Black & Decker The Complete Outdoor Builder: From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects

528 Pages·2009·18.25 MB·English

THE COMPLETE
OUTDOOR
BUILDER

The Complete
OUTDOOR
BUILDER

From Arbors to Walkways 150 DIY Projects
Contents

INTRODUCTION

PLANNING
Building Materials
Lumber
Metals & Plastics
Cast Blocks
Natural Stone
Concrete
Mortar
Estimating & Ordering Materials
Basic Tools
Power & Rental Tools
Masonry Tools
Fasteners & Hardware
Codes & Courtesies
Measuring
Challenges
Drawing Plans
WALKWAYS, PATIOS & STEPS
Loose-fill Pathway
Stepping Stone Path
Flagstone Walkway
Mortared Flagstone
Concrete Walkway
Simulating Flagstone in Concrete
Simulating Brick & Stone in Concrete
Acid Staining Concrete
Coloring Concrete
Garden Steps
Brick Paver Landing
Brick Paver Patio
Exposed Aggregate Patio
Tiled Patio
Tiled Step Landing
FENCES & WALLS
Fence Lines
Posts
Poured Footings
Board & Stringer Fence
Panel Fence
Picket Fence
Post & Rail Fence
Composite Fence
Chain Link Fence
Brick & Cedar Fence
Brick Archway
Stone & Rail Fence
Framed Trellis Wall
Mortared Block Wall
Interlocking Block Retaining Wall
Poured Concrete Wall
Dry Stone Wall
Mortared Stone Wall
Stone Moon Window
Brick Garden Wall
Basic Gates
Chain Link Gate
Trellis Gate
DECKS
Basic Techniques
Construction Codes
Determining Lumber Size
Understanding Loads
Step-by-Step Overview
Installing a Ledger
Locating Post Footings
Digging & Pouring Footings
Installing Flashing
Installing Posts
Installing Beams
Hanging Joists
Laying Decking
Building Stairs
Installing Railings
Compositie Railing
Glass-panel Railing
Steel Cable Railing
Fasteners & Hardware
Second-story Walkout Deck
Ground-level Walkout Deck
Casual Curve Deck
Wraparound Deck
Low-profile Deck
Platform Deck
Multi-level Deck
PORCHES
Planning & Designing Porches
Anatomy of a Porch
Step-by-Step Overview
Basic Techniques
Attaching Ledgers & Installing Posts
Installing Joists
Installing Porch Floors
Installing Beams & Trusses
Installing Sheathing & Fascia
Installing Step Flashing
Wrapping Posts & Beams
Finishing the Cornic & Gable
Installing the Soffits & Ceilings
Building Railings
Porch Screen
Porch Screen Kit
SHEDS & OUTBUILDINGS
Basic Construction Techniques
Anatomy of a Shed
Building Foundations
Wooden Skid Foundation
Concrete Slab Foundation
Concrete Block Foundation
Concrete Pier Foundation
Framing
Floor Framing
Wall Framing
Roof Framing
Roofing
Fascia & Sheathing
Asphalt Shingles
Metal Roofing
Cedar Shingles
Siding & Trim
Plywood Siding
Trim
Doors & Windows
Prehung Doors & Windows
Simple Storage Shed
Lean-to Tool Bin
Service Shed
Kit Sheds
Hard-sided Greenhouse
A-Frame Greenhouse
ACCESSORIES & RECREATION STRUCTURES
Children’s Play Structure
Tree House
A-Frame Swing Set with Climbing Wall
Raised Garden Bed
Fire Pit
Outdoor Kitchen
Brick Barbecue
Garden Pond & Fountain
Free-form Mediation Pond
Backyard Putting Green
Arbor
Classical Pergola
Conversion Charts
Resources
Photography Credits
Index
Introduction

Many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers narrow their focus to the interior of their homes
as they dream and plan for upcoming projects. However, the area outside of your home
is a perfect place to exercise your creativity and is overflowing with possibilities.
Whether your front steps simply need a makeover or you think a new greenhouse or shed
would give you the extra space you need to fully explore your hobbies, The Complete
Outdoor Builder has the ideas and know-how to help you turn your plans into realities.
Whether you’re new to outdoor home improvement or a seasoned veteran, start with
the “Planning” section, which covers essential information about seeking permits, how to
estimate and order materials for outdoor construction, and the tools, codes, and
challenges of outdoor building. This section also includes insight on how to draw plans
to help you ensure that your project ends up as exquisite in real life as it is when you
imagine it.
The next sections each cover a different area of outdoor construction, from “Pathways
& Patios” to “Porches” and “Sheds & Outbuildings.” Projects as simple as building
walkways, sidewalks, and patios or as complex as constructing a children’s play area
from lumber and basic tools are all included in these sections. Pay careful attention to
the first few pages of each, which will cover basic techniques to help you complete your
project with ease.
After that, be grand in your ambitions and tackle projects both familiar and
challenging. If your needs are practical, perhaps you should review how to pour a
concrete patio, install a panel fence, or build a children’s timberframe sandbox. If you’re
ready for a larger project, why not build that deck you’ve been wanting to sit on, screen
your porch, or build a service shed for firewood or yard implements. Perhaps, however,
you feel like your yard needs dressing up—perfect! Use our plans to construct a garden
pond and fountain, a backyard putting green, or a beautiful brick archway over your front
drive. The projects in this book include lists of the tools and materials you’ll need, the
lumber you’ll need to purchase, and in some cases, the entire plans for a large-scale
projects.
Whatever your ambitions, The Complete Outdoor Builder has the tools, expertise,
ideas, and simple how-to instructions with large, easy-to-understand photographs to
guide you from start to finish. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find many projects here
that are well within your abilities. And remember, with each new project you tackle,
you’ll acquire new skills and gain the confidence to take on larger ones. So what are you
waiting for? Start making your backyard dreams a reality today.