Backyard Building: Treehouses, Sheds, Arbors, Gates, and Other Garden Projects (Countryman Know How)

For the size of the book, there's a wealth of information here, the illustrations are elegant, the instructions clear, the diagrams and plans precise. The only minor criticism I have, is that there's perhaps TOO much packed in - arguably it might have been better for the authors to forego including the more complex projects in favor of expanding the construction details and techniques of the more basic ones - there is a certain amount of expertise assumed and a few steps are skimmed-over that could be explained in more detail.Having said that, its finely-balanced combination of creative imagination and practical help is unmatched in any other book on the topic I've yet come across. Possibly not a book for the complete beginner, but aside from that minor caveat, I wholeheartedly recommend it for anybody about to embark on backyard timber construction, or for somebody just seeking inspiration or encouragement to take that first step.

There are so many great ideas in this book for projects, large and small, that can really make your backyard a special place. We are still trying to figure out which one to give priority to right now.The Stiles have written a lot of books in the past, but I think this may be my favorite one. Their tree houses are really special but this book shows you how to build other smaller projects as well. The design of the projects is quite elegant and the graphics in the book are really a pleasure to look at even if you're not building yourself. We are planning to give this book to friends for special occasions this year, such as birthdays, Christmas. Very nicely designed.

I was hoping for more information on the shed building process from a construction perspective. The book is really a series of designs for slightly ornate garden structures. Everything from a gate to a treehouse. With the combination of pictures drawings and some explanations I was able to design and build my own shed/ deck structure. I relied quite a bit on you tube videos for some of the structural details however.

This is a well thought out book. It is packed with information that is helpful for a beginning builder or a seasoned builder. The plans are very creative and beautiful and most importantly they are easy to follow. I am so excited to start my second project. I built a wonderful, strong deck and now will attempt a shed. I like the helpful tips and basic building instruction. This book inspires me and encourages me to build for myself.

Just what I was hoping for

This book seemed great in theory, but not so great in it's execution. The projects depicted in this book are beautiful, but I found the directions minimally helpful (it might be enough for a seasoned carpenter). I would recommend finding another book with more explicit directions. Please mark if you find my review helpful. Thank you so much!

Some very cool ideas here, not sure how they could work for our property though

Nice book. Some great ideas. Helps if you have at least some basic constrution knowledge. Some very different ideas and unique structures

Not a bad book and easy to follow. Got a few great ideas and adapted some ideas to suit my own projects.

Disappointed in this book on back yard buildings hoped to see more shed options.

As expected, bought as gift

Great information with lots of drawings and clarity

Plein d'idées et d'inspirations à travers cet ouvrage, avec l'appui de photos et dessins très explicites. Il n'y a plus qu'à se mettre au travail ...