Do It Yourself

DIY author and editor Atkinson introduces some lovely and functional designs for those wanting to expand their storage and living space with an outbuilding. He covers nine projects, from simple tool sheds to barns, offering some variations for each. The section on needs assessment detailing space and site considerations is excellent, the photos are inspirational, and the construction basics and techniques are appropriate for the confident beginner (there is no coverage of electrical or plumbing systems). Disappointingly, however, for detailed instructions and measurements one would have to buy the design plans in the book's last 30 pages. This is especially annoying because only an experienced builder can handle these projects without the purchased plans. A marginal investment.

This encyclopedic book covers various aspects of old-fashioned country living, from barn raising to animal husbandry. Originally published in 1981, with a second edition in 1997, this iteration boasts new photos and lots of homey advice. However, the text has not been updated since the first edition, ignoring many important changes and improvements—e.g., the discussion of herbal remedies has nothing about drug interactions, and the first-aid section is dangerously out-of-date. Many of the illustrations, too, are dated and unattractive. While this might have been a fantastic book 27 years ago, it is now a liability and should not be on any library shelf. Instead, try John Seymour's The Self-Sufficient Life and How To Live It.

This charming little book by woodworker and first-time author Boardman contains 14 different wood puzzle patterns designed by various puzzle makers. Ranging from simple to complex, the projects each include instructions and some illustrations. Boardman assumes in readers a basic knowledge of tool use and woodworking techniques, and there is no handholding; he emphasizes the importance of precision and quality for the puzzles to work. There is enough variety here to make this book desirable for larger woodworking collections. A better choice for beginning woodworkers, however, is Charlie Self's Crafting Wood Logic Puzzles, which provides more of an introduction to tool use and techniques as well as step-by-step instructions for its 18 puzzle projects.

This quirky book is chock-full of great tips for improving numerous aspects of your home. Bodoano (The Little Book of Quick Fixes for Eco-Conscious Cleaning) organizes tips by room and highlights them with stylized graphics. Some of her more intriguing suggestions include using large maps for wallpapering projects and old lockers for storage. Bodoano's experience is evident throughout. However, there is no instruction, just tantalizing hints of possible solutions without any show-and-tell. While good for browsing, the book does not have enough meat on the bone. Its fresh advice makes it okay for larger collections, but it is no substitute for more in-depth DIY manuals. (Note: At times, some British terminology peeks through.)

This third edition of outdoor/home-improvement author Cory's (Barbecues & Outdoor Kitchens) book on garden structures has been expanded to include 250 new photographs and an additional chapter on techniques. While some of the featured 40-odd projects, which range in difficulty from easy to sophisticated, are inventive—e.g., a hammock arbor, copper trellises—others are familiar. Unfortunately, the instructions are a bit general and poorly correspond to the illustrations, the photos are at times washed out, the index is shabby, and there is no reference to safety. A section featuring climbing plants and vines rounds out this edition, which, while not the best trellis and arbor book, provides a fine gallery of some compelling designs. Recommended for larger public libraries.

Automotive expert and TV personality Fix has some sound advice to share in this title that is not so much a repair book as a source of empowerment and information for consumers, helping them make smart decisions when it comes to their cars (e.g., by learning to stay clear of bad deals). Included are checklists for cleaning like a pro; choosing a good car, mechanic, and insurance plan; and more. This book compares favorably to Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet's Dare To Repair Your Car, though Fix's is more up-to-date. With sterling insider advice throughout, it is strongly recommended for all public libraries.

Yard work, like housework, is never ending, and possibilities for great enhancements abound. This follow-up to the author's John Deere Landscaping and Lawn Care offers a rather wide range of yard projects, from addressing your lawn's bald patches to building a shed. None, however, is particularly well handled. The instruction is minimal, the organization is poor, plant recommendations fail to take into consideration zones or regions, and important techniques are missing. Myriad other available books focusing on landscaping, planting, water features, and other outdoor structures do a better job of offering details; this one tries to encompass too much and suffers for it. An optional purchase.

Walkways and walls can help define an outdoor space, allow for ease of access, and/or enhance a garden. Huber, author of several home- and yard-improvement books, here provides sure instruction and techniques for creating walkways, patios, and garden walls in a variety of landscapes. The basics of construction are neatly outlined and accompanied by clear illustrations; the properties and selection of materials are also expertly detailed, with recommendations ranging from what types of stones to use to how to mix concrete properly. From stepping-stones to textured patios to strong retaining walls, these well-organized projects are possible for even the beginning do-it-yourselfer. An excellent book for any library collection; recommended.

With more than 100 project plans for everything from tables to beds to built-ins, woodworker Hylton's (Router Magic) exhaustive primer, whose original, 1998 edition is now out of print, still has great value for any woodworking collection. He begins with a brief introduction to period style, then covers joinery in depth. There are no glamour shots, only clear, black-and-white drawings for assembly and measurements. Exploded-view drawings highlight each piece's details and special features. Because of the few instructions on construction, this is not a book for beginners; rather, it is a collection of patterns with citations to additional offerings in other books and publications. For the advanced woodworker, it is a treasure trove of project ideas. Recommended for woodworking collections in any library.

Trim can be a wonderful accent to your home, lending elegance and class. Here, Marshall (The Complete New Router Book for Woodworkers) includes some sound woodworking and router instruction for incorporating trim around the home. Though the gallery of projects is a little dull, and the introduction of molding styles and materials appears dated, the step-by-step instructions for installation are useful, and, from windows and walls to doors and baseboards, Marshall covers the gamut. For a more extensive sample of trim profiles, see Neal Barrett's The Ultimate Guide to Trim Carpentry. Recommended for larger collections.

Whether you have a fantastic collection of antiques or even just one special piece, this revision and update of the 1998 edition will help you to keep it in good repair. Antiques expert and author Miller arranges sections by general categories of collectibles, with each section starting with an introduction to needed tools and materials. She also covers general care and cleaning and focuses on special issues like era-specific materials and construction. Projects are accompanied by colorful, detailed photos and thorough instructions and arranged in a crisp and neat layout. Typical projects include replacing a missing ceramic handle and dealing with holes in fabric or dings in metalware. This improved edition is highly recommended for all library collections.

Saville's first DIY book abounds with inspirational pictures of cool walls, patios, walkways, pools, and other outside spaces delineated by stone structures. Included in the gallery are testimonials from proud homeowners showcasing fantastic stonework mostly (and tellingly) constructed by landscaping firms. While the illustrations are certainly beautiful, the featured projects are meager by comparison. Instruction is sparse and sometimes skips steps, and only line drawings accompany the projects. The reader is set up for big disappointment, having been tantalized by the illustrated examples and now left with paltry projects. Jeanne Huber's Walks, Walls & Patio Floors, reviewed above, does a better job. A marginal purchase at best.

Artist Williams paints beautiful floral designs on furniture and other surfaces; here, she offers instructions so that you, too, can have these same results. She begins by explaining how to find a suitable surface and how to prep it—be it wood, metal, or glass—and follows with a primer on painting supplies and a discussion of brush techniques for affecting the decorative borders and floral designs. Projects include line templates and furniture applications (e.g., wardrobes, mirrors); each finished piece is rich and beautiful. These are indeed attractive and charming vintage-style designs for found furniture, but they require confidence to accomplish. Recommended for larger libraries.