Deck Designs: Plus Railings, Planters, Benches

by Steve Cory, Timothy O. Bakke (Editor)

Deck Designs, Plus Railings, Planters, Benches , is a combination idea and how-to book that contains 25 deck designs, plus general design information, for those contemplating building a deck. For homeowners, one of the most challenging aspects of building a deck is choosing a design that works for both the family and the yard where the deck will be installed. To help generate ideas, Creative Homeowner presents the best designs from four of the top deck designer/builders in the country. Their designs are shown in photos and renderings, as well as floor plans and details. Amenities like overhead structures, railings, benches, and planters are also detailed.

Genres: Construction, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking and Crafts
Includes 51Culinary Herbs & Spices, 25 Recipes, and 18 Crafts (Creative Homeowner) Plant Profiles and Gardening How-To
Kim Roman
Herbs have many uses besides cooking. They can be used for wellness and medicinal purposes, cleaning and a number of other purposes. The art of growing herbs is good for you, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. There is a difference between Herbs and Spices. Leaves are an herb where rest of the plant is a spice. You should also know which plants are annuals, there are hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals and tender annuals. Perennial plants can be hardy perennials, half-hardy perennials and tender perennials. There are also biennial plants. You will need to be aware of your plant hardiness zone and frost dates. You will need to check the pH of your soil. There are several methods for growing herbs: raised beds, classic row garden, back to Eden gardening, lasagna gardening, and Hugelkultur. My favorite method is raised beds or patio gardening. Among the methods of raised beds there is the Square Foot method, Mittleider gardening, and Herb Spiral. My method is closer to the container garden. I like to raise my garden on my deck. You can also use the Hydroponic method. I have attempted the vertical garden but did not have much luck. I wish I had a green house to extend my growing season.
The first step in raising herbs is planning, then comes the planting. Usually, you will start with seeds as that is the more economical method. My favorite herbs are lavender, basil, chives, dill, lemon balm, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, thyme, garlic, ginger, and one of my favorites and my husband’s least favorite, dandelion. That’s right dandelions are herbs.
I have only touched on a few of the things discussed in this book. I found this book educational and interesting.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy to review. My reviews are always my personal opinion.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always wanted an herb garden but I have yet to figure out how to keep it growing for longer than a month or two. Kim Roman has educated this gardener on what I was doung wrong and what I need to do to change my outcome....and save me time, money and frustration. Her guidance is clear and easily understood without needing to be a botanist. I'm so happy I found her book. Now I need to share it with my fellow herb gardeners in training.

[Robbie Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

These decks would be good for mansions or people with a lot of land.

[Martha]

4th edition went way upscale

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive book regarding herbs/spices including terminology as well as details from seeds to use. The book is definitively one to add to your library if you are interested in gardening and cooking. Includes recipes and gift giving ideas.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the opportunity.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent pictures, but worth the price on the cover of $1. I would only recommend this book if you hav a very large space for a deck. Very few of the smaller designs are shown and less that were well executed.

[Tyler Leary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost 200 pages of reading step-by-step tips on how to construct a deck = Tyler being more convinced than ever to stick to designing and let a contractor do the building.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

In looking for a simple deck build, I didn't find any ideas in here. This is for large complicated design ideas only.

[Iurii Okhmat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and details in each case. Exceptional craftsmanship too.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good research into the many aspects of planning a deck to suit one's needs & desires.