Building a Deck: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)
by Scott Schuttner
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Book Reviews of Building a Deck: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)
Book Review: Simply The Best Book on Deck Design and Construction
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been researching decks and screen porches for the last few months, with the intention of building a 16'X 34' elevated deck and screen porch on my home in Southern CT. I've done many home construction project big and small; however, I'm not in the construction business. Scott Schuttner's Build Like a Pro book on decks, is by far the best book on decks, period. It is clearly superior to the other books I've read on the subject (and I've purchase over four of them and flipped through a lot more). This one was really the only one I need to buy; unfortunately, I came across it after studying the other books and still not feeling that I had a full understanding on deck construction and design options. Schuttner's book lives up to its opening dedication: "...to all those who desire to do the best they can."I though this book was significantly superior to other books in the following ways: 1) Excellent descriptive text and photo detail. 2) The "Pro Tips" were enlightening. 3) The comments made about the style and appearance of deck were very helpful. It discusses what aspect of the deck are the better place to spend your money. For example, is it better to spend more to install a unique floor pattern or on the railing detail? The book is loaded with insightful design and construction stuff. For example, the different choices of railing design and appearance. Other books had one or two railing designs the Build Like A Pro book had several. These somewhat subjective but important insights weren't touched upon in the other books. 4) The scope of this book was much broader than other books, while also being more detailed and insightful. From the planning / drawing, the footing, framing, decking, on through to the finishing, this book does it all in presentation and language that even a non construction person can follow.
The other books I've read were Ok for an easy low frills deck. Those books could also help a homeowner talk to a contract about having a basic deck built. However, this book was much better in those areas, plus provided a great deal more insight for the person actually designing and constructing (workin' da tools), a higher value added / better looking deck. If I could change things, I would have purchased only this book. It's no more expensive than the others and a lot better.
In summary, I believe this is a FIVE STAR book and a must have for those planning and building a deck. My only regret is that the author, Scott Schuttner, obviously a very experienced builder, didn't write additional chapters or another book simply devoted to screen porches. But heck, lets be fair, this book is all about decks from A to Z. OUTSTANDING BOOK!!... Thanks
Book Review: Excellent, comprehensive guide to building a deck
Summary: 5 Stars
I looked at a variety of deck building books, but this one really tops all of them. It is easy to read and VERY comprehensive with everything from explanation of multiple ways to pour footings / piers, ways to build beams up and a whole discussion on fasteners, decking material, etc.
There are also a variety of 'pro-tips' as side-bars that I found very useful.
Finally, it's a great reference while you are building as it's organized in a way that makes it very easy to find the specific section that applies to the stop you are on.
I learned a lot from this book and my deck not only came out looking great, it's sound as a pound thanks to the author's suggestions on construction.
Book Review: Building Second deck now
Summary: 5 Stars
My wife and I successfully built a deck using this book 2 years ago. Planned, submitted plans to village got building permit and final inspection. It felt good to accomplish such a large task with only 2 people who are not carpenters and haven't built a deck before. The deck is around 300 sq. ft. so it is not small. The book has all the information you need to build a solid deck. It also includes information on problems you could run into and ideas for customizing the deck. We are now building a smaller 100 sq. ft. deck for the front of our house. Believe me, we could not have done this without this great book.Book Review: My husband didn't even read it
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this as a gift for my husband. He flipped through it and it has sat on the shelf ever since. He didn't use one single idea out of the book. I'd suggest saving the money and spending more time on your own detailed plans. We couldn't really take any of the plans/ideas from the book and make them work for our situation. However, there were lots of pretty pictures. I suppose you could buy this just for inspiration. Then again, you could just Google "decks" and get a lot of ideas that way, too.Book Review: Extremely helpful with great ideas
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book and several others so that I could dismantle and rebuild my deck. This book was by far the best of the lot. I wound up changing the design of my seating based upon some of the examples and am very happy with the results. I'm almost sorry that I am finished with the deck because it was so much fun.
I bought his book used through an affiliate and it was delivered quickly as advertised in like new condition.