annieb123
Written on Feb 18, 2019
Black & Decker Play Structures & Backyard Fun is a new design and how-to guide from Black and Decker aimed at giving DIYers the tools they need to design and execute a play structure for home use.
Released 30th Oct 2018 by Quarto on their Cool Springs imprint, it's 144 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.
This is a well organized and logically formatted book with several complete designs included. It does presuppose access to a number of standard power tools as well as a basic familiarity with safety procedures. The book does include a basic chapter on materials and tool safety. The first section covers design and placement as well as some materials introductions and sourcing information. The specific project chapters which come after are divided into play structures, backyard hardscapes (sandboxes, seesaw, zipline, etc), and sports specific projects (including a really nifty skateboard ramp and a horseshoe pit amongst others).
Swimming pools and treehouses are also briefly covered in their own sections.
The book includes abbreviated conversion charts and a resource list as well as a short index. The measurements are imperial and the resources are slanted toward the North American DIYer, though online retailers will make it relatively easy for sourcing materials wherever readers live.
Four stars. Well written, if basic, instructions and designs.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes