Best Carpentry Books of 2025

The Very Efficient Carpenter is a comprehensive guide to basic framing for residential construction, written by Larry Haun, a carpenter with over 35 years of experience. The book covers everything from laying down sills to cutting rafters, and includes information on tools, plans, codes, permits, lumber, and materials. It also provides additional information on safety and site-built tools. Haun's step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations make this book an excellent resource for both professional carpenters and apprentices. Overall, The Very Efficient Carpenter is a valuable addition to any home design and construction book collection.

McGraw-Hill Carpentry Book is a comprehensive guide for students learning about carpentry and building construction. This book covers a wide range of topics, including tools, materials, safety, and construction techniques. The book is easy to follow and includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and photographs to help you understand the concepts. The book also includes review questions and exercises to help you practice what you have learned. With this book, you will learn the skills needed to build structures and complete construction projects with confidence. Whether you are a student or a professional, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in carpentry and building construction.

Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual by DK is the ultimate guide for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. With comprehensive and easy-to-follow instructions, this book covers essential carpentry skills, techniques, tools, tips, and tricks. The book includes helpful photographs and a directory of more than 100 hard and softwoods and their properties. Additionally, readers can put their skills into practice with 28 DIY woodworking projects. Overall, Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual is an excellent reference book that provides all the information needed to become a master carpenter and have a houseful of fine furnishings to show for the effort!

The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House is an all-in-one guide that covers everything from the foundation to finishing touches. With over 1,200 full-color drawings by illustrator Chuck Lockhart, this book provides expert step-by-step instructions for builders, carpenters, and homeowners. The book eliminates guesswork and avoids costly missteps, making it a must-have reference for anyone involved in residential construction. The Taunton Press has once again published a high-quality book that lives up to its name. The Complete Visual Guide to Building a House is a beautiful book that combines the expertise of builder-author John Carroll and illustrator Chuck Lockhart, making it a unique and essential reference for anyone in the building trades.

BLACK+DECKER Deck Codes & Standards by Bruce Barker is a must-read for anyone interested in designing, building, inspecting, or maintaining a deck. With over 29 years of experience in the construction and building inspection industries, Barker's expertise is evident in this comprehensive and accessible guide. He provides detailed advice, photos, illustrations, and commentary on how to build decks within legal limits and avoid common sources of trouble. The book's emphasis on safety is particularly important, given the high number of deck-related injuries and deaths in the US. Highly recommended for homeowners, builders, and inspectors.

The Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Fourth Edition, Revised and Updated (For Pros by Pros) is a comprehensive visual handbook that provides up-to-date code information, the latest material advice, and detailed construction methods. The book covers a broad range of projects, including footings, foundations, wall framing, and roof framing, among others. With over 500 meticulous drawings, the author precisely explains best practices for energy-efficient construction, advanced framing techniques, and installation information for new building materials. This book is an essential resource for builders, architects, and homeowners looking to tackle a wide range of framing projects with confidence.

The book "Learn to Timber Frame: Craftsmanship, Simplicity, Timeless Beauty" is a beginner-friendly guide to timber framing, from sourcing the timber to a finished building. With detailed drawings, full-color photos, and step-by-step instructions, Will Beemer takes readers through the process of building a simple 12' x 16' timber-frame structure that can be modified to suit individual needs. The author also teaches the proper handling of chisels, saws, and other essential tools. This book is an excellent introduction to the historic craft of timber framing and a valuable resource for those interested in home design and construction.

The Disaster-Ready Home by Creek Stewart is an essential manual for those who want to be prepared for any disaster or disease. The book offers a step-by-step guide to safely sheltering-in-place at home, ensuring that you have everything you need to stay put in your home during an emergency. The book covers everything from creating an emergency pantry stocked with enough food to setting up long-term water storage and renewable water sources. With detailed lists, photographs, and complete instructions, this book is the only resource you need for a disaster. Overall, The Disaster-Ready Home is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to ensure their household has the supplies and know-how to survive the worst.

Cozy White Cottage: 100 Ways to Love the Feeling of Being Home is a delightful read for anyone who wants to make their house feel like a home. It offers a plethora of tips and tricks to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in every room of the house. With Liz Marie Galvan's friendly and welcoming tone, readers will feel inspired to try out the budget-friendly decorating ideas and simple DIY projects. Whether you're a country farmhouse dweller or an urban apartment resident, this book is the perfect guide to creating a space you love coming home to. Highly recommended for those who want to add a touch of warmth and personality to their living space.

Illustrated Cabinetmaking is an essential visual guide for woodworking enthusiasts who want to design and construct furniture that works. With over 1300 drawings and diagrams, the book covers everything from furniture styles and dimensions to joinery, providing readers with a comprehensive sourcebook that takes the guesswork out of furniture joinery, assembly, dimension, and style. It also includes plans for most of the furniture pieces, making it easier for beginners to follow along. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for woodworkers of any skill level, and its highly-detailed, exploded drawings make it stand out from other furniture design books on the market.