Guest Author - Donna Coogan

Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins is from Taunton’s “Build Like A Pro” series. This one is written by Clayton Dekorne who has over 25 years experience as a trim carpenter.

This is my first time reviewing one of the “Build Like A Pro” series and I find the book laid out very clearly and professionally. Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins has 9 chapters and 166 pages (not counting the index).

The chapters include: Project Planning, Trim Materials, Trimming Windows, Running Baseboard, Crown Molding, Wainscoting, Materials for Built-Ins, Basic Bookshelves and Built-In Cabinets. The book is set up with a column on the left side of almost every page for easy reference to “Pro Tips,” “Trade Secrets” and “Details.” There are lots of actual photographs that show how to do the projects and many drawings that further expound on the written information.

When I began reading Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins, I began to realize rather quickly that this isn’t just a general “how-to” book. While the author writes to the reader in very conversational tones, he provides a ton of information in the process. He zones in on the specifics of trim carpentry work and even points out things that can go wrong and how to correct them.

In the beginning you learn how to sketch designs so that you can quickly come up with drawings to illustrate your project. This will help you visualize the project and determine how much material to purchase for it.

You will learn how to recognize different types of wood and what is good or bad when you go to your local lumberyard. You will learn about hardwood, softwood and plywood veneers. You will recognize the many shapes of trimwork and the difference between ogee, quirk bead and dentil moulding. You will learn styles used to trim out contemporary, classic and Victorian homes.

The author addresses problematic situations such as sagging ceilings or curved walls like those often found in older homes. He gives you a heads up on what could go wrong cutting or installing trim to help you avoid it at the outset.

Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins reads as though you were at a professional workshop or seminar that really zeros in on this topic. It’s not a book you skim through, only glancing at the illustrated steps; the author provides a wealth of information that is actually useful and not just filler.

Overall, Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn trim carpentry work. This book will teach you how to draw, measure, shop for materials, make professional cuts, fix mistakes and transform any home with trim. It will teach you how to miter corners, install anything from shoe molding to crown molding to window trim. You will learn how to design different styles of wainscot and make custom built-in cabinets, bookcases and benches. You will realize how to detail your work so the results are beautiful and professional.

By the time you get to the end of Trim Carpentry and Built-Ins, you will have a better understanding of carpentry terms and the necessary tools to do the job right. As I said previously, reading this book is like attending a professional seminar - it's jam-packed with valuable information. After I read this book, my head was swirling with information and I closed it with much better insight to the ins and outs of trimwork. This book would be valuable to students of carpentry and design as well as the do-it-yourselfer who wants to learn how to improve his or her home.

Highly recommended!