Sheds: The Do-It-Yourself Guide for Backyard Builders

Out of all the shed books I have read, this book stays by my side while I hammer in the yard. The book is well written by what appears to be a non professional book writer (A Good Thing). It reads as if you are getting advise in laymans terms from your neighbor "The Craftsman", a welcome change from the DIY books, that assume a level of expertese. The level of detail is high and discusses gotcha's, advise, and trade "secrets" that could have only come from years of personal experience building sheds. Every aspect of shed building for the DIY'er is covered from different types of foundations and how they work, to different types of structure building such as stick, or mortise joint traditional. Options for each step are thoroughly discussed and weighed, such as type of shingles, types of siding, types of lumber, and even types of style. All this information before you get to the shed designs, so when your browsing the designs you can apply the knowledge against them. The author included several basic designs, all with thorough enough plans and documentation, which you can use right away to start building. These designs can be combined, or modified easily to suit your needs. The author even includes color pictures of existing sheds, that can be built all using the basic principals from previous chapters. If your the handy DIY'er that has tackled a few home remodeling projects, this is your book. If you just have a few basic carpentry skills and are not affraid of using a circular saw, and miter saw, then this book is for you. Don't know the difference between a cripple stud and a top plate? Don't worry, this book will teach you.

This book has been a valuable tool in my understanding of the art of shed building. All of the elements that go into building a shed are discussed and diagramed in great detail. The old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" is this books motto. Stiles' intricate detail takes all the guess work out of figuring out all of the necessary elements that go into building a shed. He starts by showing you the very basics and then goes into more detailed and complicated sheds. I've had this book roughly one month and I've read it cover to cover twice. I also read bits and pieces and study the pictures and diagrams at least every other day for a few minutes. I now feel ready to begin construction of my dream shed...

When I found this book, I thought even I could build a Potting Shed! As a total 'Do-It-Yourself-er', I used this book as a guide through the entire building process. Having never attempted a project like this, I was insprired by the different variations and types of sheds this book demonstated. Thanks to the author for offering all the directions to build a shed from start to finish. I couldn't have built my shed without this primer. I also used his valuable ideas for the interior as well. Now I have an outdoor oasis to escape to, I have increased my property value, and am now looking to build my next outdoor project!

This book has the information you need to design and build your own ideal backyard shed. In fact, it serves as a great primer for any construction project. It covers planning, designing, permits, materials and construction methods. Stiles will guide you through the process, step-by-step, from the paper plan to hanging up your tools - in the shed you built! There are hundreds of great illustrations and projects you can try: a Victorian garden shed, cupolas, a Japanese boat shed, trash and recycling sheds, woodsheds, a pool pavilion and many more.

The book has lots of ideas for making unique structures instead of boring outbuildings. The construction techniques are very basic, maybe not for first time builders, but certainly "followable" by anyone who is familiar with basic carpentry. The emphasis is on design and construction details, not carpentry. I incorporated many of its suggestions into a unique shed of my own