Gleason - Backyard Projects for Todays Homestead

This book is designed to help you maximize your outdoor living spaces through creative woodworking. Today's challenging economic climate has motivated many homeowners to stay in their current homes rather than upgrade, and this has sparked a major trend in what is often called the Don't Move: Improve! movement. And it makes sense from every point of view. My wife and I live in a fairly small home, but by putting in a small amount of money (and a lot of time) on sprucing up our backyard, we've managed to convert a run-down lot into a veritable oasis (at least by our standards) where we now spend most of our time.

We have raised beds where we grow vegetables, a terrific shed to store bikes and more, a large deck that has been great for entertaining and a play structure that our young daughter enjoys every day. Our quality of life skyrocketed when we undertook these projects, and, even though we aren't planning on moving any time soon, we have the satisfaction of knowing that it was a financially good decision. I'm sure that we would see a good return on our modest investment if we decided to sell our house. The yard might attract more buyers than the house!

This book seeks to teach by example, so I'm presenting twenty great projects that are within reach of even novice woodworkers. Beginners will appreciate the measured drawings and step-by-step photos. More experienced craftsmen and women will find these project concepts to be a great springboard in planning and executing their own custom versions that best suit their unique situations.

Along the way, I've included information on choosing durable materials, working with reclaimed lumber, applying finishes that hold up in the toughest conditions and much more. The emphasis is on projects that are highly functional in nature: There are plenty of other resources that show you how to build decorative windmills, and the underlying theme is that the best room in your house may not be in the house at all. With some thoughtful planning and a few clever construction techniques, every property can have a functional and beautiful yard that you'll enjoy for years to come.