Synopsis
A modern guide to classic outdoor structures.
Sheds and other landscape shelters have never been out of style, but they are now seeing a remarkable surge in popularity, and are being used in creative new ways. The common garden shed is now just as likely to serve as a workshop for an artist to pursue his or her hobby; or may be used as a writerÆs retreat; or may even be equipped with a satellite dish, high definition television, recliners, and used as a meeting spot for Sunday afternoon football parties. In many parts of the country, spacious sheds are being fully appointed with furnishings and used as detached rooms for everyday living or as backyard offices.
This book offers readers fuel for their aspirations but also provides practical information for planning and building sheds of all types. Although the basics of stick-building are covered, the book focuses more on the most common consumer option: ordering and buying a kit shed, working from blueprint plans, and customizing the shed to individual needs.
- Features a planning and design section to help readers create unique shed projects
- General technique chapter provides an in-depth overview of each step in shed construction
- Includes easy-to-follow plans and directions for 12 sheds covering all design options
- Bonus appendix includes a dozen advanced shed plans that can be special-ordered
- More than three times as many complete plans than any other sheds book
Karen Ellis Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information - School Library Journal
If you need to add storage or extra space to your home with a shed or outbuilding, this book is for you. Schmidt, author of many building and woodworking books, presents plans for a dozen different structures. Layout and planning considerations are discussed, with an overview of shed components and a too-brief section on materials. A section on how to read construction plans and great pad preparation instructions are included. However, the project instructions are a bit cursory. Some of the buildings are quite attractive and unique, others rather vanilla; the clerestory studio, sunlight garden shed, and Gothic playhouse are beautiful. When it comes to construction assistance, this book falls a bit short; John D. Wagner's The Ultimate Guide to Yard and Garden Shedshas much better instruction. However, for more variety in outbuilding designs, this book makes a good addition to any DIY collection. Recommended for larger collections.