House & Home

With Building Stairs, you’ll discover that if you can measure the distance between two floors, you can design and construct a stunning set of stairs.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a motivated DIY enthusiast, Building Stairs is an essential resource that demystifies the art of stair construction, equipping you with the skills to create beautiful, sturdy stairs that elevate your space.

In this extensively illustrated guide, author Andy Engel simplifies the complexities of stair construction. He meticulously lays out the geometry, planning, and construction processes involved, taking you from a basic framework of lumber to a staircase that would impress even royalty.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Guidance: Engel provides clear and complete instructions, covering every aspect of stair building, including layout, rise and run calculations, and framing techniques.
• Railing Installation: Learn how to build and install railings that enhance both safety and aesthetics, ensuring your staircase is as functional as it is beautiful.
• Off-the-Shelf Parts: Gain insights into using off-the-shelf stair parts, streamlining your project while achieving a professional finish.
• Illustrative Examples: With a wealth of illustrations, this book makes complex concepts accessible, ensuring you can tackle stair projects with confidence.

Expert advice for building a deck – and more. If there’s a deck in your future, arm yourself with the trusted advice you’ll find in Decks Complete before you do anything. Designed for homeowners, it’s an easy-to-access, comprehensive, step-by-step reference on deck building.  Written by seasoned pros, it offers authoritative, reliable information that prepares DIYers to tackle any deck project with confidence.

Highly visual. Easy to use. Down to earth. Everything about Decks Complete is keyed to the simple, straightforward information DIYers need to get the job done right. It focuses on the  real-world situations that most homeowners face and is loaded with practical advice, including how to deal with the inevitable things that can go wrong. The format makes it quick and easy to find exactly what you need with:

• A visual table of contents
• Clear step-by-step photos 
• Highly detailed instructions
• 800 how-to photographs and 25 detailed illustrations

Everything you need to know, from start to finish. This must-have guide covers all the tasks involved with building a deck that you will typically encounter and provides useful tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice on:

• Decking materials
• Designing a deck
• Footings and framing
• Building stairs
• Installing decking, guards and handrails
• Custom features, finishes and maintenance

Plus, get the lowdown on specific skills required for deck building, including:  Digging a footing, flashing a ledger, attaching posts to beams, and much more. Finally, here is everything you’ve ever want to know about decks, so get your copy before you do anything.

Take control of your home's electrical system with Wiring Complete, Fourth Edition.

This comprehensive guide covers everything homeowners need to know about wiring scenarios, from simple switches to advanced outdoor lighting. Co-authored by renowned experts in the field, this updated edition ensures you're equipped with the latest electrical codes and practices

More than just a how-to guide, Wiring Complete, Fourth Edition acts like your personal electrician, providing expert knowledge at your fingertips. Empower yourself to tackle any wiring project with confidence!

Key Features:

• Updated to the Latest Codes: Stay compliant with the newest electrical standards, ensuring your projects are safe and up-to-date.
• Expanded Coverage: Dive into enhanced sections on receptacles, switches, and lighting, including the latest information on remote thermostats and home-charging electric vehicles.
• Multimedia Wiring Insights: Navigate the evolving world of multimedia wiring to stay ahead of technological advancements.
• User-Friendly Approach: Wiring Complete is designed for do-it-yourselfers, allowing you to:
• Quickly Look Up Projects: Find the project you need in seconds.
• Gather Comprehensive Information: Get all the details necessary to tackle your wiring job.
• Access Expert Advice: Benefit from insights provided by licensed electricians.
• Identify Solutions for Issues: Know what to do if something doesn’t go as planned.
• Visual Learning Experience: With over 875 photos and 60 illustrations, Wiring Complete offers visual guidance for projects like:
  • Installing switches and receptacles
  • Wiring wall sconces
  • Connecting phone jacks and fans
  • Setting up kitchen appliances
  • Installing vehicle chargers and much more!

Wiring repairs, replacements, and upgrades are among the most popular projects for home DIYers—and, potentially, the most fraught with risk. With an unerring emphasis on safety, wiring expert Steve Cory prepares homeowners for the most common situations they are likely to encounter and gives them the confidence to tackle their own home wiring projects.

After introductory sections on understanding the residential electrical system and basic wiring techniques, projects include:

• replacing switches and receptacles
• installing lights and fans
• retrofitting under-cabinet lighting
• running cable and installing electrical boxes
• and more

With quick tips throughout, this handy reference provides all you need to know to tackle any home wiring repair project.

In Shelves, Cabinets & Bookcases, discover the essential guide for woodworkers looking to create functional and stylish storage solutions.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate beginner, this collection offers invaluable insights from America’s most accomplished craftsmen, compiled from the pages of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding.

Transform your living space with practical and aesthetic storage solutions that showcase your woodworking talents. Dive into this comprehensive guide and elevate your woodworking projects to new heights!

Key Features:

• Diverse Project Range: With 16 thoughtfully curated projects, this book covers a wide array of styles, from simple built-in shelves to sophisticated bookcases that add character to any room. Each project is designed to meet various tastes and skill levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

• Expert Advice and Techniques: Learn from the best as expert woodworkers share their knowledge on constructing sturdy and attractive shelves and cabinets. From selecting the right materials to understanding weight distribution and structural integrity, this book is packed with professional tips that elevate your craftsmanship.

• Special Design Considerations: Building beautiful built-ins and entertainment centers comes with unique design requirements. This guide offers specific instruction on how to tackle these challenges, ensuring that your finished product is not only functional but also visually appealing.

• Clear Instructions and Illustrations: Each project is accompanied by detailed instructions, step-by-step photographs, and illustrations that make the building process straightforward and enjoyable. You'll gain confidence in your woodworking skills as you create beautiful, custom storage solutions for your home.

• Inspiration for Every Space: Whether you’re looking to organize your books, display treasured items, or create a stylish media center, Shelves, Cabinets & Bookcases provides the inspiration and tools you need to make your vision a reality.

Stanley’s Decks: A Homeowner’s Guide is a comprehensive, visual handbook packed with step-by-step photographs and authoritative, reliable information. For homeowners wanting to add, replace, or upgrade a deck, author Dave Toht will take them through every step, from
design and planning, choosing tools and materials, installing footings and ledgers, framing,
installing decking, and building stairs and railings, to outfitting the deck with benches, planters,
and other built-ins.

DIYers will find:

• complete, step-by-step instructions to build four different types of decks—a patio deck, a first-story deck, a raised deck, and a multi-feature deck—which include a range of decking and railing types and special features.
• Deck maintenance and repair is included as well.

Dave Toht, a former contractor with decades of hands-on experience, has written or edited more than 60 books on home repair and remodeling. He is the author of three Stanley Quick Guides: Home Energy Savings, Easy Bathroom Upgrades, and Easy Kitchen Upgrades.

"Building Outdoor Structures "offers practical, easy-to-follow instructions on enhancing any home's front and backyard with the natural beauty of wood. Starting with the simple uses of wood in landscaping, such as raised beds, author Scott McBride shows the average DIYer how to build retaining walls, arbors, pergolas and 7 other projects, including a gazebo. The book covers everything from choosing materials to building techniques.

Back by popular demand, these classic woodworking titles from Fine Woodworking magazine are filled with first-rate information that is as timeless now as it was when first published.

A new idea can be even more useful than a new tool. In fact, as you'll see in this book, a new idea is a new tool. Whether you're a homeowner or an experienced contractor, you're sure to find "tools" in this book you can use today and every day.

The tips here are practical solutions developed and tested on actual job sites by experienced builders. You'll find better methods to accomplish your building and remodeling tasks and improved ways to use the materials that go into your projects. These tips are collected from Fine Homebuilding magazine's most popular columns--"Tips & Techniques" and "Q & A"--and are reprinted here for the first time.

The items in this book are easy and inexpensive ways to improve efficiency and accuracy. They'll help make your work more pleasurable and more reliable. You'll be amazed at their simplicity and awestruck by their applications. And you'll wonder how you survived for so long without some of them.

Unlock the full potential of your home’s interior with Trim Complete, the ultimate guide to mastering trim and molding projects like a seasoned professional.

This comprehensive resource provides you with all the information you need to add the perfect finishing touches that reflect your unique style.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or an experienced carpenter, Trim Complete is your essential guide to transforming your living space with stunning trim work. Dive in and discover how to create a home that showcases your personal style!

Key Features:

• In-Depth Guidance: With detailed instructions and over 800 step-by-step photos, expert carpenter Greg Kossow walks you through every conceivable trim project, from straightforward baseboards to intricate casings and crown moldings.
• Complex Techniques Simplified: Gain access to hard-to-find advice on creating custom moldings and tackle the challenges of complex crown molding projects with ease.
• Real-World Solutions: Kossow prepares you for real-life scenarios by sharing proven tips, techniques, and valuable trade secrets. You’ll learn how to anticipate challenges and develop strategies to solve problems that may arise during your projects.
• Expert Advice: With Trim Complete, you’ll gain insights that enable you to achieve professional-quality results, enhancing the inner beauty of your home with carefully crafted trim and molding.

Built-ins can make any house more functional, livable, personalized, and comfortable, and they cost much less to construct and install than a whole-room remodel. In this completely revised and updated edition of Built-Ins Idea Book, Heather J. Paper has collected inspirational and practical storage solutions for every room of the house. By reclaiming space that would otherwise go unused, built-ins offer a way to transform any house into a home.

The latest volume in Taunton's successful Idea Book series, Built-Ins Idea Book is packed with creative yet approachable ideas and is richly illustrated with 260 photographs, practical sidebars, and designs of all kinds that will appeal to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Whether your goal is adding seating to a nook or other small space, creating a mudroom in your entryway to keep messes at bay, or transforming a room into a multipurpose space, built-ins offer homeowners the chance to craft a home that is uniquely their own.

Carpentry covers every important facet of residential carpentry, from framing the mudsills, walls, floors, ceilings and roof to building stairs, cabinets and other built-ins, as well as basic finish carpentry skills such as interior trim carpentry and exterior siding.

For builders and remodelers, Carpentry has the best field-tested advice, tips, techniques and instruction on the most common carpentry jobs, from basic to advanced, all worked-out and written by the country's best carpenters in the business. This biggest volume ever in Taunton's For Pros By Pros series gives builders, remodelers and homeowners hard-to-find and spot-on accurate information on all key aspects of carpentry. All written by the country's best carpenters.

Empowering homeowners to tackle any storage project with confidence, Stanley Built-Ins and Storage, A Homeowner’s Guide by David Schiff is a comprehensive visual manual with authoritative, reliable information.

With an eye toward making optimal use of the space in their houses, homeowners look toward getting organized to save on frustration and time. The answer to their dilemma is contained within Stanley Built-Ins and Storage.

Backed by the Stanley brand, the book, with 550 photos and 20 illustrations, features step-by-step projects for the entry-level do-it-yourselfer for every room in the house – from the mudroom to the attic. Introductory chapters discuss tools, materials, and frequently used techniques. The highlight of Stanley Built-Ins and Storage is the instruction for 17 great projects for:

• living rooms, including a bookcase, corner cabinet, shelving, and window seat
• kitchens, including a rolling cart, toaster caddy/breadbox, and spice and wine racks
• bedrooms, including a closet and toy box
• mudrooms, including a coat hook with cubbies and a boot bench
• garages and attics, including shelves, garden tool rack, overhead storage, and a fold-down workstation

For Pros By Pros: Builder Tested / Code-Approved

Updated classic. Wiring a House: 5th Edition, is a must-have reference on home wiring – essential for homeowners, electricians, and apprentices. You'll find all the information is updated to the latest electrical code and contains significant revisions that impact residential work, including:

• Expanded AFCI and GFCI protection in homes
• New approaches to ensure the safety of photovoltaic (PV) electrical systems
• New methods to distribute low voltage power
• New DC provisions designed to save energy lost in conversion from AC

Written in plain language. Author Rex Cauldwell shares his wealth of experience in a simple, straightforward manner. He covers all the basics from idiot-proof advice on how to keep track of your tools — cart them in bins in a little red wagon — to the highly technical aspects of wiring, and tried-and-true industry tips.

Current and accurate information. Wiring a House is a comprehensive guide written by a master electrician with over 37 years of experience. An indispensable reference for keeping pros up-to-date, it also provides apprentices and homeowners an accessible reference with the latest information:

• 350 full-color photographs
• 120 instructive illustrations
• Plus information on lighting, inverters, and electrical vehicle chargers.

Building Kitchen Cabinets Made Simple by Gregory Paolini is the perfect guide for DIY enthusiasts looking to transform their kitchen with custom-built cabinets at a fraction of the cost.

With clear instructions and a companion DVD, this book simplifies the cabinet-making process, making it accessible for woodworkers of all skill levels.

Key features:

• Step-by-step instructions for building sturdy face-frame cabinets with frame-and-panel doors.
• Detailed guidance on drawing plans, constructing cabinet boxes, and installing them.
• High-quality visuals in both the book and DVD for enhanced learning.
• Expert tips on finishing techniques to achieve a professional look.

Watch. Learn. Build. That's the motto behind Taunton's Made Simple Series. Each DVD-book companion set shows the average homeowner how to get the job done right the first time. In Trim Made Simple, professional finish carpenter, Gary Katz shows on the DVD and in the work-site friendly companion book how to install all types of trim-- door and window casing, baseboard, chair rail, and crown molding. Each process is broken down into series of cant-fail steps. Based on his decades of experience, Katz also explains how to avoid pitfalls and what to do when things go wrong. This winning combination of how-to instruction will help any homeowner, no matter what their skill-level, get professional results.

Documents the structure of the world's greatest timber buildings, and shows how the framer's craft has evolved over the past 1,000 years.

English Historic Carpentry describes and illustrates all of the classes of structural carpentry known to the author in England, from Royal works to Vernacular buildings. Joinery techniques are illustrated as are structural devices and timber moldings. Hewett has developed and proved his theory from the 1960s regarding the identification and dating of historic buildings from their joinery techniques. This is the definitive book on the subject.

Rarely can a work on ancient methods of building construc­tion have had such a broad spectrum of interest as this magnum opus. Hewett's book is considered the seminal work on historic timber buildings and their construction. The great contribution that Cecil Hewett made to architectural history was his proof that the methods of assembling timber buildings, particularly the joints used, follow a strict historical sequence, as datable as ceramics.

The popularity of timber framed houses in the United States has been rapidly growing over the last ten years. This book will have a special appeal to all those interested in this type of construction because of the extensive joinery illustrations that Hewett has incorporated into the text. This is an in-depth discussion of timber framing and the historical progression of techniques used in the field.

The must-have pocket resource for professional builders and home handymen.

Every step of home building, from pouring the concrete foundation to nailing roof tiles, is addressed in this compact construction guide that is the perfect size for your shirt pocket. Each chapter contains a bevy of helpful tips and guidelines, including rafter formulas that show how to create roofs at different pitches, instructions for building stairs of various degrees, and even a guide to reading common blueprint symbols and abbreviations. The professional builder, amateur carpenter, and home handyman alike can find concise information on insulation, thermal efficiency, drywall, plywood, nails, interior finish, and cutting tools. Whether the project is replacing a window or building a home from scratch, this is a must-have resource.

Simple green roof design and installation for the do-it-yourself builder

Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings.

Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. Coverage includes:

• The benefits of a green roof
• The basics of planning and design
• Assessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loads
• Navigating building codes and working with building officials
• Material options, including professional grade and economical or local alternatives
• Planting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food production
• When to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrity
• Step-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailing
• Annual green roof maintenance.

Where common sense meets beauty — a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place.

Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof.

Design a rainwater harvesting system for any home in any climate.

Water is a crucial resource increasingly under stress. Yet rainfall, even in arid climates, can make up a sizable portion of any home, acreage, or farm's water requirements if harvested and utilized with care. The key is appropriate planning and high-quality site- and climate-specific design.

Essential Rainwater Harvesting is a comprehensive manual for designing, building, and maintaining water harvesting systems for the warm and cold climates of the world. Presenting design considerations and approaches for the most common household rainwater supply scenarios – primary, supplemental, and off-grid supply – this step-by-step approach covers:

• Considerations for full-property water security
• Demand planning and conservation strategies
• Supply calculations and design implications for extreme rainfall and drought
• Materials selection and water quality
• System and site assessment
• Sizing and design of gutters, conveyance, tanks, and pumps
• Pre-filtration, filtration, and disinfection options
• System maintenance and upkeep

This practical resource provides DIYers, trades, and rainwater practitioners with the essential tools, methods, and technical know-how to design, build, and maintain rainwater harvesting systems anywhere.

Rob Avis, P.Eng and Michelle Avis, P.Eng own and operate Adaptive Habitat, a leading edge property design firm for resilient homes, acreages, and farms and Verge Permaculture, a globally recognized award-winning education business. They have over 20 years of combined experience in project management, ecological design, and sustainable technologies, which they share at vergepermaculture.ca from their suburban house and yard that they've transformed into a model of cold climate urban permaculture in Calgary, Alberta.

Everything you need to know to build with rammed earth in warm and cold climates.

Rammed earth - sand, gravel, and clay or lime/cement binder packed into forms - is a low-energy, high-performance building method, yielding beautiful, sustainable results. It's thermally stable and can be insulated, can actively modulate humidity, provides a healthy indoor environment, and allows site materials to be used for major structural and building envelope elements.

Essential Rammed Earth Construction covers design, building science, tools, and step-by-step building methods for any climate, with a special emphasis on building in cold climates of the northern US, Canada, and northern Europe. Coverage includes:

• Overview of earthen building
• Appropriate use of rammed earth walls
• Stabilized versus raw rammed earth
• Design considerations, including structural, insulation, and building envelope details
• Special considerations for cold and freeze-thaw climates
• Construction drawings, with step-by-step building instructions
• Tools and labor covering industrial methods, low-tech techniques, formwork options, mix design, budgets, and schedules
• Codes, inspections, and permits.

This guide is an essential resource for experienced builders, DIY home owners, designers, engineers, and architects interested in learning about rammed earth construction.

A veritable cookbook of natural plaster recipes and techniques for beautiful, durable finishes

Natural plasters made of clay, lime, and other materials mixed with sand are beautiful building finishes. Fun to work with, low-impact, and allowing infinite creativity, they are high performance and provide proven, centuries-long durability.

Yet until now there's been no resource that has pulled together the best North American plaster recipes and how-to into one place. Essential Natural Plasters covers it all:

• Sourcing and selecting materials, including site-soils
• Clay, lime, and gypsum plasters as well as fibers and amendments
• Interior and exterior use and specialty plasters such as tadelakt for bathrooms
• Preparing substrates, from straw bales and cob to lath and Sheetrock
• How to set up a safe, efficient worksite
• Mixing, testing, tinting, repairing, and applying plasters
• Coveted recipes from leading plasterers in Ontario, Vermont, New Mexico, France, and New Zealand.

Richly illustrated and deeply researched, Essential Natural Plasters is the must-have resource for owner-builders and professionals alike.

Build economical and resilient earthbag structures using simple tools and techniques.

Earthbag construction- building with polypropylene bags usually filled with earthen materials- is a versatile, easy-to-master, low-impact, and highly durable form of building, suitable for structures from houses to root cellars.

Containing over 75 photos and illustrations, Essential Earthbag Construction is a practical guide to this affordable method of building. Going well beyond the scope of other sources, this indispensable manual is packed with all the information you need to determine if it's the right choice for your project, and to start building. Distilling decades of experience, research, and best practices, it covers:

• Material specifications, performance, and when and where to use it
• Pros and cons of different fills from gravel, to earth and clay, to insulative perlite, rice hulls, and volcanic stone
• Illustrated, step-by-step guidance for efficient bag filling and installation
• Details for various designs, including domes and arches
• Foundation options and seismic and stability considerations
• Finishing and maintenance techniques
• Tools and materials
• Additional resources.

Essential Earthbag Construction presents the practical guidance and best practices for both the DIYer and professional to design and build high-quality earthbag structures.

From wastestream to mainstream, a practical guide to composting toilet systems.

Composting toilets are a key feature for local resilience, money saving, water conservation, resource recovery, septic system replacement, and an improved bathroom experience in rural and urban buildings.

Essential Composting Toilets is a streamlined manual that takes a practical, how-to approach to composting toilet system selection, design, installation, and operation, while meeting universal health and safety objectives. Drawing from existing regulations and research, this book dispels myths and provides tools to assess various systems. It includes:

• Easily-understood drawings, plans, and photos
• Coverage of all main composting toilet systems
• Selection criteria including site considerations, urine separation pros/cons, renovations/new builds, ventilation, servicing, and composting details
• Design and installation details.

Offering a professional approach accessible to DIYers, homeowners, designers, building consultants, water conservation advocates, and regulators, Essential Composting Toilets provides key information for redesigning toilet systems anywhere in the world.

Cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact, and beautiful building method. Its durability and performance has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings in North America and Europe.

Yet until now, there has been no trusted, practical guide to cordwood construction using the material in a wide variety of construction projects.

Distilling decades of experience and best practices, Essential Cordwood Building is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step guide to cordwood building. Ideal for the DIYer and professional designer and builder alike, it covers:

• Wood species selection, log-end length, and seasoning
• Cement, lime putty, and cob mortar options
• Wall cavity insulation options
• Budgeting and estimating
• Highly illustrated, step-by-step building techniques
• Window and door frame installation
• Pointing and chinking, finishing, and plastering
• Special designs and decorative features
• Code references, compliance, building science, and best practices
• Troubleshooting and maintenance

Dreamers, owner-builders, natural and sustainable building contractors, modern homesteaders

Cordwood construction - log-ends set in insulated mortar - is a versatile, economical, low-impact, and beautiful building method. And while cordwood construction’s durability and performance has been proven in beautiful, centuries-old buildings in North America and Europe, there has been no trusted, practical and comprehensive book on cordwood construction methods using cordwood in a wide variety of cordwood masonry construction projects.

Distilling decades of experience, best practices, and innovations in cordwood construction, Essential Cordwood Building is the first fully illustrated, step-by-step comprehensive book on cordwood construction. Ideal for the DIYer, professional designer, and builder alike, this comprehensive book on cordwood construction covers:

• Wood species selection, log-end length, and seasoning
• New mortar options such as cement, lime putty, and cob mortar
• Wall cavity insulation options
• Budgeting and estimating for your cordwood construction
• Highly illustrated, step-by-step cordwood masonry construction methods and techniques
• Window and door frame installation
• Painting and chinking, finishing, and plastering your cordwood construction
• Special designs and decorative features
• Code references, code compliance, building science, and best practices for cordwood masonry construction methods
• Troubleshooting and maintenance.

Written by the world's leading sustainable builders, designers, and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information is key to success. GET THE ESSENTIALS!

Rob Roy is widely recognized as a world leading authority on cordwood masonry construction methods. Rob has authored and edited 15 books including Cordwood Building and Stoneview. He lives in West Chazy, New York.

From the author of The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy, an easy guide to solar electricity—everything you need to power your home or small business.

Written for the individual or business layman, this is the fully revised and updated guide for generating solar electricity. Practical and accessible, it provides a basic understanding of electricity, wiring, and solar energy. The book guides the reader through assessing your solar electricity site and determining the type of solar system needed for to generate solar electricity, providing you with a solid understanding of grid-tied and off-grid systems, along with important guidelines on installation.

Power from the Sun, 2nd Edition, discusses types of photovoltaic and photovoltaic solar energy systems, and includes comprehensive information on recent changes and improvements in PV modules, charge controllers, inverters, batteries, generators, and net metering policies. It offers an excellent overview of the many options available as a guide for generating solar electricity, allowing you to make the best choices for your individual situation during the design, installation, and operation of a solar energy system. This is the definitive layman’s guide for homeowners, business owners, installers, architects, and just about anyone interested in generating solar electricity to lower energy bills and achieve greater independence through solar energy.

“Dan Chiras is as reliable as a Swiss watch—once again he’s created a text that’s as accessible as it is informative.”—Ann Edminster, author of Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet

“Chiras makes it as easy as possible for you to affect your own transition away from fossil fuel dependence.”—Bruce King, PE Director, Ecological Building Network, and author of The New Carbon Architecture

There are so many reasons to update your living space. The exciting, creative process can quickly get out of hand if you are not ready for it. The Styleprint® Design System simplifies everything and helps you each step of the way. The Styleprint brings your unique design preferences to life by evaluating your space, identifying what exactly is not working for you, and then setting goals to improve it.

With the help of the Decor&You Styleprint Design system, you can create the living space of your dreams.

• How the race to conquer space influenced design development.
• The first comprehensive overview of the designs and designers of the Space Age.
• With revealing insights into the overall cultural echo in architecture, fashion and culture.

Using over 200 iconic and rare archive images, this authoritative volume explores the origins of the space race and its profound impact on design, architecture, fashion and culture. 

The launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of a new era for the world - the space age. The subsequent space race triggered an explosion of creative energy. Cars were given rocket-like tail fins. Airports looked like spaceships. Furniture became objects that seemed to anticipate the future. New materials changed the possibilities of design and there was an intense optimism and spirit of innovation in design, architecture, fashion, music and art. Revolutionary products seduced consumers with the idea of how to live in this new era of space travel. 

This is the story of space age design - the result of a generation of designers, architects and creatives reaching their peak during a cultural and technological revolution. From the iconic works of Eero Saarinen, Pierre Paulin and Verner Panton to rare images from the NASA archives, Space Age Design is a gateway to the bygone world of glittering mid-century exuberance and a recontextualization of the most innovative designers of the modern era.

Among lovers of interior architecture and design, there is hardly a book that is as eagerly awaited year after year as this wonderful illustrated book: The Andrew Martin Interior Design Review vol. 28 is more than just a coffee table book with extraordinary insights into the world of interior design! Among design and interior architecture fans, the photo book is considered the "bible of interior design" according to the Times. More than 1.000 glamorous photos on over 500 pages allow interior design enthusiasts to indulge in the trends in interior architecture, decoration and design with this fascinating illustrated book. 

Current style trends and award-winning design highlights in an opulent illustrated book 

Anyone who appreciates style cannot do without the latest issue of Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Vol. 28: Whether minimalism and Scandi-chic, colourful, vibrant and unconventional boho style or luxury with a touch of decadence - this magnificent illustrated book showcases the crème de la crème of design trends, top designers and interior design must-haves. Unique insights into private living spaces as well as trendy restaurants, cafés and shops will inspire design newcomers and interior design professionals alike. Every year, Andrew Martin also presents the winners of the "Designer of the Year" awards - brilliant, inspiring and unique in the world of interior design.

Coffee table book, style guide and creative compendium in one 

Martin Waller, interior design guru and founder of the design institution Andrew Martin, has been honouring the "Designer of the Year" since 1996 and provides inspiration to millions of people worldwide with his compendium of design trends. Anyone who wants to be informed about the latest style trends in decoration and furnishing will find their most important home accessory here: The first-class Coffee Table Book is inspiration, a style bible and a "who's who" of interior design all in one!

Capture the Japanese-meets-Scandi trend with in-depth practical advice on how to use colour, texture, lighting and more, all accompanied by images of gorgeous interiors and inspirational showpiece homes.

A fusion of functional Eastern minimalism with clean Scandi cosiness, the japandi interior style creates a tranquil home with its focus on warmth, simplicity, natural elements and muted colours. Elements such as bamboo, wood and stone, along with clean lines and uncluttered spaces make a restful environment. With a historical overview of the decor, and illustrated with examples of notable interiors and key elements of lighting, furniture, colour palette, texture and textile, Japandi offers practical advice on how to recreate the look in your own home.

With a historical overview of the decor, and illustrated with examples of notable interiors and key elements of lighting, furniture, colour palette, texture and textile, the book offers practical advice on how to recreate the look in your own home.

Award-winning journalist, color blogger and shelfie fanatic Martha Roberts shows you how to source, sort and arrange your belongings into stylish shelfies for home and workspace.

An interesting response to the clutter-clearing movement has been 'the shelfie' as a decorating trend and social media phenomenon. What started as a label for beautiful bookshelves is now applied to artfully stylish arrangements of collectables, flowers, photos, crafting ephemera, perfume bottles - and of course books. And shelfies don't just appear on shelves but also on tabletops, fireplaces and desks. At a time when we own six times more objects than our parents did, and move house more often, decluttering, and then curating our possessions stylishly, is an important way of having a dedicated space that is a 'little bit of us', injecting stylish personality into the home and workplace. In the first book on the subject, Martha Roberts explores the art of creating great shelfies, explaining color, scale and composition then showing inspiring shelfies in every room in the house, from the kitchen to the bedroom, the home office to a hallway, allowing you to declutter your surroundings without throwing away the things you love in the ultimate form of self-expression. The book's photographer, Nick Pope, took the photographs for At Home with Plants, also published by Mitchell Beazley.

• Standard work published annually with 1,000 images of extraordinary design trends

• Numerous ideas for inspiration-seeking beginners, passionate enthusiasts and professional interior designers

• Named the "bible of the interior design world" by The Times

His Interior Design Review, the definitive standard work, unmatched in its variety and broad range of topics, is now being published in its 26th edition. One hundred designers, 500+ pages, 1,000 photographs — such is the opulent presentation of the latest interior trends in this magnificent coffee table book. With its special arrangement, the latest edition is once again a feast for the eyes of design lovers who want to unleash their creativity.

Artist and designer Luke Edward Hall, based in London, has taken the design world by storm with his playful, nostalgic, charming, and sophisticated interiors, fabrics, ceramics, furniture, stationery, prints, drawings, and paintings.

With a strong belief that his artwork, décor, and interior design convey “happiness and optimism,” whimsical and romantic themes and a bright color palette are purposeful hallmarks of the wunderkind’s aesthetic. Before the age of 30, Hall has already collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious creative brands and garnered acclaim from The New York Times, Vogue, and many of the most influential arts, design, and fashion publications. teNeues is proud to debut the exciting, beautiful, and exuberant first monograph of the brilliant Luke Edward Hall.

After graduating from the esteemed Central Saint Martins, Luke Edward Hall began his career in interior design before establishing his own studio in 2015, and has since worked across a broad range of art and design commissions and interior design projects. He has expanded his portfolio to design collections of housewares, table linens, ceramics, stationery, embroidered slippers, clothing, and jewelry, and more. Burberry, Liberty London, Svenskt Tenn, Rowing Blazers, Christie’s, and the Royal Academy of London are among his notable clientele. Hall has exhibited his artwork in London and Stockholm and contributed art pieces and his writings to such lauded culture magazines as Cabana, House & Garden, and Pleasure Garden. He is currently a regular columnist for the House & Home section of the Financial Times.

• The standard book for decoration and interior design: Andrew Martin, "Interior Design Review" in the 27th edition.
  
  
• "The bible of interior design" - by the British Times

The annual classic shows the design trends in the hottest interior design styles. From minimalist Scandinavian to charming Boho, to decadent, bright and colourful, Martin Waller presents not only houses and flats but also restaurants, cafés and office spaces designed by the leading top designers around the world in this lavishly designed illustrated book. Interior Design Review Vol. 27 is an inspiration for everyone who is passionate about interior design. On more than 500 pages, the beautifully designed coffee-table book presents trends on the subject of furnishing and design in more than 1.000 photographs. Everything is shown that meets the high standards of Martin Waller, founder of the designer brand "Andrew Martin", as an impulse for his own designer brand.

A highlight of the illustrated book is once again the presentation of the "Designer of the Year", who Martin Waller selects together with his team and presents in his book. 
If you are looking for a coffee-table book that combines hip trends in home decorating with style, "Interior Design Review Vol. 27" is perfect for you. A great read that offers many ideas for designing your own four walls or is simply for those who enjoy looking at beautifully designed rooms.

Expansive, sun-drenched spaces, unobstructed views to the outdoors and easy-going comfort - coastal design captures the spirit and escapism of seaside living.

Illustrated with breathtaking interiors and inspirational showpiece homes, Interior Style: Coastal traces the evolution of the aesthetic from the white villas of the Riviera to the California Look of the USA's West Coast. With in-depth professional advice on how to use elements such as colour, texture and pattern, you will discover how to bring the tranquillity of coastal life into your home.

Calling ALL Junkers! Sue Whitney is back with a brand-new collection of gorgeous and green decorating projects! Through her popular website, www.junkmarketstyle.com, and numerous TV appearances, the Junkmarket gals have taught legions of devotees how to beautify their homes with tossed-away treasures.

In their latest junk journey, Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition, Sue Whitney and friends tastefully transform patios, porches, pools, outdoor kitchens, meditation gardens, camping retreats, and much more. Each fun-filled chapter details a wealth of style options, project how-tos, and entertaining tips and trade secrets.

There is a wide variety of flooring options available -- wood, tile and stone, laminate, resilient vinyl, bamboo, and cork -- and Installing Floors shows homeowners how to lay them all like a pro. In this new title from the successful Build Like A Pro series, contractor and experienced author Joseph Truini covers the subject in great detail; he walks readers through the process of installation -- made attainable through more than 350 step-by-step photos and illustrations -- and explains the benefits and unique properties of different materials. Like previous titles in the series, this book delivers on its promise of, "expert advice from start to finish."

Readers simply cannot get enough of Sarah Susanka. Homeowners are certain to embrace this new collection of articles by the best-selling author and visionary residential architect who sparked a movement toward “better, not bigger” homes. Practical solutions abound in this creative reference – everything from how to use color and unify an interior with trim to finding space for an “away room” and designing a laundry room that works. Susanka poses – and clearly answers – such questions as “How much space do you really need?” and “Where does the garage belong?” Written in her engaging conversational style and illustrated with her own inviting sketches, More Not So Big Solutions for Your Home is a collection of attainable home improvements is a valuable addition to any smart and thoughtful homeowner’s library.

Unlock the secrets to building high-quality, affordable homes with this thoroughly updated version of the classic Building an Affordable House. This comprehensive guide is perfect for builders, developers, and homeowners looking to maximize their construction or remodeling budget without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, this book provides the tools and knowledge you need to achieve high-value, low-cost results. Transform your construction projects with strategies that balance marketability, quality, and affordability.

Key Features:

• Cost-Saving Techniques: Discover insider methods used by top homebuilders to save thousands on construction costs.
• Budget-Friendly Design: Learn how to add curb appeal and functionality without breaking the bank.
• Sustainable Practices: Incorporate eco-friendly building techniques that benefit both the environment and your wallet.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: Detailed instructions on everything from foundations to finishes, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.
• Expert Insights: Benefit from the author’s 30 years of experience in the construction industry, with practical tips and real-world examples.

It's a detailed roadmap that takes the speculation out of building and provides the builder with an elusive commodity in the construction industry: peace of mind. Plus, keeping sustainability at the forefront of building decisions isn’t simply good for the environment—it’s good for the homeowner’s bottom line.

This second edition of Building an Affordable House provides an updated sensibility to the building decisions every homeowner must make in today’s challenging construction environment, whether building a brand-new house or renovating one they love.

Woodworkers are always looking for ways to make their workshops function better for them. Dedicated workstations make woodworking more efficient. For space-challenged woodworkers, modular systems allow the benefits of a well-equipped shop in a minimum of space. This book shows how to apply the workstation approach to the shop and how to store and protect your valuable tools.

Elevate your construction skills with Framing Roofs, the essential reference guide for both professionals and passionate DIY enthusiasts.

This extensively revised edition features a fresh design and updated content, compiling the latest roof framing articles from the pages of Fine Homebuilding magazine.

With contributions from seasoned professionals who have written for Fine Homebuilding, Framing Roofs equips you with the knowledge you need to tackle roofing projects with confidence and efficiency. Transform your approach to roofing and achieve exceptional results on every job!

Key Features:

• Expert Insights: Learn from respected builders across America as they share hard-earned, job-tested advice on a wide range of topics, including cutting rafters, framing roof valleys, building dormers, and working with roof trusses.
• Safety First: Since roofing can be both complicated and hazardous, this book emphasizes safety practices to ensure you work with speed and precision while minimizing risk.
• Comprehensive Techniques: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious amateur, discover the impressive variety of tools, techniques, and trade secrets necessary for successful roof framing.
• Rich Heritage: Since its inception in 1981, Fine Homebuilding has provided rock-solid information and inspiration to those passionate about quality home improvement and construction, with a readership of 300,000 dedicated builders and DIYers.

Installing your own tiling may seem daunting for do-it-yourselfers, but with Stanley Tiling: A Homeowner’s Guide you will be able to finish the job like a professional.

All entry-level DIYers can master the techniques with this comprehensive visual guide that offers authoritative and reliable information to empower homeowners to tackle any tiling project with confidence. And with tiling among the most popular projects undertaken by homeowners, Stanley Tiling: A Homeowner’s Guide is an essential manual for DIYers.

For years, the Stanley company and all of its do-it-yourself guides have been giving homeowners the tools to complete tasks with ease and perfection. In Stanley Tiling: A Homeowner’s Guide, author Joseph Truini explains how to choose tile, tools, and materials and then gives DIYers step-by-step, illustrated instructions on tiling:

• kitchen, bathroom and wood-plank floors
• showers and tub surrounds
• fireplace walls
• backsplashes
• tables
• mirrors with mosaic glass

In today's home decor, matched furniture is out and individuality is king. Whether these pieces are coming from a flea market, vintage fair, attic, or thrift shop, transforming them into one-of-a-kind home accents takes only a little DIY creativity and attitude. In Junk Beautiful: Furniture ReFreshed, author and "Queen of Junk" Sue Whitney provides inspiration for reimagining and refashioning vintage pieces into truly unique furniture and accessories.

• 30 projects presented here include clear, concise step-by-step instruction and photographs 
• Requiring little to no skill to create and capable of being completed in a weekend or less, the projects are arranged based on where they will appear in the home
• An introductory section on techniques, tools, and supplies lays the groundwork for the woodworking, painting, staining, and crafting that will transform these items
  
• A shopper's guide presents tips and advice for selecting and collecting items to incorporate into your home.

Back by popular demand, these classic woodworking titles from Fine Woodworking magazine are filled with first-rate information that is as timeless now as it was when first published.

Here are hundreds of practical, hard-won methods of working that cover every aspect of home construction and remodeling. If you're the handy person around your home, you'll relish this unique collection.

No building job, whether new construction, renovation, or remodeling, is exactly like any other. Nor does building ever go precisely according to plan. That's why builders have to improvise solutions by relying on their ingenuity and experience. And with the job well done, few can resist the urge to share the insight that made it all work out. The "Tips & Techniques" column in Fine Homebuilding magazine is the pre-eminent forum where builders exchange job-site lore.

The editors of Fine Homebuilding magazine have organized all this valuable advice into this handy volume. You'll find extensive sections on tools, layout and measuring, foundations and masonry, rough carpentry, roofs, floors, drywall, trim carpentry, doors and windows, built-ins, and even painting.

Some of these pointers are basic advice to the novice and some are for the more experienced craftsperson. But they've all been tested and proven on the job. This is advice you can really use.

Even if you’re the most entry-level do-it-yourselfer, you will find Stanley Trim: A Homeowner’s Guide to be a comprehensive guide that offers authoritative, reliable information to empower you to tackle any trim carpentry project with confidence.

Chock full with 600 photographs. Author Steve Cory guides the homeowner toward installing window or door trim, upgrading baseboard and crown molding, and running wainscoting in various styles, including Colonial, Arts and Crafts and Victorian. Twenty-five fabulous trim projects are illustrated for every room in the house.

The book also explains:

• materials
• tools and techniques
• wall treatments

Backed by the Stanley name. Stanley is recognized as one of the most trusted tool companies in the world, so you can be sure you've got the right tool for the job.

In Home by Design, Sarah Susanka presents the 30 key design concepts that can be applied to any home - no matter what the style or size. Using 28 of the best designed homes from around the country, Susanka brings these concepts to life with 150 powerful and inspirational examples: from something as simple as placing a rug under a table to renovating a whole second floor. Home by Design shows homeowners a new way to look at their spaces and provides ideas for how to make each home reach its full potential.

Elevate your construction skills with the updated and expanded edition of Framing Floors, Walls & Ceilings.

This essential guide, part of the acclaimed For Pros By Pros series, offers comprehensive advice on framing techniques for floors, walls, and ceilings.

Whether you’re a professional builder or a serious DIY enthusiast, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the art of framing. The editors of Fine Homebuilding bring decades of experience and expertise, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to tackle any framing project with confidence.

What’s Inside:

• Expert Techniques: Learn from the best with builder-tested methods and trade secrets from top professionals in the field.
• Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guidance on framing fundamentals, including advanced techniques for curved walls and cathedral ceilings.
• Energy Efficiency: Discover the latest practices for building energy-smart walls and improving overall home efficiency.
• Comprehensive Coverage: From managing job-site conditions to selecting the right materials, this book covers all aspects of framing.
• Visual Aids: Over 350 color photographs and 50 instructive illustrations provide clear, visual explanations of each technique.

Master the essential skills for building strong and durable foundations with Foundations & Concrete Work, a comprehensive guide from the experts at Fine Homebuilding.

Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this invaluable resource covers every aspect of foundation and concrete work with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and detailed illustrations.

Whether you're pouring a simple slab or constructing a full basement, Foundations & Concrete Work is your ultimate guide to strong, durable, and expertly built foundations.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive foundation guide: Learn how to plan, pour, and finish concrete foundations, footings, slabs, and retaining walls, ensuring long-lasting stability for any structure.
• Step-by-step instructions: Clear and detailed guidance on pouring concrete, laying block foundations, waterproofing, and handling drainage, allowing you to tackle projects with confidence.
• Expert advice: The experienced editors of Fine Homebuilding provide insider tips and proven techniques for avoiding common mistakes and achieving professional results.
• Visual illustrations and photos: Hundreds of diagrams, photos, and charts break down complex processes into easy-to-understand steps, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned builders.
• Up-to-date methods and materials: Stay current with the latest inconcrete technology, from mixing methods to the newest innovations in concrete reinforcement and waterproofing.

One of the first things you do when you remodel or move into a new home is change the curtains. After all, new window treatments easily, quickly, and inexpensively transform a room. They turn an outdated room into one you want to spend time in, and they make a cold space feel warm and inviting. In the style of the best-selling Idea Books, Window Treatments Idea Book offers the latest ideas for decorating all types of windows, from standard to custom. More than 350 photos provide inspiration for all rooms in the house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, bedroom to family room and study. Recognizing that consumers also want to make easy enhancements to readily available window treatments and hardware, the inspiration is peppered with practical advice on how to quickly modify off-the-shelf window treatments and design tricks for hanging them. The breadth of information makes this book the one source homeowners need when picking out window treatments.
The authors' combined years of experience have allowed them to select photos of the most popular window treatment styles as well as to provide ideas for dealing with challenging windows--bays, bows, and the like. Unique features of the book include showing one window treatment style in three different looks and quick and easy ideas for instant style.
Whether you're looking to update an existing space or are starting from scratch in a new home or newly designed addition, you'll find all the inspiration and know-how you need to create the windows of your dreams.
Window Treatments Idea Book should be a goldmine for consumers because it shows so many styles of window treatments, particularly for large, odd-shaped, and custom windows soprevalent today, in photos. What the reader gets is a wide range of window treatments in the context of every room in the house. There is also a one-page reference in the front of the book that lists each room in the house with the page number of treatments that are shown in those room contexts.

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House by John Carroll is the definitive course in residential construction. This comprehensive guide combines detailed illustrations with expert instruction, making it an essential reference for builders, carpenters, and homeowners alike.

Covering every aspect of house building from foundation to finishing touches, this book is designed to eliminate guesswork and avoid costly mistakes.

With The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House in hand, you’ll be fully equipped with reliable information and clear visuals, empowering you to take on the challenges of residential construction confidently.

Key Features:

• Thorough Coverage: Learn every step of the building process, including foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roofing, and finishing touches.

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the combined expertise of builder-author John Carroll and illustrator Chuck Lockhart, who together bring over 65 years of experience in the building trades.

• Detailed Illustrations: Over 1,200 full-color drawings clearly depict each process, providing visual aids that enhance understanding and execution.

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Each section includes expert step-by-step guidance, ensuring that you know exactly what needs to be done at every critical stage of construction.

• User-Friendly Format: This easy-to-navigate guide allows you to quickly find the information you need, making your building project more manageable.

More than 80% of the homes in North America are roofed with asphalt shingles. Whether you're shingling your own house or tackling roofs every day, Roofing with Asphalt Shingles will help you improve the production, appearance, and quality of your finished product from eaves to ridge. Installing an asphalt roof isn't the most difficult task you'll face, but improper installation can lead to costly interior damage. Avoid those worries with clear and complete instructions from author and custom builder Mike Guertin.

In Roofing with Asphalt Shingles you'll find details on:

• planning, estimating, and ordering materials
• calculating and installing adequate roof ventilation
• preparing a roof deck for shingles
• installing shingles quickly and accurately
• flashing critical roof-to-roof and roof-to-wall connections
• stripping and reshingling old roofs

In seven simple steps, the clear, complete directions in this book and companion DVD give you everything you need to create a customized concrete countertop that's functional and attractive.

If building a concrete countertop doesn't strike you as a traditional home improvement project, you're right. But the detailed advice and step-by-step illustrations Concrete Countertops Made Simple, plus valuable demonstrations on the DVD, will help you create a flawless countertop in just two weeks —all with basic tools and materials.

For a fraction of the price you'd pay for granite, marble or any artificial material like Corian, you can make a beautiful concrete countertop to suit any décor. And by taking a complicated process and making it so utterly simple, best-selling author Fu-Tung Cheng makes your job enjoyable, affordable and rewarding.

A yearning for smaller homes...simpler times! Architect and renowned “cabinologist” Dale Mulfinger rekindles our love of the iconic American cabin in Back to the Cabin. This latest book picks up where his best seller, The Cabin, left off, engaging readers with fresh insights and strategies for designing a contemporary cabin with all the charm of yesteryear.

Renewing America’s long love affair with cabins. From rustic bungalows to log cabins, the bare-bones getaway house provides families with a sense of freedom from the everyday and the camaraderie of living close in shared spaces. In stark contrast to today’s hi-tech world, cabin living is uncomplicated and basic – another reason spurring interest in these cozy shelters.

A collection of 37 cabins – all different, all appealing. These cabins recapture an old-world spirit of simple living, when the mudroom was entry enough for all and burning wood was for more than just ambiance. Others are more surprising – the “new” cabin that blends old-time simplicity with modern must-haves, cabins that come packaged as kits, cabins built from recycled materials, and others that are “just for fun.”

In this invaluable guide, America's most accomplished carpenters and woodworkers share their insights and advice on building durable cabinets, stylish built-ins, and functional shelves that elevate any space.

This comprehensive collection features 25 expertly crafted articles from Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines. With this guide, you'll have all the knowledge and techniques you need to enhance your home with beautiful built-ins, cabinets, and shelves.

The basics section covers essential information about plywood, lumber, glue-ups, and safety tips for sawing, making it a great starting point for any project.

Key Features:

• Create a Cozy Breakfast Nook: Transform your kitchen by building a charming breakfast nook, island, or pantry that enhances both functionality and aesthetics.
• Maximize Bedroom Storage: Learn how to add clever storage solutions to your bed, ensuring your bedroom remains organized and clutter-free.
• Design a Stunning Vanity: Construct the perfect vanity for your bathroom, combining practicality with style to create a welcoming space.
• Build a Country Hutch: Make a beautiful country hutch in your kitchen that adds character and storage.
• Add Versatile Shelving: Explore creative ways to incorporate shelves or cabinets into any room, making the most of your available space.

Oak-framed projects stand the test of time. The longevity of the mighty oak trees that grow for centuries is echoed in Oak-Framed Buildings – they are here to stay and so are these oak-framed buildings! Newly updated, this classic title is ideal for carpenters, builders, aspiring DIYers, and anyone who appreciates beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly structures.

Revised and fully up-to-date. Oak-Framed Buildings has been substantially revised to bring the book completely up-to-date and in compliance with current building technology. It combines traditional building techniques with modern materials and installation methds, resulting in solid buildings with a high standard of energy efficiency. It covers all this and more:

• Practical information about the history of timber framing
• Structural qualities of oak
• How-to get started
• Techniques of timber-frame construction
• Designing frames
• Making and raising frames
• The building envelope
• Finishing details and much more

Beautifully photographed. The structural details are clearly explained through:

• 180 stunning full-color photographs of structures in various stages of construction 
• 90 three-dimensional illustrations

The best of yesterday and tomorrow.  Oak-Framed Buildingsis an amazing melding of centuries-old techniques with 21st century environmental and energy-saving standards – an essential resource for pros and non-pros alike.

Since its founding in 1976, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 255,000 houses for more than one million people and families in need world wide. First published in 2002, Habitat for Humanity How to Build a House has helped thousands more build simple, energy-efficient homes of their own by helping guide them from foundation to roof, through all interior finishes and fixtures.

Written by long-time carpenter and Habitat volunteer, Larry Haun, this extensive revision features up-to-date information on residential codes, construction methods, and materials -- as well as an updated design inside and out. Haun also provides new sections on tools, siding, ventilation, and landscaping. With clear information on everything from obtaining a site and permit to finishing touches like installing door locks and cabinets, this is the best single-volume resource for the beginning homebuilder.

Elevate your outdoor living space with All New Building Decks, the completely updated edition of the bestselling classic from the experts at Fine Homebuilding.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing deck or build the outdoor oasis of your dreams, this comprehensive guide is packed with the latest tips, advice, and projects to help you successfully tackle your deck-building project from start to finish.

With the site-tested techniques that Fine Homebuilding is renowned for, All New Building Decks equips you with everything you need to build a safe, secure, and beautiful deck that enhances your home and lifestyle.

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the collective wisdom of seasoned professionals who share their best practices and insider tips on deck construction, ensuring your project is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This edition walks you through every crucial aspect of deck building, including:
  • Tools and Materials: Discover everything you need from hardware to fasteners, flashing to finishes, equipping you with the knowledge to choose the right components for your deck.
  • Deck Design: Explore creative design ideas, whether you want a small but elegant deck, a porch with a roof, or a layout that takes advantage of your natural surroundings, complete with decorative inlays and innovative lighting solutions.
  • Deck Framing: Understand the fundamentals of loads, footings, and frame construction, including how to reinforce an old deck for safety. Avoid common pitfalls with a rundown of the “Top 10 Deck-Building Mistakes.”
• Visual Inspiration: With over 400 photographs and illustrations, this guide offers visual guidance that will inspire you and help simplify complex concepts through a clear, step-by-step approach.
• Additional Features: Gain quick access to essential information on railings, stairs, benches, planters, decorative borders, custom sizing, and more, making it easier than ever to create the deck you envision.

Build your own home with confidence and expertise using Habitat for Humanity: How to Build a House, a practical and accessible guide by veteran builder Larry Haun.

This revised and updated edition offers step-by-step instructions and professional insights, making home construction more approachable for volunteers, DIYers, and aspiring builders alike.

Whether you're working on a Habitat for Humanity project or building your own house, this comprehensive manual covers every essential aspect of home construction.

Habitat for Humanity: How to Build a House is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to contribute to a building project or take on the challenge of constructing their own home.

Key Features:

• Step-by-step guidance: Learn every stage of home building, from site preparation and laying the foundation to framing, roofing, siding, and finishing touches.
• Expert advice from a pro: Larry Haun, with decades of experience in construction and working with Habitat for Humanity, provides easy-to-understand instructions along with insider tips and best practices for quality workmanship.
• Illustrations and diagrams: Packed with detailed illustrations, photos, and diagrams, the book breaks down complex processes into simple, manageable tasks that anyone can follow.
• Updated methods and materials: Reflecting the latest in construction techniques and sustainable building practices, this updated edition includes information on energy-efficient materials and eco-friendly building methods.
• Perfect for volunteers and DIY builders: Whether you're volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or building your own home, this book is designed for those who want to learn how to construct a durable, affordable house with minimal experience.

Unlock your potential as a carpenter with The Very Efficient Carpenter: Basic Framing for Residential Construction by Larry Haun.

With over 35 years of production framing experience and two decades of teaching apprentices, Haun shares invaluable techniques for framing a basic house efficiently.

This book provides a step-by-step guide through essential processes, from laying down sills to cutting rafters, ensuring you master the craft of residential construction.

The Very Efficient Carpenter is your complete course in basic framing, designed to improve your efficiency and proficiency in residential construction.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Techniques: Learn the intricacies of cutting and installing posts and girders, joisting, sheathing, and framing various roof types including gable, hip, valley, and truss roofs.
• Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step instructions guide you through the entire framing process, making it accessible for both novices and experienced carpenters.
• Stair Construction: Gain insights into building various types of stairs, enhancing your skills in this essential aspect of carpentry.
• Foundational Knowledge: The opening chapter covers crucial topics like tools, plans, codes, permits, lumber, and materials, ensuring you have a solid foundation before diving into framing.
• Safety First: Additional safety tips and site-built tool information are woven throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of a secure working environment.

The mere thought of "cottage" puts the mind at ease, as a cottage is where life is simple, comforting, and true.

Katie Hutchison's The New Cottage explores how our favorite home is changing to suit living today:

• Ten design strategies that characterize captivating cottages are introduced.
• 25 case study examples showcase today's updated take on the classic cottage, with visual icons throughout to serve as a reminder of which strategies are in use where.

Whether new or remodeled, storybook or modern, permanent home or vacation getaway, cottages are perennial favorites full of romance, simplicity, and endless appeal.

“Every aspect of creating a beautiful, sensible, and healthy home is explored and demonstrated with elegance and clarity.” —Martin Hammer, architect, co-director, Builders Without Borders

An EcoNest is not just a home—it is a breathtakingly beautiful structure that nurtures health and embraces ecology. This unique approach to construction combines light straw clay, timber framing, earthen floors, natural plasters, and other natural techniques with the principles of Building Biology to create a handcrafted living sanctuary. By bringing together time-honored traditions and modern innovations, owners of EcoNests enjoy living spaces that reflect the best of both worlds.

The EcoNest Home is an in-depth exploration of the benefits of choosing this technique over conventional alternatives, combined with a complete practical guide for prospective designers and builders. Authors Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte draw on their own extensive experience to provide:

• A detailed explanation of the nature-based science behind EcoNests
• Fully-illustrated, step-by-step instructions to guide you through construction
• Dozens of inspiring photos of completed projects

The most comprehensive, North American resource on light straw clay construction, written by its leading proponents, The EcoNest Home is a must-read for anyone considering building their own healthy, affordable, environmentally friendly, natural home.

“A great new book for the ecological designer, builder and homeowner.” —Sukita Ray Crimmel, coauthor of Earthen Floors

“The EcoNest Home is made from well designed, sophisticated techniques rooted in simplicity. This book demonstrates the outstanding results that arise to their steadfast commitment to creating healthy, natural homes.” —Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce, authors of Using Natural Finishes

A comprehensive guide to building green on any budget.

According to conventional wisdom, building a green home is an expensive endeavor. The standard approach treats green as an add-on, tacking "premium" products, finishes, and equipment onto a traditional home design. As a result, many green home projects end up over budget or fail to achieve their environmental and performance goals.

Green Home Building explodes the myth that green homes have to cost more. Using proven methods based on applied building science, the authors show how to:

• Lower base construction costs to provide funding for high performance upgrades
• Achieve a net-zero energy home, including "zero-ing" water, waste, carbon, and associated costs within fifteen years
• Live affordably into the future, despite anticipated rising costs for fuel, water, materials, taxes, and health care

This comprehensive guide to building green on any budget defines the strategies that maximize the return on green investments. Written for anyone who has ever been swayed by the argument that the price tag limits how green a home can be, Green Home Building is a must-read for builders, contractors, architects, designers, and homeowners.

Miki Cook is a green building and sustainability consultant who has dedicated her career to educating contractors and the public on the strategies, methods, and benefits of green homes.

Doug Garrett has trained thousands of homebuilders, architects, and sub-contractors to build energy-efficient homes using applied building science to improve comfort, durability, and healthfulness while meeting or exceeding the energy code.

This practical guide to mural painting explains all the key techniques and design styles you need so that you can get creative in your own home and start 'unsaming' your walls.

Murals are a fantastic way to breathe new life into an interior or exterior space. Mural painting is perfect for creating a particular theme in a room, livening up a boring corner of your home and personalising a child's bedroom with their favourite characters. It can also be used to spruce up corridors, hallways and stairwells and other areas of our homes which often get forgotten about.

This practical guide to mural painting explains all the essential techniques for getting started including what kind of paints and brushes to use, how to work on various wall surfaces and how to prepare the surface area before painting in order to get the best results.

Authors Clara Wilkinson and Mary West, outline the practicalities you need to consider when you are planning a mural such as how much light the area receives and how will it fit in the desired space. They also look at where to find inspiration sources, how to use colour in your work and how different styles of painting suit certain locations.

One of the most challenging elements to creating a mural is how to transfer your ideas from paper onto a wall or ceiling and how to ‘scale up’ the design. The authors explore various techniques for transferring mural designs including the traditional grid method and their own innovative ‘doodle grid’ method.

Murals offer an exciting opportunity to try out different styles of painting: abstract graphic, painterly and linear are all styles that are looked at in this collection. These painting techniques are explored using step-by-step photography and there is advice on how to combine different techniques to create stunning results.

The authors take us on a tour of some of their most exciting wall art and murals and explain, using step-by-step instructions and photography, how you can achieve similar results by either using their design templates or learning how to create your own. Each of these projects is based on a particular theme including Chinoisserie, graphic botanical, celestial, tropical jungle, linear abstract, florals and a painterly abstract design. Just choose your favourite and get started!