3 comments about Masonry Design and Detailing.

1. I found the masonry details to be very good in showing how a masonry building goes together and as such would be very good for Architects and Contractors. However, as a Structural Engineer I was looking for a book with more detail regarding the design methods and equations. I was looking for a book that would teach a beginning engineer the basics of masonry design. After the engineer had mastered the basics and could design a masonry building using the equations then, with that understanding and experience, could make use of the design tables in this book.

   We have this book in our library and I can say that it is seldom used. We design masonry buildings using hand calculations, the UBC and computer programs.

   Bottom line is that this book is great for Architects and Contractors building small masonry structures. It is not as useful for the serious Structural engineer.




2. As the previous reviewer, I also am a structural engineer and have not found the book to be very useful for my line of work. It does have some nice details and empirical information that would probably be useful for architects and contractors.



3. If you want to build more than a backyard wall or barbeque, the information contained here will put you on the right track. Most masons will follow a building plan, but this book gives the framework for the plans. This text will cover in depth structural design and problem solving associated with layout, material, and construction of masonry structures.

3 comments about Masonry & Concrete Construction.

1. Nolan's Masonry and Concrete Construction is an excellent introduction to the many forms of brick, block, and concrete materials applications. Beginning with the theory and chemistry of concrete and mortar formulation, he then goes chapter by chapter into the various applications. The book is well illustrated with photos and drawings, as well as charts and tables to assist in computations of mixes, materials requirements, load capabilities of footings, etc. A look at the table of contents shows the wide range of subjects discussed. An appendix with regulations for job safety (OSHA) will be useful for those in the trades. The book is well-written in an easy-to-read style. If you have ever experienced the frustration of trying to lay brick with the wrong mortar mixture, (or want to avoid the problems!) this book is for you. The book deals with man-made materials (brick, block, concrete); there is little discussion of stone construction techniques, so that is better found elsewhere.



2. I wanted to learn how to build things out of brick and this book was a big disappointment. It uses terms that you would not know if you were not already involved in the construction industry. There are lots of technical discussions about masonry but not one "hands-on" example of laying brick. I went back and bought the Black and Decker book to learn how to actually work with masonry and I will keep this book for reference on different types of mortars, estimating materials, etc. If you made your living working with masonry this would make a good reference.



3. I was very dissapointed in this work. The project for which this book was purchased was a block basement and concrete foundation for a new home in southern California. I had hoped that there would be some help in developing techniques and other practical helps. This book was inadequate in these areas. I also discovered that the estimation formulas were inconsistent and inacurate for the project I used it on. I'm sure that this book is applicable in some areas of the country but not in the desert southwest. I also discovered that some of the materials and suggestions are unheard of by professionals in my area (like "Bitumen Modified Urethane"). I would not recommend purchasing this book unless there is no other alternative.

4 comments about Masonry Skills, 5E (Masonry Skills).

1. A text book aimed at persons studying to become professional masons. The writing is clear and readily understandable by professional and non professional alike. The technical information presented goes far beyond that found in most books in this field which are aimed at DIY and semi professional builders. It makes a wide range of tasks such as arch and fireplace construction accessible to anyone able to mix cement and position a brick.



2. I need to build a stone wall and stone patio, stone walk way and a stone trail path, so I choose this book, but I find this book is a thorough brick textbook, even someone called a stone masonry master book. What a dispointing!! Be careful when you choose this book!



3. I am a craftsman skilled in telephone, electrical and concrete work. Masonry is a new skill that I am working to acquire.
   
   We renovate rental properties. Recently, we purchased several older properties which require substantial work. We are also adding space for bathrooms and laundry areas. The exterior of these properties is brick. We wish to use brick veneer for the addition to blend the addition into the original structure.
   
   We understand the need to do things right the first time. I also have a great love for high quality craftsmanship. This book emphasizes both.
   
   The book is well written and illustrated. The information is applicable to masons working for large contractors or mom and pop shops. The author coaches the reader and describes how to develop job skills. The author also warns the reader of potential problems and how to avoid them.
   
   The experienced masons that I work with have also learned from this book.



4. I've been a mason for 15 years. And there are alot of benefits to the brick portion of the book. But the impression they leave, which is why I bought the book in the first place, lacked. Their blueprint reading section leaves much to be desired. Granted it does show some symbols, but it never explains what those symbols are or how they are used in a commercial setting. I was also under the impression that I was getting the 5th ed. and was sent the 4th edition. I don't know how much more they updated their book, but the block they use in their pictures, and the legends they use for the prints are way out of date. Perhaps they were masons in the 1950's or something. I really wouldn't recommend this book unless you know nothing about masonry, block, brick or print reading. But if you are green, this book is for you. You could build something successfully by the instructions of this book. But if you are serious about progressing in masonry as a career...find another book.

No comments about Outdoor Stonework: The Timeless, Practical, and Aesthetic Value of Stone.

1 comments about Building Dry-Stack Stone Walls.

1. Stone walls are a mainstay of landscaping for homes and gardens. Stone walls come in diverse forms of construction with "dry-stack' referring to erecting walls of stone without the use of mortar. In "Building Dry-Stack Stone Walls", Rob Gallagher, Sean Malone and Joe Piazza draw upon their many years of experience and expertise to providing homeowners with illustrated, step-by-step instructions on building dry-stack stone walls that will be stable, attractive, and solid. Three projects using different kinds of stones help to provide examples and inspirations for building walls from inception to completion. Thoroughly 'user friendly' and promoting the essential necessity of having a safe work environment, as well as featuring a gallery of wall images in full color, "Building Dry-Stack Stone Walls" is the ideal 'how to' instruction guide and manual for the novice stone wall builder and a highly recommended addition to personal and community library reference collections.

5 comments about Tiling 1-2-3 (Home Depot 1-2-3).

1. This book is more or less useless on it's own. It tries to make tiling look really simple and straightforward. Tiling is actually not rocket science at all, but you really do need to spend time up front deciding what you are going to do. It isn't a weekend project. Get a real book written by someone who actually lays tile professionally and not just by people who sell the latest half-baked do it yourself supplies. I recommend "Tile Your Word" or "Setting Tile". Both top notch books. In fact, get both - given how expensive tile is it'll be worth the money.
   
   This book does have some nice pictures of some steps though. That's about all I can recommend it for.



2. This is a good book for people who want to start tiling or for people who have stated but would like to get more ideas, help or tricks.



3. I bought this book at Home Depot and returned it after a few hours upon finishing it. I could have got the same information from a free pamphlet. They ought to be ashamed. However, there were some nice pictures and I did learn a little bit, but it was just a super easy primer for the real thing. I didn't buy another book before tiling 900sf in my house. I wish I had bought a better book, as I learned all kinds of tricks "the hard way." Hint: Swimming after tiling all day can return your back to normal when it doesn't seem like anything else will help. I am now going to buy John Bridge's book before my next tiling job.



4. The book was expensive but I did learn a few things. Be careful about following the instructions on shower pan construction. I'm not an expert, but after reading many books on tiling, I do believe it is important to pre-slope the pan membrane to the drain and to not puncture the membrane on top of the curb with screws (it's better to do the curb with lath and mortar, not by screwing on cement board). John Bridge's site is a good all-around source on this subject inhabited by both DIY'ers and real pros.



5. When I bought this book, I wanted to tile a countertop with porcelain. The book shows many visual examples of elaborate porcelain countertops in the opening pages. It lists the things you must consider when choosing tile for a project. So far, so good.
   
   Sadly, the book only shows how to tile a certain type of red glazed ceramic countertop. Please show me how to do the rustic stone & porcelain countertops you put beautiful pictures of in the first chapter! This was a letdown.
   
   The countertop section needs to be fleshed out about 3x the length that it is now, with many different styles & methods of trimming. Show people how to trim the countertop edges with different types of bullnose, wood, decorative pieces, v-cap trim, etc. Also show how to undermount sinks with quarter rounds of tile. (See Taunton's book, "Tiling Complete") These are the things people are thinking of when they want to tile a countertop, and the book just doesn't deliver.
   
   I didn't spend much time looking at the floor & wall & ad-hoc project sections of the book. These may be adequate for most people's needs, but I'm not sure.

1 comments about A Guide to Dry Stone Walling.

1. I give Andy Radford's book five stars, because now that I'm actually finished with months of off and on reading and I'm now down to actually building my stone walls, its his book (among half a dozen others), that I'm using for help.
   
   Mr. Radford's experience is entirely from Great Britain where he lives. This could have been a big problem, since he works in a different climate with different geology. There is a bit of history over there about stone walls, so perhaps this is why the author ably communicated universal techniques that span regional differencs in aesthetics and stone.
   
   Actually, the value I continue to get out of the book, despite the differences in geography and culture, probably result from Mr. Radford's experience as a teacher. His book (text, photos, step by step, and categorization by type of wall) follows a logical sequence specifically designed for the beginner.
   
   The only thing I smiled about was the front cover photo - of a wall that very much looks like it was a beginner's first effort! Like they say, don't just a book by its cover. Inside is everything you need to know about the fundamentals of dry stacking a nice stone wall in a variety of situations.

1 comments about Masonry Construction Manual.

1. There's nothing else quite like these construction manuals: highly technical information aimed at architects and engineers, presented very stylishly. Because this one concerns masonry, the most general purpose of building materials, it seems to cover all aspects of building science--energy efficiency, moisture and sound control, fire safety (very briefly) etc. It also gives basic overall structural engineering guidelines, e.g. allowable dimensions for unsupported walls, and more, for the reader who is already conversant with stresses, shear forces, and so on, and who is interested in reading several pages on, say, how to interpret cracks in walls.

   Apart from the historical overview which begins it, it is essentially a summary and explanation of the German building codes, and supplies voluminous data from them in the form of tables and graphs. And, of course, it ends with the detailed examples, with meticulous drawings, for which the publisher is famous.

1 comments about Ideas for Great Fireplaces (Ideas for Great).

1. This is basically a picture book. the ideas are pretty conventional as far as fireplaces go. I bought this book for inspiration on a project that I have recetnly started for a client that was looking to update an existing fireplace in her 100+ year old Victorian. She was looking for fresh/ ideas, something to compliment the mix of historic and contemporary details throughout the interior.. I did not find anything of value from this book for this particular project. As far as design ideas go, this a meat and potatos book.

1 comments about Concrete Structures.

1. Concrete structures have been built since the days of the Romans, the Pantheon being the most notable example of their technical ability with the material. It's not clear how the Romans managed to work out the problems associated with building large scale structures in concrete, but it undoubtedly involved a combination of intuition, trial, and at least a few dramatic failures. Things have changed considerable for designers since that era.
   
   Fortunately, contemporary architects and engineers don't need to use the cumbersome Roman numeral system to make structural calculations. On the other hand, trial and error is no longer a valid way of learning to design structures. Todays designer is required to demonstrate before building that a design is safe to carry not only its own weight, but also the loads it will be subjected to in use. To the uninitiated, and probably even to quite a number of practicing designers, the array of formulas, charts, and diagrams employed in designing and proving efficient concrete structures can seem bewildering, and perhaps Byzantine in their complexity.
   
   Dr. Setareh and Robert Darvas have have done a great job of simplifying the problem of understanding how to comply with the requirements of the ACI code. The book begins with a concise and clear explanation of some of the basics of concrete types and uses. Practical experiments with beam models and simple experiments in casting and testing actual concrete samples develop the intuitive sense that is still important in the initial stages of the design process. There's no shortage of rigor, but it's in the presentation of the more difficult subject matter that the authors' years of teaching experience are most obvious.
   
   Step by step flow charts and accompanying example problems are simple to follow and help insure that no part of the calculation process is overlooked. An experienced designer can go right to a flow chart to solve a problem, but for the student, every details is thoroughly, clearly, and logically explained so that the importance of each step can be fully understood.
   
   If I were to find fault with the book, it would be in the accompanying CR-ROM, and it's a small complaint. There are lots of pretty pictures there of a wide range of concrete structures. Those are followed by images showing examples of minor problems like rust stains and spalling from weathering, but not one of a complete structural failure. I'd kind of like to see what it looks like when things go really wrong. That might make students realize that dramatic failure is still possible and that mastering the subject of structural design is a vital part of their education. That aside, it's a very good book and highly recommended.