Decks and Patios For Dummies - Tapa blanda

Life is just so much sweeter when experienced from a good deck or patio. Breezes, sunlight, the smells of the garden, birdsongs...just a few minutes in your own backyard can enliven the senses and rejuvenate the spirit. Meals become relaxed affairs. Food tastes better. Conversations are richer. Time eases its hectic demands and drifts by at a more congenial pace. Whether for a neighborhood barbeque or just a quiet afternoon with a paperback, decks and patios offer us the perfect space to kick back and let the good times roll. Decks and Patios for Dummies contains everything you need to know to design and build your dream deck or patio. Full of practical tips and clear, simple instructions, it shows the do-it-yourselfer how to solve problems in design and construction while avoiding pitfalls and unnecessary expenses. You'll find useful information on: Choosing the location Sizing Choosing materials Preparing the site Building Adding barbeques, fireplaces, etc. Maintenance This is a start-to-finish guide on all aspects of deck and patio construction -- including when you should seek help from the professionals! Designed to make the most of your budget, it walks you through: Dealing with contractors, codes, and feasibility The building checklist Lighting, outlets, faucets, and other add-ons Decks -- from frames to finishes Patios: concrete, flagstone, or brick? Steps, stairs, and benches Special details and decorations Whether your project is a patio just big enough for two chaises-lounges or a screened-in, wraparound deck on the side of a mountain, Decks and Patios for Dummies makes building understandable and fun with illustrations, diagrams, helpful sidebars, and a color insert of photos to stir the imagination. Take advantage of this comprehensive guide and build your dream deck today.

"The guidebook to turning your yard into your favorite getaway destination." ? Bill Crosby, Editorial Director, ImproveNet "An outstanding reference for beginners and first-time homeowners." ? Boston Globe "A concise, well-put-together summary of everything do-it-yourselfers need to know to build their dream decks." ? Pamela Allsebrook, California Redwood Association

8 Pages of Colorful Photos to Motivate the Do-It-Yourselfer!

Build a Great Deck or Patio Without Breaking Your Back ? or the Bank! Planning a backyard bash but have nowhere to put the barbecue? Let this fun-filled, practical guide help you design, build, and maintain the outdoor space of your dreams. Written with the do-it-yourself builder in mind, Decks & Patios For Dummies® brings you everything you need to know to do a top-notch job ? including tips on when to get help! Before you know it, you'll be flipping burgers out back. Time to Hit the Deck!

• Plan the functional and fun outdoor haven that works best for your space
• Find out about basic rules of design so you can create your own layout
• Choose your surface ? wood, concrete, brick, flagstone, or tiles
• Treat your deck with the right sealant for the surface you've selected
• Build a solid patio foundation that won't flood with the first rain
• Don't forget the amenities ? barbecues, benches, overheads, planters, and more