http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/7825/template4kd.jpg I just made it, as you can tell the one I have now is plain. If someone could give me a few pointers. (Left: The Navigation bar I would like to expand which i'm sure can be done, Same right the RIGHT "Sponsers") The top with the scan lines is my header, and right below that is a spot for a 728x90 ad banner. The content I want to be expandable aswell. I would appreciate any help.
For every major section you have (header, left side nav, left side nav header, right side nav, right side nav header, content header, content area and content footer): left (for your left corner), middle (your expandable background) and right. You don't have to cut all of the middle out: just a pattern you can use to repeat, and then use CSS to code in the background style (this example assumes DIVs, but can be made to work with tables as well if you find it easier): #header { background: URL(images/header_bg.jpg) top left repeat-x; } #header_left { float: left; background: URL(images/header_left_side.jpg) top left no-repeat; } #header_right { float: right; background: URL(images/header_right_side.jpg) top right no-repeat; } Code (markup): If you want a real live code sample you can look at and play with, go to http://www.libreriapandevida.com (just don't ask me about the content, since I don't speak a word of Spanish...I just made the site.) That's pretty well all you should need to know. The rest, once you figure out how to do it the first time, will take care of itself.
As a general rule; tables aren't for layout - so stay away from them. But 'proper' 3 colum css designs can be daunting even for those that are initiated. I suggest you learn the concept of a table and do it by hand until you fully understand and appreciate table-less design.
I'm not sure you read my post thoroughly. I suggest that he learn how to use tables first. Then learn how to use divs. A lot of people that are new (within the last couple years) to web development are ignorant to tables with statements like: "Tables have no place in structure" or "Divs are always better than tables". I primarily use table-less layouts, but I can tell you as an 11 year veteran of design that tables aren't the devil if a design calls for it. People get so caught up in semantics and lose focus of what *works* for them. So yes; learn tables and use them. If you truly plan on really learning web design, learn the concepts behind css and the many hacks and browser-specifics. But if your primary focus is making money and not pretty source; tables will be fine for you.
Okay, I gotcha now. I did read it thoroughly. I just thought the first part (about tables not being for layout) conflicted with the second (about using tables). Personally, I'm with you for the most part: tables aren't the spawn of Satan, and when they're called for, use them. But, as I learn more and more cool stuff to do with divs, I find they're a lot easier to work with in the long run. But that's why there's pineapple and pepperoni, right? (Thank you, Chuck Swirsky.)