8 Best-Selling Home Projects Books Millions Love

What started as Tom Carpenter's dedication to practical woodworking evolved into this detailed manual packed with over 40 projects and 1,200 step-by-step photos. You learn foundational skills like setting up your workshop, mastering essential tools, and crafting both indoor and outdoor furnishings, ranging from chairs to mantel clocks. The book balances clear instructions with detailed visuals, making it approachable whether you’re new to woodworking or looking to refine your technique. If you want to build tangible skills and complete satisfying projects, this guide lays out the essentials without overwhelming jargon or assumptions about prior experience.

Drawing from decades as a contractor and lifelong gardener, David Toht developed this guide to empower you to transform your backyard into a self-sufficient homestead. You’ll learn how to build practical structures like chicken coops, garden sheds, and fences with detailed instructions and exploded views that make complex projects approachable. The book also covers sustainable systems such as solar power, aquaponics, and beekeeping, providing you with a broad skill set to enhance your outdoor living. Whether you’re moderately handy or eager to expand your DIY repertoire, this book offers a concrete path toward greater independence and resourcefulness in your home environment.

This tailored woodworking guide explores battle-tested methods designed to elevate your home project success. It covers essential woodworking skills, from mastering tool techniques to crafting precise joints and finishes. The book examines practical approaches to common challenges in home woodworking, focusing on your interests and skill level. By blending widely validated knowledge with insights personalized for your goals, it reveals how to efficiently develop craftsmanship tailored specifically to your projects. This personalized resource helps you deepen your understanding of woodworking fundamentals while addressing the nuances that matter most to your unique background and aspirations.

What happens when long-time self-sufficiency expert Charles Long meets traditional stone construction? He challenges the notion that stone building is prohibitively complex by sharing his and his wife's journey from city life to crafting a durable stone home on a limited budget without prior experience. You’ll learn a simplified yet authentic method of stone masonry, complete with clear steps, helpful drawings, and practical insights that demystify the process. If you’re curious about hands-on home construction or eager to explore a more enduring building technique, this book provides grounded guidance without glossing over the challenges involved.

Unlike most home projects books that focus on general DIY tips, Robert W. Lang's guide zeroes in on the complexities of kitchen cabinetry with precision and clarity. You learn how to measure spaces accurately, draft detailed shop drawings, and master both traditional face-frame and modern frameless cabinet construction. The book dives into working with diverse materials from solid wood to laminates and covers essential tasks like making doors, drawers, and countertops. This is ideal if you're ready to tackle custom built-ins, whether for kitchens, home offices, or family rooms, and want practical techniques grounded in real-world woodworking experience.

Charles Byers' extensive experience teaching carpentry and residential remodeling shines through in this detailed manual, offering you a hands-on roadmap to tackle home improvement projects with confidence. You’ll gain practical knowledge on everything from electrical updates like USB outlets and AFCI breakers to plumbing repairs and roofing techniques, all supported by over 3,400 photos and illustrations. The book’s remodeling guide and contractor management section add a layer of savvy for those navigating larger renovations. If you want a solid reference to maintain, repair, or upgrade your home yourself, this book equips you with both the skills and the know-how to do it right.

This personalized book explores step-by-step homesteading projects designed specifically for your outdoor space, combining well-loved techniques with your unique interests. It covers a wide range of sustainable backyard endeavors, from garden planning to small-scale structures, tailored to match your background and goals. By focusing on your specific environment and skill level, it reveals practical ways to cultivate self-sufficiency and confidence in your homesteading journey. This tailored guide helps you engage deeply with sustainable living projects that resonate with your personal vision, making the learning experience both meaningful and applicable.

When the Editors of Reader's Digest compiled this collection, they crafted more than just a manual; they created a hands-on guide that invites you to build confidence in home improvement. You'll navigate over a hundred projects that range from practical repairs to decorative touches, all explained with clear instructions and vivid photographs. For instance, chapters break down skills like woodworking basics and simple electrical fixes, offering you the chance to expand your DIY toolkit systematically. This book suits anyone eager to take control of their living space, whether you're a novice looking to learn foundational skills or a seasoned hobbyist seeking fresh ideas.

When the Editors of Creative Homeowner updated this fourth edition, they leaned into their deep expertise in home improvement to offer more than 100 plans for barns, sheds, and outbuildings. You’ll find detailed, step-by-step instructions covering every stage — from laying foundations to finishing touches like wiring and plumbing — all paired with full-color photos that make complex construction approachable. This book is designed for anyone ready to build their own backyard structure, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast planning your first shed or a homeowner who wants to understand the process before hiring contractors. The clear organization and extensive plan options let you tailor your project to fit your property and skill level.

Drawing from her expertise as a writer, herbalist, and natural soap educator, Jan Berry offers a detailed guide to creating homemade products that nourish your skin, health, and home using herbs, flowers, and other plants. You learn to craft a wide range of items—from honey and rose face cleansers to lavender laundry detergents—using simple, accessible ingredients and no special equipment. The book’s expanded edition includes 151 recipes, making it a practical manual for anyone eager to replace synthetic products with natural alternatives. If you want to embrace a greener lifestyle with tangible skills in DIY natural care, this book walks you through it without overwhelming you.