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How to Guides

Whether you're preparing to sell or staying put, get home improvement tips for inside and outside your home. Learn ways to add value to your home with these home improvement tips from PlaceMakers DIY experts.

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Building a Paling Fence

Building a Paling Fence

Once you’ve got your posts and rails in place these instructions will show you how to build a horizontal or vertical paling fence.

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Building a Timber Deck

Building a Timber Deck

A timber deck is an asset to any home and building one is a classic summer project. This brochure walks you through the all the steps needed to achieve a result to be proud of.

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Building Timber Retaining Walls

Building Timber Retaining Walls

Retaining walls perform heavy and important work and there are many things to consider such as drainage etc. Our brochure contains a handy tools and materials checklist, complete with full installation instructions.

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Building a pergola

Building a pergola

Pergolas are a useful and attractive addition to any section. This brochure has instructions for a free-standing pergola, and one fixed to a building or a wall.

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Installing Timber Posts and Rails

Installing Timber Posts and Rails

These instructions will show you how to install fence posts and rails - the first step to building a fence. Once your posts and rails are set, our other Know How fencing brochures will help you finish the project.

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Building a Picket Fence

Building a Picket Fence

These instructions show you how to build a basic 1 metre high picket fence, including how to fix the pickets to a completed post and rail structure.

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Building a concrete block retaining wall

Building a concrete block retaining wall

A retaining wall is a great way to improve the look of your lawn and garden. It can be a beautiful feature as well as the perfect way to create a flat lawn on a slopping section. Our guide provides full installation instructions.

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How to paint interior trims

How to paint interior trims

The interior trim gives the room a distinctive outline. It also enhances dimensions and colours within the room. This guide will help you ensure you get a perfect finish every time.

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Installing Trellis Fence Panels

Installing Trellis Fence Panels

Want to install a basic trellis panel? These instructions will show you how. If you’re using trellis panels of different shapes, patterns and sizes you may have to adjust these instructions to suit your particular project.

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Choosing the Right Paint

Choosing the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint for your project can be difficult. The following guide will help you choose the most appropriate product for the surface you are about to paint.

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Select the Right Roller

Select the Right Roller

The two most important things for a great paint finish are: a good quality paint and the right roller sleeve to match the paint type and surface. This guide makes sure you have the right tool for the right job.

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Installing Hinges

Installing Hinges

This booklet reviews the most popular types of hinges you might use on a do-it-yourself job around your home. We provide tips and suggestions to help you select butt, flat, or flush butt hinges depending on the application.

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Laying Paving Stones

Laying Paving Stones

Concrete pavers are a practical way to lay hard-wearing paths, patios, courtyards and driveways, without just pouring plain concrete. This booklet provides you with a step by step guide to achieve this project.

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Staining Timber

Staining Timber

This booklet provides information on the types of stains available, hints and tips on how to prepare the surface for staining and applying the stain, plus a handy tools and material checklist to help you get the job done right.

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Selecting the Right Brush

Selecting the Right Brush

The two most important things for a great paint finish are: a good quality paint, and the right paintbrush to match the paint type and surface. This guide makes sure you have the right tool for the right job.

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Painting Interiors

Painting Interiors

Different conditions demand different paint. This booklet covers the different treatments for living rooms and wet areas, paint preparation and the order you should paint your room in.

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Painting Exteriors

Painting Exteriors

When you are painting outdoors, the materials you require are dependent on the condition and the type of surface you are intending to paint. This booklet provides some helpful hints which will help to make the job easier.

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Tiling Interior Walls and Floors

Tiling Interior Walls and Floors

Tiling demands patience and precision. This booklet provides instructions for tiling an ordinary interior wall or floor. There is a lot to do before you begin – we show you how.

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