No comments about The Complete Book of Garden Seating: Great Projects from Wood, Stone, Metal, Fabric & More.

2 comments about Relaxing on the Porch.

1. The photography in this book is beautiful, but it is Ms Fulweiler's photostyling and writing which make it come to life. Her writing makes you feel as if you are on the porch ("nuzzling your feet in a soft rug; holding a warm cup in your hands")instead of just admiring the picture. This book is also a wonderful gift for any homeowner or gardner--what hostess wouldn't like to receive it as a "thank you"? An exquisite book!



2. I especially enjoyed reading how in "some planned communities, sidewalks and front porches are now mandated to help families connect to one another, to foster that traditional experience of gathering together and sharing lives..." I also found the historical background fascinating, as well as the different designations given to porches...Thank you.

4 comments about A Portfolio of Deck Ideas (A Portfolio of).

1. This book provided some great ideas for decks and landscaping. It will be a great additon to our home library.



2. I wanted a book with lot's of color pictures that showed different deck styles and accents so I could design my own custom deck. If your looking for something for design ideas or to show to your contractor, this is the book for you. I also picked up "A Portfolio of Unique Deck Ideas" to go with it.

   If you're after a "how to" book, this isn't it.




3. I was disappointed with the styles shown in this book. The decks looked like they were built in the 1970's, and I was looking for fresh new ideas. Plus, there were many color photographs, but they were of the same few decks just at different angles. I didn't think the ideas they gave were easy to apply to various situations, just the deck shown in the photograph. Overall, there are much better books out there with more up-to-date ideas.



4. not recommended. many pics are fuzzy and the ones that are clear are dated. also, the book is only 90 pages. thin on new ideas, thin on clear pics, thin in width...

No comments about Garden Seating: Great Projects from Wood, Stone, Metal, Fabric & More.

No comments about Quick Guide: Fences & Gates: Step-by-Step Construction Methods (Quick Guide).

No comments about 64 Yard and Garden Projects You Can Build Yourself.

No comments about Easy to Build Backyard Projects.

No comments about Simple Outdoor Style (Simple Style).

No comments about How to Build Outdoor Structures.

3 comments about Building for the lawn and garden.

1. Buying high-quality outdoor furniture a little out of your current budget? Then buy this book, and make it all yourself.

   This book has great projects, the designs are easy to follow, and the descriptions take you through the build step by step.

   Aside from general home mainenance -- installing a new doorknob, putting up a wall shelf, etc. -- I had never actually built anything until getting this book. In three separate weekends in January I was able to make an Adirondack chair and ottoman, and a arts & crafts looking outdoor endtable to go with it. Plus, by making just those three things, I've already recouped my costs for the tools I needed to buy to build them.

   This book has been great for me (a woodworking BEGINNER), and has inspired me to build and learn more about making furniture.

   I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is either interested in getting into woodworking, or just wants some good, easy plans for outdoor furniture.




2. This is a terrific book for weekend projects-my husband and I built the glider swing in a weekend and it was very easy. We do have lots of previous woodworking experience but could tell that someone with less or no experience would be able to follow the instructions. Since we do have some experience there were a few things we noticed-check your shopping list against your cut list and see what the cheapest way of buying your wood will be. We found that we didn't need a few of the boards we bought (but if you plan on building more of the projects, this is not really a problem!). Also, look at the picture of the finished project and check it against your hardware list. We found that we were missing 4 spring loaded snap rings (the book calls for 4-you will need 8). All things considered, the book is great and has projects that anyone can build! If you were to buy many of these items they would cost you three to four times as much as it does to build them.



3. I really love this book. It shows you step by step with easy to follow instructions how to build each project. However, when I built the rectangular picnic table I found that the measurements given in the book for the legs were wrong. The book says to cut the legs 29". Unless you are Asian and plan and sitting on the ground or floor to eat, these are way to short. I found that 39" was too tall. So I think the correct measurement should be around 35". Anyway, check the measurements for feasibility before you cut your lumber.

   Good book overall.