Collection Development "Backyard Projects": Yard Appeal

Whether it's an expansive suburban green space or a tiny urban oasis, a yard contributes to a home's character and worth. Revitalizing a home's landscape with new plants is a great way to add personality and marketability. Another way is through "hardscaping" projects that use materials other than live plants and that frequently involve wood or masonry. These hardscapes define outdoor spaces and give a yard its "bones." Decks and patios, walkways and walls, fountains and pools, arbors and trellises, and play sets and sheds all enhance a yard's functionality, beauty, and value. For homeowners looking to make the most of what they have, such projects provide an exceptional return on their initial investment.

As reflected in the popularity of such cable shows as HGTV's Landscapers' Challenge and Curb Appeal and BBC's Ground Force, homeowners are investing a significant amount of time and money in their backyards. According to the U.S. Census, Americans spent over $173 billion on residential remodeling in 2002 alone. Lowe's and Home Depot, two of the nation's largest home improvement retailers, recorded over $90 billion in consumer sales in 2004, with an impressive portion of that money going into outdoor renovation.

Not only has this market changed and expanded, but the demographic of the backyard builder is not what it was when LJ first addressed this topic 14 years ago (see Peter Leonard's "Books by the Yard," LJ3/1/91, p. 65–68). Who are these new weekend warriors? The Home Improvement Research Institute says it's baby boomers fixing up the family home for greater enjoyment or in preparation for sale, young homeowners wanting to expand living spaces, and women who list home improvement as a preferred leisure-time activity.

This changing profile, along with new design ideas and materials and improved equipment and techniques, is ample reason for libraries to spruce up their collections. And while librarians should still keep such classics as John Brimer's The Homeowner's Complete Outdoor Building Book and Leonard Koel's Carpentry, weed out titles that are outdated or that have been in circulation longer than five years. Updating the old with the new is a quick way to freshen up a tired collection.

Every well-designed hardscape takes into account surrounding architecture and typography, as well as the homeowner's lifestyle. In the same way, a balanced collection should incorporate books and other resources that provide information for building and design ideas that match the interests of the community it serves. Your collection should include a variety of wood and stone projects, so patrons can find what they want no matter what their skill level. And titles aimed at novices are as important as those geared to advanced do-it-yourselfers.

Creative Homeowner and Betterway Books are among the major publishers in this category. Under the banner of Meredith Publishing, series titles from Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens, and Ortho Books also provide both practical and design tips that feature lots of color photos and easy-to-decipher diagrams. Sterling, Taunton, and Storey backlists as well as frontlists teem with high-quality, inexpensive titles that are both well written and beautifully illustrated.

The focus of this bibliography is on the most popular wood and stone hardscaping projects (i.e., decks, patios, walks). Although some specialty plans that incorporate water or fire features have been included, others such as gazebos, garages, tree houses, and porches have been excluded, as have titles that deal entirely with outdoor furniture, lighting, or sprinkler systems. Also eliminated are materials that cover landscaping with plants. Starred items [*] are core choices for most collections.

The Complete Book of Garden Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Maintaining Your Outdoor Space. Betterway Bks. 2002. 224p. illus. index. ISBN 1-55870-627-5. pap. $24.99.
Combining a photographic gallery of ideas with practical tips for construction, this smartly organized volume focuses on the design and planning aspects of garden projects. There are some step-by-step instructions, but builders may need to look elsewhere for more detailed guidance.

MEE, BRAD. Design Is in the Details: Outdoor Spaces. Sterling. 2004. 144p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-4027-0919-6. $24.95.
The fifth in a series of concept titles by a nationally televised designer, this coffee-table book features lavishly designed and photographed examples of unique outdoor rooms.

*Outdoor Living: The Ultimate Project Guide. rev. ed. Landauer. Feb. 2005. 448p. illus. index. ISBN 1-890621-80-3. pap. $29.95.
This detailed, clearly written book is filled with ideas, instructions, color photos, and diagrams for completing dozens of backyard projects. The focus is on wood construction (decks, fences, gazebos, bird feeders, benches, etc.), but shorter sections on stone walls and walkways are included as well. Step-by-step instructions will be easily accessible to beginners. (LJ 12/02)

Outdoor Woodworking Projects. Hearst: Sterling. (Popular Mechanics Workshop). 2004. 208p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58816-284-2. pap. $19.95.
Twenty-three yard projects for intermediate to advanced builders is presented in the familiar Popular Mechanics format, with exceptionally detailed plans and materials checklists. Photographs illustrate the steps to assemble decks, sheds, trellises, fences, planters, and outdoor furniture.

*PLEASANT, BARBARA (text) & DENCY KANE (photogs.) Garden Stone: Creative Ideas, Practical Projects, and Inspiration for Purely Decorative Uses. Storey. 2002. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58017-406-X. $29.95.
More than 250 dazzling photos adorn this award-winning book, which encourages the innovative use of natural stone as a decorative element in yard and garden landscaping. Inspired by the author's infectious enthusiasm, readers will repeatedly turn to this resource for practical tips and design ideas. (LJ 6/1/02)

REED, DAVID. The Art & Craft of Stonework: Dry-Stacking, Mortaring, Paving, Carving, Gardenscaping. 2002. 176p. ISBN 1-57990-218-9. $27.95; pap. 2003. ISBN 1-57990-520-X. $19.95.
REED, DAVID. The Art & Craft of Stonescaping: Setting and Stacking Stone. 1999. 160p. ISBN 1-57990-018-6. $27.50. ea. vol: Lark: Sterling. illus. index.
Reed explores the use of natural stone in outdoor spaces and includes instructions for building a stone culvert, a waterfall pond, and dry-laid and mortared steps and walls. There is a great deal of information on tools and materials, but a novice might need to consider more introductory sources. (LJ 6/1/02)

SAGUI, PAT. Landscaping with Stone. Creative Homeowner. Feb. 2005. 223p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58011-112-2. pap. $19.95.
For homeowners ready to use stone in yards and gardens, landscape author Sagui advises on choosing a site and handling stones. Safety is emphasized in this introductory guide.

Walks, Walls & Patios: Plan, Design, Build. Creative Homeowner. 2004. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58011-095-9. pap. $19.95.
Hardscapes create textured focal points and visually attractive connecting pieces between house and yard. More of a general resource than a start-to-finish guide, this title explores all aspects of masonry construction and presents a gallery of helpful ideas. (LJ 12/04)

*BENEKE, JEFF. Complete Deck Book. 2d ed. Sunset Bks. 2002. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 0-376-01107-6. pap. $19.95.
Home improvement expert Beneke provides 16 new designs and plans, including one for a handicapped-accessible deck, as well as updated sections on safety, new materials, and techniques. Color photos and line drawings accompany easy-to-follow directions that are more in-depth than those found in Sunset magazine.

Building Porches and Decks. 2d ed. Taunton. (For Pros by Pros). 2003. 156p. illus. index. ISBN 1-56158-539-4. pap. $17.95.
This compilation of Fine Homebuilding magazine articles offers design ideas, as well as advice on materials, problem-solving, and technical tips for construction and maintenance. Written for the builder with some carpentry skill.

*CORY, STEVE. Decks: Plan, Design, Build. Creative Homeowner. Feb. 2005. 288p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58011-148-3. pap. $19.95.
Affordable and comprehensive, this volume features hands-on tips on how to plan, design, and build decks. Along with step-by-step instructions, it offers over 700 color photos and illustrations of both completed projects and works in progress.

Start-to-Finish Decks: How To Plan, Buy & Build. Ortho Bks: Meredith. 2004. 240p. illus. index. ISBN 0-89721-495-1. pap. $19.95.
Enhanced by clear design photos, instructional line diagrams, and sections on tools and materials selection, this well-written guide presents nine distinct plans, along with numerous two-page spreads on such deck amenities as benches, planters, lighting, and storage cabinets.

The Backyard Playground: Recreational Landscapes and Play Structures. Creative Publishing Intl. (Black & Decker Outdoor Home). 2003. 126p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58923-059-0. pap. $16.95.
One of the few titles that concentrate exclusively on design ideas for children's outdoor play spaces. Architectural drawings and step-by-step instructions accompany both large and small projects, including tree houses and birdhouses, forts and sandboxes, swing and slide towers, and picnic tables.

*BENEKE, JEFF. The Fence Bible. Storey. Mar. 2005. 263p. illus. ISBN 1-58017-586-4. $34.95; pap. ISBN 1-58017-530-9. $24.95.
Fences create visual boundaries and give order to large and small spaces. Profusely illustrated with color photos and drawings, the volume abounds with excellent ideas for designing and building all types of fences (e.g., wood, masonry, metal, etc.).

Building Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens. Sunset Bks. 2001. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 0-376-01043-6. pap. $14.95.
Want to go beyond common yard structures? Try one of the 16 projects featured here. You will find detailed plans for building barbecue surrounds, outdoor adobe and pizza ovens, and many other outdoor cooking features. The text also introduces basic techniques in masonry, plumbing, and electrical wiring.

FREUDENBERGER, RICHARD. Building Fences and Gates: How To Design and Build Them from the Ground Up. Sterling. 1999. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 1-887374-47-7. pap. $16.95.
"When a fence is well thought out, properly designed, and carefully crafted, it leaves the impression that it belongs," states the author. Focusing exclusively on wood fences and gates, he covers choosing the right design, materials, and finishes.

*JESWALD, PETER. How To Build Paths, Steps & Footbridges: The Fundamentals of Planning, Designing, and Constructing Creative Walkways in Your Home Landscape. Storey. Mar. 2005. 223p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58017-575-9. $29.95; pap. ISBN 1-58017-487-6. $19.95.
Contractor Jeswald explains how to transform a neglected backyard into an inviting space by building stone and wood walkways. Both novices and more advanced do-it-yourselfers will find his sections on planning a project and selecting the right materials and tools especially useful.

MILLER, MARCIANNE & OLIVIER ROLLIN. Making Arbors & Trellises. Lark: Sterling. 2003. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 1-57990-436-X. pap. $17.95.
Plans for 25 decorative wood garden structures range from the rustic to the more formal; beginners should have no trouble following the clear directions. (LJ 6/1/02)

Ponds & Fountains: Step-by-Step Projects. Creative Homeowner. (Smart Guide). 2003. 80p. illus. index. ISBN 1-58011-106-8. pap. $8.95.
With over 175 full-color illustrations and 45 color photographs, this slim volume gives more detail on fountain and pond fillers, liners, pumps, and filtration systems than most general DIY titles.

TRUINI, JOSEPH. Building a Shed. Taunton. (Build like a Pro™). 2003. 202p. illus. index. ISBN 1-56158-619-6. pap. $19.95.
Writing for advanced builders with some skill and experience, former contractor and cabinetmaker Truini offers instructions on four types of functional storage sheds.

Hometime How-To Video Guides. Hometime, Attn: Orders, 4275 Norex Dr., Chaska, MN 55318; 800-992-4888; www.hometime.com. VHS or DVD. Prices vary.
Hometime, a long-running PBS series, tackles a range of more advanced home-improvement projects, including wood decks and masonry walls. Each video may be ordered separately.

Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford.® Film Ideas, Inc., 308 N. Wolt Rd., Wheeling, IL 60090; 800-475-3456; www.dannylipford.com. VHS series $699; ea. vol: $29.95; DVD series $925; ea. vol: $39.95.
The personable host, a professional remodeler by trade, uses a basic approach to single, smaller projects directed at beginners. Each program includes simple solutions to common problems, best new products, tricks of the trade, and an "Around the Yard" feature.

Backyard Living. bi-m. $23.94 (special charter rate: $11.98). Reiman Pub., 5400 S. 60th St., Greendale, WI 53129; 800-344-6913; www.backyardlivingmagazine.com. ISSN 1550-9990.
This new lifestyle periodical from the publisher of The Family Handyman features articles on gardening, landscaping and hardscaping (with easy-to-do projects), cooking, and bird-watching.

Inspired House. bi-m. $24.95. Taunton, 63 S. Main, PO Box 5506, Newton, CT 06470-5506; www.taunton.com/inspiredhouse. ISSN 1545-6536.
Taunton's hit home design magazine provides "reliable information by recognized experts" and numerous interior and exterior ideas for "real" homes.

Do It Yourself.com
www.doityourself.com
A comprehensive site for all kinds of DIY projects. It features online interactive tutorials, complete project plans, Q&As, and helpful tips and tricks.

HGTV
www.hgtv.com
Besides listing weekly programming schedules, the popular cable network's site features online how-to video demonstrations for a variety of projects (such as building a deck).