Others say...

"it is as informative as they get"
this has all the needed info for and details needed to get a proyect going and to confirm your ideas againts it. it was a very good reference book for checking up on those shady areas of construction with wood frames.

"Not very informative"
Unless you are a professional contractor, and if you are, you don't need this book anyway. I built a garage earlier this year and purchased this book as a reference. This is a very detailed book, but be careful and check your local codes. I would consult a contractor first in your local area, most will talk to you at no charge, if they want to charge you, keep looking

"Perfect for the amateur"
I build for Habitat for Humanity. The book gives a very quick and easy graphic introduction to many of the skills our volunteers use when building a home. I carry it in my truck as a basic reference when a question is asked. It also covers some of the more complex issues of complex roof profiles and unique framing challenges. It's a must-have for anyone framing a house.

"Graphic Guide To Framing Construction"
A lot of pictures, plus multiple ways to do the same thing. I think this book is a bible to Framing. A+.

"A terrific reference book"
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction (Paperback)

After preparing 8 pages of detailed engineering-size construction drawings for contractors to bid on a two-story addition to our house, I came across this book. Even though I have many years of (mostly remodeling) experience, this book provided lots of great tips on the best ways to do foundations and walls, flashing, roofing and other areas. Those drawings have now been modified to incorporate what I've learned. Lucky I read this book BEFORE starting the project. Change orders, once construction begins, are costly, since you have little leverage with the contractor at that point.

Materials and techniques used in frame construction have evolved over the years, and the previous (similar) book I had was substantially obsolete. This one cites the latest materials and approaches, as of the year 2000, and is well worth the cost for anyone contemplating a framing job of almost any size. It's doubtful that any contractor knows the best methods to do everything this book explains, not to mention non-contractors. That makes this book a good resource for any experience level. About half of the book's pages have one or more detailed drawings to show you how to do "it" (see customer images for a sample). The spiral binding is particularly helpful in using it on-the-job, or to photo-copy or scan.

The five chapters, foundations, floors, walls, roofs, and stairs, cover virtually every aspect of frame construction, including decks and porches.

The book doesn't cover everything. For example, there is no mention of the APA (Wood Engineering Association), Narrow Wall Bracing Method, an important subject when building sunrooms, or other structure with narrow corner walls or walls between window or door openings. Nevertheless, it's a great reference well worth the price.