Customer Reviews

The Fence Bible: How to plan, install, and build fences and gates to meet every home style and property need, no matter what size your yard.

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book to build a 6' privacy fence. I didn't know the first thing about building a fence but this book takes you by the hand and walks you through each step. The author does a great job of keeping things simple for the reader/beginner and includes illustrations and photos to help you envision the process. I keep referring back to sections of this book as I continure to build. Highly reccomend this book to all beginners.

The author (Jeff Beneke) has a nice way of explaining options in a approachable and casual manner making the project of designing/building a fence and/or gate much more fun. This book is very complete in it's review of latches, hinges, fence options for consideration along with beatiful photography and sketchs to illustrate ideas or concepts.
Even the guys at our local fence supply company where we bought our materials were impressed with this book when I used it to reference a particular piece of hardware.

I couldn't disagree more with the review from "GloverEggs". I borrowed this book from my library to build my first fence, and not only did it provide ample guidance on the 6' wood fence I needed at the time, but it also inspired me to think about using fences in different ways. Beneke has a great writing style, very easy to follow, interesting ancillary information. Most home "how-to" books I have read are written solely for instructional purposes; this one is not only useful, but interesting in its own right.

I didn't find this book to be especially strong in any area. If you are familiar with the "Better Homes & Gardens" style of "how to" book then you know what to expect from this book. The editors provided an overview of all aspects of fence building without really setting a good foundation for building any fence. After reading this book you will be better equiped to discuss a new fence with a fencing contractor and if that's what your after, this could be your book.

Jeff Beneke is an expert woodworker, house renovator, gardener, and author of more than a dozen highly commended home-improvement books designed specifically for the non-specialist general reader wanting to renovate, remodel, or otherwise improve their home and property values. The Fence Bible: How To Plan, Install, And Build Fences And Gates To Meet Every Home Style And Property Need, No Matter What Size Your Yard is Beneke's latest (and in many ways) his best "how to" title to date. This 272 page instruction manual is superbly illustrated with full color photographs and exemplary illustrations from cover to cover. If you want any kind of fencing on any kind of property, then The Fence Bible is the complete reference on how to build one whether you choose wood, stone, brick, concrete, mesh, wrought iron, living hedges, or anything else. Also available in a hardcover format (1580175864, $34.95), The Fence Bible is one reference that fully lives up to its name! Also very highly recommended from Storey Publishing is Peter Jeswald's How To Build Paths, Steps & Footbridges: The Fundamentals Of Planning, Designing, And Constructing Creative Walkways In Your Home Landscape (1580174876, $19.95, paperback; 158017-5759, $29.95, hardcover)

We were looking for a good basic idea book on fence styles and types. "The Fence Bible" fit the bill. It is loaded with illustrations and "how-to" information on every kind of fence and/or barrier you can imagine. A reference any homeowner with a garden or yard would be happy to have. Highly recommended if you're starting from square one on any fence project.

Just what I wanted--a great overview of all sorts of fences, including info on gates. There are many materials covered, as well as basic assembly/construction info and details. Nice photos, too.

I wanted to learn how to build a wood fence. I read through this entire book and still didn't know anything more than when I started. This book skims the surface on stone walls, etc. but gives little detail on anything

I bought several books on the subject, but this was the one I referred to when I fenced my backyard. I had no previous experience, and limited carpentry skills. The book was very helpful and well written. I am very pleased with how my fence turned out, and so are my neighbors. I bought the Boston Differ post-hole digger mentioned in the book as well. Good recommendation for a do-it-yourself-er.

Reading these last few reviews leads me to believe these people didn't read the book. I bought this book a couple of years ago and read it several times. Then, last year, I built a very large fence using this as my guide ("Bible" has multiple meanings people). My fence is similar to the one on p. 109 (bottom). I've received many compliments, and it's a strong and solid fence. I couldn't have built it without the great advice the author provides in this book. If you can't, then you probably shouldn't be trying any complex projects around the house. I highly recommend this book.