Adobe: Build It Yourself, Revised Edition [Paperback]

Paul Grham McHenry Jr. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book explores the depths of adobe and enables the reader to build their own home intelligently and realistically. With an emphasis on adobe construction, McHenry discusses the planning of every aspect of one's home from the financing to the foundation, the floors to the fireplaces. The prospective builder must be prepared for a long period of frustration, doubt, worry, and plain hard work, but the helpful ideas found on the pages of this book will encourage readers to build despite the challenges. McHenry describes this process as a tremendous puzzle, for which one must create and arrange all the pieces, and then live with the result.

McHenry begins with a brief history of adobe and then moves on to the planning of the home, emphasizing the influence of individual ideas. The intention of this book is to help bridge the gap between architects, builders, craftsmen, and the unskilled but determined individual who wants to build their own home. This book outlines the technical aspects of adobe construction with several pictures and figures to simplify production.

The creation of a home, from the earliest design concepts to successful completion, is one of the most rewarding experiences one can ever have. McHenry's Adobe offers a realistic and straightforward guide to "doing it yourself." His advice regarding adobe is useful for professionals and amateurs alike.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press; Rev Sub edition (August 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816509484
• ISBN-13: 978-0816509485
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #410,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars good overview, February 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Adobe: Build It Yourself, Revised Edition (Paperback)

Full of good basic information. You quickly realize that unless you are a builder, you will not be able to build it yourself but that you will at least have some knowledge to help you make decisions about the process, and to oversee and talk with your builder intelligently. Very few pictures, no house plans. Does include basic information to help you draw your own plan.