Reviews (30)

review
This book has many excellent details in obscure construction situations.Some are a bit better in theory than practice; however this book will make an excellent companion when in a pinch and lacking creativity.For the most part the book describes better practice (check local codes before taking it as gospel) for say a designer or general contractor not entirely sure or alien to specific methods of contractors or subcontractors.Don't expect a book to read from cover to cover but a quick reference.

Great Series
I found this series of books to be very well written and drawn.What is great is that they present several different ways to accomplish a task, instead of limiting you to one conventional method.The writing is very clearly written, and I own and recommend all three books in these series.Excellent reference.

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
Start at the beginning... The spiral metal binding is great, a real manual, easy to keep page being referenced open infront of you. Graphically the pages are consistent in their layout and composition so that the important information is easily seen. Not like many references where drawings,details and notes from different sources are obviously pasted into pages. It reminds me of the famous Architectural Sheet Metal manual published by SMACNA, that is a part in nearly every architect's reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - Carpentry    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    6. Drawings    7. Framing (Building)    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Wooden-frame buildings    11. Building construction & materials    12. House & Home / Reference    13. Woodworking   

Reviews (2)

Excellent Addition to the Trim Carpenter's Library
The older version of this book was good.This version is much better.The "Elements of Design" chapter is expanded, as is the chapter on crown molding.The most comprehensive chapter for me was Chapter 10: Wainscoting, Pillars and Pilasters.The detail provided on the methods for routing flutes was very helpful.
A design guide covering almost every room in the house
The new, expanded and updated edition of Jay Silber's New Decorating With Architectural Trimwork: Planning, Designing, Installing shows how to use decorative trim and molding in all rooms of a house to transform windows, doors, and more. Hundreds of color photos pack a design guide covering almost every room in the house, but the meat here is the inclusion of actual installation instructions, making this a cut above similar-sounding titles which are focused on appearance alone. All are highly recommended for any homeowner who wants more than a casual hand in construction or renovation choices.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. DIY    7. Home furnishing & decoration    8. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

The common and sensible dictum among carpenters--"Measure twice, cut once"--is only the beginning for Carroll, who manages to take some very complex information and distill it into readable and understandable form. There are chapters devoted to laying out foundations, frames, roofs, stairs, masonry units, and finishing materials, and many little-known tricks of the trade and shortcuts. Carroll covers all the basics of tools and techniques, shows how to measure larger dimensions on projects while working alone, and shows that one needn't be a master mathematician to assure accuracy in projects, nor use space-age, high-tech equipment to achieve near-perfect results in a building project. From the simplest how-to project for a home handyperson to constructing an entire house, proper, accurate measurements are the very foundation of a successful result. Using common sense and care in measuring can save time, materials, and money on any home repair or construction plan. This is the book to tell you everything you need to know before you get started. Read more

Reviews (8)

good reference book
author goes into a lot of detail...i learned a lot from this book

Over 20 Years In The Trade, I Still Learned A Thing Or Two.
I read this book thinking I might find something interesting. I was not disappointed. The book has historical commentary and personal experiences that are interesting. Old timer's secrets of layout, very cool. Geometrical calculations are easier to understand when you can see how they are to be applied. The formulas used in the book are reasonably simple. Most importantly, when there is a shortcut, it's shown in this book. From the ground to the roof, and all in between, there's detailed(but basic, no really fancy decorative work) explanation and excellent illustration. Handrails, masonry units, roofing, the book shows where to start and what to do next. He shows how to build many of the jigs and measuring/marking secrets that I use regularly. I don't do everything exactly as he does, but everybody has their own way of doing things. If this guy writes any more books, I and many of my competitors may not be needed any more. MANYsecrets of the trade.
Must Have
If you're planning on building any of the hard parts of a house like footings, foundation, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, stairs, masonry or shingles, you will want this book so you can figure out how to make them plumb, square, level, and evenly distributed.(I think that covers most of the carpentry sections)Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. House & Home    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Home & House Maintenance    8. House & Home / Design & Construction    9. HOUSE & HOME / Reference   

Reviews (9)

Very clear and well explained book.
I bought this book for a garage project of mine and the decent reviews it had. I must say the reviews are well deserved. This book offers plenty of photos and well explained "how-to" guide lines. Detailed explanation with photos of all the tools you'll need for your project. I can now do my projects with confidence considering I am a novice at carpentry. Excellent choice for the novist.

So far from complete its an insult to carpenters
Had to give 1 star to off set the other reviews. My problem with most of these carpentry books is their lack of conviction to a topic. I have been a carpenter for way longer than 4 years (the accepted journeyman level). In truth it takes a lifetime to keep up with new practices and master traditional techniques. If you need to read 93 PAGES OF 277 on what a particular tool is or how to set up a saw then you really are not ready for complete carpentry. You need to develop your understanding of the tools.
Not a great book.
This book doesn't include any text about stairs. I guess most complete homes don't need stairs. I find this book more of a coffee table book than a book I can count on for howto information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Carpentry    3. Construction - Carpentry    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    6. Dwellings    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Maintenance and repair    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

It's a systems approach
I bought the book and (then) tapes to educate my family and myself in framing methods so we could build our proposed 3800 sft house as a family.I was not new to the construction industry, having worked in the past as an Architect (unlicensed:), a remodeling contractor, and construction supervisor.I had even acted as the general contractor on my own house.However, I had never started and completed a house from the ground up built by my own hands.
Helpful, but ignore his stud location advice.
Not being a builder I was looking for a practical book to assist in building my 24x36 shop. This book has a lot of good stuff and you can tell that Larry "has been there". I went by the book on almost everything. I wish I had ignored his advice on stud location. He says it is not neccessary to maintain the 16 oc from end to end when you hit interruptions like doors and windows. He says you can simple start the 16 oc pattern over and not sacrifice structural integrity. I agree, but you catch heck when you sheath your walls and it would be better to have a stud under every 16 oc ceiling or second floor joist. He does say that for sheathing or dry wall reasons one could argue for maintaining the 16 oc the entire length of the wall, but he sorta of minimized it and said you can save on stud cost. Being a beginner I followed his advice to the tee. I will now go back and put in extra studs at 4' oc to accomodate my siding. Ignore his stud location advice and you will have a very helpful book on framing.

factory work "rules"
This book is a companion to a series of tapes and is best used as a beginners guide to framing 'factory' style.I like Mr. Haun's style and his book is well layed-out to show one how to frame with his system. He hasdone a great job of putting it together in a precise and clear fashion.Ifind that in today's world of custom homes the material is dated and bettersuited to one who is building only once or a novice that wants a"looksee" at what it entails to build a home.But for that it isa very good book and I would recommend the tapes as well.If you want tobuild in todays' environment find a licensed contractor with a commitmentto training their employees and get some structural engineering classes aswell. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Home & House Maintenance    7. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (11)

Most helpful book
I have recently been collecting and reading cabinet making books.This book has been the most informative and helpful book in my collection.

FANTASTIC introduction to building face frame cabinets
I did a lot of research prior to building my own kitchen cabinets earlier this year and this book was what inspired me the most as Udo's Schmidt's cabinets are simply BEAUTIFUL encompassing many custom details like: mitered corner returns, beaded inset face frames, raised panel doors/drawer fronts, dovetailed drawers and arched mullion glass upper cabinet doors.
great book
very interesting book with a lot of knowledge put into the writing.Helpful, full of comments and pictures to explain complicated cuts.
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Subjects:  1. Cabinetwork    2. Carpentry    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Kitchen cabinets    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. DIY    11. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (13)

Simple Step by Step Instructions
Lists the tools and the measurement techniques on how to make simple traditional cabinets that look great.It is best used with Building Kitchen Cabinets by Udo Schmidt.They cover slightly different techniques using different tools.Between the two books, I was able to mix and match techniques to fit my set of tools.If you had to get only one book, this is the better book of the two.

The one book for cabinet construction
I own several books on cabinet construction.This one is my favorite.It provides step-by-step examples of how to layout, design, build, finish, and install traditional face-frame cabinetry.The graphics are certainly not flashy, most appear to be hand etched, but I find them to be useful.
LIKE ALGEBRA
Great book. Lots of details. Lot's of math. I recommend it, however I found an easier instructional book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabinet work    2. Cabinetwork    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. General    6. House & Home    7. Kitchen cabinets    8. Kitchens    9. Remodeling & Renovation - Kitchens    10. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    11. Woodworking    12. Furniture & cabinetmaking    13. Furniture & furnishings manufacture    14. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (26)

Yes, the example cabinets are UGLY...
but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!
For utilitarian cabinets, not fine woodworking
I was disappointed in this book at first. I have never before bought a book where not one pictured project was attractive to me personally. You will not see any kitchens like this in magazines. It's all one big paean to particle board.
Suppliers List
The suppliers list on page 126 is weak. Proulx's system requires leveling legs. He show photos of the legs he uses, but does not provide a source for legs shown. It would be very helpful to have that information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cabinetwork    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. House & Home    6. Kitchen cabinets    7. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    8. Furniture & cabinetmaking    9. Woodworking   

Reviews (5)

Excellent resource
It helps to know some basics about construction and drywall work to get the most out of this book. That said, it is a very well presented, comprehensive how-to guide for hanging and finishing drywall. There is good information on materials and a professional approach to technique, with emphasis on the details and getting it right. This book does not talk about shortcuts or taking the easy way, but tells it like it is when it comes to drywall finishing. Very useful and highly recommended.

READ HERE FOR DETAILS
This book is very comprehensive. I noticed one reviewer said that the book was good for a beginner but lacked information. I disagree. I feel as though the book has plenty of information, except for the use of furring strips when studs or joist do not line up.
Simply the best drywall book I have found so far...
I've had this book for some time now and have been doing various drywall projects around the house, including crack repair, patches and even replacing a full panel. I found that by following the instructions in this book, and by taking great care to work neatly, all of my repairs are invisible. There is no way I could have done it so well without the help of Mr. Ferguson's book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Drywall    6. Drywall construction    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Remodeling & Renovation - General    10. DIY    11. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (3)

This is a great book
I bought and built a good sized house kit home but wanted to know how a house is really put together and proper terms after all my years of remodeling and odd jobs in construction.
How To Do The Job Right
A complete do-it-yourselfer's guide to residential carpentry from basements to balustrades. If you're the type who wants to know how to do it right, this is the book. It's really an omnibus of carpentry because itdeals with rough and finish carpentry, drywall, floors and flooring,cabinets, insulation, doors and windows, tools and safety and more! It alsoexplains how lumber and plywood are graded in the U.S. and Canada andincludes great charts explaining architectural drawings and symbols. If youalready know what a Phillips screwdriver is you don't need half of the"home improvement" books out there. This one is different. Mr.Spence has placed homeowners in his debt with this exceptional volume.

Carpentry & Building ConstructionA Do-It-Yourself Guide
This book was informative.I have been remodeling for over 25 years and still I learn things in every job.This book can be used as a guide to building any part of a house.I liked it so much after reviewing from thelibrary that I bought a copy as a reference book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Carpentry    3. Construction - Carpentry    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House construction    7. BG-COOKBKS - BG - COOKBOOKS    8. House & Home / Carpentry    9. Woodworking   

Reviews (4)

Simply the best tool in the home
So nice to see such a quality book that cover every detail big and small. It is my building bible! Every one who either owns a home of wants to do a building project should make this their first purchase.

This is a great book.
Excellent diagrams, well-written, very thorough. If you can swing a hammer and have some basic mechanical inclination, this book will be invaluable. Or, even if you have a really good idea of what you're doing, this book will fill in the holes of your knowldge and you'll frame like the pros. This is probably the most useful book I have ever bought - on any subject.

excellent resource, however ...
Consider "Carpentry & Building Construction" by the same author.It seems to include most of the content of "Residential Framing" plus much more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House framing    6. Residential Construction    7. Building construction & materials    8. DIY    9. House & Home / Carpentry    10. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

Reviews (5)

Great book, just what I was looking for.
This book has a great array of shelters.I was looking for a couple types of shelters... chicken coop and horse run-ins and found ideas to match just what I needed for both!

The plans included didn't meet my needs
I was hoping for a book of plans that included small, simple to build shelters for just a few goats and chickens.The plans included were large and the building instructions were not detailed enough for beginners to do themselves (without a seperate how-to-book).If I could have looked through it first, I would not have bought it.

How to Build Animal Housing:60 Plans for Coops, Hutches, Barns, Shed, Pens, Nestboxes, Feeders, Stanchions, and Much More
I received the book in quick time and well packaged.It is a great book, and will be used well by both my daughter and me.
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Subjects:  1. Agriculture - Animal Husbandry    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Housing    6. Livestock    7. Pets    8. Reference    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Animal husbandry    11. TECHNOLOGY / Construction / General    12. Technology / Agriculture / Animal Husbandry   

Reviews (16)

Very useful for ideas and techniques
This book is wonderful. Starting with some carpentry skills of my own, I was able to design and trim out my entire dining room with crown molding, chair rail, wall frames etc. This book was invaluable in helping me design and execute the project.

Yes, it is really a decorating book
Well, I should have known.The title "Decorating with..." tells it all.It is first and foremost a decorating book that the wife would love.This book has the best and sharpest color pictures of any decorating book and is very tastefully presented. But it is skimpy or just plain bad at helping you to DIY.There is little that is useful in technique and little that is useful for tackling the complexities of say installing crown moulding.But, I can't fault the author.After all, the title is "Decorating with...".

Pretty Pics, Spotty Advice
If you're interested in ideas for interior woodwork, this book offers some nice photos that may inspire a project ... and sometimes inspiration is just what's needed to get us out of the chair and actively working. However, if you're interested in executing the work that's shown, an inexperienced carpenter will be hard pressed to succeed based on the information here. No book can substitute for experience, and this book is great for dreamers, but there are better carpentry guides out there if you actually want to do the work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Trim carpentry    9. DIY    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (8)

nice Idea but poorly executed
sorry to say but not well illustrated and not easy to follow look elsewhere for help in this area...I wish I could recommend options but other then Old House Journal(a monthly magazine) I could not recommend a good trim refrence. I will note a couple of my own tricks though.First remember that the most complicated trims are usually built in stages or layers.Second remember that good trim starts with good framing and straight bases (the object you are trying to frame ie: window door opening ect). Last but not least if your painting don't go nuts for the perfect joint.Caulking can save your day..that does not mean to be sloppy, measure twice, cut once, remember to factor the width of the blade waste; but then use a premium grade (GE Silicone II Extreme) caulk to join butt and corner pieces.Good luck ...

Originally published in 1989.Outdated then?
I was looking for a well layed out reference guide that I could learn a few tricks of the trade.This book seemed to spend way to much time setting the reader up for the first day on the job (back in the 70's and 80's mind you), then long-winded yet sparse information on actual methods of trim carpentry.
Trim Carpentry Techniques
Nice illustrations, step by step procedures are easy to follow if you do not like to read. Detailed materials and tooling information is somewhat provided. Good for a jobsite quick refrence guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. House & Home    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Home & House Maintenance    7. House & Home / Design & Construction    8. HOUSE & HOME / Carpentry   

Reviews (11)

Confidence Builder
This book is wonderful. I've been reading everything I can get my eyes on regarding installation of solid hardwood flooring. Most places I see the same general points, but not many details. Not this book. Here are answers to the dozens of questions I had in response to reading all of the other stuff.

One of the books on the topic (the DVD is good too)
However, I agree with the person below that you should really seek out a continuous belt sander, and avoid drum sanders due to their tendency to create very subtle chatter marks over the entire floor surface.They cannot be seen or felt prior to finishing the floor, but once you have the floor finish applied, you can see them.Also, the author says that a screen buffer is optional, but if you use a drum sander, I think it is pretty much a necessity if you want to lessen the effect of the chatter marks that a drum sander produces, compared to a continuous belt sander.

excellent -- thorough and helpful
An excellent book. Provides good details, anticipates a lot of problems, good graphics/drawings to explain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - Carpentry    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Floors, Wooden    4. Hardwoods    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. Remodeling & Renovation - General    8. House & Home / Carpentry    9. House maintenance   

Reviews (4)

This reference is indispensible
We own a home built in the Craftsman era, and are currently remodeling / restoring it.I have bought several books about home rehab, Craftsman furniture, etc., and was disappointed with every one of them.Then I purchased this book.The level of detail regarding moldings, for example, is incredible.The complete set of dimensions including radius data for the cove are included.Not only are all the major variants of Craftsman design illustrated and specified, the original drawings for cabinets are shown and then separate, updated drawings that conform to modern kitchen design standards are presented.Anyone who is interested in the architectural details of the Craftsman era should own this book.It is a MUST HAVE!

Great Home Organizers
The built-ins shown in this book are just what my old house needs to make it rustically "modern".I've hired a team of Amish carpenters to build them, as I don't trust my skill in that area just yet.Great book!

Great Projects
This is a great book for the craftsman wanting to actually build Mission style furniture. While designs for many pieces are not included, the concepts of design and construction can be used to make pretty much any item you can dream up.A craftsman style entertainment center?Stickley would never have dreamed of it.You can combine a few designs and he would be proud of what you conceived. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and crafts movement    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    4. Drawings    5. Furniture    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Measured drawing    9. Woodwork - Furniture/Cabinetry    10. Woodwork - General    11. Woodworking    12. House & Home / Woodworking   

Reviews (6)

Good Reference
I checked this book out of the library mainly for a few chapters that contained info on Pocket Doors and Fixing Door Problems. The book covers almost everything you can think of to address installing doors and windows, including putting new doors in old frames. It gives you pointers on choosing windows and doors including how various components operate. I didn't know there were so many types of windows operating styles to choose from out there!
Best book on the subject
I have read every book that I could find on windows and doors and found this one to be the best bar none. The pictures are fantastic and the helpful tips are worth the price of the book and then some. Also, the book is very easy to understand which is not the case with a lot of books out there on the subject.

Great book for installing doors
I've been trying to find all the information I can on the tricks to hanging doors.You won't find all the answers in one book, but this one has a lot of information on how to solve problems.I might add that there is a very good video by "Tom Law, Installing Doors and Windows" that gives you a good idea of how to properly hang doors.Seeing someone in action is a lot easier than reading a book.I've read this particular book 3 times now looking for all of the tricks of the trade.If you are like me, you've installed a door and said, "why is it doing that?". If you can identify a problem or prevent one, then that can save you a great deal of time.This book deals with a lot of issues, like out of plumb walls and cross legged jambs.I would also add "Gary Katz, installing and hanging doors" book to your library and you will have 3 fine sources to become a professional installer.I have all 3 and have recently installed 2 perfect exterior doors.I'm not a pro yet, but I am a lot closer.There is a lot of satistaction in installing a door correctly.Have fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Doors    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Windows    9. DIY    10. House & Home / Carpentry   

Reviews (3)

Not really a "Complete Guide"
Parts of the book were helpful and the photos were interesting.However, aside from asthetics, the critical issues in building a cellar are the vapor barrier, insulation and cooling system.It would have been helpful to have more technical advice or at least technical advice that was easier to follow.For example, an explanation of why the vapor barrier must be on the outside everywhere (to keep condensation away from the insulation) would be more helpful than just a bald statement that it should be.The diagrams are clear as far as they go, but the explanation on how to put a vapor barrier up and insulate a ceiling is confusing in the absence of an explanation of the purpose of the vapor barrier.For example, if you have wires, pipes and ventilation ducts in your basement ceiling as most people do, what is the best approach?Should you drop the ceiling and then install a vapor barrier followed by insulation or is there something else you can do?Likewise, a discussion of the pros and cons of using a glass vs. solid door, whether to have electrical outlets inside and if so how many and why, whether to place the light switch inside the room or out, and a discussion of how to properly ventilate the cooling unit to optimize operational efficiency all would have been helpful.Finally, since the author is in the business, I would assume that he uses particular brands of cooling units and has specific recommenations regarding size, makes and models--all of that would have been useful information.
About a quarter of what I needed
This is a pretty book.It has nice pictures of some very pretty cellars.From a practical standpoint though, only about 25% of it is actually worthwhile.They should offer a scaled down version at at quarter of the price.

Beautiful, useful, book. Only two complaints...
This a beautiful, useful book well worth the purchase price. But I bought it to tell me how to build a home wine cellar (which it does) and I was disappointed to discover that it doesn't include any actual floor plan examples, with dimensions, showing a sample layout of a real wine cellar for, say, a small collection, a medium collection or a large collection of bottles. I'm new to this and need suggestions from someone who has done a lot of this. That's what I bought the book for. Also, I would have appreciated some recommendations on brands of cooling equipment and maybe a few names, websites, etc. of different equipment and furnishings the author has found superior to the competition. An appendix listing equipment and furnishing suppliers would have been great, like a recommendation of a good set of prefab racks to buy. In other words, I've read the whole book and still have to design my own floorplan from scratch and still have to spend a lot of time researching websites to decide on the brand/model of cooling equipment I want to use. I suspect the author already knows which is best, and I wish he had told me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverage Technology    2. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    3. General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Management    6. Reference    7. DIY    8. Wines   

Reviews (4)

An inspiring and entertaining book.
A very inspiring and fun read! Written by a couple who had the courage to pursue their dreams, this book is written for you and me with lots of details, wit and humor.
Enjoyable reading with a wealth of information
I have been reading everything I can find about log homes. Most of the books I have read are more like an information text book. Lots of facts but boring. Logs Wind and Sun gives you the facts and how to use them along with a very enjoyable story of the trials and tribulations the authors encountered building there own log home. This gives you a much better idea of what to expect building your own log home from scrath or from a kit. The detailed information on solar and wind energy is a real eye opener. It opened up a whole new possibility of finding what my wife and I want in a piece of land to build our retirement log home on. We thought that land with no power was out of the question. Now we know that is exactly what we want. With this book you have nearly all the information you need to build a self sufficient log home. If your dream is to have a log home in the mountains far from the "rat race", Logs Wind and Sun is a must have book. Live your dreams!

Interesting, informative and easy to read!
When I started reading Logs Wind and Sun, I imagined I would skim the more detailed parts about construction since I don't plan to build a log home. I bought the book because I was interested in solar and wind generated electricity. But in the end, I read everything. Whenever I tried to skim, I soon came across something that caught my interest and, before I realized it, I was totally entranced with the story. The framed inserts break up the flow of the text and add little tid bits of information just when some variety is necessary. Rex's Maxims and LaVonne's Verities are a novel way of introducing light humor while at the same time making an important point. The illustrations were very concise, attractive and easily understandable. The photography was out of this world and the photos very appropriately located within the text. Every photo enhanced the message on the page where it was found. Logs Wind and Sunis clearly a product of team work, the story of a couple who, working together, accomplished their dream. I loved it, and also learned what I wanted to know about solar and wind power. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Design & Construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. House & Home    7. House & Home / Design & Construction    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    9. Building   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - Carpentry    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Remodeling & Renovation - General    9. Tile laying    10. Tiles    11. Ceramics    12. Home furnishing & decoration