Building a Shed: Siting and Planning a Shed, Building Shed Foundations, Adding Custom Details (Build Like a Pro Series) [Paperback]

Joseph Truini (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 1, 2003

This well-illustrated guide offers a range of building options, with complete instructions and plans for four popular projects: saltbox potting shed, garden storage shed, storage barn, and lean-to tool locker. Author Joe Truini walks the reader through each step, from evaluating storage needs to basic construction to putting the finishing touches on the roof.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Before writing about carpentry, Joseph Truini worked as a remodeling contractor, cabinetmaker, and union carpenter. He has written extensively for magazines like Today’s Homeowner, This Old House, and Popular Mechanics, is the author of the Taunton bestseller, Building a Shed, and appears regularly on the nationally syndicated TV show “Today’s Homeowner with    Danny Lipford.”

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561586196
• ISBN-13: 978-1561586196
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > How-to & Home Improvements > Decks & Patios
  • #25 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Gardening & Landscape Design > Outdoor & Recreational Areas
  • #38 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Home Improvement & Design > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Repair

More About the Author

Joseph Truini is a home-improvement expert who writes extensively about do-it-yourself home remodeling and repair, woodworking projects, and tools and techniques.

He has authored six books, including the best-selling, "Building a Shed," which has sold over one-quarter million copies.

His latest book, "Build Like a Pro: Installing Floors," (Taunton Press) was published in September 2010.

Joe's work has appeared in several national magazines, including This Old House, Popular Mechanics, Woman's Day, and Today's Homeowner.

He just started his 14th season as segment host of Simple Solutions for the nationally syndicated TV show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford.

He has worked as a remodeling contractor, cabinetmaker and union carpenter. His first writing job was as Shop and Tools Editor at Popular mechanics magazine. Joe also spent 13 years as Senior Editor of Today's Homeowner magazine.

Joe writes from his home in Roxbury, Connecticut. He can be contacted at: [e-mail]

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 130 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The very best book on shed construction! September 14, 2003

By M. Dillon VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I've looked at several books on sheds and this is the best one I've found!

The author is a real craftsman. His background in cabinetmaking shines through in his attention to detail. He doesn't take shortcuts, as a matter of fact he takes the extra minute or two to do it right. Little tips like painting T 1-11 before installing it is helpful, but pointing out the value of painting the edges too, (to help preserve the wood over time), is the difference between a shed and a quality shed.

There are several step by step sheds to build, and each one offers numerous photos and tips. I would suggest reading the entire book and then building your shed. You will find different tips in each plan and can use them in building your shed.

Some of the outstanding features of this book:

ProTip - On nearly every other page the author offers a ProTip. They are not brain surgery, but if are new to construction you will find them helpful.

Trade Secret - Also on nearly every other page there is a Trade Secret. Here are the kind of tips that the old-timers offered. It's like having a master carpenter give you all the advise you'll ever needed.

Photos - Lots of them, but most importantly, they are from the part of the project the author is explaining. It's like being on the job site and seeing the project in action.

Details - The author is very good at describing the process of building a shed.

Disadvantage to this book:

The plans for the sheds are not included. You must purchase them from other sources listed in the back. It is possible to figure it out by combining different descriptions and sketches together, but if your are new to construction you may be better off ordering the plans.

After reading this book you will never buy one of those superstore sheds. You'll want the very best, and if you build it yourself you can get it for less than the superstore! Enjoy!

53 of 56 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK IS MOSTLY FOR THE EAST COAST BUILDER October 31, 2004

By Chip Mowack

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this book and read many parts of it. I was most interested in pouring a concrete slab foundation. This book covered every foundation but concrete slab, so I was disappointed in that. The sheds that are covered are very elaborate and built to last. I thought a better job could have been done in covering things like roof slope, and altering it from the sheds built in the book. Giving other options in different phases of construction. The pictures are good but there sure could be more of them(this book is nicely printed and color pictures are expensive). I am a picture kind of guy; a picture is worth a thousand words to me. The "pro tips" highlights are good and provide very usefull info at different stages of construction.

All-in-all this is a very good book. The language is a little to trade/contractor talk. Mr. Truini should have had an average Joe proof read this book to make sure anyone without building experience could pick it up, read it and build the shed they are imagining.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent choice for building your shed May 26, 2005

By Frank J. Perreault

Format:Paperback

This book takes you through the steps of constructing an attractive, functional and well-built shed. The sheds are designed for New England snow loads, so they should stand up anywhere you build it, for a long, long time. Anyone with basic carpentry skills should be able to build most of the sheds shown in the book. The gambrel shed in the book is the most complex style mentioned. The shed styles explained are aa Lean-To Locker, a Saltbox Potting shed, Colonial style (shown on cover) and the Gambrel shed.

The information is well presented, with color photos throughout. As was noted in a previous review, though some dimensions are given, the complete plans must be ordered elsewhere. I ordered the plans for the gambrel shed and did notice a few discrepencies between the book and plans however.

All in all, an excellent book if you are considering building a shed. While you may not choose to build one exactly as shown in this book, the information found in here would be useful in any shed building project.