Backyard Building

June 9, 2014
The Stileses, who built a treehouse in three hours on The Today Show, are nothing if not both talented and charitable. They assume the majority of Americans may somehow be able to construct, at the very least, a Popsicle-stick tepee, and they scale degree of DIY difficulty accordingly. Some projects labeled "advanced," such as the artist's studio or teahouse, might be completely out of reach without some tool purchases and the help and advice of a few serious woodworker friends. Even those projects labeled as "basics" (covered garden seat, pergola, porte couverte) might be beyond the casual woodworker. The traditional English farm gate or the picket gate, however, might actually be accomplished in a weekend by an enthusiastic novice. Hand-drawn illustrations provide the details, and color photos of the finished product offer inspirationâand aspirationâfor the newbie. Full descriptions guide each step. Treehouses (from tiki jungle to two-tree to gambrel-roof playhouse) will have adults wishing for a bit of time travel to the day they could fit through that two-foot opening. Valuable tips are provided on today's pressurized wood (wash hands after use just in case, don't use scraps in the fireplace) or for transporting lumber (make your own roof bars to save money on delivery). Their projects spans newbie to experienced. Just don't saw off more than you can chewâor assemble, in this case.

June 15, 2014

The Stiles's (Treehouses You Can Actually Build) have over 20 books to their credit, and this one does not disappoint. Included here are 24 stylish and well-done building projects, starting with familiar garden structures such decks, gates, and trellises. These progress to projects such as an outdoor shower and stylish garden sheds. The work concludes with a selection of tree or play houses and some larger creations that involve an assortment of lovely designs. Attention to details, such as the use of tree branches in a gate or the skylight in a summer house, raises this title a notch from other outdoor-building books. Finely detailed drawings illustrate points of construction. Organization is solid, as well--a supplies and cutting list is included for each project. However, there isn't much hand-holding in the instructions and knowledge of tool use and availability is assumed. VERDICT This is a great addition for building-project collections. A novice woodworker may be too challenged by the material but those who are more experienced will have no issues. The plans cover a broad range of structures, so this is an excellent resource where more diversity is preferred.

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