Overall a good buy.