Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks: Updated 4th Edition, Includes the Newest Products & Fasteners, Add an Outdoor Kitchen (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

I like this deck book, because I shouldn't need anything else to build the deck that I want. It has lots of pictures and lots of examples to help you understand how to build a deck. 318 pages of good information.

First I should admit that I have only read part of this book. But those first 80 pages or so I have reread 2 or three times.There is a lot of information that is new to me, especially being I have never built a deck. The problems is that I have found several examples in only the first 40 pages that either raise questions because they contradict themselves, or they fail to address the question that any reasonable person would ask and that the text, as presented beg as a question:1) On page 20 they say 1/2 inch lag screws can be used to make the ledger connection to the rim joist of the structure. Then on pgs 41 and 42 the book talks about using 3/8 inch lag screws. I can see that you probably would just go with the larger 1/2 inch to be safe, but why the inconsistency?2) Page 40 says to drill pairs of holes spaced every 2 feet. But if you look at page 20 it shows the holes staggered instead of being lined up. Maybe this doesn't matter but then again maybe it does.3) You are told on page 20 that if the ledger is anchored to a block wall that the blocks must be filled with concrete or grout. Then when we're given an example of hooking a ledger to a block wall on pages 41 and 42, I guess it is assumed that the blocks are filled or solid through and through. I think it would be a reasonable question to ask "how do you check to see if the blocks are filled, and if they aren't how do you fill them?" Maybe that is unreasonable to ask I will grant you, but I don't think so.This is only part of the book, as I have said. Maybe the rest will be not contain any ambiguities. And maybe some of these points aren't important. But if that is true then how in the world can a novice be expected to decipher which are and which aren't.

I have purchased several books from Black & Decker, from plumbing to electrical. They are very good. What I like about the Black & Decker books is their ability to place a lot of pictures into their books. You know the old saying "A picture says a thousand words." There were clear and concise directions for simple and complex deck projects. I will say that if you don't have some basic building skills, you could become frustrated in the middle of your project. Remember, many of these 'How To" books go on the premise that the builder is working with perfectly straight lumber. A case in point; as I was building my deck, I had to make small notches along many of my floor joists that rested on the support beam in order to keep the top layers level for the boards that would be placed on top. Why? Because the 4 X 6 support beam had a slight crown, as well as the 2 X 8 joists. If you are inexperienced, buy the book, read the section you are going to use throughly, ask questions, and take it real slow-You can do it.

I was rebuilding a 15 year old deck. I got practical and useful information on this rebuildibg process that will make the project faster and assure I use the best quality methods and materials. Lots of good information - particularly the one about installing wood decking "bark side" down. This book was written by knowledgeable professionals. The pictures and diagrams are plentiful and instructive. Also it has useful tables on wood sizes, screw sizes, nails, bolts, footers, etc. Gives many tips on "do's and don'ts." If you only want to buy one book this is it. Also covers building new decks both flat and multi -level. Has the best explanation of sealers, stains and other types of coatings that I have found. Has a section on long term maintenance of decks, cleaning of decks, etc. Tells how to repair rotted decks. Discusses the differences between wood decking and the new plastic decking with many pictures. Shows the tools needed for each part of the process.

It starts with vision. If you have a hard time looking at what your deck "could" look like this book is a must! Simple to understand and get a knowledge of what is required to make/build a deck or watch what a contractor does to make sure of quality construction of your deck.Best of all if you are going to build your deck this book is easy o follow and build your dream deck!

After reading this book, I was able to build my own 22 by 12 ft. deck. It contains lots of plans for various deck types with lots of pictures showing you how to do everything from cuts to bolting. While not a complete step-by-step how to guide to build an entire deck, it contains enough pictures to walk you through certain procedures and gives you a lot of ideas on different ways to do things such as railing etc. I couldn't have built my deck without it.

Great book. Walks you through a deck project step by step from the design all the way through stairs, railings and even decorative under decking systems to catch water. Love this book and can't wait to use it to help me build my deck!!!

I tend to like the Black and Decker home improvement books and this one is no exception. Many books get into projects that the average homeowner would never have the desire or means to undertake. This book is filled with excellent photos and does a good job of covering most aspects of deck building. I have no regrets in purchasing this book.

I used this mainly for ideas but the resultant being that I ended up doing more extravagant tasks than what I was intending but now I have a back garden that is the envy if friends & the main meeting point for socials when it comes to house parties etc.

you need to know a bit of DIY but this book is seriously driving you through the building process...I was so proud of my results! And this book definitely deserve a good review.

I purchased this book because I thought it would have new ideas,I have got Black and Deckers Book from about ten years agoand to be honest its the same book but different cover

Lots of great ideas

This is a very informative book, one of the best so far. It gives clear and concise instructions. Easy to follow with excellent guidance.Covers all decking systems.Highly recommended.