The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) [Paperback]

n/a (Author)

Book Description

Series: Black & Decker Home Improvement Library | Publication Date: February 1, 2001

A source of tips, techniques and instructions on building decks. In this second edition, the construction techniques have been altered to reflect developments in building code requirements and building practices, and additional projects have been added. The book opens with a revised portfolio section to help readers gain ideas, then moves to design and planning information. Next there are comprehensive sections on basic and deck building techniques, followed by a chapter that shows step-by-step procedures for building seven popular deck designs. As a bonus, the book includes a chapter on popular deck accessories, and also shows how to modify a deck design for a truly custom look. In addition to the basic deck-building methods covered, readers will also learn how to build multi-level decks, how to build stairways with landings, how to build curved decks, how to build decks with unusual angles, how to create overhead screens, and how to add electrical service and lighting fixtures to a deck.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Library Journal, March 2009
"Decks are a popular addition to a home, extending living space outdoors. This revised edition does an excellent job assisting a confident homeowner through nine decking projects. Photos have been updated, and planning an outdoor kitchen is addressed, but many projects remain the same."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

The editors of Creative Publishing international have created dozens of best-selling titles in the fields of home repair, home improvement, home decor, and landscaping.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Creative Pub Intl; 2nd edition (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865734275
• ISBN-13: 978-0865734272
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,327,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT For Beginners, August 8, 2002

By 

Shawn Mulligan (Ewing, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) (Paperback)

First off, I'm not a builder. I'm a guy with an office job who sits behind a desk all day long. I think the last thing I built was a birdhouse in third grade and it didn't even last long enough to hang it on a tree. So, I knew building a deck was a BIG project. But, this book made it SO easy! The photos are incredible. They don't use sketches and drawings, they have actual photos. The steps are easy to follow and the instructions are clear from the tools needed to the types of screws to use. If you're looking for a how-to guide on decks, this is the best one!

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Only good for the basics, March 19, 2005

By 

W. B. Rogers (Salem, Oregon) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) (Paperback)

This book has nice pictures and some helpful information. However take it from someone who has purchased to many "how to build a deck" books. If you are actually going to build your deck, and if it is anything other than a basic 1 level deck out the back, if you want to do some really nice finish work, there is only one book I have found that even comes close to telling you how to do it and the tips and tricks. If you are serious save your money and buy Building a Deck: Expert Advice from Start to Finish. It is the only good book on building. You will be glad you did.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Building a Deck? Get this Book!, March 7, 2005

By 

brianpsu "brianpsu" (State College, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library) (Paperback)

Don't build a boring deck because that is all you think a DIY can handle. With this book, anyone can add some architectural features. This book has the perfect mix of examples and how-to. The color photographs are fantastic. Black & Decker book series have definitely mastered the picture = 1,000 words.