Outdoor Stonework: 16 Easy-to-Build Projects For Your Yard and Garden (Paperback)

~ Alan Bridgewater (Author), (Author) "When we first saw the stone walls that formed the garden boundary of our Cornish quayside cottage, we were amazed..." (more)
Key Phrases: architectural limestone, mortar float, tamping beam, Tranquil Japanese Garden, Sill Stone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The [Bridgewaters’] directions are clear and their helpful tips allow the voice of experience to whisper in your ear. “ – The Albany Times-Union

 

Product Description

Stonework gives a yard a sense of permanence and distinction. Authors Alan and Gill Bridgewater show readers how to bring the beauty of stone into their gardens with simple but elegant natural features, unique walls, attractive paving, and much more.

Outdoor Stonework is a complete primer on working with stone, including choosing materials, safety considerations, and cutting and fitting techniques. The 16 original stone projects include flagstone steps, retaining walls, a cantilevered seat-shelf, a garden table, a Zen-type stone garden, and more.

Photographed in its garden setting, each project features step-by-step construction methods. Instructions include supply lists, estimates of time for completion, safety tips, and helpful hints from the experts. The clear construction diagrams, cross-section drawings, and concise text make stonework fun and satisfying for do-it-yourselfers of all levels.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (January 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580173330
• ISBN-13: 978-1580173339
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #311,876 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I can do that!, January 19, 2007

By	Rockyn - See all my reviews

If beautifying your world with stone and concrete is your goal, this book is a must.
The author did a fine job of eliciting interest in a project by showing wonderful color photos of the finished product first. Then he supplies photos and diagrams of each step while describing it in down-to-earth fashion. He adds some photos of historical works to show what can be done and how long a quality job can last.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of building a winding path. Mr. Bridgewater showed each layer of the walk, how to install that layer (tamper, rake, shovel, hose...) and feel that I really could create a viable path for my own home.
The only nit I have to pick was his measurements for the Japanese lantern's components. Although I could figure it out, he was inconsistent in indicating whether a dimension was length, width, or height.
Overall, I would purchase this book again.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good beginner book!, February 8, 2008

By	W. E. Weems (Plummer, ID USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Good beginner book for breaking into this type of homemade garden crafting. An excellent purchase for those interested in this creative art form.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightfully Educational Book!, January 6, 2009

By	Anna Marie Fritz "Anna Marie" (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

The easy-to-do stonework projects and the easy-to-understand instructions in this book make it a 'must have' for gardeners who want to do their own stonework originals.
Anna Marie Fritz, author of "Funny Feline Fotos" and other amazon books.