2 comments about Construction Manual: Concrete and Formwork.

1. When I first bought this book I wondered if it would be out-of-date. It wasn't. Although there were many tricks I've learned that weren't in the book, I did catch many new formwork techniques from this book. I'd recommend it to anyone learning to set forms on a residential or light commercial construction site.



2. Amzon as always has provided me with excellent service.....
   
   I feel the information in this book is very outdated..

1 comments about The Black & Decker Complete Guide to Masonry & Stonework: Includes Decorative Concrete Treatments (Black & Decker Complete Guide).

1. This book is great because it has pictures for each step of the projects and includes a few fun concrete projects if you're up for it.

4 comments about Complete Masonry: Building Techniques, Decorative Concrete, Tools and Materials (Sunset).

1. Sunset has published several books on this subject, 3 of them called "Complete Masonry" with different subtitles and a basic one, possibly others. This is the only one that I've actually gone through cover to cover and it is superb. I have the Black and Decker flavor of Complete Masonry too and this one is far better at 1/2 the price.

   The projects described are quite a bit more appealing than the B&D's plain cookie cutter boring wall and walkway offerings. More importantly this book offers better techniques of design that can be applied to your own unique design.

   Another of my favorites on the subject of concrete that is also applicable to walls, walkways, flooring or whatever else you wish to conjure is a book called "Concrete Countertops: Design, Form, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath" It actually offers much more than what the title leads you to believe and suggests concrete as a very versitle replacement for standard brick and tile uses of the past.




2. 
   I bought Sunset's "Complete Masonry" because I am thinking about using concrete for my next kitchen counter top. I had heard on a radio home improvement program that concrete kitchen counters are popular in some other countries. Complete Masonry has one chapter on concrete counter tops, but the example they give is an outdoor barbecue, not a kitchen. The techniques can be adapted to a kitchen, but it's not the same as having illustrations of specifically what I want to do.
   
   Other than that, Complete Masonry has lots of information for the home gardener or handy person. You get pictures and details for laying out and construction of walks, stairs, patios, walls, ponds, rock gardens and all kinds of decorative and imaginative masonry work around the home. It's aimed at the home improvement market, not for the professional mason, although a professional might get some creative ideas from it's illustrations. Complete Masonry starts with very basic teaching such as "what is a shovel" and works up to include all the details you would need to construct the projects in the book. Like a lot of Sunset books it's full of ideas and examples of very elaborate projects, though the projects appear to have been done by skilled professionals. Even so, with a little practice you could probably finish any of the projects if you have a little construction skill and are willing to do the work. It's a good idea book, and a practical how-to home improvement book.



3. I was looking for a book on how to build a brick mailbox. This did'nt help much. Thanks anyway.



4. This is a very well done book, and I enjoyed it very much. It has nice projetcs that you really can do by yourself. The pictures are wonderfull, and full of great ideas and details. The instructions are so clear, so anybody can understand easly.

3 comments about Building with Masonry: Brick, Block, and Concrete.

1. My title should be self-explanatory.
   I am a rank amateur on this subject. I found this book extremely informative and would recommend it for amateurs. The information is both clear and well presented. A very good read.



2. This book is straight forward and you will learn tips from the pros. I had very little experience when reading this book; afterwards I knew tricks that my friend the brick layer did not know. I then went on to doing my own brick work around the home.



3. This book came in a timely fashion, was in good shape, and was what it was promised to be. I am happy with this purchase.

2 comments about Ultimate Guide to Masonry & Concrete: Design, Build, Maintain (Ultimate Guide).

1. This book covers all aspects of masonry work, from new construction through repair. As a carpenter, I have previous experience with some of the basics of the topics covered, and I would feel confident following the procedures in the book to complete any of the projects listed.
   
   As with any work of this nature, there's a reason why some people do this professionally -- there's a lot that takes experience to learn. But, if you know a few basics you'll probably be glad to have this book as a reference.



2. I really like this book. It lists materials and techniques that I had not really considered before. Although it did not answer all my questions it gave me a really good preview of what is out there and what it takes to use it. I think this will be a good book to have around for years to come. I am glad I bought it.

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 The Rammed Earth House: Revised Edition.

1. I purchased this book in order to find an optimistic source on the subject of rammed earth. David Easton does have a positive attitude about the subject. I enjoyed his enthusiasm. I enjoyed the 10 or so pages of color pictures and the many black and white pictures through the book. Like another reviewer, I felt the book lacked some good engineering sketches and some good pictoral illustrations of the forming systems. I was encouraged enough by his book to want to build a rammed earth house somewhere in the coming years. johnkurtz@comcast.net.



2. this is the guide to rammed earth. David Easton's enthusiasm and expertise provide for the most informative and readable book on rammed earth on the market.



3. I bought this book because I'm researching wall systems, hoping to build a place of my own some day. After lots of study, I probably won't use the rammed earth system, but I think it's fascinating, and I will probably use this book for reference in the future. If you're interested in earth walls, this one is a must-have for your library.



4. Any owner/builder who would study up on rammed earth construction, both theory and applied concepts, must have The Rammed Earth House: this edition has been completely revised and pairs color photos by Cynthia Wright with discussions of the art and technology of rammed earth housing. Chapters come from an architect and discuss everything from field testing soil to understanding layout, design, and soil compaction. A 'must' for any studying alternative housing, and sure to be a popular, repeat lend for any public lending library.



5. This is a beautiful book, which expanded my respect and knowledge of earth construction. I was formally most familiar with rammed earth tire construction (Earthships, by Michael Reynolds), but this more accessible and palatable version of rammed earth has wider appeal. The book lacks good construction and engineering specs. There are plenty of photos of rammed earth forms, but no technical drawings to help in their construction. I assume that Easton thinks that the subject of form building in concrete construction has been thoroughly covered elsewhere. His discussion of soil testing is impressive (as is the soil testing appendix), but at the same time discouraging. It seems that the likelihood of having proper soil at one's site is slim to nill, though most soil types can be amended with portland cement. I admire his reserve in not advising readers to just dig up their site and use whatever is there, without regard for the future durability and function of the structure. Overall, a good book, but it is absolutely not a step by step construction guide for the novice who is unfamiliar with homebuilding.

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

1. 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.



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



3. 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.



4. Well done. Confidence inspiring for a first time tile maker. Good also for any clay enthusiast wanting to learn new techniques. The method of this author's teaching style is fabulous. You feel as if she is personally teaching you step by step how to custom make tiles. The entire process, not just the painting and glazing. A good value for the price. It is easily worth at least $10-15 more. A bargain. Get your copy before they raise the price!



5. I have been interested in learning how to make tiles and this book is clear and precise on everything you need to know. If you are interested in learning how to do this in any way, shape or form...get this book. It will definitely help you on your way to making some wonderful artwork.

5 comments about Building Stone Walls.

1. Compact and concise, John Vivian's "Building Stone Walls" is a book that you can take with you while collecting (or buying) stone for your project, preparing the location, and building your wall. It offers a good overview of stacking stone, as well as a couple of less common ways of using stone (re-channeling moving water, for example). Best of all, it has some very practical, timesaving tips, particularly advice about when it is necessary to start with a trench and gravel base and when it is not.

   With our particular project - building a retaining wall with field stone recycled from decaying fences around our house in the Catskills - we found that Vivian's book did not include quite enough detail. He only supplies a few paragraphs on the construction of a retaining wall, though to be fair, what information he gives is practical. By itself, however, this would not have been enough to guide us through the project.

   For more detailed information on retaining walls, we turned to "The Granite Kiss", "Stone in the Garden" and "The Art and Craft of Stonescaping." Keep in mind, however, that the latter two books are more lavishly illustrated, a cross between a how-to book and a coffee-table book, so you probably would not take them out in the field.
   
   That said, if you have never worked with stone, and want to get an idea of what is involved in planning and preparation, finding and moving stone, and building a wall, Vivian's book is a practical and inexpensive book to buy first. Five stars for useful, concise information in a very usable format.




2. Charles McRaven's "Building Stone Walls" is much better. Covers all the material and techniques that Vivians book does and more! Don't waste your time on this book. If you're looking for more detail on working with stone, McCraven's book is the one.



3. I purchased this book to get some basic knowledge before I attempted to build a small retaining wall in my front yard. The book gave me just enough knowledge to have the confidence to attempt and complete the job. I don't know how useful this book would be on a very complex project.



4. I am planning on building a stone wall and as I know nothing about the subject I recently purchased 4 great books. After skimming through them all this is the one I read cover to cover the first afternoon. It is full of practical advice. It was as comfortable to read and follow as talking to a wise old uncle who always seems to be able to do anything. Each of the books I bought seemed to include something the others didn't and each seemed to miss somethings. However this one was almost like reading a novel. I reccomend it for anyone interested in the subject. And it is full of other fun tidbits. For instance I learned what a 'Gad-pry' bar was, that in the mid 70's it was fairly new and cost about $7.00. A quick web search found them for $23 to $29 today. Also reading this first seemed to make the others more 'understandable' for me.



5. I found this book to be much more than I expected!
   The author gave me the technical information I was looking for PLUS HISTORICAL information that gave me plenty of reason to add it to my collection of "eclectic books of antique info"

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.