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.

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

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.

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.

This book is a reprint of previous editions.
While there are useful hints and instructions purchasing an older copy would serve the reader the same.

Incredibly useful, my hubby shall start to make one as soon as the spring hits us.
All well explained, lots of examples, options, projects.
Great one!