Stonework: Techniques and Projects

I bought six or seven books on stonework before I began my project. This one was very direct with lots of useful information. If you are looking to begin a stone project, I highly recommend this book.

From having read this book I believe it gives the knowledge needed to at least get out there and get your feet wet. Hands on is always best. I can tell you it will accompany me to the job site!

A guide to the basics of stonework that concentrates on the most common projects: retaining walls, stone fences, foundations and steps, and then adds a bit more for the adventuresome: a fireplace, an arched bridge and a moon gate. A good book for the do-it-yourselfer or to learn what to look for in working with a professional stone mason.

As a beginner I found the book easy to read, understandable, and a great asset for my beginning projects. The only thing I would like added to this book was some colored photos of Mr. McRaven's work. Also the descriptions of types of rocks would have helped if there where colored photos. For example, when I started to gather my stones together for my project I realized Mr McRaven's comments on being OK to mix types of stone is not universal. Mixing stone is an art and requires experience with an eye on color. Also more photos, in color, of good work verses bad work would help beginners like me visualize what my goal should be. I feel I wasted time doing and undoing my stonework.However, this is still a book for any stoneworker's library.

Compared to other how-to books in the category, McRaven makes the reader feel very capable of completing the projects without "dumbing down" the material. Let's face it- stonework is somewhat intimidating. By adding some easy jobs like the stone birdbath-fountain, you can build confidence for bigger things. I'm ready for spring!!