How-To Guides for UK Trades & DIY
Step-by-step guides written for UK tradespeople and serious DIYers. Each guide includes tools and materials lists, UK costs, common mistakes and links to relevant calculators.
Landscaping
How to Lay a Patio
Sub-base preparation, laying patterns, jointing compound and finishing for a long-lasting UK patio.
How to Install Decking
Frame construction, joist spacing, board fixing and finishing for timber or composite decking.
How to Build a Raised Bed
Sleeper or block construction, soil volume calculation, drainage and planting preparation.
How to Lay a Gravel Driveway
Excavation, membrane, edging and gravel depth for a durable, low-maintenance driveway.
How to Install Fence Panels
Post holes, concrete, panel fitting and gravel board installation for a solid fence.
How to Create a Soakaway
Percolation testing, sizing, crate installation and pipe connections for surface water drainage.
Carpentry
How to Build a Stud Wall
Sole plate, head plate, stud spacing, noggins and plasterboard for internal partition walls.
How to Fit Tongue and Groove
Batten preparation, secret nailing, expansion gaps and finishing for walls or ceilings.
How to Install Skirting Boards
Measuring, cutting mitres, fixing methods and filling for a professional skirting finish.
How to Build Stairs
Rise, going, headroom, stringers and treads to UK Building Regulations Part K.
Plastering
How to Plasterboard a Room
Dot-and-dab or batten fixing, cutting boards, taping joints and finishing plasterboard.
How to Apply a Skim Coat
Surface preparation, mixing plaster, two-coat application and trowelling to a smooth finish.
How to Dot and Dab
Adhesive mixing, dab pattern, plasterboard alignment and checking for plumb.
Tiling
Flooring
Masonry
How to Build a Brick Wall
Foundation preparation, bond patterns, mortar mixing, laying technique and pointing.
How to Repoint Brickwork
Raking out old mortar, selecting the right mix, joint profiles and curing for lasting results.
How to Lay a Concrete Base
Formwork, reinforcement mesh, pouring, tamping and curing for sheds, garages and extensions.
Roofing
How to Tile a Roof
Battens, gauge calculation, tile fixing, verge and ridge installation.
How to Install Gutters
Bracket spacing, fall calculation, joints, outlets and downpipe connections.
How to Install Soffit and Fascia
Old board removal, ventilation strips, fixing and joining for a neat roofline finish.
