Superb balance of design and practical information, 07 Dec 2006
A fantastic book! By far my favourite out of all the 'build-your-own' books that I have read. The author gives lots of inspirational pictures and ideas, but also covers all the information that you need to actually make a concrete worktop (unlike so many DIY books, that just say 'now find a good plumber/carpenter/etc') He even has an extensive trouble-shooting section. About to try it for myself - wish me luck!
A Superb book. Interesting even if you're not interested!!!, 02 May 2005
This is the sort of book that you would pick up even if you didn't know what it was about. A lovely cover with high quality paper and loads of really good quality colour photographs.
The content is easy to read and really interesting for someone like myself who just wanted to know something about the practicalities of using concrete as a decorative product.
The book does not contain huge amounts of text nor lots of technical detail (e.g. down to the chemical level). It does however give you all the detail and knowledge that you need to know to get you going. Cheng also includes plenty of practical hints and tips to help the beginner overcome some of the basic mistakes which may be offputting. If like me you didn't know anything about making concrete worktops, this book is ideal. If you do already know something about the subject, then it may still be worthwhile for a bit of inspiration.
Overall I found this book a really pleasant read with plenty of great pictures to back up the text. It would make a great coffee-table book as even the non-engineer will find the artistic side and innumerable photographs interesting.
Well Written, 24 Jul 2003
In the middle of a large refurbishment project and have purchased several books to help me. Without doubt the most comprehensive and well written book in my libary. Author takes nothing for granted with excellent pictures and explantion. Now to put the words into action. If it goes wrong it wont be the books fault.
Excellent practical advice on creating concrete worktops etc, 02 May 2002
Well written and illustrated manual on the casting and finishing of concrete work surfaces for the home. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts as well as architects and designers who are looking for information on the skills required for polished concrete finishes etc.where a unique affect is desired.
Of limited value, 20 Jul 2003
I can't beleive this book could be describe at "The Bible on kitchen design - it is very focussed on the author's style and taste and ignores other styles including most of what can be achieved in the typical sized kitchen in UK and certainly most people's budget.
The book is somewhat self-indulgent and contains items that probably satisfy the author's ego (i.e. how his aunt Elizabeth David had her kitchen and an academic chapter on the history of the kitchen) if not much else.
The author probably is the "the worlds best kitchen designer" but very much in a much Mayfair / Upper East Side sense. If you are below 50 or have less than 50,000 pounds to spend and looking for ideas, or a sourcebook forget it.
Good ideas for kitchens that go beyond the work triangle., 05 Jul 2001
This book inspired me to do the following: * Create varied work heights; * Put the sink on a wall - not under the window - it makes much more sense as a rack above then allows drips into the sink; * Have only shelves above the work surface - no cupbards; * Paint the kitchen blue!
Although the kitchens in the book are upmarket ones you can take the ideas and apply them to standard ranges - especially if you are willing to mix and match.
Its the only kitchen design book I've recommended to my friends since I read lots of them.
