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When we bought our house, the two kids rooms were horribly painted in horrible colours (bright blue and green in one, and blue and yellow in the other, on opposing walls.  Lesson #1 do NOT let your c... See more...
When we bought our house, the two kids rooms were horribly painted in horrible colours (bright blue and green in one, and blue and yellow in the other, on opposing walls.  Lesson #1 do NOT let your children choose paint colours).   Eventually we "normalised" these two rooms, one at a time, as our kids came along.  But one thing that's still on the to-do list is something about their two wardrobe doors.  These were originally both two, thin, floor to ceiling doors.  I've build some melamine shelving in both, and they're perfectly functional now, just lack the ability to hide the clutter away.   (it doesn't look too unsightly here, but it also didn't stay this tidy for too long)   My idea was to put up a curtain rod, and just hang a curtain to cover them, but SWMBO isn't a huge fan of that idea.  So, short of finding some damn tall thin doors... what other options are out there?   Vinyl wood pattern concertina doors? 
We bought a Cement Grey and Black Machu Fire Pit and decided we wanted to have it on our deck.   To avoid fire risk and damage to decking, we placed it on 4 concrete masonry pavers.     This ... See more...
We bought a Cement Grey and Black Machu Fire Pit and decided we wanted to have it on our deck.   To avoid fire risk and damage to decking, we placed it on 4 concrete masonry pavers.     This worked, but we wanted more space/insulation between the fire and the decking boards, and we wanted the fire pit to be mobile.   The solution:  A Fire pit on wheels! Great for getting an active fire to the best location (even on decking).     1) 5 heavy duty castor wheels, secured to a square of marine ply with stainless steel screws provided (one wheel in each corner and one in the centre)   2) Use thick marine ply (approx 610 x 610 thickest avilable!)   3) 4 concrete pavers - 400 x 400 x 40mm.  (Brighton masonry pavers)   4) 12 ramset dynabolts.  6mm x 40mm ( I used 50mm, but they were too long and almost went right through the pavers!)     5) Gently clamp the 4 pavers together on a flat surface. Place the inverted marine board over the centre. Space the attachment points out evenly - mark drill holes on the marine board near the corners of the pavers (centrally) and 2 more holes (per paver).  Remove the marine ply and drill through all marked holes.  Replace the marine ply and mark the pavers through these "guide holes", then remove the marine ply and use a masonry bit to drill the 12 holes. Attach the marine board with the dunabolts.   6) Tip over the trolley to stand it on its wheels.  The Glow 80 x 80 x 23cm Cement Grey and Black Machu Fire Pit now sits securely on the mobile solid heat-resistant concrete trolley.   7) We made 3 more adjustments - Firstly, we drilled 4 more holes in the fire pit bowl to increase air flow, we added an old metal grill from a disused barbeque to place in the bowl, allowing air to circulate under the hot coals, creating less smoke, and finally, we placed an old metal tray underneath the firepit, on the pavers to collect ash that may fall through the small drill holes   enjoy  
As I'm nearing the end of our backyard games room project, I had an eclectic assortment of items in my basket during my long weekend trip to Bunnings. There was some magnets for a gate, some wood fil... See more...
As I'm nearing the end of our backyard games room project, I had an eclectic assortment of items in my basket during my long weekend trip to Bunnings. There was some magnets for a gate, some wood filler, some paint and a new BBQ spatula.   Looking around at the store, it seemed many people were gearing up for a big weekend of D.I.Y. and gardening projects. There was certainly a wide variety of items in shopping baskets and trolleys.     What was the last thing you bought at Bunnings?   Jason
Hi I am trying to choose an evergreen tree that is narrow and not extremely high for a small garden area.  I have spotted a tree in my neighbourhood but have no idea what it is called but it would b... See more...
Hi I am trying to choose an evergreen tree that is narrow and not extremely high for a small garden area.  I have spotted a tree in my neighbourhood but have no idea what it is called but it would be ideal.  They have been planted in a row of three and it is evergreen.  They are approximately 40 - 60cm wide with lots of leaves formed on small branches and approximately 4 - 5 meters high, green leaves and a few marone leaves through it. Would anyone be able to help or advise a type of leafy tree that would come close. Thanks Jen   
Lots of seasoned firewood waiting to be collected for FREE from Hazelbrook - Blue Mountains Bring your truck or trailer and chainsaw and take as much as you want The timber is from trees ... See more...
Lots of seasoned firewood waiting to be collected for FREE from Hazelbrook - Blue Mountains Bring your truck or trailer and chainsaw and take as much as you want The timber is from trees felled about a year ago to build our house and is now seasoned and ready to burn in fire places. There is a large variety of sized logs and quite a bit of kindling as well Please call Dave on 0414 398559 to get address and organise a time to collect
Workshop community update #24   Hi all,   It’s a long weekend for many Workshop members. I hope you have a happy and safe break, and enjoy some time with friends and family. For those wh... See more...
Workshop community update #24   Hi all,   It’s a long weekend for many Workshop members. I hope you have a happy and safe break, and enjoy some time with friends and family. For those who were picking up the tools, getting stuck into the garden or doing some odd jobs around the house, please do share your plans and the results.   If you’re looking for inspiration for projects around the home, I’m sure the Workshop community can be of great assistance. For example, did you see some of the projects that @darylhewston shared recently? Daryl’s obviously been a busy man with his kitchen renovation, backyard and patio makeovers, and other projects. Many thanks for sharing, Daryl.     Other popular posts from the past week include:   Useful advice for combating common weeds like soursob and morning glory for @geejaybee and @Kezzlesj   Help with an internal door that no longer closes properly for @lazydrummer   @ProjectPete's new portable workbench and kids clothes rack   Handy kitchen cleaning tips from community members   Suggestions for painting MDF furniture for @offroadrover and painting a 70s ceiling for @SteveH   Assistance for @Marg19 who is considering replacing ceramic floor tiles   An interesting discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of corded power tools.   It’s also great to see Workshop members regularly sharing images on the gallery. Some interesting recent photos include a Star Wars inspired fire pit, a really fun aquarium for Nintendo lovers and @Grandy's impressive new retaining wall.    Many thanks to all contributors to Workshop over the past week. Our top members in the past seven days were @Andy_Mann, @darylhewston, @ProjectPete, @Isobel and @Trying. We really appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your posts.   Jason Community Manager
Hi all,   Thought I would post a couple of photos of the drinking hole.  Everything you see is recycled except for the front face of the bar.  The mini-orb sheets are all ex-coversheets and spray p... See more...
Hi all,   Thought I would post a couple of photos of the drinking hole.  Everything you see is recycled except for the front face of the bar.  The mini-orb sheets are all ex-coversheets and spray painted a silver hammertone, the frame for the bar came from an old project, the top of the bar jarrah floorboards and came from government house in WA.  The 'crackatinnie' sign was made out of a jarrah offcut and just routed with a computer template, painted and varnished.  I wanted the oldish look hence the small gaps in the timber and all the existing nail holes.  You may notice that I am a hugh XY GTHO fan.  Enjoy. And not a gnome in sight........    
Many Australians are looking forward to a long weekend.    In addition to a well-deserved break, the weekend provides the chance to get stuck into some D.I.Y. and gardening projects around the ho... See more...
Many Australians are looking forward to a long weekend.    In addition to a well-deserved break, the weekend provides the chance to get stuck into some D.I.Y. and gardening projects around the house. I know I have a long list of jobs to complete!    What are your plans for the weekend?    Jason  
i have soent the morning digging out a row of 5 pittosporums. I would like to put a feature tree in the area. My problem is it is on the western side of the house and thats where my solar panels are.... See more...
i have soent the morning digging out a row of 5 pittosporums. I would like to put a feature tree in the area. My problem is it is on the western side of the house and thats where my solar panels are. My ideal would have been a Acer Autumn Glory but think it would be to big.  I have shifted a lemon tree from an other area in the garden as it was not doing very well and needed more sun. Sandy soil in Melbournes southeastern suburbs. Any one have any suggestions of a small tree for the area before i hit mr goole and the gardening books. 
Hi guys, I've got a decent range of tools including both battery and corded models. I'm just chasing people's feedback on which tools they have in which combos.   Do you find your battery powered... See more...
Hi guys, I've got a decent range of tools including both battery and corded models. I'm just chasing people's feedback on which tools they have in which combos.   Do you find your battery powered ones don't last long enough or don't have enough power, etc?   Certainly like the convenience of the new(ish) '1 battery fits all systems' and when I buy new tools I've looked at both battery and corded options.        
Hi.  I'm renovating a 60's home, and really enjoying the process.  I have painted, wallpapered, ripped out doors and shelving.  I love seeing what people have accomplished.  My next big project is to... See more...
Hi.  I'm renovating a 60's home, and really enjoying the process.  I have painted, wallpapered, ripped out doors and shelving.  I love seeing what people have accomplished.  My next big project is to do something about the very old ceramic tiles. I'm wondering if I can cover them with vynal planks.  I know I would have to fill in all the grouting to make a smooth surface.  Any ideas on would it be a possibility or maybe have other options?
Good evening all, I need help with my next project. I'm looking to set some sleepers of varying height ( not length ) vertically into the ground to form a sort of backdrop for a garden feature. Lengt... See more...
Good evening all, I need help with my next project. I'm looking to set some sleepers of varying height ( not length ) vertically into the ground to form a sort of backdrop for a garden feature. Lengths will be from 500mm to 1500mm. If these are the heights above ground, how deep should they be in the ground?? Could I put them in a trench and use quickset cement? Should I hire a post hole digger ? ( I'm too feeble and puny to dig the holes myself ) I think my 'she-shed' DIY has fired me up too much and I'll finish up penniless. Ha ha.  Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated. Cheers.
  This is our kitchen and lounge roof.   House was built in the 1970's.   We are thinking of painting it white, but my concern is I think the board may crumble apart as I do it.   Does a... See more...
  This is our kitchen and lounge roof.   House was built in the 1970's.   We are thinking of painting it white, but my concern is I think the board may crumble apart as I do it.   Does anybody know what this product is (I thought straw board) and any suggestions on painting it.  
My husband and I have recently moved into a house that has been overrun with morning glory!!   We have sprayed it to keep it at bay but it's determined to keep growing.   We have a dog, ... See more...
My husband and I have recently moved into a house that has been overrun with morning glory!!   We have sprayed it to keep it at bay but it's determined to keep growing.   We have a dog, and would really love to have nice vegetable gardens in the future so trying to use as little chemicals as possible. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this pest? Thanks!
Hi All,   I am totally new to this site and have only actually been in Australia a few months. I am looking to spray paint MDF furniture with 2 pac paint. I have painted MDF previously but that... See more...
Hi All,   I am totally new to this site and have only actually been in Australia a few months. I am looking to spray paint MDF furniture with 2 pac paint. I have painted MDF previously but that was a few years ago in South Africa. The paint was a 2K product by Luxor but I have no idea what is available in Melbourne.   Does anyone here know what products are available including the primmer and where to get them?