Decks and Patios for Dummies

by Robert Beckstrom and The National Gardening Association

Book Overview

Life is just so much sweeter when experienced from a good deck or patio. Breezes, sunlight, the smells of the garden, birdsongs...just a few minutes in your own backyard can enliven the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. Meals become relaxed affairs. Food tastes better. Conversations are richer. Time eases its hectic demands and drifts by at a more congenial pace. Whether for a neighborhood barbeque or just a quiet afternoon with a paperback, decks and patios offer us the perfect space to kick back and let the good times roll. Decks and Patios for Dummies contains everything you need to know to design and build your dream deck or patio. Full of practical tips and clear, simple instructions, it shows the do-it-yourselfer how to solve problems in design and construction while avoiding pitfalls and unnecessary expenses. You'll find useful information on: Choosing the location Sizing Choosing materials Preparing the site Building Adding barbeques, fireplaces, etc. Maintenance This is a start-to-finish guide on all aspects of deck and patio construction - including when you should seek help from the professionals Designed to make the most of your budget, it walks you through: Dealing with contractors, codes, and feasibility The building checklist Lighting, outlets, faucets, and other add-ons Decks - from frames to finishes Patios: concrete, flagstone, or brick? Steps, stairs, and benches Special details and decorations Whether your project is a patio just big enough for two chaises-lounges or a screened-in, wraparound deck on the side of a mountain, Decks and Patios for Dummies makes building understandable and fun with illustrations, diagrams, helpful sidebars, and a color insert of photos to stir the imagination. Take advantage of this comprehensive guide and build your dream deck today.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764550756
• ISBN13: 9780764550751
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great book for the weekend warrior

This is a great book for someone thinking about building a deck or patio cover. I'm pretty good around the house with tools and backyard projects, but there are some great tricks in this book that I didn't know. I would recommend this book for those who need a little added confidence to take on a deck or patio project.

Help for the rest of us!

My husband is a construction type but I'm not and the deck was my project to plan. This book was great! I looked at a couple of dozen deck books and this was the only one that explained how to build a deck in a way that my contruction-impaired mind could comprehend. Very specific, step by step building instructions, a thorough review of the planning process and wonderful ideas for extra features. My only wishes are more photograhs and more information on alternative decking materials.