Books » Home Design Books

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

Since 1973 over 10 million copies of READER'S DIGEST COMPLETE DO-IT-YOURSELF MANUAL have been sold. And now, the definitive ''on-the-job'' manual has just gotten bigger and better than ever. The editors of Reader's Digest and The Family Handyman magazine have joined forces to completely revise, update, rewrite, and redesign this home improvement classic. The new edition combines the best elements of the original manuals with The Family Handyman's rich informational and photographic archives, new illustrations and photographs, and the wisdom and experience of over 150 of the best experts in the field today. COMPLETE DO-IT-YOURSELF MANUAL is written in a style of text that addresses readers in a very accessible, conversational tone for easy, user-friendly assistance with every do-it-yourself task. All instructions and materials have been updated to address current codes (electrical, plumbing and building), and revised to indicate the very latest in materials, tools, and technology.Suitable for beginners and experts alike, the new innovative ideas and features include:Over 3,000 photos and illustrations including more than 1,500 new full-color photos and 100 new technical drawingsNew sidebars, such as Shop Smart, Handy Hints, Go Figure, and Safety First, providing readers with helpful informationTwo new chapters, Landscaping and Storage Projects that include material and cutting listsYellow-highlighter notes of caution or important points to rememberCross-references at the top of each pageMetrics are given with most measurements throughout the text and a complete metric conversion chart is included at the rear of the bookThe book's tried-and-true instructions provide do-it-yourself solutions to a ton of problems that could cost a fortune if you had to hire a professional. This manual is a ''must-have'' reference guide for every home-owning man or woman.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction is the ultimate reference work -- a graphic, step-by-step presentation of basic furniture-construction techniques. Expert woodworker Andy Rae brings organization, enthusiasm, and more than 20 years' experience to this essential book. Readers will acquire a working knowledge of woodworking materials, a higher level of control over their work and tools, and an understanding of basic design principles.

The indispensable bible for keeping a home in tip-top shape, it is the time- and money-saver every homeowner needs. It functions as a repair manual, an evaluation guide, a compendium of household hints, an emergency reference, and a homeowner's encyclopedia. Over 3,000 illustrations.

As of November 2008 TILE YOUR WORLD is still the only available book that covers ceramic tile showers completely. A comprehensive and in-depth guide for amateur and professional ceramic tile setters. TILE YOUR WORLD takes the reader from the early history of the craft, all the way through to advanced residential tiling techniques. Projects range from kitchen and bathroom floors to custom tile shower installations. Kitchen counters and back splashes are also covered. TILE YOUR WORLD contains over 300 black and white photos and line drawings and 6 four-page color inserts. Eight appendices and a full index are included.

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

For avid gardeners, the biggest downside of the hobby is the limited growing season in much of the country. Gardening during the winter is often reduced to tending houseplants and browsing seed catalogs for next summer's tomato choices.

Master Gardener and builder Roger Marshall enthusiastically presents his case for home greenhouses with a thorough examination of everything the potential builder needs to know. Marshall's coverage of the subject begins with a careful consideration of the various purposes served by greenhouses. Will the structure be used as a damp, warm hothouse for rare orchids? A tropical paradise for banana and citrus trees? A friendlier environment in which to get a jump on a summer vegetable garden is the goal for many gardeners, while an inviting setting for a year-round hot tub surrounded by lush greenery has an undeniable appeal. Whatever its eventual use will be, Marshall helps the reader examine every option and make an informed choice.

After determining the type and style of the structure, Marshall progresses, chapter by chapter, through the construction elements of the greenhouse - from choosing a site, to laying the foundation and determining which glazing material will work best. Plumbing, heating, supplemental lighting, misting, and automatic venting systems are also covered for the truly committed reader/gardener.

The final section of the book includes detailed plans for nine actual greenhouses, from a simple cold frame to an elaborately detailed framed, detached structure. Whatever the greenhouse goal, Marshall opens the way to longer growing seasons, abundant organically grown fruits and vegetables, and many more happy months playing in the dirt!

Seddon has given his book the extra dimension of original plans for a lean-to barn, horse barn, hillside house, garage/wood shed, mountain pole cabin, and a coastal house. Pole building construction saves money, time, labour, and materials because it involves limited grading, no excavation, flexibility on site, and few materials.

The leading text and reference on wood design, updated to include the latest codes and data

Continued the sterling standard set by earlier editions, this indispensable reference leads you through the complete design of a wood structure (except for the foundation), following the same sequence used in the actual design/construction process.

Build a lifetime of Memories

Whether simple or architecturally fanciful, a playhouse can be a magical place for your child. David and Jeanie Stiles use their own experiences to guide the amateur carpenter through the steps necessary to build an imaginative playhouse -- for the backyard, basement or playroom.

Designed to be put together with easy-to-obtain materials and common handyman tools, with clear step-by-step diagrams, these playhouses can be constructed by anyone who has basic carpentry skills (or a willingness to learn) and a weekend or two of spare time.

Projects include: A cardboard-box playhouse, a gingerbread playhouse, a fiberglass whale, a barn bed playhouse, a spook playhouse, a U.F.O. playhouse, a tree house, a log playhouse, a garden trellis playhouse, a three-legged fort and a complete selection of accessories.