5 comments about Concrete at Home.

1. Very diverse examples of finished / polished concrete. Also includes some basic how-to projects.



2. WOW! Rare is the book that fulfills a professional carpenter's point of view and sound principles of design at the same time. Anyone who wants to know more about concrete formwork and designing owe it to themselves to buy this book. As for me I will watch for the next book by Fu-Tung Cheng as I expect it to yet again be a high caliber publication.



3. This book has given me an insight into what is available out there in the concrete world. Good book for the beginner trying to make concrete into an art piece.



4. I love this book- i own it as well as his original concrete counter top book and both work well as a team- this is a great book with interesting ideas and enough pictures and commentary to allow a DIYer to figure it out and turn out a successful product.



5. In CONCRETE AT HOME, concrete designer Fu-Tung Chen does just this, sharing with his readers the many creative uses he's found for concrete over the years. Floors, walls, countertops, sinks, fireplaces - Chen covers them all, with a decided flair for the fanciful.
   
   I approached CONCRETE AT HOME as a first-time homeowner who was toying with the idea of ripping out all of my home's flooring and staining the concrete slab underneath. And, I should specify, hiring a pro to do so, since I'm not the DIY type (at least not when it comes to the single largest investment of my life). It was with this newbie curiosity that I devoured CONCRETE AT HOME.
   
   Though I found CONCRETE AT HOME to be somewhat helpful and very enjoyable, it didn't totally quench my thirst for all that is concrete. Chen can't quite seem to decide on an intended audience in CONCRETE AT HOME; while he aims to explain the basics of concrete to average Janes like myself, he also includes advanced instructions for professionals. As a result, the book has a kind of schizophrenic quality. Although Chen does take the time to explain some of the fundamentals, it's not as complete or in-depth enough to qualify CONCRETE AT HOME as a Concrete 101 text. On the flip side, I imagine that concrete professionals will be equally dissatisfied with the brief instructions Chen includes for complicated concrete projects - such as working with forms and building walls (!). In trying to please everyone, I suspect Chen's resulting treatise will fall short of everyone's expectations.
   
   Even so, CONCRETE AT HOME is a must-read for those interested in concrete and its applications. It may be a bit spotty in coverage, but it's by far one of the most interesting, engaging, and inspiring concrete books I've yet to come across.
   
   Now I can't wait to get started on those floors!

1 comments about Cast-in-place Concrete Countertops: A Guide for Craftsmen.

1. Tom Ralston is both a passionate artist and a technical master when it comes to custom colored concrete work - and in his book he instructs everyone from the novice to the experienced contractor. And it's a fun read - kind of like a friendly conversation as he takes you on an intimate walk through the homes and gardens of many of his clients for whom he and his eclectic staff of artisans and masons have created art pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. The book also details planning, preparing, estimating and constructing cast-in-place countertops and bathtub surrounds with lots of photos of the process. If you are a professional contractor or a homeowner designing a new home, remodeling or landscaping a yard, this book will give you lots of ideas that don't need to be expensive to add highly creative pieces to your plan. - Patty Damron

5 comments about Decorative Concrete (Sunset).

1. I've purchased other books on decorative concrete, but this is the first one that I think is worth what I paid! It has excellent discussions of different techniques and materials, something that other books lacked. And, since they are not promoting some specific product, they provide information about products that are not as expensive as some of the systems that are being sold. The pictures are not as detailed as would be helpful on some pages, but that is a minor issue. There are enough step by step instructions to make it possible to do projects from the book as you learn the techniques. I highly recommend it.



2. Just purchased a home with painted concrete countertops and wanted to learn more. Lots of pictures and information on how to start outdoor and indoor projects. I don't know if it is quite detailed enough for doing your own countertops but lots of pix and ideas for someone interested in the subject. Gave me the information I was looking for in expanding the use of concrete into other parts of my home and garden.



3. This author really helps those who want to "Do It Yourself" or gives outstanding examples and ideas. We used this as a resourse
   guide and by trial and error ( as the book states ) have successfully updated our exterior, interior flooring, kitchen/bath
   countertops and sinks to model home quality for pennies on the dollar.



4. This book was great! It has all the necessary information needed for making stepping stones and other neat projects, including types of cement and sand and stuff needed for those projects. A must have!!



5. I bought this book in conjunction with another book so I wasn't really expecting it to be very detailed. What this book does for me is offer a lot of ideas with great pictures and some steps to achieving the end result. If you've ever read a more detailed step-by-step book and then you read this book you'll see that this book leaves out a lot of detail but it does serve as a good book for concrete project ideas and works great in conjunction with other more detail material on working with concrete.

5 comments about Tiling Complete (Taunton's Complete).

1. I just love starting new projects, but I was scared to death to begin tiling. This book gave me all the information I needed to have the guts to proceed. The instructions were very clear and I can't say enough about all the photographs. These authors did an amazing job showing what they do best. Thank you for writing this book for those who must do it by themselves.



2. This is an outstanding book. We have done a variety of projects over the years and I have learned the hard way many of the lessons that these authors highlight in their book. If you want to tile, and you don't want to waste your time and money making stupid mistakes (as I have done in the past!!), buy and read this book.



3. This book gave me the courage to tackle the floors and walls of my master bath, project is going great using the tips and techniques in the book. The "what can go wrong" feature has helped me from making shortcuts and costly mistakes.



4. Having some previous tiling experience, I was pleased to discover that "Tiling Complete" contained many well-informed tips and clear, straight-forward instruction -- simplifying and illuminating each step involved, including the handy features addressing mistake-prevention and trade tips. This is the clearest, most thorough book on tile-setting I've come across.



5. I bought this book when we decided to tile our kitchen backsplash...our first tiling project. The book was helpful but could have elaborated on the types of adhesives for different tiles and different applications a little more. However, it is still overall a good book that I would recommend. It also includes how to repair tiles.

5 comments about Building with Stone.

1. This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!



2. This book seems to have a bit of everything that has to do with traditional stone masonry. It shows how to build different types of buildings and objects. Pictures are only in Black and White. If your looking for a full colour glossy paged book on stone architecture this is not for you.



3. This book was better than I expected. I was hoping for color photographs, but it has B&W only. Doesn't get into a lot of details, but covers quite a few topics on the subject of stone masonry. I agree with previous review. Would have been great if the section on Mortaring Stone could have been more detailed. All in all, a good starting book to refer to.



4. An excellent introduction for anyone who is interested in learning more about stone work and masonry.
   
   I enjoyed the book for the breadth of coverage, and for the anecdotal stories. It is one thing to be told safety tips and procedures, but the lesson is much more effective with a good story. I had hoped for a more comprehensive discussion of the tools used, how to use them, and how to shape the stone. However, lack of this does not detract from the usefulness of the book. The closest I have come to stonework was moving stones around for landscaping, but now if I were armed with a set of stonework tools, I would be tempted to try something more complex.



5. Chuck will keep you smiling as your read his books. They contain plenty of humorous stories while they display the stone arts. There are better guides but you should read as many as possible: you'll need it.
   
   Stone work is the hardest task you'll probably ever do in your life. If your project is big, it seems to never end and you'll doubt you'll ever finish. One rock can take 2 hours to lay whereas if all goes well, you can lay 5 in an hour. So, if you are interested in stone work, I'd advise to start small on the first few projects. This book is a good guide to helping you along the way.

5 comments about Making Concrete Garden Ornaments.

1. Explicitly exhibits (photographic) the process of concrete ornament construction - even suggests creative alternatives to Ms. Warner-Hunter's designs. You don't have to be an "official" artist to follow these instructions or to create beautiful garden scultpures/containers! Is written for the average-intelligence adult and is not at all "art-speak"!



2. This is an excellent resource for learning concrete sculpture! Start with this one, then get her other book, "Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden: Making pots, birdbaths..." for more advanced projects that reinforce your skill leves.



3. This is a good book for learning how to make your own hypertufa and concrete ornaments, including how to make the molds or reinforcements. Some of the projects are of overwhelming size for a person who is interested in small things for their garden. I like the planters, but some of the other things in this book are way too modern and gaudy for me.
   
   If you want to learn to do concrete ornaments for your yard, there is an incredible book still in print since 1904 called Concrete Pottery and Garden Furniture by Ralph C. Davison, which shows how to make garden ornaments such as columns, table, benches, planters in the Victorian and Greek styles--more my taste. This little book is packed with valuable photos and diagrams of how it's done.
   
   I would recommend Davison's book over this one, but Warner's book still has some great recipes for hypertufa and unique ways to construct molds for concrete statuary.



4. As soon as this book came, I had to go through it cover to cover. I love the projects, and the way everything is explained step by step. You are also given advice on using different mixes and techniques. I feel that the author not only teaches you how to do the projects in her book, but gives you the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to go beyond that. And that is exciting!



5. I've already made about 10 projects from this book. If you are a gardener, or like to 'ornament' your yard with tasteful items, this may be your book.

5 comments about Making & Installing Handmade Tiles (A Lark Ceramics Book).

1. I have been an collector of pottery and tiles for many years. After signing up for a class to make tiles, I purchased this book. It has wonderful detailed explanations and illustrations of many tile making and decorating techniques. I refer to it often and enjoy looking at the many beautiful handmade tiles in this book. If you love working with and collecting pottery like I do . . . GET THIS BOOK!!



2. This is a well written book full of good advice and sound techniques. It provides good step by step photographs of each technique that shows each process clearly. The book also provides a great range of images for inspiration and ideas. An excellent book for beginners through to the experienced.



3. Very good info, and enough of it was unique enough to make it well worth purchasing over some of the other Tile How-to books. Good source for anyone, such as myself, who is interested in delving into a new avocation.



4. Anyone wanting to learn about making clay tiles and tile moulds would enjoy this book. A wealth of information. It gets the big tick.



5. I have been accumulating ceramic tile books for some time, and this one is very good as a beginner volume showing several differing techniques on how to make your own tiles, as well as paint and fire existing tiles. It shows how to make differing shapes, how to glaze & carve, as well as how to properly install what you've created. There is a little bit of everything in this volume, as well as very clear instructions and photographs. I enjoyed reading this very much, and will refer to it more in the future as I work in tiles.

5 comments about The Stonebuilder's Primer: A Step-By-Step Guide for Owner-Builders.

1. I rarely write a review despite the fact that I read so many books, but felt this one deserved special attention. I am looking to build a log home in Southeast Alaska and wanted to have a nice rock wall foundation and a spectacular fireplace. After reading this book I am confident that I can do most of the work myself (except the footing for the foundation) and feel confident that it will look totally professional (and be bomb proof). The book is well written, very readable, has good photos, and is probably the only book you will need to do any and all stone work. It is not a book on slip form and it is not a coffee table book - it is for building in stone.



2. If you are considering building with stone, give this book a try. I like the author's writing style and he does a great job explaining the process.



3. The experiences of Mr. Long will interest many 'would-be' masons, contemplating construction of a stone wall of any form. The book is not a 'how-to' guide as much as a 'how I figured it out' or 'how I got the rock to the top of the wall.' Those with masonry experience will probably find this unnecessary, but anyone considering a masonry adventure will find the reading well worth the effort. Mr. Long's experiments in man-handling rock, using ramps and building scaffolds are exactly what amateur masons need to read.
   
   The book if fairly shy about the author's handiwork. The finished house is never displayed, and 'example' photos are generally shots of 19th century buildings. Additionally, there is nothing on how long it took to accomplish their tasks. There are lots of photos showing the author and wife man-handling rocks, though.
   
   The book seems to be set in the north-eastern United States, and Mr. Long's advice for finding rocks may be unsuited to other areas. As best I can tell, the book advises picking up a suitable rock when ever one one. This might happen on the shoulder of a highway, while driving past a farmer's field or wandering around old quarries. Mr. Long suggests all non-masons are overjoyed when anyone hauls away a rock. I'm not convinced.



4. This is an excellent beginning book on building with stone. No mention of necessary information regarding general house building is included. You are supposed to find that elsewhere. This is about building stone walls to become a building. The technique it presents is different than slipform wall building and creates walls that are remarkably good looking, straight and will endure for decades, maybe even centuries. Great book and I highly reccomend it for anyone thinking about using stone as a building material.



5. I was very pleased with the level of detail in this book. I was specifically looking for information on stone fireplaces and chimneys and the author does a fine job of being quite specific about measurements and practicalities of building a heavy, tall stone structure. All of the chapters appear to have explicit and careful directions. Many thanks for this valuable resource. It will remain in my library long after the house is built!

2 comments about Stonescaping Idea Book (Taunton's Idea Book Series).

1. Lots of pictures, mortar and dry-stone, a little bit of everything. Makes you look at your yard with different eyes.



2. "Walks, pathways and steps play important roles around the exterior of the home. On a practical level, they offer a safe and comfortable means of approaching your house in all seasons and weather conditions. They also serve to connect your house with its surrounding landscape, providing a logical route to frequently used areas such as garages and outbuildings, or a more meandering route through gardens..." Andrew Wormer writes.
   
   He continues to discuss other aspects of stonescape, including paths, steps, sitting places, dinning places, outdoor rooms, garden paths and floors, poolside spaces, drystone walls, mortared walls, benches, sculptures, steams and waterfalls, entryways, driveways and transitions, and borders.
   
   "Stonescaping Idea Book" has six chapters: Paths & Steps, Terraces, Patios and Garden Spaces, Walls, Landscaping Features, Pools, Ponds and Fountains, and Finishing Touches.
   
   "Stonescaping Idea Book" has 144 pages and many beautiful and inspiring interior color photos. It is a must-have for stonescape lovers!

5 comments about Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden: Making Pots, Planters, Birdbaths, Sculpture & More.

1. Super book with detailed information on creation from beginning to end! Super for beginners and seasoned artists.



2. I can't say enough how thorough Ms. Warner-Hunter's books are - they are step-by-step, material suggested, inspirational, and illustrated (photographic)! As an artist, this book was helpful in clarifying issues I had with materials: and, as a teacher, I believe even a middle or high schooler could follow this manual. Lark books are fabulous and this one of the best!



3. Start with her first one, Making Concrete Garden Ornaments, then try this one to expand you skills. An excellent way to get a feel for this art form!



4. This book is filled with inspiring ideas and recipes. I am excited to get started - Only problem is that it is always raining on the days I can work!



5. This book contains many "recipes" for making concrete containers and concrete art. The book contains many full color photographs to guide you through each project step by step. The instructions are thorough and easy to follow. I've already made the hypertufa planters and stepping stones. The author also included numerous photos (and website links) of other artists' works. I found this book to be very inspiring.