Looking to buy a good instrucional book on wood structure building. Any opinons?

I've never really worked with building wooden structures. I've just not been around it in my line of business so I lack the skills and knowledge. In the future when I take these projects on, I would like to have the knowledge of building things right the first time. This goes for all sorts of things such as decks, stairs, framing, and structural and many more.

I'm looking for a good educational book that I can reference from time to time when the moments arise.

Any one have any suggestions of what I'm looking for? Preferably a book with pictures, ideas and directions as well?

Thanks a lot gentleman.

I borrowed this book from the library so often I bought my own copy.

There's alot of good books in the big box stores. You may need to pick up a book or two to get what you need. Also check out (if they have a store near you) "Half-price books", they do have a website.

Home Depot has one

































































































Home Depot has one called Home Improvement 123 it's pretty decent and even has a section on Canadian Code requirements which is interesting. JMHO.

the best book out there is the "Building construction illustrated" by francis d.k. ching

There are a few-
I mean a few. Most are geared toward H/O DIY type projects.

My Bible- I have all three editions
The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling
by: Charlie Wing
(I use it more for the illustrations to explain to subcontractors how I want something done when there are question marks)

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction
by: Rob Thallon

Ultimate Guide to House Framing
by: John D. Wagner

You could also look at JLC (Journal of Light Construction), they have numerous books broken down into different segments. They also just started offering every article from their complete magazine history on a CD/DVD.

And another good reference guide is: DeWALT Building Code Reference.
I don't use it specifically- I carry the honking IRC book- but I have looked at them and they're pretty good for referring too. Just remember that they are based on IRC but without state amendments. There are a lot of websites that have pdf's of framing details and the like. You just have to know exactly what you're looking for- and keywords.

Over the years, I have collected a number of books on building and construction related topics on subjects from framing, to plumbing, to tiling to wiring. Far and above the best seem to always come from the Taunton Press. You can find their books on their website at www.FineHomeBuilding.com. They publish one of the books mentioned above "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" by Rob Thallon. I can also highly recommend that book for general info on balloon framing walls, windows, rafters, etc. Good luck.

Time Life books, Popular Mechanics used to have a similar pile,

and of course the Library will have a section devoted to the subject.

Uncle Bob

Fury5 said:

Over the years, I have collected a number of books on building and construction related topics on subjects from framing, to plumbing, to tiling to wiring. Far and above the best seem to always come from the Taunton Press. You can find their books on their website at www.FineHomeBuilding.com. They publish one of the books mentioned above "Graphic Guide to Frame Construction" by Rob Thallon. I can also highly recommend that book for general info on balloon framing walls, windows, rafters, etc. Good luck.

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I can second Taunton Press...they are excellent.You might consider becoming a member on the "Fine Home Building" website.It's not free, but you can access every FHB article ever and print it off as a PDF.I find it very useful for not much money.

look for a rough framing construction manual i cant remeber the name/author off the top of my head ...i will update it when i get home tonight