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What rafters to use for pergola design?
Hi all Just seeking some advice. I'm planning to building a simple pergola (none covered with no purlins). I am unsure whether to use 90x45mm or 140x45mm for the rafters over a 3.8m span Sketch of plan Sketch of the connection The 90mm looks good and makes the whole project easier to build and manage. Here is a sample with…
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Backyard transformation with pergola, deck and fence
The landscaping project consisted of different parts we completed over time finishing in 2025. It included cladding the fence (textured), building a ekodeck deck and timber pergola, planting trees, shrubs and turf, installing edging, painting the walls and window frames. Before photos. Project Progress Tidy up and paver…
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Kitchen coffee station tiled splashback
Bright white subway tiles were used to create a kitchen coffee station. The project As part of our kitchen renovation, I designed a coffee station where the old pantry was located. The project included cabinetry work which we outsourced but I chose to tile it myself. Steps Step 1 Demo and install. This included removing…
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Enclosure to screen hot water tank
This screening enclosure uses lattice to hide a hot water system alongside the side of the house. The project Spent a couple of weekends building a screen enclosure to hide our hot water tank. I attached one screen to the wall and added a piece of timber to increase the width so it lines up with the post for the gate. Then…
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Backyard renovation with fence, deck and pergola
A new fibre cement and weatherboard panel fence, new low-level deck and timber pergola constructed to comprehensively revamp a backyard and create a wonderful space for outdoor entertaining. The project The project was to redesign a modern backyard, maximising the open space and creating a space for entertaining. Here are…
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Wainscoting feature wall
Some simple wainscoting using timber trim turned a plain wall into a bedroom feature. The project We've always appreciated the cosiness of good wainscoting and decided to feature it in the main bedroom using trim pieces. Steps Here's how we did it. Step 1 We first designed and marked out the proportions of the rectangles…
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Cosmetic kitchen makeover
This kitchen feels bigger and brighter after painting the cabinets and tiled splashback, adding more cabinetry with trim and installing a new benchtop and appliances. The project We've been working on our kitchen over the last six months. We managed to paint the cabinets and tiled splashback, add more cabinetry and install…
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Laundry and powder room renovation
A laundry and powder room makeover designed to maximise wall storage and add warmth using timber and statement tiles. The project The project was to renovate the existing laundry into a modern combined laundry and wash basin facility for the seperate toilet in our home. Steps Step 1 We designed the laundry and powder room…
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The breakfast bar
The Breakfast Bar Few additions to enhance the nook Worked on our outdoor breakfast bar this weekend. Here is the final result and a few progress shots to show how I created it. Time to get some stools! I used the existing columns of the patio to carry the larger weight load from the new main frame which I built inbetween…
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D.I.Y. flooring using adhesive vinyl over tiles
Careful preparation was the key to success in this D.I.Y. vinyl flooring project. The project We recently started laying some adhesive vinyl planks in our house. I'd done the research and we settled on Gerflor Senso Natural Lord planks. We also did the floor preparation to ensure the adhesive planks stuck on well. There…
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Low-level composite deck over concrete
Ekodeck boards assembled over old concrete to create a new outdoor entertaining area. The project As part of the backyard renovation, we decided to build a deck as an entertaining area. We decided to use the existing concrete section and extend over part of the lawn area. Steps Step 1 We built the frame using H3 timber at…
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Bulkhead extension for kitchen renovation
As part of our kitchen reno, we extended a portion to the edge of the wall. This left a gap between the ceiling and new cabinets so I had to build an extension to the bulkhead. Materials 16mm melamine boards 55mm cornice Ceiling paint Wall paint Construction adhesive Tools Mitre saw Mitre box Hand saw Stanley knife Chisel…
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How to install weatherboard fencing?
Hi wonderful workshop community We recently got our new fence installed and now starting to plan out some landscaping. I want it install some weatherboard panels to zone off part of the fence above where the deck will eventually go, using weatherboard panels in the image below. From what I gather, I'll need to frame up…
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Side yard transformation
Side yards aren't easy to work with, but with new fencing, pavers, bench seats and fresh greenery, this space is beautiful and functional. The project I'm a rookie to the world of D.I.Y. but keen to get my hands dirty. Recently, we moved into a new property and I've finally started one of many landscaping jobs. Here is the…
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Entry porch revamp
Revamped EntryWe decided to revamp the entry to our home after finishing most of the interior work. We wanted to modernise it but keep a lot of the heritage feel to it as well complementing the red brick and green windows. Welcome home 🏡 Interior / Exterior We went with a bold tile that suited the federation style of the…
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Backyard timber pergola
A Pine timber pergola installed over a garden courtyard. The project This project was to build and install a pergola by attaching it to the existing fence uprights and the fascia (through to the roof rafters) of the house. Tools and materials Materials used in the project: * 140 x 45mm treated structural Pine timber * 125…
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Backyard renovation with new fence and deck
The project was to redesign a modern backyard maximising the open space and creating a space for entertaining. Steps Step 1 Fence replacement & Hedge planting We removed the old pavers (dirt section), cleaned the whole are and had the old timber fence replaced with a new fence. We also planted some Silver Sheen hedging…
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Laundry and powder room renovation
Laundry / Powder room renovationThe project was to renovate the existing laundry into a modern combined laundry and wash basin facility for the seperate toilet in our home. Initial design Before Final result Materials 1x laminate benchtop 4x in-built melamine boards 1x in-built batten 1x 1200mm X 900mm VJ Panel 1x Bedford…
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Backyard timber pergola
Project was to build and install a pergola by attaching it to the existing fence uprights and the fascia (through to the roof rafters) of the house. Before After Project was to build and install a pergola by attaching it to the existing fence uprights and the fascia (through to the roof rafters) of the house Materials…
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Merbau raised garden bed
A stylish planter built using Pine sleepers and cladded with Merbau. The project Finally got to put together this garden bed using Sienna H4 Micropro Pine sleepers and Merbau. Very happy with the end product. I'm planning on planting some weather-friendly herbs. I used to use small pots so it'll be nice to have this for a…
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Backyard deck using Ekodeck
As part of the backyard Reno, we decided to build a deck as an entertaining area. We decided to use the existing concrete section and extend over part of the lawn area. Before After Materials Ekodeck boards Ekodeck quick fix system Plastic Pedestals 70x45mm H3 timber Bugle screws Weed mat Tools Mitre saw Clamps Drill…
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Montessori-inspired kids chair set
Plywood used to build a Montessori-inspired chair set for children. The project I designed and built a couple of Montessori-inspired chairs over the weekend. The original design is based on using only one 1200 x 396 x 12mm piece of plywood. I reduced the height of the side panels a bit later on as they felt a bit…
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Budget laundry makeover
A budget makeover for a European-style laundry complete with new cabinetry, sink and laminate marble-look benchtop. The project We upgraded our laundry by installing new cabinets, open shelves, a 2400mm laminate marble-look benchtop, sink and mixer tap. I started with the overhead cabinets and eventually worked on the…
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Guest toilet remodel
A guest toilet repainted and given a new floor for just $400. The project We finally gave our guest toilet a much-needed update after finding a solid day and a lot of enthusiasm to see it through. The result is more than splendid for us, especially for a modest budget D.I.Y. project of less than $400. Here is the process.…
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Living room remodel
VJ panels, skirting boards, fresh paint and new carpet used in a living room makeover. The project After moving into our new place mid to late last year, we spent the first few months doing bits and pieces to the whole house. Here is an update of the living room. We had our work cut out for us with the state of the…
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Kitchen coffee station tiling
As part of our kitchen renovation, I designed a coffee station where the old pantry was located. The project included cabinetry work which we outsourced but chose to tile it myself. Materials Subway tiles Tile adhesive Grout Tools Tile cutter Trowel Angle grinder Spacers Float Steps Step 1 Demo and install This included…
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Entry hallway remodel
VJ panelling, self-adhesive vinyl flooring and bright white paint were used for an entrance hall makeover. The project Our entry area always felt like it had great potential as a nice warm welcoming entry into our home. We decided to incorporate: * VJ 100mm panels to modernise the space and wrap them around the door frame…
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Replacement flooring patch under dishwasher
Part of our kitchen renovation involved extended a portion of it to make space for the dishwasher. After removing the cabinets we realised there were no tiles underneath and needed to patch the area. Here is how we did it. Materials 7mm Fibre cement Boards Fibre cement sheet jointing compound Construction adhesive Vinyl…
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D.I.Y. timber planter box
This timber planter box became a garden feature where the lawn was struggling to grow. The project I went to the market to pick up some fresh produce. Somehow, I came back home with a 2m tall lemon tree. Instead of digging down, I thought I'd make a feature of it and incorporate it into the backyard by raising it up so it…
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Weatherboard screening for hot water unit
Complete screeningDesigned and built a screen for the hot water unit using left over fibre cement Weatherboard panels. Materials * Weatherboard panels * Timber (75x45mm) * Steel brackets (200x250mm) * Timber screws * Fibre cement sheet nails Tools * Mitre saw * Drill * Stanley knife * Hammer Steps Step 1 Measure the…
