Garden Projects for the Backyard Carpenter (Schiffer Design Books) - Softcover

Tina Skinner has authored more than 20 books, including two books on decks, Outdoor Woodworks*, and The Big Book of Kitchen Design Ideas*.

Backyards are an extension of a home's living area, so like any room they must be furnished. Peters shows readers a number of techniques they can use to build their own decks and porches successfully. He doesn't provide specific plans but instead offers detailed instructions so that readers can design their own or competently follow purchased plans. Designs, tools, materials, and techniques are covered, with the excellent instructions supplemented by clear illustrations. A section on cleaning and repair rounds out this outstanding presentation. Skinner's title is chock-full of beautiful plans for planters, sheds, benches, tables, doghouses, and decks provided by Georgia-Pacific, the Southern Pine Council, and the California Redwood Association. Interestingly, these plans are all readily available on the Internet (for free from Georgia-Pacific and the California Redwood Association and for $2 each from the Southern Pine Council). Skinner reproduces them exactly, so the book provides no advantage other than the fact that the plans are compiled in one volume. Peters's title is a fine addition for most public libraries, while Skinner's is appropriate for larger public library collections but could be easily replicated by information printed from the web.
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