Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros) (Spiral-bound)

~ (Author) "A foundation system has two functions..." (more)
Key Phrases: open sheathing, structural perimeter, barge rafter, Exterior Finishes (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For over 100 years, the majority of North American homes have been built using wooden framing. This technique is strong, conserves materials, and allows great design flexibility. Framing Basics (part of Sterling's excellent "Basics" series, which covers numerous tools and woodworking techniques) offers a helpful introduction to framing for do-it-yourselfers. Readers for whom this book is intended aren't going to build an entire house; they are homeowners who want to move, remove, or install a wall or create built-in storage. Peters covers tool-use, materials, methods of work, and demolition in easily understood text supplemented with numerous color photographs. Thallon, a professor of architecture, takes frame construction to the next level, showing how to build a house's entire shell from the foundation to the roof. He believes that when properly constructed, a wood-framed house should be able to last for 200 years or more. This title's intended audience is professional builders and designers; a great deal of reader knowledge is assumed by the author. Broad sections include foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs. The text is brief and to the point, with a huge number of excellent illustrations providing the details. Libraries that own the original edition (1991) of this title should consider this revisionDit covers recent developments such as new sheathing methods, wood I-joists, and vinyl windows. A comprehensive glossary and list of resources round out this title. Structural insulated panels (SIPs) consist of slabs of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or plywood. They represent one of the newest technologies and may render wood-framing methods obsolete. Morley, a builder who specializes in SIPs construction, gives a compelling argument for this new systemDit's structurally superior, better insulated, faster to erect, and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods. The use of SIPs requires many specialized tools and techniques, all of which are covered in detail. A large resource list provides the names of architects, builders, and companies that deal with this system. Framing Basics is well written and is geared toward the beginner; with other titles in Sterling's "Basics" series, it deserves a place in most public library collections. Both Thallon's and Morley's works are excellent but are geared toward a specialized audience; public libraries with comprehensive collections and academic library architecture collections should consider them.DJonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"An invaluable reference for experienced designers and builders; an essential aid for beginners." Richard Meyer, National Association of Home Builders"

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Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 252 pages
• Publisher: Taunton; Rev Upd edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583537
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583539
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #246,178 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent detailed building reference, February 22, 1999

By	Mark Stanley ([e-mail]) (Francestown, NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (Spiral-bound)

As a former building contractor, I can say that this book offers builders of all levels drawing views that blueprints sometimes do not even afford. There are detailed views of alternative approaches for same-type applications that cover most problems encountered during a building or remodeling project. I initially bought this book as a refresher in anticipation of a planned project on my own home, but it has turned out to be one of the best reference books in my library.

118 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, December 8, 1999

By	John Nordstrom (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (Spiral-bound)

This book is my favorite resource for, well, frame construction. I've used it for as a reference for doing detail drawings and as a reference for doing actual construction. I'm adding on to my house, doing most of the work myself. Whenever I hit a snag or need to do something I only vaguely know how to do (which is more often than I'd like), this is the first book I turn to. The drawings are of excellent quality, the text is extremely clear, and the layout like a fine set of blueprints. Its indexed well enough that you can find what you need quickly. The spiral binding is perfect for taking it to the job site and letting it stay open on the page you need.

I'd highly recommend this book to apprentice carpenters, general contractors, architectural students, architects, and do-it-yourselfers.

Thallon's Graphic Guide to Interior Details makes a nice compliment to this book, though I don't find it as necessary.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text, awesome drawings, November 7, 2001

By	D. Kasakitis (Sykesville, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" is an excellently illustrated spiral bound 'book' on wood frame construction. It covers all the major elements of home construction, from foundation, to floors, to walls, to roofs. It can be read as a book but is very reference-able. It does however assume some basic understanding of home construction, so it's not an absolute starter book. The text is a bit terse and requires some mulling over, but the drawings are fantastic. If you are considering building an outbuilding, adding on to your home, or perhaps even building your own home, this is one must have book, worth every single penny paid. Did I say that the illustrations are fantastic? They are.