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Simple D.I.Y. shower bench
A timber bath mat forms the basis of a simple shower bench. The project Renovating my ensuite bathroom I wanted to include a timber bench and began researching what was available and how I could make one myself. While staring at the timber bath mat (duck board) on my bathroom floor, I realised all the pieces I needed were…
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Why are PVC Pipes not the correct size?
I'm hoping someone can explain the following; I measured a PVC pipe I wanted a fitting for and it measured 40mm externally. When I bought a 40mm coupling it was too big? 40mm Coupling has an internal dimension of 47mm? 32mm PVC pipe has the dimensions 42mm externally and 36mm internally? 32mm Coupling that fits above is…
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Simple DIY shower bench
Renovating my ensuite bathroom I wanted to include a timber bench and began researching what was available and how I could make one myself. While staring at the timber bath mat (Duck Board) on my bathroom floor I realised all the pieces I needed were there waiting to be cut up and reassembled into what I wanted. The timber…
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Hevea Timber fibers go prickly when varnished or wet
I used Hevea timber panels from Bunnings to make my desk top bigger (to work from home). I like the blond colour and fine grain however after sanding it smooth, when I varnished first coat it dried rough and prickly as the timber fibers seem to swell and stick up. Gave it a light sand and second coat and the fibers were…
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How do I remove a stuck shower arm?
Hi All, Any hints or tips on how to remove a stuck shower arm please? I'm renovating my ensuite and the shower arm won't budge, the wrenches just slip around it no matter how tight they are. Not worried about damaging the arm but I am worried about damage to the thread of the brass fitting coming out of the wall. Thanks in…
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Buffet from upcycled chest of drawers
A dated chest of drawers was transformed into a stylish modern buffet with both drawers and shelving. The project I wanted a buffet for the dining room but couldn't find one the right size. This old chest of drawers was close to the size I wanted so I converted the three large drawers into two smaller drawers and two doors…
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My Zen garden
At the entrance to my home is a small area that consisted of a gnarly old Dracaena and an air conditioner unit, and when the wind blew, the leaves on the driveway swirled around and piled up in that area. Not the welcome I wanted for my front door. I could never really decide what I wanted to do with that area until I saw…
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Kitchen renovation on a budget
This clever kitchen renovation delivers a striking new look and greater functionality while retaining existing appliances to keep costs down. The project My old kitchen was dated. The doors were swollen chipboard and the laminate was peeling off. A peninsula stuck out opposite the fridge so when you opened the fridge door…
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Upcycled built-in TV cabinet
This clever project turned an old TV unit into a built-in cabinet with a Hevea timber top. The project My living room is quite small so I try to save space however I can. I took an old TV unit that my brother didn't want, pulled it apart and re-used some of the timber to make a smaller built-in unit. First I had to check…
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Ladder shelves with desk
No longer working from home so the crowded and messy corner desk could go and be replaced by shelves on the wall and I incorporated a desk for one computer. Being a small area I wanted something open and easy to build. . Using 42mm x 19mm DAR pine for the two ladders and five hardwood panels 300mm x 1200mm. Doubled the…
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Upcycled antique display cabinet
My Nana’s old cabinet has passed through 3 generations and now belongs to my Niece, so it is time for a make-over. Made mostly of Silky Oak it was in good condition but also very fragile, rickety and loose. The leadlight glass is original and only one small glass has cracked but is not noticeable. The top and base are…
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Recycled decking timber outdoor sofa
This outdoor sofa utilises bent and leftover decking timber for an affordable piece of furniture. The project I made this outdoor sofa using bent and leftover decking timber. After painting the structure and adding cushions, it was ready to use. More outdoor inspiration Workshop member DIYology created this…
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Mandarin tree not flowering
Question for the Fruit Tree lovers. I have a very healthy Imperial Mandarin tree grafted on dwarf stock that has never flowered or fruited. It has been in the ground for 5 years, has no disease or insect problems and is green and strong and about 2 meters tall. It gets plenty of sun and water and the occasional fertiliser.…
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Remove Phone Jack on wall
Hi Workshoppers, I want to remove the old phone jack on the wall in the kitchen and plaster up the hole. My question is, is it safe to just cut the wire and push it back into the cavity before I cover over it? I just got NBN connected so the old phone line is now redundant. Thanks, Stuart.
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Kitchen reno on a budget
My old kitchen was dated, the doors were swollen chipboard and the laminate peeling off. A peninsular stuck out opposite the fridge so when you opened the fridge door you bashed your arm on the cupboard. Time for a Reno. Using a kitchen planner first is the best way to decide what cabinets fit where, what sizes were needed…
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Retro ice box
An affordable ice box built with timber offcuts and insulated with polystyrene foam. The project I needed a large esky for Christmas day but couldn't afford one so bought a 80 litre storage tub from Bunnings, filled it with ice and it worked well. I decided to build a timber box and frame around it with a lid and packed…
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Re-purposed an old chest of drawers into a new Buffet
I wanted a Buffet for the dining room but couldn't find one the right size. This old chest of drawers was close to the size so I converted it from 3 large drawers into 2 smaller drawers, 2 doors and 2 shelves inside. Painted with left over paint from the wall behind it and it does the job, looks good and I'm happy. I used…
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Bunnings drive-through timber: How does it work?
What is the process of going through the Bunnings Drive Through Timber section? Do you just drive in, pick up what you need and drive through a checkout on the way out? Do you have to be a tradie? What else is in this mysterious section of Bunnings that not all venture into? What am I missing out on? I'm a bit embarrassed…
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Simple air fryer stand
I heard a story about a benchtop cracking from the heat under an Air Fryer so I made a stand to put mine on. Space underneath stores the extra trays and I put it on felt pads so I can slide it out of the way too. Didn't want to risk my new benchtops. Cheers, Stuart.
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Coffee table with planter/ice insert
Made from left over treated pine sleepers, sanded smooth on the top to reveal the beautiful grain. Cut to size to fit the planter trough and joined using 12mm dowels, glued and clamped together. Hairpin steel table legs fitted underneath, then varnished. Can be filled with plants or ice for your drinks. My niece asked me…
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How do I lift floor tiles without breaking?
I have started renovating my kitchen and a section where I pulled out cabinets did not have tiles underneath. This section of floor will be exposed when I'm finished so I need to insert 3 matching tiles, (which I can't buy anywhere). I am considering lifting some tiles from under the other cabinets to insert in the exposed…
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Question about joining Laminate Benchtops
When you cut and join laminate benchtops is it enough to just use PVA glue between the joins? I heard a horror story of water getting into the join causing the benchtops to swell. Would it be better to use silicone between the joins? Particle board inside laminate benchtop I am in the planning stage of renovating my…
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Built-in TV unit
My living room is quite small so I try to save space however I can. I re-used an old TV unit my brother didn't want, pulled it apart and re-used some of the timber to make a smaller built-in unit. 2.6m long but only 30cm wide. Painted the same colour as the feature wall. The right side cupboard hides a spaghetti of…
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Shading bedroom from the afternoon sun
The afternoon summer sun heats up the bedroom and ensuite. I would like to build a basic timber pergola over the front courtyard that faces west and put shade cloth over the first metre out from the bedroom and ensuite. Do you think that would be enough to cut the sun heating up these rooms? Any other suggestions ideas…
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Advice on climbing roses please
Hi Workshop, I have 2 climbing roses training up the posts of my pergola and they are growing very well. I bought them very small as 2 yellow banksia roses however one turned out to have a small red rose flower and is not a banksia rose, I'm fine with that. My question is do I prune the side shoots and the stems spreading…
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Retro ice box
I needed a large esky for Christmas day but couldn't afford one so bought an 80 litre storage tub from Bunnings, filled with ice it worked well. I decided to build a timber box and frame around it with a lid and packed the sides with styrene foam. Painted to match my outdoor furniture and I am very happy with the results.…
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Outdoor sofa using recycled decking timber
