Category: diy

How your home improvements will be fun for all the family

How your home improvements will be fun for all the family

You were delighted with taking possession of your new family home a couple of months ago, with your wife and two young kids appreciating the large garden and pool, which gives them freedom and so much more space than the old place.

It wasn’t in a bad state either, with the previous owner looking after it reasonably well until old age decreed that they needed a move to an easier to manage bungalow. As a keen DIY man, you were keen to get stuck in and make one or two home improvements that have modernised it even further and put you firmly in the good books for when you head away to the football for a weekend with your mates.

The outside decking is now in tip top condition once again, being the perfect spot as the sun rises to enjoy al fresco breakfast when the weather is right. And there’s nothing better after a long day at work to relax with your good lady with a cold drink once the kids are in bed as special romantic moments are never too far away.

It’s those romantic moments that sometimes fire up the passion in the pair of you, with soft music and not so soft drinks allowing you to open your hearts and wishing to enjoy the beautiful bedroom that you’ve created between you. However, last night reminded you that there was another job on your list of things to do.

Having a good, strong lock on the other side of the door will certainly deter invasions, just when your passions are reaching new heights. It will also save you adults from a very embarrassing situation where you’re trying to think of a plausible explanation to the kids about what mummy and daddy were doing playing with sex toys.

Of course, apart from that moment that will take a while to feel comfortable about for a few weeks, the other advantages of having a good secure lock on the bedroom door are multiple. It will be handy in the lead up to Christmas if you’re wrapping the presents, or to stop any rummaging through the drawers by the now extremely curious offspring. It may have been funny to you and your son that your little girl decided to wear make up like her mum, but not so much for her when she had to head to the shops for new stuff after giving the little one a good clean and telling off.

So what was going to be the next job, the kids playhouse in the garden will have to wait a little while. But once that’s in place it will be another welcome addition, adding further value to your home and hopefully a place where the siblings can have lots of fun and tire themselves out so that they sleep right through the night.

Yes, you’ve created what is turning into a dream home, and one that you’ll all enjoy that much more once the further improvements have been made.

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5 reasons to learn DIY skills

5 reasons to learn DIY skills

DIY is becoming a lost art. There was a time when most home-owners had some basic skills in order to fix any repairs in their house. It was common for the average person to be competent around the home, being able to put up shelves in a flash or fix a leaky tap without issue.

But this level of self-sufficiency is becoming rarer, and is a skill mostly held by older generations. Young adults who are just getting on the property ladder tend to lack the fundamentals of DIY and home repair. When something breaks, they just call up a professional, hand them some money and let them solve the issue for them. However, this is a huge shame, as DIY is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess.

There are so many great reasons everyone should know how to do basic repairs, as this knowledge can benefit your life in so many ways. Here are a few of the key advantages of developing some DIY skills.

1. Cost savings

The most obvious reason to learn home repair skills is that it saves you money. Calling in an expert might guarantee a perfect job but it will set you back financially. And often, the bigger the job, the costlier it will be. It may take some time to learn the tricks of the trade, but when you do, you’ll be able to fix up your home for next to nothing. Once you’ve bought the most important tools and a few raw materials, you’ll be ready to go.

2. A valuable skill

DIY is one of the most valuable skills a person can have, and it can benefit you in various areas of your life. Whatever goes wrong in your home, you will be able to fix it using your knowledge and tools. This makes you self-sufficient and the master of your own home. Your friends and family will look to you as a person of authority in this area, and you may be called upon to share your wisdom with those who don’t know the first thing about DIY.

3. A beautiful home

Being DIY savvy ensures your home is always in perfect condition. When a pipe bursts or a crack forms in the wall, you don’t need to tolerate it or wait for a contractor to come round. You can simply pick up tools and fix the issue immediately. Your home will always be spotless and well kept. If you want to make it even more stunning, head to KOO Home Store and pick up some attractive homewares.

4. Exercise

It’s important to stay active for the sake of your health, and fixing repairs is a fantastic form of exercise. When you’re engaged in a DIY project, you’ll be moving around and working hard. You’ll work up a sweat and get the blood pumping, making you feel less stressed and happier while also benefiting from a serious workout.

5. Personal satisfaction

There are few things more satisfying than successfully completing a DIY project. It’s an incredibly rewarding skill to have and you will feel good about yourself and your surroundings as a result.

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How to build a display case for your models

How to build a display case for your models

Building a display case for your models is a great way to show them off and protect them from damage and dust. In this post, we’ll show you how to build one using materials that are easy to find and affordable. Let’s get started!

First and foremost, you need to collect the materials needed. For this project, you’ll need:

  • A piece of glass or Plexiglas
  • A wooden box (discard the lid)
  • Silicone caulk
  • Glue (we used Gorilla glue)
  • Clamps

A lot of these items can be found at local DIY stores. Though you can get your cut to size acrylic sheet at Simply Plastics.

Now that you’ve gathered all of your materials, it’s time to begin. The first thing you need to do is cut the glass or Plexiglas to fit the box. Once you’ve done that, use the silicone caulk to glue the glass to the frame. Make sure that you apply a generous amount of caulk around the edges so that it seals well. Then, use the clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries. You’ll also need to secure your model(s) to the base of the box as you’ll no longer be able to access it.

Once the glue has dried, you can remove the clamps and admire your handiwork! And that’s it! You now have a beautiful display case for your model.

What are the benefits of a display case for models?

There are several benefits to displaying models in a display case. First, it protects the model from dust and other airborne contaminants that can damage it over time. It also makes the model more visible so that others can enjoy it and can help prevent theft or vandalism.

If you’re considering building a display case for your models, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You’ll need to choose a material that’s durable and transparent. Plexiglass or acrylic is a good choice because it’s strong and clear. Then you will need to determine the size of the case based on the model size. You will also need to decide on a method of construction and a finish to compliment the model.

What type of wood should I use to build a display case?

There are a few different types of wood that can be used to build a display case, but the most common and sturdy type is plywood. You’ll want to use thicker plywood for the sides and bottom of the case, and thinner plywood for the top and shelves. If you plan on painting or staining the display case, make sure to use a type of plywood that’s compatible with your chosen finish.

How do I measure my display case?

To get started, you’ll need to measure the length, width and height of your models. Add about a ½-inch to each measurement to allow for clearance. Once you have these measurements, you can begin planning the layout of your display case.

If you’re including shelves, be sure to leave enough space between each shelf for your models. You’ll also want to leave some clearance at the top and bottom of the display case so that your models can be seen from all sides.

Building a display case isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a little planning and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a beautiful display case that will protect your models for years to come.

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The top 3 DIY projects in the UK and the best cities to find supplies to do them

The top 3 DIY projects in the UK

With the recent changes to employment habits, many people have begun to work from home. This has led to a surge in home improvements and with these updates there’s been an increase in DIY projects.

Home bar

The garden bar boom

With the restrictions in the UK in place over the last year and more, many people found a new passion for their gardens, with some even getting around to installing their own personal garden bars! With pubs closed and families stuck at home, the bar boom sky-rocketed with over 3,600 monthly searches for ‘Garden Bars’ in London alone!

From converting your old shed into your own personal gin club, to fully installing your own keg machine with taps, there are countless ways to add your own garden bar both in miniature and larger forms! So if you’re looking to get yourself your own bar set up, we recommend you jump on this DIY trend and give it a go yourself!

seating & low tables made from wood pallets

Popular pallet furniture

With the recent COP26, green issues have become more important than ever. One of the latest trends is pallet furniture. Whether you’re sprucing up your garden with a bench set and table, or making yourself an outdoor bar and stools, pallet furniture allows you to make rustic looking furniture at a fraction of the cost. You can pick up pallets from as little as £1.99 each online, and some shipping companies or warehouses give them away for free!

After getting your hands on the main construction supplies, all you really need is the tools; some paint or gloss and some nails! If you want to take it a step further, American artist, Kat Scott, has incorporated the use of pallets into her art, with her pallet mosaic pieces!

Wall rustic wood panelling

Wonderful wall panelling

According to the latest figures, the most popular and Googled DIY trend is wall panelling! Wall panelling is the act of putting up panels on one or more of a room’s interior walls to add a physical structure or effect. This is first noted to originate in the late 15th century and became a popular trend in the 16th & 17th centuries. Recently, it has seen an increase in popularity as it can add a classic and expensive look to any room or house.

This simple and uncomplicated method allows you to change a room’s entire look. So whether you’re looking to add a classy look to your room, or hoping to modernise it and give it a more structured look, wall panelling is the way to go.

Hardware store graph

Best DIY cities

If one of these trends catches your fancy, or if you’re interested in doing a completely different project then you’ll need to know the best places to shop for supplies!

According to the latest figures the best place to get into DIY is in the capital itself. In London you are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a large DIY store, with 19 to choose from. Comparatively in the North, the best city to find a big DIY store is Manchester with 8, whilst in Scotland both Glasgow and Edinburgh have 4 each, and in Northern Ireland, Belfast has 5.*

In stark contrast, over the West Midlands, Birmingham has 8 large hardware stores, ranking it joint 2nd with Manchester in terms of number of stores. However, Birmingham also holds the highest number of registered tradespeople with nearly 4,500 according to the latest figures.

Hire Station undertook a recent study that looked at the most DIY cities in the UK and even developed their own scoring system to calculate which city really is the most DIY city.

Hire Station studied the top 14 most populated metropolitan areas and looked at the cities with the greatest number of tradesmen, which cities have the most big DIY stores and which cities searched the most for DIY Trends.

If these trends have inspired you to start your own DIY project like wall panelling or furniture making, make sure you feel confident in your ability, and if you find yourself uncomfortable with or unsure of the work, we recommend you hire a professional to help you – especially when undertaking tasks that may compromise your health & safety if done improperly.

**These figures are according to Hire Station’s latest study.

#DIYLeagueTable

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