The Complete Guide to Decks: A Step-By-Step Manual for Building Decks

Of all deck books, this is the best deck book if you want to build your own deck. It has step by step instructions and clear illustrations. I built two beautiful decks with this book. I have also built a screen porch and referenced this book often to do it. If I can do it with this book, you can do it. I would give this book 6 stars if I could.

Don't build a boring deck because that is all you think a DIY can handle. With this book, anyone can add some architectural features. This book has the perfect mix of examples and how-to. The color photographs are fantastic. Black & Decker book series have definitely mastered the picture = 1,000 words.

I am in the midst of building my first deck which is in fact the first major home project of my life and this book is just perfect. At all levels, especially for beginners! I spent 2 weeks researching almost half a dozen deck building books before I bought this one and so far no complaints.Pros:1. Step by step directions with tons of glossy magnified photos (not sketckes but actual photos).2. Complete list of materials required before each project.3. Gradually increasing difficulty level of projects..the chapters are layed out perfectly with an individuals learning curve.4. Comprehensive chapters on how to care and repair your deck. I can already see using the care section once my deck is built.5. Includes everything on decks - design, posts, framing, decking, stairs, railing, hot tubs, levels, simple to complex designs. You name it and this book has it.Cons:The section on mixing and pouring concrete for posts is a bit thin. I also bought the Quickrete Concrete Guide, which I would also recommend highly by the way, and it has made up for this minor shortcoming. Overall a great book on deck building!!

First off, I'm not a builder. I'm a guy with an office job who sits behind a desk all day long. I think the last thing I built was a birdhouse in third grade and it didn't even last long enough to hang it on a tree. So, I knew building a deck was a BIG project. But, this book made it SO easy! The photos are incredible. They don't use sketches and drawings, they have actual photos. The steps are easy to follow and the instructions are clear from the tools needed to the types of screws to use. If you're looking for a how-to guide on decks, this is the best one!

I thought this book said it all. It delivers just what you need, for information. This book is great for the first timer and for the advanced deck builder.