Everything you need to design and build attractive, long-lasting decks is inside the covers of Building and Designing Decks. Professional carpenter Scott Schuttner takes you step-by-step, detail by detail, through the entire deck-building process, including how to: Develop your own design ideas and turn them into well-engineered plans, Select the right lumber, fasteners and finishes, Build a framework that's plumb, square and solid, Make planters, stairs and seating, Work efficiently without sacrificing quality.

With Schuttner as your guide, you get clear descriptions and detailed drawings to build whatever kind of deck your budget and skill allow-anything from a basic, single-level deck to elaborate, multilevel masterpieces. And to help you get started, a 16-page photo gallery gives you more than 40 inspiring examples of superb deck design.