1 comments about Tiling Floors: with Michael Byrne (Fine Homebuilding DVD Workshop).

1. Michael Byrne's work in both his book "Setting Tile" and his DVD "Tiling Floors with Michael Byrne" are excellent resources for beginners, and were I an experienced tile setter, I would say so for those folks, too.
   
   As a complete novice I recently completed my first tile project, re-doing my bathroom, some 50 square feet. In my opinion it turned out very well considering it was a first time effort. I relied heavily on Mr. Byrnes's works. That would be small by most accounts, but let me assure you, for me, it was large. I am in the process of doing another 500 square feet of work on a plywood substrate. After that I have another 500 feet downstairs on a concrete slab to do.
   
   He makes it simple for anyone to understand. These works will remain life-long resources in my personal library.
   
   While it is not possible to cover everything in any works like these, some areas I would suggest for improvement are some more clarification on areas around door jams in terms of doing the tiling around those, trimming them. More information on toilet removal and installation would have been helpful. The toilet borders on plumbing and that is a subject unto itself though. One more area that would be helpful is the area of cementitious backerboard. There are several kinds on the market and each has its own idiosyncracies.
   
   But if one is considering undertaking a project like this, you can always rely on [...] for additional material.
   
   Works by Taunton Press, the publisher of these media are also recommended. But again, no one resource can be everything. And finally, there is no substitute to finding reliable people to talk things through.
   
   Again, I rate Mr. Byrnes's work as 5 Star.

5 comments about Ceramic Houses and Earth Architecture: How to Build Your Own.

1. The author is obviously a person of great vision and enormous generosity of spirit. The book is very good, and I hope that a rating of three stars isn't some insult where no insult is deserved. I was very disappointed because I expected a serious discussion of superadobe techniques, which I regard as possibly more practical than the ceramic constructions. The book has only seven pages treating superadobe. Those are pasted as an afterthought, right at the end. They don't constitute a detailed and serious discussion. As much information can be found on the calearth.org web site. So, I felt that the advertisements of the book were a little misleading.

   The book itself is an education on classical earth construction and the improvement produced by firing it. As a person unfamiliar with architecture and construction, I had hoped to find something like a cookbook. Just tell me how to build a nice house easily, and I'd be happy to do it. Part of the education is to realize that things aren't quite so simple. Many issues arise, and, at the time of its writing, not all of them are well understood or totally settled. In particular, the details of firing a house into its ceramic status is not only explained in a partial way, but clearly more work is required to get a full understanding. The author could successfully fire houses himself, but the process was not reduced, at this writing, to entirely simple formulas for the use of lay persons. In that sense, each person working from the book would need to take on some considerable personal responsibility. It might not all work correctly. Consequently, I don't consider this book to be an especially good guide for a novice or amateur builder. That doesn't mean it isn't worth reading. However, I wouldn't read it, put up my own dome adobe house, and then sit down for tea underneath my own dome. The thing would probably fall in.




2. awesome resource and "how-to" book for those interested in this earth friendly type of architecture



3. This is a great book. I haven't read it page for page yet, but in it goes with my favourites. It concentrates on Khalili's monolithic fired ceramic houses and has a lot of detail. It leaves no stones unturned if you want a building of this type.
   
   Sadly, the book was published before Khalili invented Superadobe or Earth Bag building. For a good book on Earthbag, I recommend "Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques"
   by Kaki Hunter. Another book - which is more general is "Alternative Construction; Contemporary Natural Building Methods" by Lynne Elisabeth and Cassandra Adams.



4. It's important to understand that what is truly new and fresh can't be responsibly reduced to a cookbook. Building a house is a major undertaking, and different parts of the earth have different climates, different needs, and different earth underfoot to build from.
   
   Khalili inspires his readers to think more openly, he urges experimentation while sharing what is known. His buildings are gorgeous, with an openness and simplicity that inspires us to question the standard boxes most of us live in.
   
   Also inspirational is his obvious deep humanity; his love for both building AND people has enabled him to leave the usual paths and use the best qualities of the old, while infusing it with modern understanding to create wonderful new, achievable designs. I am awed. I've read this book twice, I'm building the models he recommends so I can more fully understand the structures of arch and domes, and hope to take his workshop next summer.
   
   This is life affirming as well as life-changing.



5. If you are interested in learning more about the beautiful structure pictured on the cover of this book, don't bother buying this book. The book provides no additional photos and only two pages of text that covers this structure at a high level - and no similar structures are covered either. Obviously these two pages were tacked on in one of the recent editions. I feel cheated.
   
   Buy the much better "Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Natural Building Series)" by Hunter and Kiffmeyer instead.

No comments about Concrete Countertops Made Simple.

5 comments about Working with Tile (Taunton's Build Like a Pro).

1. This book covers all kinds of tile work, including tiling a floor, wainscotting, fireplaces, backsplashes, showers, countertops...just about everything. It even has a chapter on installing glass tile and tile repairs.
   
   This book was fantastic! It has photos of all the steps, great explanations and a section with Q&A's and oftentimes a section called "What Can Go Wrong". I reviewed a different tile book which I purchased prior to this one, (see all my reviews), but this one made up for my disappointment with the previous book.
   
   If you are looking for a book on tile, I highly recommend it. Very colorful, easy to read and understand. I have not bought another tile book after finding this one. It covers everything.



2. This book could easily have garnered a 5 star review if it didn't skimp in some key areas:
   
   1) I would have liked to see more details, tips, tricks and illustrations on layout. Such an important subject probably deserves a dedicated chapter.
   
   2) I would have liked to see more details on common substrates. I understand the author likes to use ditra and its companion products but 90% of us doing projects at home are going to be limited to stuff that you get at the local tile store or hardware store (like backer board). Any complete reference should cover all of the options and methods in detail, not just the authors current favorites.



3. Depending on your skill level, potentially a good book. For my first tile project (a bathroom floor + tub surround) I relied John Bridge's "Tile Your World," this book, and Michael Byrne's "Setting Tile"--roughly in that order of preference. I recommend all 3 as each has different valuable info. Books are cheap compared to your time & materials cost.
   
   This book has the advantage of great photos and it's modern, unlike Byrne's book or Bridge's first (older) book. However, it definitely lacks key pieces of information and is quite sparse. You need to read, and reread, each section several times because the text is not written in a linear, step-by-step format. (Where was the editor?) I think it's more of an overview with ideas about design, tools, etc. than a clear "how-to" which the Bridge and Byrne books are. Numerous high quality color photos which are helpful for design and for learning some layout tricks.
   
   Things I dislike: (1) minimal discussion of key things like how to mix thinset, the tub-to-tile junction in a tile surround, etc. I'm sure there would be more if I had advanced beyond floors and tub surrounds. (2) They should retitle it "Spend Like a Pro." Rather than tell a DIY-er what's essential vs. what can be done with basic tools, Meehan assumes that as needed you will drop $2000 on a Gemini Revolution saw, buy a DeWalt mitering wet saw ($1000), buy only Stabila levels ($$$), buy top-of-the-line laser leveling tools, buy a $60 A-square, use only Ditra, etc. These are great (and I do use Ditra too) but there are certainly cheaper ways to avoid. If this is your only resource, you'd never know about alternatives.
   
   Do yourself a favor and buy this book but get the newer Bridge book and the Byrne book too. Also discover the tile forums on the web.



4. Tiling is not a new DIY project for me, so I was looking for a book to instruct me on the finer techniques, materials, and tools for all types of tiling jobs. This book was just the ticket! The Meehan's have a authored a first-rate publication complete with a variety of projects, trade tips, cautions, tool advice, and options for further research. Oh, and lots of great pictures too! I learned much that I can't wait to apply in my next project. This book has also inspired me to dream of potential projects that have only been subcontracted possibilities to-date. If you have never laid a tile or just need a nudge to greater skill levels, this How-To book is a must-read!



5. I've done a few very minor tile projects and I'm ready to tackle a fireplace surround and hearth. The author talks in plain english, there are a lot of pictures to help you understand things better. Good read.

1 comments about Kiln Construction: A Brick by Brick Approach.

1. Having never built a kiln before this book is an invaluable source for how to construct a pottery kiln. The only reason I gave it four rather than five stars is that it is a British book and the metric system and refractories used are based on what is common in England and different to what is commonly available in America but the techniques and methods can be used for American products with success. I am very pleased with the content as there is no other book that is so clear in explaining step by step, brick by brick how to construct a kiln.

2 comments about Concrete.

1. This book is a classic. Everyone who studies or works with concrete should own this book. It is technically superior to all others, yet easy to read. It has always been my first (and sometimes, only) reference.



2. A thorough and complete coverage of concrete material. Clearly written and easy to understand. Great for students and professionals.

5 comments about Structural Concrete: Theory and Design.

1. I just have finished a course of Fundamentals of Reinforced Concrete and this book helped me to understand far more than I expected.First I borrowed it from library then I bought a copy of it.It is full of examples and well organized.All I want to say if you have a problem mastering Fundamentals of Reinforced concrete design you should look at this book.



2. While struggling to understand fundamental concepts during concrete design, this textbook came through like a hero. One classmate bought the book, then four other students (the "brightest")in the class bought it. Let's just say, it really is that good.
   
   The examples were clear and logical. The book works well enough to self-teach.



3. I'm a graduate engineer, struggling with the reality of the world of work. Luckly I came across this book in the company's library and in no time I was designing to the satisfaction of my supervisors. Indeed this book has helped me alot. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is similar to me. I also recommend this to all undergraduates who need help in understanding reinforced concrete design. It would be very helpful and time saving when doing those design projects. .



4. Good book for the money, but be sure to check the website for all the typos in the book.



5. If you are a Graduate Student or a Practicing Engineer this text is the way to go... Has many great design examples and has a broad range of topics. However, I must advise that there is very limited amount of information for Strut-and-Tie Design. Besides that, great book.

5 comments about The Granite Kiss: Traditions and Techniques of Building New England Stone Walls.

1. This is a wonderful book...it's about stone walls, and about building stone walls, and all the things stone walls have meant and done for 350 years, and what it feels like to live and work in a place where just past the urban sprawl every one of those 350 years blends with this one (and if you look out the corner of your eye there're older times than that hiding in the shadows.)

   It's not a homeowner howto, though it's got everything you can learn from a book. It's a book for masons who love their craft, New Englanders who love their home place, and anyone who likes good work. Whatever that means to you.




2. Of the half-dozen books I bought in preparation for recycling some of the old stonewalls up through the woods on our farm into a new retaining wall, this is my clear favorite. It is more detailed than John Vivian's Building Stone Walls, particularly when it comes to retaining walls. Because it is not as glossy and illustrated as Haywards' Stone in the Garden or David Reed's Stonescaping (which are, by the way, both excellent in their own right), I'm not as wary about taking it out to the project with me.

   The text is clear and concise, and includes a healthy dose of stone philosophy and the index is detailed enough to help the do-it-yourselfer find what he needs, but short enough so that he can find what he wants, even if he does not know the proper name for it.

   However, the main reason I like this book so much is Gardner's assurance that anyone who puts his mind to it -- which includes me -- can build a stone wall. While his respect for old stone walls and the art of building them is obvious, he also has a healthy dose of practicality. "The notion that all, or even most, of the old stone-work we see around New England is the result of concentrated applicaion of arcane skill," he write, " is demonstrably false." Once that sacred cow was out of the way, my confidence level went up and anything seemed possible.

   The black & white drawings that illustrate the text are clear and very helpful.




3. The Granite Kiss is an endearing look at the practical and esthetic aspects of creating and repairing stone walls. The book has an artistic quality with its extra wide pages with pen and ink drawings of walls under construction or old walls still standing. There are no photos.
   
   There is a feeling of working alongside the author while he idly rambles about the task at hand and jobs he has completed in his career. I especially enjoyed his nicknames for the various rock shapes likely to be found in any imperfect rockpile and the relationships the shapes may have to each other in a completed wall. All in all, stone wall building is a task of patience and persistance - which the author relays in topics such as: spreading the "good" rocks out; working with rocks that are not perfect blocklike shapes, time management; and what is likely to stand the test of time.
   
   This is a book to get you into the slow and methodical, but contemplative mood for learning and practicing this dying art.



4. I surprisingly enjoyed this book. I purchased a few other stone wall books with the intention of building my own wall. I originally did not buy this book because other reviewers indicated not any pictures & a few drawings (this is true). But it is a easy read & tells of the pleasure of building in addition to techniques.



5. I was excited to get this book, being from New England I was looking forward to having a stone wall book focused in that area. Unfortunately I was immediately let down when I received it. When I turned the pages I quickly noticed that there wasn't a single photo in the book! In my mind this is almost a crime, it would be like purchasing a book on sunsets and finding out there were only scattered black and white illustrations inside.
   Also, the most knowledge filled tidbits of information are quotes the author uses from other stone masons. I recommend their works instead; Charles McRaven's Stone Primer , and John Vivian's Building Stone Walls (a good mix of photos and illustrations, all in B&W, but less expensive than most.)

5 comments about Small Barn Plans for Owner-Builders.

1. The cover bills it as 'complete' plans for 12 different barns- actually, to get complete plans that would be needed to get building permit do construction or buy materials, you have to order a set form the authors website. The book has nice practical ideas about working with subcontactors, and the designs and sources are quite useful.



2. I found this book to be an excellent source of information. It has greatly helped me do the planning for the construction of my barn.



3. It's marginally useful with hand drawn, black & white diagrams. You do get a sense of what building a horse barn or shed is all about. There are other reference books out there that deal with the subject in a more polished way though.



4. Only basic info on planning a project and included plans are just a teaser to get you to purchase complete plans. There are much better general barn/shed books.



5. It was a good book to prepare for a small barn building project.

5 comments about Bricklaying.

1. If you are a mason of any background, you will love this book. Really well illustrated, diagrams done nicely. Easy to understand. From beginer type work to extreame arch wk & much more. Last point if you want to build a outside grill out of brick check out the 10 brick grill layouts in this book.
   Good Stuff!



2. A disapointment. Confusing, full of obscure terms and "inside" tips that are useless to the do-it-yourselfer. Seems like a book written by an expert for other experts. After purchasing this book I picked up a used Time-Life book on masonary that had more good info in 10 pages than this 320 page turkey.



3. I checked the book out from the library first to get a feel for it, though the illustrations are good, I found the method of instruction haphazard and very much lacking.

   In addition the author is Australian and many of the terms used are not US specific. No attempt is made to explain many of the techniques

   Go for a time life book, or the following used text "AUDEL'S MASONS AND BUILDERS LIBRARY," by Louis Dezettel (look for volume 2 bricklaying, plastering...) is exceptionally written in regards to detail and very easy to understand.




4. Some reviews claim this isn't a book for a 'do-it-yourselfer'. This may be true if your abilities to think and to build are of a limited capacity. This book has excelent illustrations and explainations that walk you through many forms of building with brick though simple explaination. I would recomend this to the 'able' 'do-it-yourselfer' and I can imagine there are things profesionals could gleam from this book as well.



5. I have done quite a bit of tile work and am not a foreigner to trowel trades. When I decided to put in my first brick hearth and wall I looked for a book to give me the basics. This was not it. I feel it is poorly outlined and organized and lacked some basic information I sought. There are some cool projects in it, but start with another book if you're new to the trade.