Grunwald’s book explains some of the many ways to build porches, patios, and steps in such an easy way that a middle school kid could read it and be able to understand it pretty well. It also shows how to make a porch bug proof and how to repair weatherworn posts and floors. The steps are written clearly for no confusion with assembly. For an inexperienced porch or patio builder, this book will give an insight to building porches and patios the proper, smart, and safe way. Not only will it do that, it will teach how to make porches and patios blend in with the enviornment and the house it's with. I would recommend this book definatly to anyone with the want to learn how to build porches, patios, and stairs. For an older book, it is well written for understanding. Many techniques are still used today that are in the book.