Decks 1-2-3

This is quite simply an excellent book on deck building. I have read many, and overall I think it is the best. It is probably best for those of intermediate skill level (those they call "handy" in their 3-level self-rating scale) because my guess is that people with absolutely no construction or design knowledge probably won't find enough information to really understand what the structural issues are. For example, the joist/beam/post spacing tables are rather sparse: enough information to do the calculations if you know what you're doing, but probably difficult to figure out if you don't. However, for many of us, it's just the thing. One of my favorite parts is all the Work Smart hints scattered throughout the book. These are tips from pro builders giving ideas and information that us non-pro wouldn't know. There are even tips in there about what to do if you make a mistake in building. The pictures are great too, better than any other deck building book I've used. This is where the book really shines. They give you step-by-step instructions with full pictures of several different decks under construction. The concrete pouring sequence alone is worth the price of the book. Despite all the tools they list that are mentioned in a previous review, it seems pretty honest to me: for example, they tell you, under mixing your own concrete: Pros don't mix their own concrete, they get trucks to deliver it. Pretty good, considering that Home Depot sells concrete mix and all the tools required to mix it yourself! The only major thing I can think of that it doesn't cover is composite decking materials. These are all the rage nowadays, of course, but they require some changes in design. It would be nice to have information on these changes, and hopefully future editions will have this information. Overall, an excellent book, and well worth its price.

Wonderful reference book. I had little experience building anything, and I built myself a deck with this book. I learned as much from studying the photographs as from the text. Hihgly recommended.

This book describes in a complete step by step process how to build a deck. All the information you need to know is contained within.

The latest in Home Depot's how-to series, Decks 1-2-3 really delivers the goods! Being the visual learner that I am, I was very impressed with the amount of helpful photos in the book, showing the homeowner how to plan, organize, and carry through the installation of a deck for their home.Not only do the editors provide the homeowner with simple steps and checklists for the project, but they also provide designer tips and a skill scale to give you an idea of what you're in for before you plunge right in with one of their projects. Well organized and very well illustrated, this one's already taken its place beside the others on the shelf in my Home Depot library.