The Illustrated Dictionary of Building Terms [Paperback]

Tom Philbin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

Residential building expressions--standard and slang construction terms--advanced-level terminology--trade shortcuts--shop talk. Whenever you're stumped by unfamiliar building jargon, just turn to The Illustrated Dictionary of Building Terms by Tom Philbin. Arranged in an easy-to-use, alphabetical format, this versatile, richly illustrated resource does much more than give you instant definitions of trade terms like ``mud job,'' ``screwed off'' and ``wolves in the walls.'' It also helps you perform hassle-free metric conversions--determine appropriate screw sizes--choose molding types--find low-cost alternatives to traditional lumber--discover the latest building methods--and more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The complete professional reference you've been looking for, packed with 15,000 terms and much more! Definitions of vital construction-related terms, including slang; Informative sidebars and humorous anecdotes; Trade shortcuts; Shop hints; Quick-reference charts and tables; English and metric measurements and conversion charts; Illustrations to further explain terms and techniques. Conveniently sized and economically priced, this authoritative reference gives you everything more expensive dictionaries offer, plus a lot more. Clear, concise definitions of 15,000 terms used in residential construction. In addition to standard terms, slang--from "horsefeathers" and "mud job" to "wolves in the walls"--are completely defined and explained. You also get hard-to find industry insider information: shop hints, shortcuts, tips on techniques, and more. Filled with interesting sidebars and amusing anecdotes, this handy book's other features include charts and tables for reference to information on: Metric conversion; Lumber and screw sizes; Moulding types. A must-have reference for anyone working in the building trades!

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007049729X
• ISBN-13: 978-0070497290
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,308,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference guide, October 17, 2009

By 

Buff A. Hoffberg (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Illustrated Dictionary of Building Terms (Paperback)

I have bought several copies of this well laid-out book for the sales people in my remodeling firm. It has helped them understand the terms the installation teams and I use - frequently and infrequently. Additionally, it has helped the company to use the same designation for the same building part. You will find short, concise, easy to understand definitions of construction terms. Many in the company were surprised to have learned that they were calling particular items by the wrong names for years.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Need more illustrations, December 24, 2007

By 

Hürkal Pinar "investfortomorrow" (Turkey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Illustrated Dictionary of Building Terms (Paperback)

This book would be better if it contains more illustrations and drawings..existing case is not enough..