So begins Building Decks part of the Black and Decker Home Improvement series which is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to design, plan and finish your deck. The illustrations of decks in American homes complete with jacuzzi and swimming pool look awe (and perhaps fear) inspiring to the humble DIY-er hankering for that simple patio affect. This daunting feeling lasts only a few pages, the book quickly gets down to the basics of decking, explaining and illustrating the parts of the deck, decking patterns, timber types, hardware and fasteners and underlying concrete structure in very plain language and with plenty of clear illustrations.

This is followed by advice on planning the design of your deck and site drawings--obviously an area not to be underestimated, finishing with a materials checklist for you to complete before the trip to the timber yard. The main section of the book deals with the construction itself, here guidelines are considered and easy to follow and include helpful tips – the writers have obviously fallen prey to a few mistakes in their time too! More advanced elements such as building stairs and special effects such as an island deck are included for the more ambitious. The final word of this straightforward guide covers finishing, maintenance and repair and as in the rest of this excellent handbook the writing is clear and comprehensive. Building Decks is a foolproof guide, suitable for both beginner and expert alike to create some functional and long lasting outdoor areas. --Ron Barker

Synopsis
This practical reference illustrates the fundamentals of deck design and building. It provides advice on ordering lumber and materials and features a variety of deck styles. Deck maintenance and repair is also covered.