'How-to' books for decks and fireplaces; How to Plan and Build Decks. Menlo Park, Calif.: Lane Publishing Company. $3. 95 paperbound.

The most important step in adding a deck to a home is the planning: choosing the right location, putting plans on paper, knowing the legal limits, and getting the help of experts. This Sunset Book is an excellent step-by-step guide, with many detailed instructions for completing the entire construction process. Many drawings and photographs show how a deck can beautify a wide range of homes and lots. Later chapters cover preservatives, finishes, and maintenance.