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Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks 7th Edition: Featuring the latest tools, skills, designs, materials & codes

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Be inspired by new design and follow the latest codes as you custom build the deck of your dreams.

Architecture, building codes, and design are not static; they change constantly. That’s why there’s a new edition of the best-selling BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks , incorporating updates to national building codes , as well as new developments in building materials and design . Calling attention to composite deckboards and railings, as well as other PVC products made from recycled plastic, the new materials systems featured in this book are environmentally friendly, easy to work with, rot resistant, and very low maintenance.

Whether you opt for manufactured deck products or wood , the success of your project depends upon a sturdy deck undercarriage . Accomplishing this isn’t difficult, but building the framework requires that you have the latest information on building codes. In recent years, these codes have changed significantly, affecting everything from post diameter to allowable joist hangers to railing height and even the size of concrete footings. BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks Updated 7th Edition is the only DIY deck book that’s fully updated to conform to the latest codes.

Chapters covered in the book BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks Updated 7th Edition offers complete step-by-step photos and instructions , so even homeowners with limited DIY experience are assured of a deck that meets their needs. So, don’t wait any longer; build the deck of your dreams and start enjoying it!

911 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2022

41 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

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Editors of Cool Springs Press

25 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,602 reviews42 followers
March 21, 2023
Pretty much everything you need to plan out and build a deck. From building codes, measurements, hardware, tools, wood/composite calculations, planning in built in seating or gazebos, footings, pergolas, to wiring it and making fire safe areas for grilling or outdoor kitchens. Literally everything you could imagine doing for a deck. Lots of pictures, lots of options, a great guide book for even the inexperienced builder.
861 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2024
Was pretty good and useful.
TPL e-book.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,745 reviews89 followers
March 10, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks 7th Edition is a reformat and a re-release update of the classic reference by the editors of Black & Decker. Due out 22nd March 2022 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook format available now).

One thing that characterizes these Black & Decker reference guides is the uniform logical layout. The books are streamlined and information is grouped thematically in chapters - so the relevant info is easy to find and easy to use. The introduction includes a solid overview over safety and working safely setting up level and stable structures, design and implementation (obviously very important). The following chapters build on one another: decking, stairs, railing, advanced framing, customization, accessories (lighting, planters, privacy screens, etc), and finishing and maintenance.

The emphasis throughout is on clearly written information which is correct, up-to-date, and safety conscious. Tutorials are accompanied by step by step instructions and photos. Materials and tools are clearly labeled and listed in bullet lists throughout the text. Measurements throughout (as well as standards for code-work) are given in American standard (no metric measurement equivalents are given - but the editors have included conversion charts in the appendices).

Five stars. This is a great resource for DIYers and homeowners, and would be a good choice for school and public library acquisition. All the books in this series are well written, accessible, and safety conscious. Taken as a whole, the collection is invaluable for homeowners and smallholders who want to be proactive in improving and maintaining their properties. When I moved away from home, decades ago, my dad gifted me one of the early B&D general repair manuals. I still have it.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,400 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2022
More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

If you are looking to do a deck on your own, this really is the ideal resource. The layout, design, flow, and photographs are all on point, showing detailed steps while giving both a big picture and a small picture on the project. The book spends most of the first half on a standard raised deck and then builds from there to stairs, levels, pool decks, and more challenging framing.

There are photographs for every step and illustrations where they would make it easier to understand the directions (e.g., examples of setting up footings below ground). I appreciated most that the book builds on the information presented, starting with safety and inspectors/inspections and working toward the actual construction itself. I also liked that there is a overview of the tasks first and then the book goes into perfect amount of detail/clear steps.

You don't need to buy out a Black and Decker store; the book keeps the tools to the minimum you will need to get the job done well. I found it very easy to follow for that reason. Note that the measurements are in US, not metric, but there are conversion charts in the back.

In all, this is a great resource for beginners that makes building a deck straightfoward, safe, and achievable. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Erin Penn.
Author 4 books23 followers
April 29, 2022
This decking book is a great step-by-step on how to create a deck with pictures, from initial design to installing the concrete footing, to maintenance. The reminders to check with local code are important.

I'm picking it apart to fix stairs and, maybe, install a ramp. NOTE: There is NO description on actual ramps for the decks. Everything is about stair-this and multi-level look that. There should be a section on handicap accessibility - or at least consideration for canes and push-hand-carts, if not wheelchairs. For example, just the lip between the house and a deck can make all the difference in the world for the walking impaired. (lost half a star for ignoring over 13% of the adult population who have ambulatory disability (cdc.gov statistic)). Yes the book is aimed at people building their own decks, but part of the sell is enjoying the deck throughout your life with your entire family - and for that, some consideration for climbing issues related to age need to be addressed.

Lost half a star because the Determining Lumber Size page 30 "Both lumberyards and home centers will" (cut off) - I think it is from an issue with picture placement. It is the only issue with the book, but it's so early it hits really hard. On the other hand, that half a sentence missing doesn't impact anything you need to know.
Profile Image for Susan.
848 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2022
While I picked up this book to get design inspiration for our deck reconstruction, it convinced me I might be able to actually build a deck. I won't, for the safety of my family and my marriage, but I will be able to understand the process and discuss bids/progress with contractors more knowledgeably, as well as make the far more enticing design decisions. The book is organized in a logical way, easy to read, and contains helpful illustrations. I would have like more design ideas, but I can't fault the book for not anticipating my preferences. This is a must-read if you have a deck build or rebuild in your future. It covers building codes, types of wood, etc. #BlackDeckerTheCompletePhotoGuidetoDecks7thEdition #NetGalley
Profile Image for Ryan Bartlett.
44 reviews
September 7, 2022
I ordered this book from Amazon, through Alexa. Unfortunately, she seems to have misheard me bc this isn’t the book that I thought I ordered. I thought I enunciated just fine, so you can imagine my shock when this showed up.

While I may have been disappointed with the subject material, I at least got some decking ideas. So it all wasn’t a complete wash.
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,579 reviews21 followers
April 5, 2022
Absolutely loved the book it's filled with excellent pictures and information as well as very in-depth instructions. A must have for any diy homeowner looking fir details on deck building.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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