A detailed guide to the technical aspects of refurbishing and upgrading buildings, this book provides solutions to a range of problems, challenges and issues and is essential reading for all students studying building refurbishment at all levels. Includes:existing floor and wall strengtheningfacade retentionintroduction of new floorstimber decay problemsfire-resistanceprevention of moisture and dampupgrading thermal ...

New Edition! Everyday Carpentry for Every Homeowner.For today's homeowner, basic carpentry skills are an absolute must. Professional handymen are in rare supply these days, and if you can find them at all, they may command exorbitant rates for work that takes just an hour or two to do. Best of all, modern tools are inexpensive and easy to use, making most home carpentry tasks a breeze to do-it-yourself. Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Carpentry for Homeowners is a dow...

Working Wood, Not Machining ItIf you're more interested in working with wood rather than machining it, you will be relieved to learn that expensive powered machinery isn't required to build furniture. You can also forget the dust masks, face shields and hearing protection since many of the safety concerns related to woodworking-the use of power tools-are eliminated. In this book, you'll learn to set up a hand-tool woodworking shop, then discover the toolset, practi...

Written for those who want to enhance the quality and performance of their composite projects, Composites Fabrication Handbook #2 focuses on what it takes to truly optimize a composite lamination for high-performance use. Basic mold-making is covered in this book to help fabricators produce effective mold systems from a variety of molding materials. Several advanced molding techniques are demonstrated in-depth so the reader will be able to create their own parts using compression molding, ...

This practical and inspirational guide, in a handy sketchbook format, is aimed at the practised beginner and shows how to achieve successful watercolour landscapes in just 30 minutes – ideal for the busy amateur artist who doesn't have much time to paint.Many people think they don't have enough time to paint, but in this attractive guide Paul Talbot-Greaves encourages quick and simple painting. By working with just a few materials and focusing on the key techniques it is possible t...

The airbrush is an essential tool for modellers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of your modelling output, whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork. A good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stencilling. This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are fol...

Building with straw bales is being embraced by amateurs and professionals for its versatility, comfort, environmental friendliness and high insulation. New methods should expand its growing worldwide popularity. In Practical Straw Bale Building, Murray Hollis uses simple, easy to understand language to describe the established techniques of straw bale construction and ways in which they can be improved. He also presents a new straw bale construction system that has substantial benefits over c...

A new edition to the bestselling The Complete Guide to Kitchens, this updated book looks beyond the world of 500-square-foot kitchens with professional stainless steel appliances and presents a host of creative remodeling and updating projects that make sense for anyone. From converting a closet into a pantry to replacing old countertops and cabinets, this book is packed with clear photos and step-by-step instructions for the home DIYer.

Finishing walls and ceilings once meant nailing up some wallboard and slapping on paint or wallpaper. No more. Today's do-it-yourself can create dozens of different and exciting wall and ceiling finishes using materials now available at any home improvement center. Even basic wallboard installation is a new game, with curved walls, arches, and elaborate special effects easily achieved with innovative products aimed at the homeowner. Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Finishing Walls ...

This book offers readers the most popular patio and walkway designs complete with step-by-step, full-color photo instructions. The projects are affordable yet on-trend and highly valuable, as they increase house value and living space. With hundreds of styles of brick and stone now available, it's never been easier to build a dream patio-saving thousands of dollars in the process.

Save 30% on home construction!Whether you want to take on all the responsibility of contracting your home or simply want to intelligently communicate with your homebuilder, The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home can help you save 30% or more on the cost of home construction by teaching you the ins and outs of managing your construction project.Learn how to get your project off to a solid start. Get financial and legal details in language you c...

The most complete book on gazebos and arbors you can buy.The Complete Guide to Gazebos & Arbors shows basic techniques for building sheltering structures in the landscape, and provides complete project plans and directions for more than 12 versatile, flexible architectural projects. An overhead arbor can turn a patio or deck into a cool oasis from which to enjoy a landscape, while a gazebo can serve as a full-fledged outdoor room with protective walls, ceilings, and even e...