Home-DzineIt’s all about caring for and improving your home

June 2010

Happy Father’s Day Go Bafana Bafana!

online

Also in this issue ...• Adding new skirting boards • Gift for Father’s Day Plus window architrave Giant domino craft for kids

Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen. All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Image and content credits:meredith publishing - good homes - family handyman - sunset publishing - popular mechanic - house & home - georgia pacific- expert village - channel4 - pottery barn - flikr - nkba - resene - mitre10 - lowes and any others.

Do it!

In the month of May and June the Divas will be travelling around the country to present workshops in conjunction with the Builders Warehouse Fever Pitch promotion. All you have to do is sms DIY, your invoice number, name, city and contact details to 37291 to attend a workshop in your region FREE!

So far we have had a lot of fun, and the ladies has received some great goodies, as well as a project to make and take home. Keep an eye on the press for details or visit the new Builders Warehouse website at www.builders.co.za.

PS. This issue is for those who won’t be sitting in front of the TV!

Janice

a word or two

Living small doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on living large.

The living room in this small apartment sets the colour scheme for the entire space.

Furniture arrangements define howspace is used. In the main living area is a high-gloss white desk pushed up against the back of the red love seat. There it’s possible to park with a laptop or catch up on accounts. To sharpen the focus on the accent wall, paintings hang over the white sideboard and between a pair of handsome lamps.

A small apartment that’s big on style

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LEFT: Modern apartments usually have open kitchens since everyone seems to want space flow. That makes thecounter another place to hang out. Slim pendant track lights are used overhead.

Click here to view the low-voltage collection from Radiant Lighting.

Countertop options range from Formica laminate, granite,

Caesarstone, stainless steel and polished concrete.

RIGHT: Given the “furnished” quality of the living room, the essentials-only dining room offers a visual change of pace. Still, it seats 8 on white leather chairs which ring the table like a strand of pearls. The brown-black colour of the table links up with the living room wall unit a and bronze Venetian plaster panel behind it.

Whilst Venetian plaster is still a fairly new technique locally, there are companies that provide installation.

www.PerfectPaint.co.zaoffer a wide selection of finishes.

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Decorate

entertaining thefans

World Cup fever is upon us, and many of us are going to be entertaining family and friends - both local and from overseas - who gather to watch the games.

I know that many will brave the chilly weather outdoors and put on a good braai, but for those who prefer to entertaining indoors during the winter months, give some thought to the dining room.

If yours is looking a bit sad and depressed, you don’t necessarily have to spend money to give it a makeover. Here are some images to provide ideas and inspire you to give your dining room a new look!

ABOVE: A plain dining room is transformed with the addition of a

dramatic light fitting.

Click here to view the pendant and chandelier collection from Radiant Lighting.

LEFT: Who would have believed that an old, chipped and scarred

table would look so stunning when matched with elegant dining chairs and chandelier.

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Decorate

LEFT and BELOW: Whether your home is decorated in traditional or modern, you prefer neutral shades or bright colours, create a dining room that best suits your personality, your home, and fits in with your choice of entertaining.

Comfy and casual, organic and neutral, or contemporary style. If your budget doesn’t allow you to splurge on a new dining room suite, put it too good use on new light fittings and accessories to dress theroom.

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Decorate

RIGHT: In this dining room designed by Kenneth Brown, a shimmering and dramatic stage is set for elegant entertaining.

Black walls, crystal chandelier and gold silk curtains evoke a sense of eclectic glamour when combined with orange seating.

Wallpaper is an easy way to add a feature wall or make an impact in a small dining space - and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you have digital wallpaper printed.

www.smartart.co.za

LEFT: The polished concrete floor and neutral shades combine to create a modern setting that is relaxed and casual, yet easily transformed for formal dining.

Shop around for a dining table that fitscomfortably in the

space that you have. You don’t want guests to have to squeeze into their chairs.

www.concretewise.co.za

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Trends

Changing the temperature of the air in your home requires a lot of energy. You may be trying to make it hotter than the outside temperature during winter, or conversely cool the house down during summer. In either case, if the house is not well insulated any gains are quickly lost via heat transfer with the outside air through the walls, windows, the ceiling and the floor. Thisbecomes a bit like trying to raise the level of water in a colander. If you don’t pour water into it fast enough, it all leaks out before the level can rise. Clearly you will use up a lot of water trying to keep the level in the colander constant and even more to increase it.

The same goes for energy required to heat/cool a poorly insulated home. A well insulated home will thus save a lot of power that would otherwise have been necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

Many homes in South Africa are poorly insulated due to a combination of factors such as:

• Our very temperate climate in which most homes are only really uncomfortable for one or two months in the year.

• Building codes and builders have not emphasised insulation in domestic homes in the recent past.

• Our historically cheap electricity prices have allowed many to afford the large amounts of electricity needed for heating/cooling.

homeinsulation

powe

rsavin

g.co.z

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With electricity tariffs on the increase annually, now, more than even, we need to re-think our attitudes and look for ways to reduce the amount of energy used in the home.

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TrendsRoof and Ceiling InsulationThere are two main forms of heat transfer occurring in your roof. Firstly the ceiling panels allow heat to be conducted out of the house in winter when the inside is warmer than the outside and the reverse occurs in summer. Secondly the roof tiles or corrugated iron roof sheeting heat up from the sun during the day and then transfer that heat to the ceiling boards by radiation.

Some form of insulation designed to reduce conduction such as glass fibre blanket,cellulose, polystyrene sheet or foam should be laid on top of the ceiling boards to reduce conduction through the ceiling.

To reduce radiation from the roof tiles, some form of aluminiumised foil sheeting should be laid directly underneath the tiles with the shiny side facing upwards. Ideally this should be done during construction, but it can be retro fitted by attaching it to the underside of theroof brandering.

Both these types of insulation can be installed relatively easily into most homes, provided one has access to the roof space. Window InsulationHeat flows through a single pane of glass in thefollowing ways:

• Radiant heat is both entering and leaving the room via the window. During the day sunshine passing through the window will heat up all surfaces it lands on. During the evening warmer surfaces inside the house will radiate their heat outside if the curtains are not drawn.

• Heat will be lost via conduction through the glass pane to the air on the outside at night and the reverse will occur during the day.

ABOVE: Installation by jorgensen.co.za

Double glazing (two panes of glass with an air gap between them) reduces heat loss quite effectively. Thick, heavy curtains that seal off the window from the rest of the room will do the same thing to a much smaller extent. Floor InsulationIn colder regions of the world, it is standard practice to place a layer of insulation beneath the floor slab to reduce heat loss through thefloor, but not unfortunately in South Africa.

Tiled floors are especially good conductors ofheat away from a room, whilst carpets are the most practical option in South African homes for insulating the floor of your home. Laminatedwooden flooring is also usually installed with alayer of insulation beneath it.

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Crafts

giantdominoes

With the school holidays during the World Cup, mom’s are going to be looking for ways to keep the kids occupied, especially for such a long holiday.

I came across these giant dominoes and realised this would be great for the kids - plus they’re cheap and easy

to make.

All you need is some timber and board offcuts, or have pieces of pine cut to 200 x 400mm - or even larger if you want.

Here’s how:Paint the board with black acrylic PVA - two coats should be sufficient. Use Rust-Oleum Paint Pens to paint on the numbered dots. Remember to number the dominoes in different combinations so that the kids can actually play the game!

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I am sure that there will be very few dads in South Africa that won’t be holding a TV-remote in their hand over the next month or so.

Our TV-remote box makes it easy for dad to have all his remotes in one place.

You will need:4 pieces of Skirting board cut to width 200mm*1 block of wood cut to 200 x 200mm for baseMitre box and backsawPonal wood glueWood fillerRust-Oleum Painters TouchDecorative sticker - see back pageContact self-adhesive velvet

Here’s how:1. Use a mitre box and saw to angle both sides of the skirtings.

2. Arrange these in the box shape and apply Ponal wood glue to all the joins. Wrap the box with masking tape while the glue dries.

3. Spray the outside of the box with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch in Tomato Red. Let dry and then apply another coat if necessary.

4. Cut a section of Contact self-adhesive velvet to the height of the box - a

length long enough to wrap around the inside of the box.

Peel off the backing slowly as you apply to the inside areas.

5. Paint the outside of the bottom section with red and apply wood glue to affix tothe bottom of the box. Let dry.

Enlarge and print out the design and stick to the

front of the box with double-sided tape.

KidsCrafts

gift forfather’s DayCombining Father’s Day and the World Cup, I thought that this might be a nice project for mom and kids to make for Father’s Day.

*If you plan to do the Skirting Project - keep any offcuts to make the TV-remote box.

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Crafts

DIY KidsWith the World Cup just around the corner, and extended school holidays, moms are going to be looking for ways to keep the kids occupied.

Here’s a couple of crafts that the kids can do for their bedroom.

You will need:Empty toilet roll holdersScissorsStaplerNylon fishing lineRust-Oleum Painters Touch spray paint

RAIN FLOWERS

Here’s how:1. Cut each toilet roll holder

into strips approximately 2cm wide.

2. Use a stapler to join each strip together. Insert the nylon line between the last and first strip and staplefirmly.

3. Take each rain floweroutside and spray with a coat of Rust-Oleum painters touch and let dry.

Tie the rain flowers to yourcurtain track or pole.

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DIY DivasMoms and kids can get together to make a decorative mobile.

Here’s how:1. Mom - or dad - will need to cut

out the shapes for the birds.

2. Use a drill/driver and a 5mm wood bit to drill out the shape of the wings.

DIY Tip:Before using the drill/driver, place the bird cut outs on a piece of scrap wood. This helps to prevent splitting the wood on the back side.

Crafts

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shelf projectsunny

Add a touch of fun to a child’s bedroom with this sunny shelf. You can change the design to suit any room decor.

You will need:Timber or board for back

(16mm or thicker)Timber or board for shelf

Offcuts for shapesHangers or hooks

Rust-Oleum Painters Touch - sweet peaRust-Oleum Paint Pens

Sander and 240-grit sanding padsAssorted cut screws

Drill/Driver and assorted screw bitsPattex No More Nails

JigsawCircular saw

Here’s how:1. Use a jigsaw to cut out the decorative shape for the back board.

2. For a sturdy shelf you will need to cut a rebate in the back board to the width of the shelf board. i.e. 16mm. I used a circular saw to do this, setting the blade for a low cut to create the rebate. I then used a screwdriver to remove any excess.

3. Apply wood glue to the rebate and insert the shelf. Once set, apply additional strength by screwing from the back of the backing board into the shelf. DO drill pilot holes first or the boardmay crack.

4. Cut out decorations using the jigsaw. Spray with sweet pea, let dry and then draw on the designs using paint pens.

5. Sand the project with 240-grit sanding paper before painting with Rust-Oleum Painters Touch.

6. Attach the handles and decorations. These are screwed on through the back of the backing board.

Crafts

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Transform everyday storage bottles into vintage glass and create a unique display.

You can use Heritage Glass Stain for this project, and to create a more transparent look or pearl effect add Opalescent, or thin with a small amount of acetone (nail varnish remover).

Here’s how:1. Flip the jar upside down and place

it into a plastic container to keep mess to a minimum.

2. Use the applicator to suck up the stain and pour over the outside of the jar.

Note: Don’t shake the glass stain bottle as this introduces air bubbles and will spoil your project.

3. This product is best applied on a flat surface, butI found that by doing it one way - turning the jar upside down - and then the other way, you get a fairly consistent coating.

4. Let dry overnight. If required, you can repeat the process for a darker stain effect.

makeovervintage

Crafts

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Crafts

Vintage bottles add pizzazz to any windowsill or table scape.

You will need:Clean bottlesStencils - make your own using cardboardCraft paintPaper plateStencil brushRust-Oleum polyurethane spray - satinNewspaper

Here’s how:

1. If you are making your own stencils, use the template on the next page and enlarge to the desired size. A sharp craft knife and a cutting mat are the only tools you need to cut out the individual letters and numbers.

2. Place the bottles individually on a piece of newspaper.

in a bottlemessage

Stencil your numbers or letters on individual bottles

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Crafts

3. Dip the stencil brush into the paint and dab onto newspaper to remove excess. You can build up paint layers for a darker image.

4. Allow the paint to dry on all the bottles and then - in a well ventilated room - use the Rust-Oleum satin to seal the finish.

If you want to get really snazzy, add a piece of burlap before stencilling . You could even spell out a word -

lining the bottles up to complete the spelling!

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a picture says a thousand words!

click here to join the many DIY Divas who have discovered just how easy it is to Do-It-Yourself

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If you feel confident enough to start onmore ambitious projects in and around the home, there are a few tools that you are going to need to invest in. But before you do, here are some general guidelines to assist you with your purchase.

A quick word of advice; justify the expense. Buy what you need for the various projects you want to do. It isn’t necessary to buy the top of the range for a few drilling projects in and around the home. Having said that; it does pay to invest in quality tools that will provide the power that you need without too many useless bell and whistles.

Go Girl!If you’ve already attended one of our DIY workshops, chances are you’ve been bitten by the DIY bug!

Now you are itching to tackle a few DIY tasks around the home and have the satisfaction and pride in knowing that you did-it-yourself.

While you may already have a few basic tools in your collection, this month sees the launch of Builders Warehouses’ Power Tool Promotion and you may want to consider investing in additional tools.

The new compact range of Bosch impact drills are smaller than their predecessors, which make them the smallest tools in their class. With a 500-watt motor they meet the need of any DIY-er that wants to do occasional projects or tasks. Drill bits or screwdriver bits are rapidly fitted in the keyless chuck., which means that less time is wasted on changing bits.

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Cordless power tools

Every self-respecting Diva should have at least one cordless drill/driver in her workshop. Whether you buy a NiCad battery-operated model, or one of the latest Li-Ion models. These handy power tools are portable, lightweight and extremely easy to use. If you’re going to buy a drill/driver, splurge on the best!

By now you all know that I am a Bosch fanatic, and the Bosch range of Li-Ion drill/drivers is definitely worth considering. The PSR 10,8 LI is now one of my favourite tools and has pride of place in my workshop - always there when I need it. The only downside for me; it doesn’t stand on its own.

Impact drill

There is inevitably going to be a time that you will need to drill into walls, tiles, or other hard material, and for this task you are going to need an impact drill - with hammer function. Normally priced at around R400-R500, you can buy a quality drill that will last you a lifetime.

Most models offer forward-reverse and front handle, but also be on the look out for a model that has variable speed and keyless chuck - a great timesaver.

Of course, the drill also needs a decent set of drill bits and it’s best to buy a set with all the standard sizes that you will need: 3, 5, 8 and 10mm masonry and HSS bits. Don’t buy on the cheap for your drill bits as you could stand for hours trying to drill a hole into concrete with a bit that has gone blunt!

Which sander?

Sanding by hand is all fine and well ifyou prefer to spend time and effort to

finish a project, but for a smooth andproperly finished surface there are a widevariety of sanders available to make the job much easier.

A multi-sander - that looks like an iron - is perfect for all-round sanding, while a rectangular-shaped orbital sander is ideal for larger, flat surfaces. A model that also offersa quick-change sanding finger attachmentis handy for sanding decorative and hard-to-reach areas.

And finally, if you’re going to be restoringfurniture or making your own. a random orbit sander is the perfect choice and gives the best finish.

Buy a model that offers integral dust-extraction. You use these sanders indoors and reduce the amount of dust produced - better for your home and your lungs!

Do it right

A PDO Multi is an essential ‘must-have’ if you are planning to drill into walls. This handy tool detects metals, live and non-live power cables and wooden struts in walls.

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Get jiggy with a jigsaw

Definitely at the top of any DIY shopping list, a jigsaw is usedfor cutting curves and corners, decorative cut outs, and for short straight cuts - although I do use mine for cutting almost everything.

Buy a model that offers low vibration, variable speed and a dust blower. The latter is extremely helpful for blowing dust out of the way of the blade and making it easier to follow drawn lines.

If you can afford to, go for a model that offers pendulum action, you’ll find cutting much faster and easier.

Just as important as drill bits, buying the right jigsaw blade determines the ease of use and quality of cut. There are a wide selection of blades to choose from: clean cut, quick cut, blades for metal, smaller blades for detailed cutting, and so on. If you buy Bosch jigsaw blades the package will explain the use for the blade.

Choose the right jigsaw blade

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Makeover

extreme

makeoverdining roomLast month I described how my dining room underwent part of it’s extreme makeover. This month I’m going to show you some of the finishing touchesthat have now been completed in the room.

ABOVE: Before installation of the trim around the glass brick window panels.

LEFT: The dining room before the makeover

BELOW: The dining room after installing new window trim and skirting boards.

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MakeoverYour local Builders Warehouse store offers a wide selection of skirting boards and trim to choose from.

You will need:Skirting boardsCartridge of Pattex No More Nails - Instant TackCaulking or cartridge gunJigsaw or circular saw - or have boards cut to lengthTape measureSpirit levelPencilSista F130 Painter’s Acrylic

Here’s how:1. Use a tape measure and pencil to carefully measure

up the height and width of the window. This is the inside measurement for the window trim.

2. Cut 2 boards to length for the sides, and 2 boards for the top and bottom of the window.

3. Sand smooth to remove any rough edges. Wipe clean.

DIY Tip:If you want to stain, seal or paint the boards - now is the time. I left it until the end and then realised my mistake! I painted the window trim a deep brown colour using Rust-Oleum Painters Touch - Kona Brown.

4. Apply large spots of No More Nails to the back of each board. A large spot will allow for uneven walls and ensure that the boards stick firmly to the surface.

5. Push the boards to the wall. Use a spirit level against the side to make any alterations.

6. Instead of cutting mitred corners, I decided to cut square blocks of pine and apply a decorative pattern to the blocks using a circular saw. The blocks are then glued to the wall in the same way as described above.

DIY Tip:Don’t worry too much about gaps at this stage - they can easily be filled in with Sista F130 Painter’s Acrylic.

7. Leave the boards to cure overnight.

8. Finish off with a bead of Sista F130 Painter’s Acrylic around the inside and outside of the window trim to fillany gaps.

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MakeoverThe final step in thisextreme makeover - at least for now - is to rip out the existing skirtings and install new skirting boards that match the window trim.

Whilst installing new skirting boards is actually quite easy, many people get confused when cutting the corners to match up. I must admit that even I cut one board wrong!

It helps to draw a basic plan of the room, noting all the corners that have to be tackled, and marking each to denote the cutting angle.

You will need:Skirting boardsPattex No More NailsJigsaw, circular saw or compound mitre saw - the

last being the easiest to use for this project

Woodoc 10 sealer andWoodoc stain concentratePaintbrushWoodoc steelwoolSista F130 Painter’s Acrylic

BELOW: Nancy uses a Compound Mitre Saw for the first time - and loves it!

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Makeover

Here’s how:1. Because I did this project arse about face and

painted first, I used a small chisel along the topof the old skirting, so as not to damage my nice paint job! A cold chisel and hammer are all you need to remove the old skirting.

Insert the chisel at the back top of the skirting and hammer down, pulling the skirting away from the wall as you do so.

2. Remove any nails left behind and clean up before you start affixing the new skirtings.

3. If you are using a jigsaw or circular saw to cut your boards, be sure to clamp them down firmly.Refer to your basic plan to work out how to cut the various sections at 45-degree angles.

4. It is easier to seal the skirtings before fixing tothe wall. I used Woodoc 10 with an Imbuia stain mixed in. Apply three coats, allowing drying time between each coat, and sanding down with Woodoc Steelwool after the first coat.

5. Using the caulking gun and Pattex No More Nails, apply large spots of glue along the length of each board.

6. Place the skirting board on the floor against thewall and apply from the bottom first - leveringthe rest of the board onto the wall and pressing hard for instant tack. Let dry overnight.

7. Any gaps at the top of the skirting can be covered with a bead of Sista F130 Painter’s Acrylic. Clean up can be done with a damp cloth.

SISTA F130 PAINTER’S ACRYLICPerfect for filling gapsand sealing on areas that need to be painted. e.g. Skirtings, mouldings and trim, architraves and ceilings.

Standard corner

arrangements

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Do it Yourself

DIY

installationkitchen

You can easily save yourself tens of thousands of Rands by doing your own kitchen installation, and with basic DIY skills it isn’t that difficult.

By popular request, this month I am featuring my kitchen makeover that I did a couple of years back. At the time the quotes that I received to have a professional kitchen company do the installation ranged from R65,000 to R80,000. Doing it the DIY way cost me R25,000, and that’s including the new hob, oven and gas hob, plus lights and a few odds and ends.

requestedrepeat

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Do it Yourself

Getting readyIf you’re planning to do Home Improvement or DIY projects around the home on a regular basis - invest in the best tools that you can afford. By going the DIY route you will save thousands of rands, but only if you have good tools. I decided it was worth the spend to have the best tools and these would see me through whatever projects I did.

Cabinets and TopsThe cabinet carcasses, doors and tops were selected from the wide range of options. You will find theseat most larger hardware stores or DIY kitchen manufacturers. I chose mahogany square-line doors and Black Star countertops.

Appliances and AccessoriesWith so many options to choose from, I selected a company that would be able to supply everything that I needed for the revamp. Franke sinks and kitchen systems are synonymous with technical perfection and outstanding functionality and design and they offer the most comprehensive range of products in a wide choice of materials, colours and styles - all of the elements necessary for creating a dream kitchen.

Whilst it was my original intention to install a gas hob, due to space limitations I had to resort to fitting astandard ceran glass hob. I did however add a 2-plate gas hob for those ever-increasing power outs!

HandlesWholesale Cabinet Fittings (www.cabinetfittings.co.za)have the most unbelievable selection of handles, knobs and fittings, and all at very affordable prices.

The PreparationFor reasons of practicality I didn’t do the project in one go, rather I started with the cooking area and serving counter and, once that was complete I tackled the sink and surrounding area. Why? You have to remember that I did the project on my own as a DIY project to show that it can be done. The kitchen still had to be used for cooking, etc., and the idea was to disrupt daily living as much as possible.

Although it’s not a very small kitchen, it feels cramped with all the cupboards around the space. It was badly designed and cheaply constructed from the beginning and I find that I don’t enjoy being in the space anymore - it depresses me!

Kitchen areas before

LEFT: Jam-packed and no space for anything else. Now you can see why I need a new kitchen!

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Here’s how:

Disassemble the kitchen The tops and cabinets were ripped out with great pleasure. In view of the fact that the idiot that originally installed the kitchen tiled around the cabinets and not behind, I was left with gaps in the tiles. It would have been impossible to match the old tiles and I didn’t want to have the expense that comes with retiling so, all the tiles were removed. I will fill you in later on as to whatwas done on the wall.

Note: If any electrical points or plumbing needs to be moved - now is the time to get it done. Use your layout drawing to explain where points need to be moved to or added. You will also need an electrician to wire up the hob, oven and extractor hood.

The InstallationIf the kitchen cabinets are delivered as flat-pack,ensure that cabinet locking nuts and screws are provided to assemble the units.

Once you’ve got all the carcasses put together you can start placing them into position. I was unfortunate that the flooring is slate tile, and not known for beinglevel. I had to use quite a bit of offcuts under the carcasses to get them at the right level. And talking of level, use your spirit level on sides and tops. Everything needs to be level or the doors won’t sit straight and the cabinets won’t fit flush

Fixing everything in was the next step. The cabinets are screwed to the wall with wall plugs and screws, and then the cabinets are screwed to each other.

Note: Use a Bosch Detector to check for cables and pipes before drilling into the wall - especially in the kitchen - or bee 100% sure that you are drilling in a safe place.

Attach the hinges and fittingsPush the supplied hinge fittings into the predrilled holesand screw in tight. I mounted a hinge one hole down from the top and one hole up from the bottom.

On the main part of the hinge attached to the carcass there are 2 screws - the one furthest inside pushes the hinge out and pulls in as you turn clockwise or anti-clockwise. To mount the door hinges, have the carcass hinge as far out as possible. Once the hinges are fitted

Do it Yourself

27

to the door, pull the hinge back in again to mount the door flush to the frame. The second screw closest to theoutside is used for minor adjustments in door alignment.

Mount the kickplate at the base of the carcassesDrill pilot holes and screw into carcass frames at the bottom. Position the screws as high as possible so as not to be visible and finish off with Screw Cap Covers. Youcan buy Screw Cap Covers to match your cabinets at selected hardware and timber merchants.

The TricksIf your cabinet doors do not come with pre-drilled holes for the hinges you will need a router (recommended) or drill and a 38mm Forstner Cutting Bit. Mark for the holes with a pencil. position the router and align the bit. Use the Depth Stop to ensure

that you do not cut too deep into the timber, it also makes it much easier to do repeat cuts without worrying too much about the right depth. Note: Do this part of the project outside and don’t panic when you see smoke. The laminate does tend to burn as you cut through.

How to... Cut out for the hobTo mount the hob you will need to cut out a section of the worktop. Measure the exact dimensions of the hob (excluding overlap that will sit on top of the counter) and transfer these to the worktop.

Use masking tape around the outside of your marked lines to assist in reducing the amount of ‘chipping’ while you cut. You will also need to use a special ‘Laminate’ Jigsaw blade recommended for fine cutting in thicksections.

Use your drill and a 10mm bit to drill 4 holes - one in each corner. These holes will allow insertion of the jigsaw blade. Cut slowly and don’t push the saw. If you find that youare not following a straight line, reverse back and go forward.

Finish mounting the hobMost hobs have a felt lining that sits flush with the top ofthe counter, some models have brackets that need to be attached from underneath the counter, and some need to have silicone sealing applied around the hob.

You can use this exact same procedure for mounting your new sink unit.

Do it Yourself

Attach the countertop by screwing from inside the top of the cabinets. Seal around the back edge of the countertop with black (or other colour)

silicone sealer.

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Do it Yourself

ABOVE and BELOW: Although I’m not unhappy with the perspex, I think the next step will be to remove it and install a tempered glass panel with a painted back. Stunning!

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If you don’t have a full length mirror in your bedroom, here’s an opportunity to make one in a

day using a ready-made drawer unit - available at your local Builder’s Warehouse. The set that I used for this project cost just over R600 - the total project cost around R800 - the price to buy new is approximately R2200.

Do it Yourself

Make a Cheval Mirror for a bedroom

You will need:3-drawer unitSupawood cut to width and heightRust-Oleum Painters Touch sprayRandom orbit sander - for fine finish180-grit sanding padsDrill-Driver + asstd drill/screw bitsAssorted cut screwsMirror tilesPattex PL700 Total Fix adhesiveCaulking gun4 hangers and screws3 handles and screwsMoulding trimmitre box and sawSpirit levelTape measurePencil

Here’s how:

1. Prepare the surfaceSand the entire drawer unit with 180-grit sandpaper to remove the ‘gloss’ layer from the melamine finish.

2. Apply the first coatShake the can of spray paint well before using, and spray in a well ventilated room - or outdoors. Apply the first coat lightly overthe entire surface of the back and drawer unit. Hold the can approximately 30cm away from the surface. Start at the top and move the can from side to side as you spray to the bottom. You will need to apply more than one coat to the back section.

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3. Attach the backHave someone hold the back in position while you drill3mm pilot holes and then screw in wood screws - 3 oneach side into the back of the drawer unit.

4. Apply adhesive to mirror tilesUsing the caulking gun, apply waves of adhesive to the backs of all the mirror tiles.

5. Affix the mirror tilesApply the top row of tiles, using a spirit level to ensure that tiles are level. Use the spirit level against the sides as you continue to apply tiles to the front side of the back section.

6. Cut and attach moulding trimMeasure the total width of the mirror tiles, allowing extra on both sides for the width of the trim. This is the total length of top and bottom trims. Repeat this process to measure the height of the mirror tiles, again allowing for the width of the trim. Cut top/bottom and side trims. See diagram below.

7. Attach trimApply a thin bead of glue to the back of each section of trim and press into place, matching up the corners.

8. Attach hardware and handlesPlace the hangers and handles against the back anddrawers and use a pencil to mark the holes. Drill 2mm pilot holes and attach.

RIGHT: Measuring for trim around mirror.

Do it Yourself

31

Grab a can or two of the world’s trusted lubricant!We are all looking for ways to save money and what better way to fixand mend in and around your home than with WD-40.

DIY doesn’t need to be such hard work with the help of WD-40 - the world’s best-loved multi purpose lubricant.

WD-40 can help to solve hundreds of problems, from a stuck fast tap, to a screw that just won’t budge.

Sometimes all you need is a lick of paint to brighten up the place. A spray of WD-40 will help to loosen stubborn lids on paint tins whilst coating doorknobs with WD-40 prior to painting will help to stop stray paint from sticking.

If it’s your window frames that need some TLC, first applyWD-40 to the glass to protect it from stray paint flecks -making clean up so much easier.

If your DIY isn’t quite going to plan, don’t panic; WD-40 may come to your rescue! A simple squirt of WD-40 can help remove paint from tiles and black streaks or scuff marks from laminate floors.

You can also squirt a little WD-40 on your hands to remove spray paint!

For outdoors, treating exposed nail heads with WD-40 will prevent rusting and keep them looking like new.

Scraping paint can be back breaking work. Apply WD-40 to a painted surface before scraping to help it come off more easily.

It’s not always true when they say “a bad workman blames his tools”. Essential tools like pliers, drills and wrenches need continual maintenance and care to keep them in good condition. A regular squirt of WD-40 will help keep them rust and corrosion free.

With over 2000 uses, click here to visit the official WD-40 website for even more ideas and uses for your can of WD-40 !