Modern Carpentry [Hardcover]

Willis H. Wagner (Author), Howard Bud Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003 | ISBN-10: 1590702026 | ISBN-13: 978-1590702024

Modern Carpentry is a colorful, easy-to-understand source of authoritative and up-to-date information on building materials and construction methods. The text provides detailed coverage of all aspects of light frame construction, including site preparation and layout; foundations; framing; sheathing; roofing; windows and doors; exterior finish; stairs; cabinetwork and interior wall, floor, and ceiling finish. Special emphasis is placed on the use of the latest tools, materials, and prefabricated components.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Goodheart-Willcox is the premier publisher for Technical, Trades, and Technology; Family and Consumer Sciences; and Business, Marketing and Career Education. Goodheart-Willcox products are designed to train everyone from students through practicing professionals. Our books and supplements contain a wealth of information on the latest theories, techniques, tools, and operations for these subject areas. Whether the subject is automotive or child care, you will find numerous features throughout our textbooks to make learning easier. High-quality presentation, authoritative content, sound topic sequence, an abundance of illustrations, involving pedagogy, real-world examples, and appropriate readability are hallmarks of Goodheart-Willcox products.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 797 pages
• Publisher: Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590702026
• ISBN-13: 978-1590702024
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Summary of practical uses, December 11, 1999

By 

Mike (Long Island, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Carpentry: Building Construction Details in Easy-To-Understand Form (Hardcover)

Modern Carpentary is like having a master carpenter with you at all times. It explains how to go from the site plan to the completed structure in easy to understand language. I have remodeled several houses, built a garage, deck, and addition to my house, all with professional quality and a built-to-last look. The section on roof framing is the best. The book simplifies the process into a few easy steps, even for the most complex hip roof. This book is a must for anyone who enjoys carpentary or wants to save money by doing the project yourself. Mike S&M Construction

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My "Bible" for nearly 30 years, June 12, 2000

By 

Terry (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Carpentry: Building Construction Details in Easy-To-Understand Form (Workbook) (Paperback)

My dad bought a 1969 copy of Modern Carpentry and we always had it on hand while building my parents house in '72. Since then I've never been without a copy of MC, always buying the latest edition and passing on the earlier ones to friends.

The format is very easy to understand and is laid out in conventional building order. Information on building practices no longer in common use (balloon framing, lath & plaster, etc.) are helpful to the remodeler. It would also be very helpful to a non-builder contracting the construction.

In general, if the information you are looking for is not in the book then you probably shouldn't be doing it yourself. This is not to say that MC is the be-all and end-all of carpentry books but it's the only one I keep in my truck at all times. I have other books that cover tips & tricks, specific techniques (eg. timber framing), and other oddball problems but this is the only one I'll never be without.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Center of the world in carpentry, December 9, 2000

By 

Derek G Allen (Honolulu, HI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Carpentry: Building Construction Details in Easy-To-Understand Form (Hardcover)

This is the best carpentry and overall construction book I've ever read. This should be at the center of all of your construction books. I do construction in the Navy and we have some great books to learn from but this gives book gives you more info on standard construction practices, load sizes for lumber and such detailed information with pictures that can't be beat. I've owned an older edition and that helped me out alot, but this book is truly modern and up to date with construction practices going on right now. This is a must have and you won't go wrong.