9 Home Decks Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What if everything you knew about building decks was wrong? The Home Depot challenges the assumption that deck construction must be complicated by offering a streamlined, approachable guide in this book. You’ll gain practical skills like selecting materials, understanding structural basics, and following clear plans to build decks that are both sturdy and attractive. The book’s focus on simplicity benefits homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking to take on deck projects without professional experience. While it doesn’t dive deep into advanced architectural design, it equips you with solid fundamentals for successfully constructing your own deck.

What if everything you knew about deck building was wrong? Bruce Barker challenges common practices by focusing on the latest national deck building codes and safety standards to help you design, build, inspect, and maintain decks that truly protect. Drawing from his expertise and a practical, photo-rich approach, Barker highlights critical updates like the prohibition of 4x4 posts for structural use and increased concrete post requirements. You’ll gain specific insights into avoiding the most frequent construction pitfalls, ensuring your deck’s durability and safety—whether you’re building anew or updating an older structure. This book suits homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who want to build or maintain decks that meet modern safety expectations without second-guessing their work.

This personalized book offers a detailed and tailored approach to planning and building home decks, focusing on delivering strategies that fit your unique property layout, skill level, and design preferences. It provides comprehensive guidance on site assessment, material selection, structural design, and local code compliance, cutting through irrelevant advice to prioritize what matters for your specific project. The book addresses practical construction techniques, risk mitigation, and aesthetic considerations, ensuring that your deck is not only safe and durable but also visually harmonious with your home environment. By integrating personalized project management tips, it supports efficient budgeting and timeline planning, enhancing your ability to execute a successful deck build.

What if everything you knew about building decks was wrong? The Editors of Fine Homebuilding argue that traditional deck-building approaches often overlook critical details that affect safety and longevity. This book guides you through selecting the right tools and materials, designing elegant yet practical decks, and avoiding common framing mistakes highlighted in a dedicated chapter. You'll find over 400 photographs and illustrations that make complex concepts clear, from framing steel to decorative inlays. It's an indispensable resource if you want to confidently build or renovate a deck that’s both beautiful and structurally sound, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time builder.

Drawing from Creative Publishing international's extensive experience producing detailed how-to guides, this book offers a practical roadmap for anyone looking to design and build a deck tailored to their home. You’ll find everything from foundational planning and selecting materials to step-by-step construction techniques, supported by clear photography and complete deck plans. The 5th edition reflects evolving building codes and design trends, making it a timely resource. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a homeowner embarking on your first deck project, this guide equips you with the knowledge to avoid costly mistakes and create a durable, attractive outdoor space.

What some builders debate is whether a deck should be a straightforward structure or a crafted extension of your living space; Scott Schuttner leans toward the latter, offering a nuanced take that blends technical precision with design flexibility. Drawing from his deep experience as a home builder and carpenter, Schuttner guides you through planning, foundation challenges in severe climates, and custom details that elevate a deck beyond mere function. Chapter 7’s treatment of alternative framing methods and the practical advice on saving time and money throughout make this more than a how-to—it's a resource for serious DIYers aiming to build with confidence. If you're ready for a project that demands both skill and creativity, this book will sharpen your craft and broaden your approach.

This personalized book offers a tailored approach to efficient deck building through daily, actionable tasks that align with your skill level and project specifics. It provides a structured 30-day plan, breaking down complex deck construction into manageable steps, emphasizing safety, material selection, framing techniques, and finishing touches. This approach cuts through generic advice by focusing on your unique home layout and goals, ensuring practical progress each day. The book covers foundational concepts and implementation strategies, including customized timelines, problem-solving techniques, and quality assurance checks, thereby enhancing your confidence and efficiency in deck building.

Steve Cory's decades of deck building and remodeling experience reshape common views on deck design and construction. You gain a detailed understanding of the latest materials, regional design variations, and advanced building techniques like concealed fastening and custom railings. The book guides you through both functional and aesthetic considerations with vivid examples from five expert builders across the U.S., making it ideal if you want to create a deck that suits your home's architecture and your lifestyle. Whether you're hands-on or working with contractors, it equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about design, materials, and unique features such as shade structures and planters.

When the Editors of Cool Springs Press discovered how accessible outdoor carpentry could be, they crafted this guide to empower DIY enthusiasts with practical skills for backyard building projects. You learn to work confidently with cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine through over three dozen projects like classic swings, arbors, and folding tables, each detailed with clear construction plans. The book suits both beginners eager to create personalized outdoor furnishings and experienced hobbyists looking to expand their repertoire with durable, cost-effective designs. Its stepwise approach, supported by professional photography, makes complex carpentry approachable, making it a solid choice if you want tangible skills and beautiful results in your outdoor space.

When Black & Decker developed this guide, they moved beyond generic DIY advice to focus on the full deck-building process from design through finishing touches. You’ll learn how to plan a deck layout, select appropriate materials, and use the right tools and techniques, with detailed instructions on deck furnishings as well. This book suits homeowners who want hands-on control over their deck project, whether starting fresh or improving an existing space. While it’s practical and thorough, beginners without patience for technical detail might find it dense, but those ready to commit will gain a solid foundation in deck construction.

When Peter Jeswald first realized the complexity and potential pitfalls in planning residential decks, he developed a methodical approach to guide homeowners and builders alike. Drawing from nearly 40 years of experience in construction and residential design, Jeswald shares over 300 photos, practical design solutions, and his unique ten-step pre-construction planning process. You'll learn how to match deck size, style, and materials to your home's architecture and lifestyle, plus ideas for furniture and landscaping integration. This book suits anyone looking to thoughtfully design or upgrade a deck with an eye toward both enjoyment and home value.