4 comments about Design Ideas for Kitchens (Design Ideas).

1. Packed with large, full-color pictures and all the information you could need for a kitchen remodel. Covers everything from lighting to hardware. Very up-to-date and helpful. Price paid was a real bargain.



2. The kitchens in this book are something to be jealous of. Not only are there beautiful ideas offered in this book, but practical tips are also included to make for a more functional kitchen that's not just aesthetically pleasing. Great ideas on cabinetry are supplied, along with information on surfaces, countertops, and lighting. Also, interesting ideas to include a washer and dryer. A lot of great information comes in one book. Before you go ahead and plan out how you're going to do your new kitchen, pick up this book. You'll be glad you did.



3. This is a great book to get suggestions if you are thinking of designing a new kitchen. Many different styles, which I found particularly helpful.



4. This book was and is VERY helpful in the still ongoing design of my new kitchen. Each section made sense and progressed to the next logical area of decision making. It has clear, large photographs and illustrations. It's a very helpful book. In fact, I'm ordering another copy so my designer and I can refer to some of the subjects and pages over the phone.

5 comments about Hardwood Floors: Laying, Sanding and Finishing.

1. This book is very informative. If you are going to lay flooring then this will be very helpful.



2. I bought the book and the DVD and both provided information very useful for my first DIY install of hardwood flooring.
   
   Like many projects it's the prep work that pays off in the end and it's also true with installing hardwood flooring. A sub-floor that is flat and secured to the joists along with that straight first row goes along way in ensuring a successful install.



3. Author Don Bollinger stares in, writes, or is quoted in just about every video or book about installing, sanding and finishing hardwood flooring. I came across his video 15yrs ago while researching my first hardwood project. Of the four books I checked out from the library on the topic he was pictured and quoted in all of them. He is a master of his trade and in this book he lays out the very basic and clear steps to a beautiful floor. I read this book again before every flooring project and finely I just bought it. It takes all the uncertainty (but none of the hard work) out of laying and finishing a hardwood floor. Like most do-it-yourself books this one covers the basic principles and standard practices for the first timer as well as instructions and ideas for the adventurous. What sets this book apart from the others is the focus on common and not so common mistakes that will always result in a expensive disappointment. Once you nail down a wood floor you will realize it's never coming up again. That's a bad time to discover you should have read this book first.



4. Overall, this book will give you the information you need to install and finish a new hardwood floor or re-finish an existing hardwood floor as painlessly as possible. The subject is covered thoroughly, from choosing lumber types and patterns to types and methods of finishing. However, I strongly suggest that one hint made by the author be ignored completely. On page 111 and perhaps other pages of the Sanding and Finishing chapter of the 1990 edition of the text, the author proposes the use of a floor buffer to fine screen between coats of finish to take the tops off and help successive coats of finish adhere. What this did for me, even with the finest grit screen available, was leave lots of spider web type scratches in the finish that reflected artificial light in every direction at night, and made what was supposed to be a high gloss polyurethane finish look dull in the daylight. This tip wasted two coats and two days of finish work. My suggestion is to use a drywall pole-type sander with 220 grit or finer sandpaper and always sand in the direction of the grain. This method takes much longer than the buffer method, but won't produce the spider web scratches that the buffer does. One other suggestion the author makes is to mix fine sanding dust with a water-based filler base called Wood Stuff to make perfectly matched filler. I thought that this was a great idea, because you'd get the closest match and you could mix a huge batch of filler right on the floor and trowel the entire space very quickly. I wanted the water-based Wood Stuff because I was using a water-based polyurethane to finish. The problem was that I couldn't find Wood Stuff or any comparable water-based product online or in any hardware or woodworking store. I ended up using several one-pint batches of Famowood filler hole-by-hole, which took days because my salvaged hardwood was full of tack holes. I'm just commenting on the suggested product's availability, here, which is not the author's fault. Maybe the book is a little out of date. Ultimately, with the other information in the book, my floor came out great. I just wish I used the floor buffer for the final wood sanding only (not on the finish).



5. Very practical and useful guide to installing a hardwood floor. I would not have had as great a result without it. If you are installing or thinking about installing a hardwwod floor, get this book. It gives you all of the tips and tricks to do the job properly. Well worth the price.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Flooring (Black & Decker).

1. I suspect that one of the most insane decisions in my life is deciding to redo my kitchen - on my own. This makes all kinds of practical sense, given what labor costs. But I am incorrigibly un-handy. But in a fit of pseudo-parsimony (you never really save any money doing something yourself - you just buy tools instead of labor) and a determination to recover my macho I have sailed into the unknown of plumbing, cabinetry, plastering, tiling, and, worst of all, flooring.

   No sooner did it become obvious that replacing the floor was inevitable than I realized that I was completely clueless about what to use and how to go about it. Of course there is no lack of people who will tell you what they would do, but this is one of those things that you live with forever and it needed to be wholly what I wanted. At this point I scanned the shelf of the local handyman's heaven and found this little cheery volume.

   For the most part it's quite practical. Chapters on planning, design, and preparation nurse you through the start up and dreaded removing of the old floor stages. Then there are chapters on hardwood floors, ceramic and stone floors, resilient flooring, and carpeting. More follows on finishing and repair. More than enough to answer the basic questions of how to close the knowledge gap and make a sensible decision about how to proceed.

   There are countless photos, and the writing style is clear, even if it is a bit dull. Of course, dull is a good thing when making a major household change. One gets excited when the day is over and the job done, not by unexpected drama in the kitchen. This seems as good a reference as any I've seen, and covers far more than I ever wanted to know. I expect that someday soon my cats will be walking on something entirely new. Complaining as they go, of course.




2. I've only helped a neighbour lay a wooden floor before so I needed all the help i could get. This book is informative with good pictures and ideas. It details everything from the tools you need to the different types of flooring and how to lay them
   I now feel confident to embark on purchasing and laying my own wooden floor. Highly recommended for a beginner



3. I'm a novice DIYer and new homeowner of an old place, and I like to get all the help I can before talking to experts. This helped me get informed on some flooring options, and was certainly helpful with illustrating to my carpenter what I wanted in different areas of my current renovation project. I probably would rate it higher if I've had the chance to do the work myself, but that's for later.



4. This is a great book for the do it yourself person. Great full color pictures. Complete step by step details on how to do a particular job. Have looked at several books like this and the Black and Decker book was tops. Not only does this book give you step by step instructions for a project, it also gives you a list of items needed prior to starting project. FYI I am fenmale and feel I can do any floor job with the aide of this book.



5. I've bought this book for my laminate floor project. The book turned out to be a disappointment: it gives no more information than I found on a leaflet from a laminate crate. With great details and pictures it explains very basic things, like it targeted for a 6-years old doing his school science project. But it omits really important details and nuances: how to calculate a layout so you wouldn't end up with the 1-inch wide last row, where to use which molding and how to install it, and so on. And if some unexperienced and not technically-inclined person starts his project using only this book, he very quickly may find himself in the troubles, with lot of materials and time wasted.

5 comments about Creative Kids' Murals You Can Paint.

1. I liked the way this book gave me lots of ideas and how-to tips, and also left it open to add my own adaptions. I will definitely use some of the projects in my granddaughter's rooms when we redecorate them.



2. Lots of great ideas in here, with step-by-step instructions about how they are accomplished. I think one still has to have a little skill beforehand, but it is a great guide.



3. What a great book! I haven't done any murals yet, but plan to within the month. I imagine it will be relatively easy to do with the guidance of this book. It has great mural ideas, detailed supply lists and recommendations, and it shows how to do some of the smallers elements of each mural step by step. I feel much more confident going into mural painting with this book.



4. I bought this about a year ago because of the airplane on the cover...I decorated my son's room in airplanes and was looking for a mural. I was so impressed with how easy it was to do the airplane, and I was enchanted with the author's other characters, that I also did some of the pond characters over my garden tub, for my son as well! When I get more time, I plan on using other chapters to create murals for my daughter. My mother was so impressed, I am buying her the book as a surprise gift. I highly recommend this book! If you can draw, you can paint these murals!



5. I really like this book. I wish that it shows how to measure/ create something with symmetry (curvy cast iron fences). Great idea for really good price.

1 comments about Smart Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide).

1. Part of the outstanding "Smart Guide" series from Creative Homeowner, Basements: Step-By-Step Projects is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" collection of step-by-step projects to insulate walls, update plumbing, install new wiring, eliminate moisture problems and much more in the basement of one's home. Color photographs, diagrams, and detailed instructions distinguish this excellent do-it-yourself resource which is confidently recommended for personal "do-it-yourself" and Interior Design technical reference shelf collections.

5 comments about New Rooms for Old Houses: Beautiful Additions for the Traditional Home (Nat Trust for Historic Preserv).

1. This book is like a drop-dead gorgeous date who makes graceful, learned, amusing, and helpful conversation. Magnificent photographs of artfully selected homes from the golden American past are embraced by text that takes you by the hand on an aesthetic and educational adventure that will allow you to move onward with confidence when the house you've come to love is too small.
   
   If your home is like another member of the family, contemplating an addition will send you in search of the architectural equivalent of the finest plastic surgeon. This book will allow you to recognize that architect and to express your dreams knowledgeably when the time arrives.
   
   I commend author and architect Frank Shirley for sharing his experience, his clear way of thinking, and his passion with all who might benefit.



2. This book is absolutely fantastic. If you are considering putting an addition on an old home or any home, this book provides thoughtful insight on how to do the job correctly. Mr. Shirley has done an amazing job making the subject matter easy to understand. The photographs of the properties in the book are absolutely stellar. I would give this book two thumbs up.



3. I researched long and hard for a few newly released books hopefully containing a lot of inspiring photos and decorating and design projects to help me with my home's restoration. Out of the 4 books I purchased, "New Rooms..." and Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint by Curtis Heuser - were by far the most helpful. "New Rooms..." is filled with historically accurate examples as to how to add architecturally add on to your existing home without losing its' original historic flavor - while "Your Home..." gives you loads of interior decorating advise as to how to recreate period charm after renovation. The book follows the complete interior artistic transformation of the author's 1890's historic home, with over 30 how to projects. I highly reccomend both books to anyone interested in home remodeling or restoration!



4. Wonderful book. As a homeowner and dreamer of owning an old house that may include plans for an addition, I was very much interested in learning the details of such an undertaking. This beautifully done book book provided me with the understanding to begin the process (at least in my mind for now!)with it's thoughtful consideration of different styles/architecture and how people once lived in these wonderful homes of the time vs how we live today and why the consideration of an addition to many old homes comes into play. I appreciate how chapters on old home additions reveal the history of the process from beginning to end and within the pages are some really great stories. I also found useful the chapters detailing the various materials used in construction of older historical and/or historic homes(there is a difference between the two and the book explains what that is). The author provides photos and insight into examples of ill planned/poorly concieved additions for the reader to see and gain a sense of why they don't work which I found very helpful.
   
   As an aside I live less than 2 miles from the Federal Style house in Marshalton, PA. I have driven by this magnificant home in it's country setting many times and it is interesting that I always sensed there was something about the house that intrigued me- since it appears that the entrance to the original drive was at a different location on the street at one time and at some point had been planted with Spruce trees to conceal the old entrance. I could not put my finger on it but as I looked at the old entrance in juxtaposition to the facade of the home at it now sits something of a question mark came into my mind. After reading Mr. Shirley's book I found out that the house had been moved from it's original foundation and reoriented prior to the new addition being undertaken. What a great piece to the puzzle I had vaguely pondered in my mind a time or two while driving by the property! And the architect who was involved with the renovation...I happened to grow up near him (about 20 miles away from where I now call home) and we rode the same school bus during high school.
   
   Loved this book, a great read-gave me lots of inspiration and clarity for that day when I pick up the phone and make that call to an architect to work with in the process of adding to my old house! And, for someone who often has 2 or 3 books going at one time, I found myself enjoying every page and putting other books on hold until I finished this delightful piece of work.



5. Any who would convert an older house to more modern living purpose will find ideas galore in NEW ROOMS FOR OLD HOUSES: BEAUTIFUL ADDITIONS FOR THE TRADITIONAL HOME. The additions considered here are designed with two purposes in mind: to fit into a modern lifestyle, and to blend with an older home's decor and purposes. Color sidebars of architectural style detail accompany lovely color photos of successful projects and chapters packed with ideas for changes, making this an excellent choice for any library strong in home remodel projects.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual.

1. If you like to read and do home repairs this book is for you.



2. This is an excellent book for the novice do-it-yourselfer. I was intimidated with a lot of the work needed to be done on my new home, but this book made it all seem possible. It was clear what things I could tackle myself, and what things are best left to a pro. I particularly liked the section on fasteners - it was something I didn't understand, although I thought I should!, and it gave a detailed description of what to use where, and why. I had a lot of lightbulb moments reading this book.
   
   One note - be sure to pick up the new edition, which I hear is much improved (hard to believe)-it just came out feb 05 and is not the first one amazon brings up - the new edition is actually cheaper as I write this.



3. I've had this book since 1991 and it is still the BEST in its class. I own and have read many other "do-it-yourself" manuals on home improvment and thia one is hands down the best. It's simple to read, yet each new section give lots of details and great illustrations.



4. I received the first edition of this book as a gift back in 1975 and I have been attached to it ever since. This newly updated version is an absolute blessing. Great illustrations, easy-to-read-and-follow instructions and well organized. I reach for this book any time I am about to tackle to new do-it-yourself project. This book will more than pay for itself...and save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in labor and materials costs. My only wish is that RD had included some project plans like they had in the first edition. I built a beautiful floating platform bed from the plans in that book.



5. A great book for the new homeowner. It gives you all the basics you need to know in order to make those little repairs or remodel projects that seem to pop up around the home.

5 comments about Home Rules: Transform the Place You Live Into a Place You'll Love.

1. I was hoping for something a little more informative. Nate doesn't have a dagree in design, and obviously not one in writting a book on it either... Sorry nate. He has good concepts, and knows what should be included in good design. Each room should have history to it, it should tell a story. So pretty much i just summed it up for you in one sentance. now you don't have to buy the book. I am a tough critic tho, because i am an interior design student...



2. What A great book! I'd seen Nate many times on Oprah and always enjoyed his work, the book starts at the beginning and takes you through every room in your home. With great ideas and things you'd never consider doing it is a great manual for those without a clue how to decorate. I'm about to be married and my wife to be and I will be re-doing our apartment straight after our wedding so this book couldn't come into our lives at a better time. Make Nate's Home rules your house rules! And your home will never look better!



3. I really enjoy Nate's first book. Filled with wonderful pics, ideas, inspiration. It's clearly written, uncomplicated, and like a mini meeting with Nate. He encourages the reader to discover their own tastes, needs, etc. with some handy advice along the way. I only wish there were more in depth pics of some of the homes featured! Keep up the great work!



4. I love Nate's design. very unique. Hope to see more of his design ideas in the future.



5. After seeing Nate on Oprah recently, I was pleased to find he had produced a book detailing and outlining all his rules for transforming your home. It gives excellent advice and achieveable time frames in which to change the area you live into one that you will love. I would recommend this to anyone looking for ideas on how to "do it yourself" at home.

5 comments about Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature (Natural Home & Garden).

1. I could not put this book down. It answers all of my questions and concerns as I begin to contemplate the large undertaking of creating a healthy, eco-friendly home for our family. Very thorough, creative and well-written... I only wish I could hire these women directly. Just enough information to cover all of the key considerations, with plenty of guidance on how to dig deeper if necessary. Should be required reading for every builder on the planet!



2. And I am glad I did! I am even gladder to know that more people are waking up to the idea of natural remodeling. I am not sure whether it alone will save our earth but it's a good start. If enough people do it, it will certainly raise the level of our appreciation of nature to a higher level.
   
   We're in the process of buying a house. Having been brainwashed by the mainstream culture and the media, I had grand dreams of huge expansion with piles of the latest and the biggest "goods" we're all programmed to consume - things like an all powerful over sized profession stainless oven even though I would never use it. But I now have a completely different mind set after reading this book.
   
   We've decided to go small and practical and recycle, reuse as much as possible. Let mother Nature live so that we can too!



3. There were many good ideas in this book. Some more expensive than the average person could afford. I read Building Green: A Complete How-To Guide to Alternative Building Methods Earth Plaster * Straw Bale * Cordwood * Cob * Living Roofs; By: Clarke Snell (Author), Tim Callahan (Author). Which was very comprehensive and enjoyable. While Snell and Callahan focus on building from scratch I was more interested at this moment in remodeling. I wouldn't dismiss this book, but I would identify what your needs are first.



4. This is an outstanding book on remodeling your home to blend in with nature, and to avoid introducing toxic products into your home. Great ideas and photos.



5. I've been teaching at a community college for 16 years on the topic of energy efficiency, Passive solar, Building Science, green building, healthy home and alternative structures. These fields have evolved over this period of time. During the past 5 years there have been many good books on new construction, but few on Remodeling.
   
   Since remodeling would recycle a whole building, it is "greener" than new construction, especially in Suburbia or rural agricultural land. I would like to emphasize Remodeling in community colleges and think this would be the best textbook on the subject. The photographs alone are worthwhile. I also own the book, "Green Remodeling" by David Johnston and would use it as a secondary reference.
   
   I would also recommend Natural Remodeling for homeowners.

5 comments about It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living.

1. This little book is an easy and quick read. The best feature is the checklist items at the end, which gives you a lot to think about. It is also a great way to get started on the road to "living green". It has a lot of information and it isn't complicated at all. It actually has some cute drawings and it is so user friendly that my 12 year old niece read it as well. I would definitely recommend it.



2. HElp to get my head out of the sand and make a difference in what I am doing and how I am living



3. This book is quite informational. I definitely enjoyed reading it and obtaining a few new ideas. However, for someone who has been aware of "being green" for a while, it likely won't present a lot of new information. I think it'd be a great gift for someone who is thinking of green but doesn't know where to start.



4. I like to think I'm a bit more informed than the average American in regards to the environment (I'm Canadian and moved here 4 yrs ago) but I must give kudos to this book and suggest that every household keep one on their kitchen counter or coffee table. I'd like to see a page-a-day calendar like this as well. Easy to use, realistic tips.



5. This book is a very interesting little handbook that lists various things that you can do to make your life greener. You can start out with just a couple little things and then just keep making your life greener and greener.