CLICK IMAGE for more info and price
by: Scott Schuttner
Topics include: deck rim joist, radius edge decking, ledger holes, mitered decking, extra foundation work, pier tube, frost jacking, your decking, ledger flashing, baluster centers, rise per step, lower siding, railing system, regular joists, extra blocking, deck framing, decking patterns, decking surface, doubled joists, joist length, ledger mark, corner footings, joist framing, your joists, joist material
CLICK HERE for more information and price
Book Description -- This is the definitive guide to building the most popular exterior building project there is: the deck. By walking the reader through the entire process -- from the planning stages, through construction step-by-step, to the custom details that make a deck unique -- Building a Deck covers the practical side of building as well as design considerations that make a difference to discriminating homeowners. 35 drawings and over 300 color photos are included.
The Best Book on Design and Construction of Decks -- I've been researching decks and screen porches for the last few months, with the intention of building a 16'X 34' elevated deck and screen porch on my home in Southern CT. I've done many home construction project big and small; however, I'm not in the construction business. Scott Schuttner's Build Like a Pro book on decks, is by far the best book on decks, period. It is clearly superior to the other books I've read on the subject (and I've purchase over four of them and flipped through a lot more). This one was really the only one I need to buy; unfortunately, I came across it after studying the other books and still not feeling that I had a full understanding on deck construction and design options. Schuttner's book lives up to its opening dedication: "...to all those who desire to do the best they can."
I though this book was significantly superior to other books in the following ways: 1) Excellent descriptive text and photo detail. 2) The "Pro Tips" were enlightening. 3) The comments made about the style and appearance of deck were very helpful. It discusses what aspect of the deck are the better place to spend your money. For example, is it better to spend more to install a unique floor pattern or on the railing detail? The book is loaded with insightful design and construction stuff. For example, the different choices of railing design and appearance. Other books had one or two railing designs the Build Like A Pro book had several. These somewhat subjective but important insights weren't touched upon in the other books. 4) The scope of this book was much broader than other books, while also being more detailed and insightful. >From the planning / drawing, the footing, framing, decking, on through to the finishing, this book does it all in presentation and language that even a non construction person can follow.
The other books I've read were Ok for an easy low frills deck. Those books could also help a homeowner talk to a contract about having a basic deck built. However, this book was much better in those areas, plus provided a great deal more insight for the person actually designing and constructing (workin' da tools), a higher value added / better looking deck. If I could change things, I would have purchased only this book. It's no more expensive than the others and a lot better.
In summary, I believe this is a FIVE STAR book and a must have for those planning and building a deck. My only regret is that the author, Scott Schuttner, obviously a very experienced builder, didn't write additional chapters or another book simply devoted to screen porches. But heck, lets be fair, this book is all about decks from A to Z. OUTSTANDING BOOK!!
Simply The Best Book on Deck Design and Construction -- I've been researching decks and screen porches for the last few months, with the intention of building a 16'X 34' elevated deck and screen porch on my home in Southern CT. I've done many home construction project big and small; however, I'm not in the construction business. Scott Schuttner's Build Like a Pro book on decks, is by far the best book on decks, period. It is clearly superior to the other books I've read on the subject (and I've purchase over four of them and flipped through a lot more). This one was really the only one I need to buy; unfortunately, I came across it after studying the other books and still not feeling that I had a full understanding on deck construction and design options. Schuttner's book lives up to its opening dedication: "...to all those who desire to do the best they can."
I though this book was significantly superior to other books in the following ways: 1) Excellent descriptive text and photo detail. 2) The "Pro Tips" were enlightening. 3) The comments made about the style and appearance of deck were very helpful. It discusses what aspect of the deck are the better place to spend your money. For example, is it better to spend more to install a unique floor pattern or on the railing detail? The book is loaded with insightful design and construction stuff. For example, the different choices of railing design and appearance. Other books had one or two railing designs the Build Like A Pro book had several. These somewhat subjective but important insights weren't touched upon in the other books. 4) The scope of this book was much broader than other books, while also being more detailed and insightful. From the planning / drawing, the footing, framing, decking, on through to the finishing, this book does it all in presentation and language that even a non construction person can follow.
The other books I've read were Ok for an easy low frills deck. Those books could also help a homeowner talk to a contract about having a basic deck built. However, this book was much better in those areas, plus provided a great deal more insight for the person actually designing and constructing (workin' da tools), a higher value added / better looking deck. If I could change things, I would have purchased only this book. It's no more expensive than the others and a lot better.
In summary, I believe this is a FIVE STAR book and a must have for those planning and building a deck. My only regret is that the author, Scott Schuttner, obviously a very experienced builder, didn't write additional chapters or another book simply devoted to screen porches. But heck, lets be fair, this book is all about decks from A to Z. OUTSTANDING BOOK!!... Thanks
Reviews:
Build Like a Pro: Building a Deck
Scott Schuttner
Expert advice from start to finish
The definitive guide to building the most popular exterior construction project there is, Building a Deck walks you through the entire process of creating a quality, custom deck: from the planning stages, through construction, to the custom details that can make your deck one of a kind. This is pro-level information carefully explained and presented so that a serious do-it-yourself can tackle building a deck with confidence. In this edition of Taunton's Build Like a Pro series, home builder and carpenter Scott Schuttner shares his tried-and-true techniques as well as a host of alternative methods, all in step-by-step detail, to create a clear and thorough resource for serious do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike.
This book will bring you:
. valuable advice on the practical side of building and design issues that will save you time and money
. in-depth information on the trickier parts of the construction process, such as building foundations in severe climates, special structural considerations, and customizing the deck
. professional tips and trade secrets for nearly every step of the process
About the author
Scott Schuttner is a home builder and carpenter in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is a frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding magazine and is the author of Basic Stairbuilding and Building and Designing Decks, both published by The Taunton Press
Build Like a Pro: Building a Deck
Scott Schuttner
Expert advice from start to finish
Contents
Introduction
How to Use This Book
1. Decks
Producing Plans
Design Considerations
Estimating Size and Cost
2. Building the Foundation
Choosing a Foundation
Sizing Footings
Layout
Excavation
Forms for Footings and Piers
Pouring the Foundation
3. Framing--Ledgers, Posts, and Beams
Planning the Ledger
Attaching the Ledger
Flashing the Ledger
Designing and Sizing Beams and Posts
Installing Posts and Beams
4. Joists
Laying Out and Installing Joists
Joist Details
Special Framing Techniques
5. Decking
Choosing Decking
Fasteners
Installing Decking
Finishing the Decking
6. Railings
Designing a Railing System
Installing Posts
Building a Balustrade
Railing Options
7. Stairs and Ramps
Stair Location and Configuration
Stair Layout
Laying Out and Cutting Stringers
Stair Railings
Landings and Ramps
8. Special Cases and Custom Details
Benches and Planters
Lighting
Trellises
Building a Roof Deck
Ground-Level Details
Appendix
On most decks, the joists are attached to the ledger at one end, extend away from the house, and are capped at the other end with either a beam or a single board called a rim joist. Other parts of the joist system include headers and blocking.
Joists need to be sized and spaced with considerations for loading, span, wood type, and decking material. In this excerpt from Building a Deck, author Scott Schuttner shows you how to size, lay out, and install your deck joists for maximum strength and durability in a variety of situations.
Scott Schuttner is a builder and carpenter in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is a contributor to Fine Homebuilding magazine and the author of Basic Stairbuilding.