Book excerpt: Have you ever dreamt of building doors and windows that are durable, attractive, and energy efficient? You can get exactly the look you want when you do it yourself with the simplified techniques, design tips, and guidelines for technical and structural requirements found in this book. Eight pages of color photos provide a showcase of fabulous finished windows and doors that you can duplicate or modify to suit your needs. The thoroughly illustrated plans and concise directions explain every step in building a variety of doors and windows, including: Laminate doors Paneled doors Window seats Arched windows Round windows Batten doors Bay windows Solariums Double doors Picture windows Even if you are buying factory-made doors and windows or are repairing the ones you have, you will find valuable information on the pros and cons of using high-tech weatherproofing materials as opposed to ordinary untreated wood. There are also tips for adding a window panel to an existing door, repairing a rotted sash on a window, and much more. Here are all the tools of the trade and plans you need for constructing handcrafted windows and doors that anyone would be proud to have at home. Once your friends and neighbors see your handiwork, it may even turn into a profitable sideline. "Make Your Own Handcrafted Doors & Windows" is perfect for amateur and professional builders and hobbyists alike. John Birchard, while living in California, was inspired by the fine woodcraft of James Krenov and established a woodworking school that is still ongoing at the College of the Redwoods in Fort Bragg. Author of numerous how-to books and articles and producer of many videos, Birchard works primarily as a commercial photographer and still lives in the house he built in 1978. He is also the author of "Doormaking: A Do-It-Yourself Guide."