Decks, Patios, and Porches [antikvár]

Introduction Homeowners often go to great lengths to improve the insides of their homes, focusing attention and loving care on every nook and cranny. But many of us forget about the largest area of all, the outside. All of the projects in The Family Handyman Decks, Patios, and Porches encourage you to think of your yard as one great outdoor room that you can readily, and affordably, improve to better enjoy your time at home. Many of these projects are attractive permanent additions to your home that call for advanced carpentry skills, but even if your do-it-yourself experience is limited, you'll be able to tackle some of the ideas you'll find here. If a particular project is complex, we break it down into manageable, fully illustrated, step-by-step sequences and concentrate on explaining the finer details. Working safely is critical to all of these projects. Some require concrete demolition (to remove a stoop), heavy lifting, or overhead work and the use of ladders (to frame and build a roof). They all involve the use of power tools and equipment. Always wear an appropriate dust mask and eye and ear protection, and always work only with sharp, well-main-tained tools in accordance with their manufacturer's instructions. If you encounter stages that require skills you don't have or that you feel uncomfortable doing yourself, don't hesitate to engage a qualified professional for that part of the job. Finally, be sure to involve your local building inspector at the planning stages, not only to ensure that your design is acceptable but also to solicit that person's expertise on how best to proceed. Remember, the time and energy you devote to any of these projects will pay off in two ways: you'll own a new deck, patio, or porch to enjoy for years to come, and you'll have the pride and satisfaction that comes with completing a job well done.