Easy Diy

www.easydiy.co.
za
Make
Maintain
Restore
Improve
AUgust n September n OCTOBER 2011
SPRING LIVINg
250
ways to
Nail it!
your guide
to nails
and screws
cut the
clutter
Perfect
painting advice
from our expert
Cliff Kay
CRYSTAL CLEAR
Get your pool
summer-ready
Different
strokes
Make
fabulous floating shelves

n eco-friendly recycling centre
n
All you need

to know about
paint brushes
and more
in our
Savvy
Shopper
handbook
Improve
brand new bathroom for
under R6 000
At home
with the
Mansfields
Jeremy and Jacqui are cooking!
Win Vouchers n Powertools n Toolkits n Outdoor dcor
Old furniture
new looks
maintain your outdoor

pieces
Plus all you need to
know about restoring
wood, cane, wrought iron
and plastic
R34.50 incl VAT
editors comment
Welcome
This quarter
Im loving...
EasyDIY is packed (pardon

the pun) with a plethora
of storage ideas and
solutions to keep your
home spick and span.
heres something about

the imminence of spring
that brings out the feather
duster in me. It always
seems to be the time of
year when I cant bear the site of my
messy cupboards, cluttered rooms
and dusty garage. The problem is,
not everything can simply be
discarded as unnecessary rubbish.
Going through ones home
methodically is a skill that, sadly, I
appear to be lacking. Im a hoarder of
note and spend considerable time
finding the ideal boxes, cartons and
shelves to store all those items I truly
believe I cant live without.
So its with a considerable sigh of
relief that this, our second edition of
EasyDIY is packed (pardon the pun)
with a plethora of storage ideas and
solutions to keep your home spick
and span. This doesnt have to be an
expensive exercise and we explore
all the options, from buying great
storage boxes to using furniture to
store your goods in a functional and
attractive manner (see our clever
fire pit on page 108 or our brilliant
ottoman project on page 26).
This edition we were also lucky
enough to get up close and personal
with Jeremy and Jacqui Mansfield in
their lovely Joburg home. We met

the dogs, cats and had a good look
at their second cookbook Zhoozsh!
Faking it that two lucky readers will
win (see details on page 62). Our art
director Martin Hiller worked on the
shoot and was left green with envy
after seeing Jacquis home library.
The Mansfields are a fabulous and
generous couple, he says.
So dip in, take a look and enjoy
all our lovely projects for indoors,
outdoors, maintenance and more.
Dont forget to check out our
Savvy Shopper too for the latest in
paintbrushes, door handles and of
course, those handy shelves.
See you at the
hardware store!
BOSCH Winners
FROM A READER
Congratulations to the following

readers who won a Bosch power tool:
Rob Goedhals, Joseph Mafodi, Fibashnee
Naidu, Manus De Lange , Joseph Modise
and Gerhard Labuschagne.
Be sure to enter the Skil competition
on page 113
"I want to congratulate you and your

whole team on the launch of your
magazine. I believe it will go far. I found
the articles very refreshing and helpful
for a couch potato I was very eager to
get my hands dirty and try some of the
DIY projects!" Colette Boshoff
Reel Gardenings
pre-fertilised seed
strips. These clever strips
encase the seeds at the perfect
depth and distance apart a
pleasure for gardening amateurs
like me! The strip is marked
at the correct depth with a
coloured line indicating both
depth and seed type. The strips
come in various ranges including
a mixed veg strip pack, mixed
herb sachet pack, single variety
veg or herb seeds and others.
Available at Builders Warehouse
or www.reelgardening.co.za
Win! Reel Gardening is giving
away 10 delicious salad mix
garden packs to the first 10 lucky
readers to email with the subject
line reel gardening to
editor@easydiy.co.za.
Durams self-cleaning
exterior wall paint.
Duram NanoTech uses smart
technology that develops a
dynamic, protective molecular
layer. The self-cleaning,
photocatalytic nano
particles are continually
energised by the suns
UV rays, even on
cloudy days, to loosen
and decompose dirt,
mildew, fungi, algae and
pollution. Bottom line, an
environmentally-friendly
product that protects your
home beautifully against the
harsh weather conditions.
Available at leading hardware
stores from R900 for 20l.
August n September n October 2011 EasyDIY 1
Waterproof
imit
l
o
N
re
secu
al
& se
rs
Gutte
Po ols
Pipes
USES:
seals and bonds any material.
various colours, even crystal clear.
in wet or dry conditions.
,
Any cracks
even in
ponds
mould resistant.
flexible.
paintable.
rs
howe
Ro of
s
r epair
Apply
1st coat
with
block brush
4
USES:
can repair balconies, terraces and other

concrete surfaces.
waterproof new and old buildings (internal

and external).
waterproof of showers, tanks, containers

& water reservoirs/ponds.
can be painted and covered with tiles.
effective on negative (damp proofing) or

positive(waterproofing) side.
non-toxic.
Call 011 306 9000

or visit www.abe.co.za /
as advertised
2 EasyDIY August n September n October 2011
to
Allow
r
dry fo
s
12 hour
5
Apply
2nd
coat
to
Allow
r
dry fo
s
r
u
12 ho
Paint
or
tile
...weve got
adhesives waterproofing primers sealants
it yourself with
1
flat te
re
conc o of
r
2
1st
Clean
USES:
Flashings.
Parapet walls.
Flat roof waterproofing areas.
Suitable for use in potable water & total water
immersion conditions.
Ideal for waterproofing of koi ponds.
2nd
Coat
ote
Silvaoktect
r
p
to umem
bit
IBR ated
corrug
r o of
3
USES:
As a sealer for most roofing defects, i.e. overlaps,
valleys, gutters, downpipes, roof screws.
As a repair compound for roofs cracks, flashings,
cracked roof tiles and patch repair to tanks.
5
Stick
and
seal
USES:
Seals and repairs leaky, galvanised roof sheeting,
holes and overlaps, valley gutters, downpipes,
roof screws, pipe vents, ridging and capping.
you covered!
ng
ps
Overla
6
Ar ound
y
chimne
Coat
Flashi
Ro of
Scr ew
Sheet
openings
resin & bituminous coatings flooring products grouts
Make
Maintain
Restore
Improve
CONTENTS
august
september
october 2011
ON THE COVER
18
Nailing the basics! Your

guide to nails and screws in
DIY101
20
Cut the clutter and dejunk

your life
30
Old furniture new looks

restore a wooden table
40
Expert pages Painting up

a storm with Cliff Kay
43
Expert pages Picture

Perfect pools
52
Bathroom Beauty. A brand

new bathroom for under
R6 000
60
Celebrity homes. At home

with the Mansfields
66
Shelve it! Make a fab

floating shelf
69
The Savvy Shoppers

handbook
93
Recycle it. Make a

functional recycle centre
114 Old furniture new looks

outdoor restore
26
How colour
creates the
mood
20
Cut the clutter

and make the
most of space
and storage
solutions
EXPERT ADVICE
Our experts tell you all about...
STYLISH LIVING
Inspiring people and fabulous homes
19
Need a handyman? When to

call the experts
20
Dejunk your life

Cut the clutter and make the
most of space and storage
solutions
Painting up a storm with

Cliff Kay
The magic of colour
46
Style Icon. Shopping around

with Mike Shapiro
Shop fitter with a vision
Picture perfect pools with

Ryan Nesbitt
Keep your pool in mint
condition this summer
60
Celebrity homes: At home

with the Mansfields
A peek inside Jeremy and
Jacquis laid-back home
64
Get the Mansfield look
86
Reader homes: Channelling

Colonial
A stylish family abode in the
heart of Jozi
89
Get the Colonial look
98
Colour Confident
How colour creates the mood
18
Nailing the Basics

All about nails and screws in
our DIY101 series
32
Let the sun shine in

Understanding photovoltaic
tiles with Andrew Etzinger
40
43
18
Nailing
the basics
106 Our winning reader project
SAVVY SHOPPER
Smart choices for smart DIYers
70 10 handy paintbrushes
75 10 great door knobs and
handles
78 10 space-saving shelves
DIY BULLeTIN
Beautiful buys and all the latest trends

and news
108
Cosy outdoor living for

those evening braais
DIY PROJECTS
Make an ottoman
A practical and pretty
storage solution
Restore a wooden table

Refresh your patio with this
easy restoration
35
Make a home secretary

Smart home-office storage
66
84
93
Stylish Buys
Builders Warehouse Trade Fair
Get even more from EasyDIY
30
52
Handy News
REGULARS
Our DIY Divas show you how to:
26
8
12
82
64
Get the Mansfield look
Improve your bathroom for

under R6 000
Step-by-step instructions on
how to do it right
Make a floating shelf
An eye-catching design
feature for any room
Restore wrought iron
furniture
And have it looking like new
in no time
Make a recycling centre
No need for different bins;
we show you how to do it in
one unit!
102 Improve cane furniture

Update an old look
108 Make a fire pit
Cosy outdoor living for those
evening braais
114 Maintain outdoor furniture
You dont need to replace;
just renew
WIN AND SAVE

1
Win with Reel Gardening

What a way to start your
summer garden
16
Send us your DIY tips and win

a Builders Warehouse voucher
50 Subscribe to EasyDIY and win

59 Win with TAL
104 Send us your letters and win a
Stanley/Afmit hamper
105 Win a chiminea with Dcor
Features
107 Tell us about your home DIY
project and win with Makita
We want to hear from you!
120 Send us your funny DIY story
and win a Makita toolkit
1
7
16
Editors Comment
50
Never miss an issue

Subscribe to EasyDIY and win
90
Green pages
Eco-friendly DIY news
Reader Tips
Smart advice from our
DIY readers
104 Your letters

111 Garden pages
Gardening news and getting
down to the nitty gritty
using gravel as a decorative
garden feature
119 What to look forward to in
our next issue
120 DIY Laughing
Justin Wolff gets sexy
with DIY
This magazine may be recycled. For more

information go to www.paperpickup.co.za.
How to find us
Beautiful buys
and all the
latest trends
and news
contributors
Jolene Raison grew up playing in the aisles of
a hardware store, with a spanner in one hand and a
fountain pen in the other. Her fascination with tools
developed as quickly as her passion for writing. Jolene
helps us with choosing the best nails and screws for your
DIY job on p18.
My favourite DIY tool is my Hilti handy tool because
Im absolutely incapable of hitting a nail into the wall

without breaking the nail itself, the plaster, my fingers or all
three. I use it so often that I keep it in my desk drawer.
My idea of cutting the clutter is categorising
everything and storing it in stackable containers. We have
cardboard boxes, plastic containers and even wooden
trunks at home filled with everything from ribbon to
mementoes to screws.
Spring is a great time to throw out all the junk youve
collected in the last year. Its my clean-up time of year
when I weed out everything thats cluttering up my life.
Kate Sidley is a feature writer and humourist.

She lives in a very old house with her husband, children
and many pets, all of whom are much better at breaking
things than they are at DIY. Kate brings you smart ways to
green your home on p90.
Kim Novick
EDITOR
editor@easydiy.co.za
EDITORIAL BOARD
Janice Anderssen, Peter Du Bruyn, Andrew Etzinger,
Sandra Gordon, Clifford Kay, Nancy Machungwa,
Peter Middleton and Stephen Pellerade
CONTRIBUTORS
Cara Bouwer, Amy Chansellor, Kerryn Kemp,
Levi Letsoko, Jolene Raison, Beth Shirley, Kate Sidley,
Christine van Deemter and Justin Wolff
Projects
DIY Divas: Janice Anderssen and Nancy Machungwa
stylists
Martin Hiller, Ingrid Loud and Peta-Anne Stroud
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Noeleen Foster and Debbie Yazbek
Cover photo: Debbie Yazbek
LAYOUT
Ideaology Design, Advertising and Digital
Art Director: Martin Hiller
Production Manager: Michelle Pretorius
PROOFREADER
Terry Katz
ADVERTISING SALES
Natalie Sanders (National Sales Manager)
082 450 2317 n natalies@intekom.co.za
SUBSCRIPTIONS
My favourite part of the day is early morning.
Im an early riser, so I get a peaceful little moment before

the rush starts. I use that moment to gaze at the garden,
eat a paw paw and enjoy the quiet until some member of
my family, inevitably, arrives with a question that starts:
Wheres my...
My home is in most need of a blank cheque. Failing
that, I would love to recarpet now that my children and pets
have grown up a bit. Our carpets look like something from
CSI Miami!
If you do one thing to green your life it
should be to start a compost heap - put all those potato
peelings and tea bags to good use, and reap the rewards in
the garden.
RNA Distribution
(011) 473 8700
Email: easydiy@rnad.co.za
Sms nr + shortcode: 33110 subs easy
Smss charged at R1.50
12 Nobel street, Industria West, 1700
PO Box 725, Maraisburg, 2093
website
www.easydiy.co.za
PUBLISHED BY
Wag the Dog Publishers (Pty) Ltd
(011) 447 7740/1
PO Box 1574, Parklands, 2121
243 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg
PUBLISHER
Sandra Gordon n sgordon@themedia.co.za
Christine van Deemter is online and print

copy editor at Ndalo Media, working on DESTINY and
DESTINY MAN magazines. Her love for DIY comes from
watching her mom find things for her dad to do at the
crack of dawn on weekends. In this issue (p60), Christine
meet up with the Mansfields to chat about their love for
food, animals and their home.
I loved the Mansfield shoot because their
home is as open and friendly as they are and their dogs

are adorable!
My home is most in need of a paint job I would love
to paint my bathroom a bright yellow or dirty acid green.
The end of winter means no more fabulous boots
and coats! But also no more freezing toes and electrified
dry hair.
This season Ill be drinking Paul Cluver Sauvignon
Blanc because its my favourite wine and my best 2011
discovery.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ronll Buitenbos n ronell@wagthedog.co.za
PRINTED BY
CTP Cape Town, Boompies Street, Parow, Cape Town
EasyDIY is published on a quarterly basis and distributed within
the South African boarders. Copyright EasyDIY is a registered
trademark. Should you wish to lift any material from the
publication, please liaise with the editor beforehand.
Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure that the contents of
this publication are accurate and legitimate no guarantee is
given. Views and opinions expressed, made or implied are those
of the authors unless clearly stated as being the Publishers. The
responsibility lies with readers to verify any representations,
claims and offers made by advertisers in advertisements that
appear in this publication. Any objections or claims should be
referred to the advertiser concerned. The publishers, owners, staff,
distributors and associates of this publication will not be liable in
any way for claims arising from its contents.
The distribution of prizes is the responsibility of the competition
sponsor and EasyDIY cannot be held responsible for failure to
deliver or the loss of or damage to winners prizes.
Prices are only an indication of what you may pay and may vary.
August n September n October 2011 EasyDIY

August
7 n September n October 2011 EasyDIY 7
DIY BULLETIN
This quarter's latest

news and events
PLASCON CREATES
A ROYAL MESS
No doubt royals Kate and William

never imagined being depicted using
mayo, jam and peas. But that is
exactly what Plascon commissioned
artist Jarryd Kin to do when it
launched its Art From Mess Project
earlier this year to prove
how effectively Plascons Double
Velvet unique Stain BarrierTM
formulation works.
Plascon challenged the Capetonian
artist to create a series of artworks
live on the web, with a twist. His
palette included a smorgasbord of
foods and household items that leave
nasty stains, including jam, lipstick,
colouring pens, tomato sauce, coffee,
lotion, red wine and mustard. The
canvas? A board coated with Plascon
Double Velvet interior paint.
The paint proved its mettle as the
messy art was wiped clean, leaving a
lovely, stain-resistant canvas. Great
marketing from Plascon.
Visit www.facebook.com/PlasconSA
and www.twitter.com/plasconsa to see
just how messy Plascon and Kin got!
WINDOW POETRY
Drawing inspiration from

international retail trends, Poetry
lifestyle store was inspired to
celebrate Mothers Day 2011 with an
eye-catching, hand-painted window
display. Poetry appointed talented
local artist Megan Hart to create a
beautiful enchanted garden in each
of the Poetry store windows
nationwide. Harts floral
monochromatic themed garden

required up to five hours of intricate
hand painting per store and was
inspired by Poetrys love of
the arts. Known for their support of
artistic initiatives, the retailer was
keen to showcase local talent and
dress up their window space with
fanciful hand-painted characters
depicting the bond between mother
and child in nature.
DIY bulletin
DECOREX ROCKS
CAPE TOWN
With close on 40 000 visitors
flocking through the doors of
Decorex Cape Town this year,
the 13-year-old design expo
gave the Western Capes design,
manufacturing and homeware retail
sector a tremendous boost.
Themed Beauty and the Basics,
Decorex Cape Town lifted the lid
on lovely things and the practical
know-how to incorporate them in
the home. Wood made its presence
as the current number one in the
world of design, particularly planks
and raw timber.
Notable displays included:
n Best Green Stand: BOS Tea
House. Decor is dead. RIP. This
provocative slogan scribbled with
chalk on a weathered secondhand table at the BOS Tea House
reflected curator Neil Stemmet

of Koncept Designs approach
to home and retail spaces.The
BOS Tea House represented
a new kind of communal,
neighbourhood meeting place as
part warehouse; part trading post;
part art gallery; part library, urban
farm and eatery.
nB
est overall stand: Rustic Roots,
curated by Laurence Brick.
nM
ost Innovative Product:
Tree Of Life Palm Flooring by
Forest Flooring.
nP
lascon Award for best use of
colour: Marcelle Crowther for
Hocus Interior Design.
nB
est Small Stand: Its all in
the Detail stand designed by
Candice Woodward.
Dont forget Decorex Joburg
from the 5th 9th August 2011
at Gallagher Convention Centre,
Midrand, Gauteng
Doing projects yourself is the only way to

get them just how you want them. That way,
each project is a reflection of yourself.
Say no to
leaded paint
PUPPY LOVE
Next time you pop into

Builders Warehouse Fourways
Crossing, Strubens Valley,
Rivonia or Edenvale on a
Saturday, keep a little spare
change handy for Animals in
Distress. Theyll be collecting
donations for their worthy
cause outside these stores
on the last Saturday of every
month. Donations are also
collected outside Builders
Warehouse Edenvale on the
first Saturday of every month.
Its almost a year since government

banned the manufacture and sale
of leaded paint, following numerous
research papers confirming it
as a health hazard. Yet it seems
lead-based paint is still available
from unscrupulous manufacturers
and retailers. Now the National
Department of Health plans to
investigate reports of the ongoing
availability of hazardous lead-based
paint in South Africa.
Professor Nicky Padayachee
at the Department of Health
DIY THE DIVA WAY
says the health consequences

of lead poisoning are severe,
including reductions in IQ scores,
hyperactivity, learning difficulties
and poor performance at school.
Deryck Spence, Executive Director
of SAPMA, said the association
would welcome increased
governmental pressure to aid its
campaign against leaded paints.
SAPMAs lead-free campaign
helps consumers identify retailers
that support the sale and use of
lead-free paint, by placing stickers
in their stores. Make sure next time
you go paint shopping, that you look
out for this lead-free paint initiative.
Look out for our own DIY Diva Janice Anderssens book, DIY for divas
(also available in Afrikaans). Full of great DIY info and advice, the
books can be found in most bookstores for R166 or contact LAPA
Publishers on 012 401 0700 or lapa@lapa.co.za. n
upfront diy: stylish buys
i cant diy
without...
Our stylish trends editor KERRYN KEMP brings you the
latest innovative products
Instant
transformation
Spring cleaning is about more than
just getting rid of dust. Get a fresh
new look in a minute with Decorlands
Walnut-look Curtain Track Clip-on
Wood. By simply attaching it to
your existing curtain track, you
enhance your window dressing
immediately and dont even need to

reach for your toolkit! The Walnutlook Clip-on is made from solid wood
with finger-joins to add strength and
prevent bowing. A matching joiner
is also available for wide doorways
and windows.
Available from Game stores from R200.
Visit www.decorland.co.za for more
information.
DUST BUSTER
Make a clean sweep of dusting
with Decorlands practical and
nifty Microfibre Blind Cleaner.
This clever household tool
has prongs for you to insert
between the blind slats. Just
squeeze and glide back and
forth to remove dust from
both the top and bottom
of the slats at the same time.
Dust, grease and grime is
easily lifted and trapped
in the microfibre covering.
Decorlands Microfibre Blind
Cleaner works for both wet and
dry cleaning. The tool is easily
cleaned by gently rinsing the
cloth covering.
It retails at R25 and is available
exclusively at Game stores or
visit www.decorland.co.za.
No mess, no fuss
Adding a splash of vibrant colour to
the walls to liven up a room can be a
tricky business, especially if there are
many corners or small areas on doors
or windows that need to be painted
around. The Trim-It Paint Pad System
helps make painting these awkward
areas super easy. The 2-in-1 paint
pad and paint container tool gives
you up to 18.3m of paint in one
filling. It is suitable for all exterior and
interior walls and works particularly
well with water-diluted emulsions and
latex paints.
Available from Builders Warehouse.
Gardenings
a breeze
With Fragrams Power Blower &
Vacuum, manual sweeping, raking
and gathering of leaves this spring
is a thing of the past. The 2200W
garden helper has 3 functions: it blows
grass cuttings, leaves and other debris
into a single pile; crushes the debris
and then sucks it all into the 50-litre
Love2Paint?
Start colouring your world with
2 innovative new paintbrush ranges
from Addis. Inferior painting tools that
shed bristles into the paint finish,
are difficult to clean and can leave
a less-than-perfect end result.
ADDIS is proud to introduce Zero Loss
collection bag for easy disposal. It can

also be dismantled in 3 easy steps and
has a 2 x 1.9mm 2 PVC HO5FW-F
cable, making it the perfect gizmo for
todays gardener.
Available at leading hardware retailers
for R450. For more info visit
www.lgtools.co.za.
and Quick2clean paintbrushes;

both designed to make your
projects easier, more fun and
ensure a professional, smooth and
flawless look. Its a whole new way
to paint.
Available at leading hardware and
retail stores from R7.
Bathroom beauties
Give your bathroom new life with Cobras new
Sanware 2011 range. The Design+ and Verona
toilets are a great choice, offering water-saving
technology, soft close with quick release seat
function, durability and hygiene features. The
10 super trendy basins in the range ensure
theres a little something for everyone, from
counter-top, wall hanging and drop-in basins,
to round, square or shallow designs.
For more information visit www.cobra.co.za.
Organise in style
Get rid of winter clutter with
Wildberrys gorgeous tallboys. Made
from natural bamboo (an eco-friendly
alternative to wood) and walnut,
the tallboys make a stylish addition
to any room and offer a versatile
combination of drawers, cupboards
and shelves. Storage has never been
more chic. The tallboys are quick
and easy to assemble, come in
3 contemporary designs and make
the perfect accompaniment to
Wildberrys Tiered Shelves.
The Wildberry range is exclusively
available at Makro stores. Call
031 717 6800 for more information. n
upfront diy: stylish buys
an eye on design
There is
nothing like
staying at
home for real
comfort.
- Jane Austen
Kitchen update
Adding a bit of pizzazz to
your kitchen is now as easy
as 1, 2, 3! Inovas Glass Splashbacks
offer an innovative way to get a new
look and keep your walls free of any
hard-to-clean splatters.
The DIY boards are very easy to
install and come with instructions,
turning you into your own interior
designer.
The different options are super stylish
and are available in 600mm by
750mm or 900mm by 750mm blocks.
The solid blocks start at R1000 and
the patterned blocks start at R1 250.
Get yours at your nearest Builders
Warehouse. n
A stylish revamp
for spring
Nothing says spring quite like a

completely new look beautifully
executed. CaesarStone tests this
principle to the max with their
Motivo range of quartz surfaces.
Originally used as kitchen surfaces,
CaesarStone has many exciting
quartz wall finishings. The Motiva
range features the worlds first range
of quartz surfaces with a textured,
embossed feel. This opens up a whole
new world of creative dcor options,
guaranteeing you individual style like

never before. The White Lace pattern
from the Motiva range is particularly
fitting for spring, with its fresh,
crisp look and feel. This pattern is a
breathtaking addition to your home if
youre redecorating this spring.
The sky is the limit with
CaesarStones wide range of quartz
surfaces. They can also be used as bar
surfaces, floors, steps and more.
Check out their website to see just
how imaginative you can get.
Visit www.caesarstone.co.za to find a
stockist near you.
LIVE LIKE A CELEB
Thankfully the weathers becoming

warmer and we can now enjoy some
time outdoors.
The Plantation Co. offers a great
solution to enjoy both the outdoor
climate and indoor comforts with
shutters in sliding, folding or hinged
configurations.
Plantation shutters are used as a
window or door dressing, typically
instead of curtains or wooden blinds
and can also be used as partitions
or dividers. The high-quality indoor
operating window and door shutters
are super stylish and can be made
to fit any size door or window in the
colour of your choice.
In demand by celebrities and
design gurus alike, this is a must-have
addition to your home.
Stunningly stylish, the shutters
are made from certified high-quality
timber from select sawmills that
harvest the timber in a legal and
sustainable manner. According to
co-owners Michael Lindau and
William Duk, At the Plantation
Shutter Co., we only settle for the
very best, whether its our exclusive
design, personal service, superior
quality or attention to detail.
In 2009, The Plantation Shutter
Co. became the first shutter
manufacturer in South Africa to
move their entire finishing process
Did you know?
For the safety-conscious with an eye for

design, The Plantation Co. has an aluminium
range of shutters available in a range of
on-trend colours. The shutter is equipped
with secure stainless steel locks with a solid
metal 2-way bolting system. The louvres
have a 10mm solid aluminium rod, holding
each one in place and are also able to
lock, making the Plantation Security Shutters
a highly effective security barrier.
away from solvent-based coatings

to a water-based finish. Because of
this, they have been approved by
international assessor, Ecospecifier
(an independent ratings organisation
for green building materials based
in Australia). In addition to this,
The Plantation Shutter Co. is also
a member of the Green Building
Council of South Africa.
Plantation Co. stores are open in
the Western Cape, Gauteng,
KwaZulu- Natal, Nelspruit, Knysna
and Port Elizabeth.
Beautifully secure
Keep your family safe without locking

out the beauty of nature this season.
ViewProtects transparent security
barriers offer similar protection to
standard steel security bars, but are
made from polycarbonate one
of the strongest thermoplastics
ever produced.
They dont constrict the view
of your blossoming spring garden
and are virtually indestructible.
They are also easily installed. Fixing
materials, installation instructions
and tips are included and because
theyre rust and maintenance free
youll never have to worry about
them again.
Available from Builders Warehouse. n
DIY: HINTS AND TIPS
n keeping new tiles squeaky clean

After laying a new set of tiles and grouting
them, give them a good coat of car wax.
This will prevent dirt from sticking to them
later on. (Dave, Pretoria)
DIY tips to transform
your life
n spring cleaning Before giving the house a good
scrub in the spring, make sure to leave the doors
and windows open to avoid breathing in all those
chemicals from the cleaning products.
(Sandra, Cape Town)
n Recycling your old paintbrushes Remove

bristles and metal casings, and you now have a handle
that can be used to spread glue. If you go one step
further you can cut a slot in the handle and make a
scraper or spatula! (Mark, Johannesburg)
n your veggie garden Plant different types of
veggies together in one patch of ground. This helps
prevent bugs getting to the tender plants.
(Peter, Bloemfontein)
n cutting pipes when plumbing Wrap a piece of

paper around the pipe and line up the edge. Tape the
edges of the paper together and then use this as a
guide to cut a square edge. (Deon, Worcester)
WINNING
TIP
n hiding any traces of nails If you dont want to

see a nail head, carefully chisel a sliver of wood off and
drive the nail in underneath it. Then, glue the piece of
wood back over the nail. (Junaid, Pietermaritzburg)
n removing a broken bulb If a bulb has broken at
the base, push a carrot into the base and use this as a
handle to twist the bulb out. (Kyle, George)
n Storing paint To prevent leftover paint from drying
out, turn the paint container upside down, this way you
wont have to cut away a skin when you next use it.
(Jane, Cape Town)
n preventing sticky
doors Just after painting
a door, I wait for it to dry
and then rub the edges with
a candle to prevent it from
sticking to the doorframe.
(Thabo, Johannesburg) n
Photos: iStock
Share your DIY hints and tips with us. Email

editor@easydiy.co.za and you could win a
Builders Warehouse voucher worth R100.
Easy DIY
project
With Eurekas Cut Screws it is easier than ever before
to make cool and functional projects in half the time
Please use one or more of the following products
1. Cut Screw (square drive)
Cutting point

2. Decking Screw (square drive)
Cut Screw advantages:

Self-cutting = no pilot hole
needed for size 3mm - 4.5mm
Square drive = better grip and
makes one hand operation
possible
Readers are invited to design and make a useful

woodworking project (examples below).

Project should be fast and easy to make ( 4 hours after design stage)
Create your cutting list and cut accordingly
Eureka Cut Screws or Decking Screws to be used in the project
Only general hand tools and a power drill may be used
Basic woodworking techniques allowed (eg. no dove-tail joints)
E-mail the following to webmaster@eurekadiy.co.za

1. Picture of the completed project with yourself,
please display Eureka products and packaging used

2. Step-by-step instructions with pictures

3. Cutting list

4. Your contact details

5. Please submit in Word or PDF format
If your project meets above criteria, your project will be featured on our
website and Facebook page and you will also receive a R500 hamper
with Eureka (fasteners) and Fort Knox (security) products.
For completed projects go to www.eureka.co.za or contact Eureka on 011 471 0800, enquiries: frtizf@eurekadiy.co.za
diy 101: As with all DIY, practice makes perfect
NAILING
THE BASICS
Reached the point where glue guns and double-sided tape
arent the magic-fix they once were? Do you need the
permanent fastening power of screws or nails? Is the idea
of taking to your home with a hammer or drill more chilling
than thrilling? Read on
Cup hook
You can screw these ultra-convenient

hooks into wood without drilling a
hole or worrying about splitting the
object youre screwing them into.
Theyre available in a range of sizes,
making them extremely versatile and
perfect for everything from holding
up light rods for thin curtains,
hooking back tiebacks, hooking your
hairdryer in place on your bedside
table, to holding plastic bags in your
broom closet.
Picture hook
A light tap or two is all it takes to

hammer the thin metal pins of this
plastic hook into the wall. Its not
designed for heavy weights, but is
ideal for hanging kitchen towels or
light frames.
Saddles 9mm
A no-mess, easily removable way for

leading and neatening cords. Simply
place the white, semi-circular plastic
saddle over a cord, tap the attached
nail to secure it and move further
along to hammer in the next one.
Wall screws
There are just too many types of

screws to fit into a single toolbox,
so rather than stocking up on an
impressive array of screws, stick to
one basic DIY essential: a simple
masonry screw, 6mm x 50mm in
size. When buying your screws,
remember they have the annoying
tendency of wriggling out of walls if

theyre not kept firmly in place with
a plastic anchor, called a plug. For
this reason, youll need to buy plugs
to match the size of your screws; or
even better; buy the screws and plugs
as a set.
If you think you might

need to remove a screw at
some point in the future,
rub a little oil onto it
before you screw it in and
it will be easier when you
need to remove it.
Wood screws
You can recognise a wood screw

by the fact that the threads (spirals
running down the length of the
screw) dont go all the way to the
top. Most are self-tapping, which
means you dont need to drill a
Its better if
n You glue wood together before you
fasten it with screws; the final result

is far sturdier.
n You use galvanised nails and screws
if theyre going to be exposed
to water.
nYou choose countersunk screws
when working with wood as the
WORDS: JOLENE RAISON

hole for them, firmly and forcefully
screwing them in will work perfectly.
Once again, there are many
different types of wood screws, but
a countersunk slotted screw of
6mm-8mm in diameter and
40mm-60mm long should work for
most home DIY jobs.
Chipboard screws
Since so many DIY projects use
chipboard or other manufactured
wood like Supawood; 6mm-8mm
chipboard screws in lengths varying
from 30mm-60mm are a must.
If you compare these screws to
regular wood screws, youll see the
threads are fairly dense, meaning
better grip and less likelihood of
them pulling out.
Wire nails
Galvanised nails known as wire nails

are ideal for use in wood, but most
DIY experts prefer to use screws over
nails as screws provide a better, more
permanent joint.
head will sit flush with the surface of
the wood rather than standing out.
n When screwing in a self-tapping
wood screw, you drill a small pilot
hole a few mm narrower than the
screw and then screw the screw
down into that. Not only is it
easier but theres less chance of the
wood cracking. n
DIY NOTES
WHEN TO CALL
THE EXPERTS
You may be an amateur DIYer or a first class Fix-It person, but when the
project is too daunting, how do you know the tradesman youre calling is
the right person for the job?
WORDS: PATRICK GRAFTON
n Never just take the first quote and
our home is the most

valuable thing you will
ever purchase and
sometimes its upkeep is a
costly exercise. Some of
us are very handy when it comes to
DIY and with the aid of DIY
magazines and sound advice from
local DIY stores, we can manage a
fair amount of the work ourselves.
Painting, tiling and small repairs
are generally always within the scope
of most of us; we just need the will
to do it and of course the time!
However, larger jobs like electrical
and plumbing work can be daunting
for even the more experienced
DIYer. It may be that whats needed
in some cases is the services of a
tradesman to do those jobs that
need an expert touch. Here are a few
tips for finding the right person for
the job:
n Its always better if someone
comes via a recommendation
from someone you know,
but failing that, do your
homework and obtain
at least 3 quotes from
different tradesmen.
You can get advice on
where to find such a
person from your local
hardware store.
There are also a
number of sites, like
www.rated-tradesmen.co.za
that will source suitable
tradesmen for you.
Its always better if

someone comes via a
recommendation from
someone you know but
failing that, do your
homework and obtain
at least 3 quotes from
different Tradesmen.
always tell each tradesman that you

intend getting other quotes.
n Ask for qualifications and
references and always ask for a
schedule of work, detailing start and
completion dates.
n Once youve found the right
person for the job, walk them
through the specifics and make sure
that all parties understand what is
expected. Too often at
the end of a job there is a dispute
over what was expected or promised.
n If the job is relatively costly, set
up a payment schedule allowing you
to pay as the work progresses. Never
make final payment until you are
completely satisfied with the work
and (if necessary) certificates of
compliance have been issued.
n Finally, when inviting workmen
into your home, ensure you protect
your valuables and contents against
loss or damage. Cover all your
furniture and do not leave valuables
lying around.
At the same time, do whatever
is reasonable to facilitate the
tradesman
in his work by allowing him
reasonable access
to your house so that
he can get on with
the job. n
Patrick Grafton is an experienced
DIYer and qualified tradesman
and is the owner of
www.rated-tradesmen.co.za
storage solutions
Decorator Jenny
Westoby of JW Design
lives by the de-cluttering
mantra Be Ruthless.
If you havent used it
for the last three
years then toss it or
put it in storage.
LIFE
Mess and clutter are Gods

way of telling you that youve
got too much stuff. Or so the
old adage goes. Alternatively,
it could mean you arent
employing clever techniques
to manage your space and
store your stuff. These days
there is no shortage of tips
and products to help you
keep your home looking neat,
tidy and stylish. Just take it
one room at a time
words: CARA BOUWER
enny Westoby, Director of JW

Design, says taking the
de-cluttering bull by the horns
may seem more overwhelming
than it is. She recommends
you begin by isolating the
room in your house that you use the
least. Once youve de-cluttered that
room use it as your dumping ground
as you tackle the rest of the house.
There is nothing worse than living in
a chaotic house, says Westoby, so
always finish one room before
moving onto the next.
Unfortunately South Africans
in general can afford to be more
complaisant about space, says
architectural design guru Stephen
Pellerade. So we are not wise when
it comes to storage solutions. We

have bigger homes and generally
dont utilise our space well, he says.
In London, for example, they use
the roof as an extra bedroom and
to store clothing. This is starting to
become a trend in South Africa and
were beginning to design higher
pitches to allow for roof storage.
Its this sort of forward-thinking
approach to space and design that
can help prevent you ever falling prey
to the clutter curse.
If youre building or renovating,
youre perfectly poised to factor
storage into your thinking, but even
without knocking down walls there
are some effective techniques you
can employ to ditch the mess.
photos: www.home-designing.com
DE-JUNK
YOUR
LOUNGE
Floor-to-ceiling cupboards (painted

the same colour as your walls) are
the ideal solution, believes Romaine
Lowery, author of The Clutter
Clinic: Organise Your Home in Seven
Days. These cupboards can then be
subdivided into shelving. But if a
full-wall transformation isnt for you
then try out a sideboard for the TV or
some shelving, which you can use to
display small objects and collectables.
Modular box options are growing
in popularity too. Try out Castle
Timbers Hanging Wall Cubes
(available from Builders Warehouse,
R314 for a pack of 3). Play with the
positioning of the boxes on your wall
by taping newspaper cut-outs to the
wall first; that way you can step back
and admire your arrangement before
bringing out the drill.
Pellerades tip: If you have a smaller
property, the best thing to do is make it
more open plan to create more space.
KITCHEN
The experts at Eclipse Furniture &

Hardware Supplies say more than
60% of all kitchen buyers realise
too late that they need more
storage space. They recommend
using their Blum Zone Planner
(www.dynamicspace.com) to
determine upfront how much storage
space youll need in your kitchen.
There are some fundamentals you
should apply to your design, such
as avoiding shelves in lower cabinets,
which makes searching for items
difficult and often leads to dead
or unutilised space. For example,
Blums corner pull-out drawer
helps you access hard-to-reach
places while the companys
wrap-around sink drawer, has a
cut-out for the base of the sink, but
still gives you enough space for
bitty dishwashing items.
BUILDING OR RENOVATING?
Pellerades tip: Do an audit of
every single item that will be going into
your kitchen pots, plans, appliances,
knives and forks. A designer can then
work backwards with those numbers to
see how much space you need.
STUDY
nDeal with each piece of paper
A peg board or pin board is a great

storage option to employ in your
study or hobby room, as is creating
set places for files, making use
of stylish storage boxes to hold
computer disks and manuals,
wrapping accessories or stationery.
While an organised desk and work
space may seem impossible, try these
quick tips:
only once. Either file it, bin it or

pass it on immediately, dont let it
mount up.
n Keep in-trays for specific projects.
n Keep all notes in a single book or
organiser or use a bull clip to keep
notes or bills grouped together.
n Label files, boxes, plastic folders
and in-trays clearly, and stick to
their allocation.
storage solutions
BEDROOM
Start with your cupboards and be

ruthless! Throw out anything you
havent worn for two years or which
no longer fits. Do you still have a
crammed and cluttered problem?
If so, then divide your clothes into
a winter and summer wardrobe;
keep the appropriate season in your
cupboard and pack away the other
clothes until the season changes.
Look at a side table with draws
or a blanket box in which you can
store linen or those out-of-season
clothes. Consider a stand-alone unit
like Wildberrys tallboy range of
units, which are quick and easy to
assemble. Prices range from
R1 299 for a 40cm x 35cm x 166cm
Bamboo tallboy with slatted door, to
R1 359 for the woven door version
in Bamboo (38cm x 28cm x 190cm).
A range of 3, 4 and 5-tier shelves are
also available, with the 3-tier (36cm
x 36cm x 77cm) White Bamboo
option ideal for a kids bedroom
(R459). The Wildberry Range is
available at Makro stores.
Another option for soaking up
kids clutter is the colourful BigJIm
drawer, available from Builders
Warehouse for R359.
Pellerades tip: Look at your builtin cupboards. Most cater for a 600mm
depth, but your coat hanger is around
400mm. If you dont have space then
just do the maths. I, for example, allow
for just 500mm for built-in-cupboards.
As for shelves, all you need for shoes
is 300mm. Be surgical about the
space available to you; every little
bit counts.
For men a top tip is to

sort clothes by category
or colour, so youll
never scramble to find
another work shirt.
DRESSING ROOM
Shallow storage bins, flexible shelves

like Elfas 40.5cm 3-basket storage
unit starter pack (R589 from Builders
Warehouse) and simple hooks for
ties, handbags and scarfs are effective
dressing room organisers. For men a
top tip is to sort clothes by category
or colour, so youll never scramble
to find another work shirt. Women
should look at categorising their shoe
or handbag collection in the same
way, making shoes you wear regularly
accessible and tucking those seasonal
or special-occasion pairs in clear
plastic boxes on the top shelf.
Pellerades tip: Again, do an audit.
How many long coats do you have?
How many dresses? How many shirts?
Too often professional designers are
scared to ask clients to do homework,
but when it works out it really is a
win-win situation. Get involved!
storage solutions
BATHROOM
Invariably there is never enough

room in the bathroom but, as
Sam de Mello, founder of Waste
of Space, told The Independent
newspaper in the UK: Youll probably
find that at last half the contents of
the bathroom cabinet are out of date,
so before you do anything,
have a good clear out. A quick and
easy solution is to buy a hanging
shower caddy (Eleganza, R124 from
Builders Warehouse) or switch to a
linen wash bag rather than a bulky
stand-alone basket.
Pellerades tip: Your bathroom
can be a storage place too, but dont
be fooled into thinking these new
free-standing vanities are good for
storage. Rather ask yourself what needs
to go into the bathroom. Remember
that boys have different requirements
to girls, so if its a boys bathroom youll
possibly have space to accommodate a
linen washing bag in the cupboard.
GARAGE
With most South African homes

having the advantage of a lock-up
garage, its a temptation to turn this
additional space into a dumping
ground for everything from sporting
equipment to gardening and
DIY tools.
Begin by throwing out anything
you dont need, then tally the items
that should be stored in the garage
and make space accordingly.
A toolbox is a must, but
dont stop there. Elfas peg board and
hook system makes perfect sense in
a garage or store room. Garden
gear is easy to grab and put away
when it has an allocated spot on the
wall, plus the peg board approach
gives you flexibility to reorganise
at will.
In addition to your hanging
solution, shelving in a garage is a
boon. You can go with simple DIY
steel shelving which will set you back
about R664.
Stephanie Denton, author of
The Organised Life, also offered
the following tips in a recent issue

of Secrets of Getting Organised
magazine:
n Use large, stackable, clear plastic
drawers to store equipment.
Builders Warehouse stocks a
variety of options from a 32cm
hobby box (R40) to the Buddi mini
5-drawer unit (R80). Make sure
you label each draw.
n Hang bicycles on the wall using a
wall-mount storage rack.
n Group bitty items and sporting
gear by using a large plastic bin or
you can try a hammock-style net
attached to the wall.
Pellerades tip: If youre building,
then the best thing is to build in a
gap of about 500mm or more and
put open shelving both left and right.
Make sure these shelves go right to
the top and can accommodate all
your needs, from chemicals to
garden equipment or sports
equipment. That little bit of extra
space costs very little but makes a
huge difference. n
Notes: Jenny Westoby design jenn@jwest.co.za

Eclipse Furniture & Hardware Supplies (0861 325 4773 www.eclipsegroup.co.za)
DIY PROJECT: make
You will need:
SMART
STORAGE
This decorative storage cabinet is perfect for bedroom

storage. Place at the end of your bed and use it to store
your bed linen
PROJECT: JANICE ANDERSSEN/DIY DIVAS
NOTE
We used 1 sheet of 16mm PG Bison SupaWood for this project. It is important to

specify PG Bison SupaWood as there are lower-quality boards that do not have the
same smooth surface, which is essential for a project that will ultimately be painted.
1 sheet of 16mm PG Bison

SupaWood
2 of 386mm x 1240mm
top and bottom
1 of 100mm x 1240mm
base front
2 of 100mm x 354mm
base sides
3 of 250mm x 330mm
uprights
2 of 100mm x 386mm
top sides
3 woven baskets of not larger
than 250mm(h) x 275mm(w)
x 330mm(d)
Acrylic PVA, white (or any
colour of your choice)
Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint,
kona brown
Wood filler
Wood glue
50 of 3 x 30mm cut screws
Masking tape
220-grit sandpaper
Tools
Drill/driver and assorted drill
and screw bits
Countersink bit
Jigsaw and clean-cut blade
Trestles or workbenches
TIME 2 DAYS
COST R800
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
storage ottoman
ottoman
1
base sides
drawn cut outs
n T o cut the base front, back and sides,

measure in 50mm from each end and
40mm from the top down and draw
lines. Use a template (we used a roll
of masking tape) to draw a rectangle
with rounded top corners. Repeat this
for the front and back but measure in
100mm from each end. Cut out the
sections with a jigsaw.
nO
n the top, measure in 20mm,
36mm, 414mm and 430mm from
both ends and draw pencil lines.
These lines are for mounting the
individual uprights.
nW
ithin each of the drawn lines we are
now going to mark off for pilot holes.
Measure in 60mm from front and back
and 193mm as the centre; mark with
a pencil.
NOTE: The two end sections are
378mm wide while the centre section
is 380mm wide.
GOOD TO KNOW
n Sand the edges of SupaWood with 180- or 220-grit sandpaper before painting.
n Sand away the sharp edges of the board with 220-grit sandpaper.
n Wipe away excess wood glue with a cloth before it dries.
n Always work on a flat, level surface for accurate joining.
pilot holes
top
20mm mark
upright
top
pilot hole
uprights
Place the top and bottom sections

together and drill pilot holes through all
the marks. By doing it this way you only
have to mark and measure on one board.
Use a countersink bit where the pilot holes
are on the top and bottom of each section.
Place all uprights together so that you

can measure and mark all at once to save
time. Measure and mark at 32mm in from
each end and at 165mm for the centre.
Drill pilot holes with a 2mm wood bit to a
depth of 20mm.
Place the top on its side to attach the

uprights to the top. When attaching the
uprights, partially drill the screw through
the top so that the tip is visible on the other
side. This helps you to line up the pilot
holes for accurate positioning.
DIY PROJECT: make
base
7
wood glue
side panel
upright
top
upright
Place the top face down so that you can

attach the base to the uprights.
Place the frame face down on a flat, level

surface. Apply a bead of wood glue to the
top edge of the front and back panels
and align to the front and back edge of
the base.
Add a bead of glue along the top edge

of the side panels. Add glue to the side
edges as well and then place on the
base as shown. Leave the wood glue to
dry overnight.
10
9
curved corners
top
Once the glue is dry, drill 2mm pilot holes,

countersink and drive screws through the
front panel into the side panel for added
strength.
Cut the top side with a jigsaw so that it

has a slight angle (about 20 degrees)
from back to front, and rounded
corners.
11
Apply a bead of wood glue to the bottom

of the top side and glue at each end
of the top. Drill 2mm pilot holes from
underneath the top; countersink and then
drive two screws through the top into the
sides for additional strength.
12
Sand the entire project with 220-grit sandpaper and then wipe
clean.Pay particular attention to all edges, as SupaWood is
extremely absorbent and sanding will bind the fibres, making them
less absorbent and easier to paint. Apply acrylic PVA (matt) as a
primer, with a foam roller.
We sprayed the unit with two coats of

Rust-Oleum 2X spray paint - Kona Brown
allowing each coat to dry completely
and then topped it off with a fabricwrapped piece of high-density foam. n
DIY PROJECT: restore
Cracks are common in wood that has been

left untreated. We sanded it down with
180-grit sandpaper.
before
old furniture
NEW LOOKS
Reviving second-hand furniture or inexpensive furniture is

an economical and creative way to add unique and unusual
pieces to your home
PROJECT: J ANICE ANDERSSEN/DIY DIVAS
TIME 2 DAYS
COST R300
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
ot only can you save money
by finding bargains, theres
the satisfaction of having
transformed an old piece of
furniture into something that
suits your lifestyle. When shopping for
items, take time to inspect the piece before
you buy to determine how much work will
be required for the restoration. Water
damage, deep scratches, a flaking finish, or
burn marks can easily be repaired by
sanding and refinishing the piece.
You will need:

180-grit sandpaper and
sanding pads
Mineral turpentine
Wood filler
Epoxy filler
Lint-free cloths
Woodoc 20 (or your choice
of sealer)
Gel stain
Artists paintbrush
Woodoc steel wool
Paintbrush
Tools
Orbital sander
After wiping down with mineral turpentine,

all the cracks were filled in with wood filler
in a colour to match the finished stain and
left to dry. We then used an orbital sander
with 180-grit sanding pads for larger
areas and sandpaper for the smaller
detailed sections.
For large dents and chips you can use

epoxy wood filler that sets extremely hard;
once applied, leave to dry for two hours
and then sand smooth with an orbital
sander and 180-grit sanding pads. Let the
epoxy cure completely overnight.
promotion
MEET THE original
DIY DIVA
To bring out the detailed areas on the

table we used Imbuia gel stain applied
with a paintbrush.
Before applying the sealer, wipe down with

a lint-free cloth and mineral turpentine to
remove dust. Apply sealer according to
the manufacturers instructions. We used
Woodoc 20 in a gloss finish. n
after
asyDIY magazines very

own DIY Diva, Janice
Anderssen truly believes
that DIY is a unisex pursuit.
With a lifetime of
experience under her belt, she has
launched DIY Divas workshops
across the country so that the ladies
can learn all the tips, tricks and
techniques of home DIY. Having
founded www.Home-Dzine.co.za as
an online platform to provide South
African women with more
information on DIY related topics,
Janice was bombarded with requests
to present workshops for those
wanting to find out more about
doing it for themselves. Its only in
Janice Anderssen,
founder of DIY Divas.
Janice was bombarded

with requests to present
workshops for those
wanting to find out
more about doing it
for themselves.
the last few years that women have

finally realised that they too can DIY
it. The Internet and the airing of
overseas home improvement
programmes has definitely helped
women see that DIY is for
everyone, says Janice.
Power tools are now designed
to be lightweight and easy to use,
hardware and building supply stores
that offer everything under one roof
are on our doorstep and women are
looking to become more involved
with the day-to-day maintenance
and repairs, says Janice.
Janice and her team of Divas
have attended building and tiling
courses and design workshops.

Ultimately they have built up a
store of knowledge over the years
that they are available to share
at workshops in various Builders
Warehouse and Builders Express
stores across the country.
Visit www.DIY-Divas.co.za for
more information, or email Janice
at home-dzine@iburst.co.za. n
diy expert: ENERGY
MEET THE EXPERT
Andrew Etzinger has

worked for Eskom for 21 years in
a wide range of fields including
power system planning, information
technology, business planning and
demand-side management. His
primary focus has been in the areas of
energy efficiency and marketing. He is currently responsible
for Eskoms national energy saving programme.
let the sun
shine in
South Africa is a sun-blessed nation and with
the slow onset of global warming, we can
only expect hotter rays. Year-round sunshine
bodes very well for a country under an
electricity siege. Andrew, explains how
we can use the sun to our advantage
with the simple technology offered by
photovoltaic (PV) tiles
words: B
ETH SHIRLEY
outh Africa is somewhat behind in using
renewable energy technologies compared
to countries like China, Europe and
the USA. Historically, there was not
great incentive to use alternative sources
of energy because South Africas electricity costs
were low. Now, with price increases, we can use our
resources the sunshine in particular to our
advantage, says Etzinger.
Photovoltaic or PV tiles are an application of PV
technology. Solar cells produce direct current electricity
from sunlight that can be used to power equipment or
recharge a battery. PV tiles look exactly the same as roof
tiles and may be easily installed over original roof tiles.
They are made of plastic material with built-in
PV panels. They are hail-resistant and very durable.
Even very weak PV tiles can charge batteries for
phones and other battery-run appliances.
How do you know if your home is

suitable to install a PV tile system?
n Do you have a sunny place to install your PV
tiles? Youll need a roof or wall that faces within 90

degrees of north and isnt overshadowed by trees or
buildings. If the surface is in shadow for parts of the
day, your system will generate less energy.
n Is your roof strong enough? Solar panels are not
light and the roof must be strong enough to take their
weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of
existing tiles. If in doubt, ask a construction expert or
an installer.
diy expert: ENERGY

In the future, it can
be expected that
households would
operate entirely off-grid,
or not at all reliant on
Eskoms electricity supply.
Each home could, with the assistance of PV tiles, produce

about five kilowatts of electricity a day. Five Kilowatts is
enough power to supply all the electricity requirements
of an average home with the exception of the geyser that
draws 3 Kilowatts.
Fortunately Solar Water Heating is a very effective
alternative to heating water and can be used in
conjunction with PV roof tiles.
There are a few issues one should be aware of if
considering using a PV tile system. PV tiles are more
expensive than normal roof tiles and have to be cleaned
every 4 months, eventually needing replacement. But
costs should gradually decrease over time as the trend to
use sustainable energy technologies gains momentum and
technology advancements result in better PV tile systems,
explains Etzinger.
Costs are calculated for each watt a PV tile produces.
For a normal household to power its appliances, the overall
cost of PV tiles would be about R50 000. However, the
long-term financial savings make installing a PV systems a
significant investment.
In the future, it can be expected that households
would operate entirely off-grid, or not at all reliant on
Eskoms electricity supply. When electricity needs to be
used at night, there is a back-up supply of energy that was
generated during the day, so the house can operate this
battery. In fact, over time, the savings are immense,
says Etzinger. n
How to install a PV tile system?

n Panels can be flush mounted as well as tilted up.
n Whenever possible, it is best to install solar panels
mounts while your home is being re-roofed.

n Solar mounts flashed in during the roofing process
will eliminate any possibility of roof leaks.

n It is easier to locate rafters when the roof is off.
n All mounts need to be secured onto the roof with
stainless steel lag bolts bolted through the rafters.

n Having structural attachment points flashed-in
is a wise method of installing solar panels and the

future cost of removal and re-installation of solar
panels can be avoided for a long time.
n Composition shingle roofs are the easiest to
work with.
Source: solarexpert.com
DIY PROJECT: make
final photo: Noleen Foster styling: Martin Hiller
You will need:

16mm SupaWood cut to the
following sizes
1 of 500mm x 1020mm
desk base
2 of 400mm x 500mm sides
1 of 968mm x 500mm desk top
2 of 100mm x 230mm
front panels
2 of 100mm x 500mm
panel inserts
1 of 220mm x 968mm
bottom shelf
1 of 150mm x 968mm
top shelf
2 x 100mm x 220mm bottom
shelf supports
2 x 100mm x 200mm
top shelf supports
1 of 98mm x 460mm
bottom drawer front
2 of 98mm x 220mm
top drawer fronts
12mm SupaWood cut to the
following sizes
1 of 80mm x 436mm
bottom drawer back
2 of 80mm x 215mm
bottom drawer sides
1 of 203mm x 436mm
bottom drawer base
2 of 80mm x 176mm
top drawer back
4 of 80mm x 200mm
top drawer sides
2 of 176mm x 188mm
top drawer bases
Wood glue
Joiners Mate
Wood filler
3 handles
1,8 metre length of pine quarterround trim
Acrylic PVA matt broken white
HOME OFFICE
SOLUTIONS
This great secretary is
perfect for those who work
from home. The design
features plenty of storage
for your office essentials
Tools
TIME 4 DAYS
COST R900
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
Drill/driver and assorted drill and

screw bits
Workbench
Orbital sander with 220-grit
sanding pads
Clamps
Tape measure
Pencil
Foam roller and paint tray

DIY PROJECT: make
base
base
side
drawn line
20mm from edge
First, cut out the shape for the sides of

the secretary. Enlarge the template until
it fits perfectly onto the 400mm x
500mm section.
On both sides of the base, measure in

10mm and draw a pencil line from front
to back. This is where the sides will
be mounted.
desk top
Apply a bead of wood glue along the

bottom edge of each side and glue to
the top of the base, on the inside of the
drawn line. Clamp in place until the glue
is dry. Turn over the glued assembly.
6
top shelf
side
side
base
upright
drive in
screws
front panel
bottom shelf
Drill 2mm pilot holes, countersink and

drive two screws through the base into
the side sections at the front and back.
Remember to drill at not less than 20mm
from the edge to avoid splitting the wood.
Using the front panels as supports, drive

screws through the sides and into the edge
of the top shelf.
EasyDIY TIP: Once you have mounted the
shelf you can apply a bead of wood glue to
both front panels and insert at either side of
the front opening.
For the next two shelves, which are

the top shelf and the one on top of the
drawers, measure up 105mm from the
desk top and make a mark at the front and
back of each side as a guide to attach the
shelf; drill through the sides and into the
edge of the shelf. Mount the top shelf by
using the drawer fronts as supports for the
height and attach in the same way.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER
Between the top and second shelf, make

a mark at 220mm and glue the uprights
into position.
Use 220-grit
sandpaper
to round off
(chamfer) and
polish all edges.
Polishing binds
the surface,
making it less
absorbent and
easier to paint.
DIY PROJECT: make

secretary desk
10
9
back
desk top
front panel
draw support
sides
front
desk base
quarter-round trim
To make the drawers (2 at the top and 1 at

the bottom), glue the drawer back to the
sides and then glue the sides to the back
of the drawer front. Leave the glue to dry.
Because of its
compact nature,
secretary desks
are perfect for
a room with
limited space.
Make the drawer supports for both top

drawers by gluing a quarter-round to the
side frame of the desk and to the drawer
support [H]. We used Joiners Mate as the
glue dries in 10 seconds. To attach, use
the drawer front as a guide for the width;
apply a bead of wood glue to the top and
bottom of the drawer fronts and insert.
Apply a bead of wood glue to the top

and bottom of the side supports for the
bottom drawer and insert so that the front
edge lines up with the front panel. Once
the glue has dried, apply quarter-rounds
to both sides as per point 9.
GOOD TO KNOW
Joiners Mate is ideal for all woodworking applications as it joins wood and
sets in 10 seconds, instantly creating a strong bond and allowing you to finish
your projects much faster.
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MAKE
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PERFECT
PAINTING
fabulous floating
shelves
an eco-friendly recyclin
g centre
a bathroom for under
TOOLKIT
www.eas ydiy.co.z
MPERS
POWERTOOLS n
If you want a finish that is as smooth as silk, use 1000-grit wet sandpaper and
lightly rub over the painted surface in a circular motion, wiping off moisture as
you work. Leave to dry for about 30 minutes then apply Woodoc antique wax
according to the instructions. Antique wax from Woodoc finishes off our secretary
with a water-resistant surface that is easily cleaned and polished.
EasyDIY TIP: There are two options

to consider: You can purchase turned
legs from a wood turner or find a
second-hand bargain that has beautiful
turned legs that you can use.
We found a damaged laminate

dressing table with solid wood legs.
The laminate sections were replaced
with SupaWood that were attached
using a pockethole jig and the entire
assembly sanded and painted to match
our top. If you dont have a pockethole
jig, use corner brackets
or dowels and wood glue to add the
new sections. n
incl VAT
30
Choose from
paintbrushes,
door handles,
knobs and
shelves
WIN: VOUCHERS n
GOOD TO KNOW - FINISHING
MUST-HAVE
PRODUCTS
R34.50
AT HOME
Paint the entire assembly with two to

three coats of acrylic PVA; we used matt
Broken White. Use a foam roller for a brush
stroke-free finish and a small paintbrush
for getting into corners. Allow each coat
to dry before applying the next coat.
outdoor maintenan
ce
PLUS restore cane,
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Design
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perfect jewell
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PLUS try make your own
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YOU INW
ITH THE
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S VOUC
EasyDIY TIP: The final sanding after filling

is critical. A smooth surface on the finished
project will give it a more professional look.
12
OLD FURNITURE
NEW LOOKS
R6 000
WITH WOO
WORKINGand make the
AYS TO
SMART W
R
WIN: HA
You are the colour

you choose
CHARITY
and Riaan
Michelle
ter join
Garforth-Ven
celebs like
artists and Edith Venter
and
Watershed ing doors for
in design
Welfare
Joburg Child
IMPROVE
SPRING
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ARRIVED
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684ideas 25030
W
IONAL
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USIVE
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BURDETT
e.tvs SALLYher cosy home
invites us
TOOLKITS n CHIM
INEAS
R34.50 incl VAT
MAKE
OVE
Fill all holes with wood filler and let this

dry before sanding smooth.
For an elegant look we need turned

legs for the base, but not being a
wood turner and without a lathe, this
is not easy.
LA
ISS UNCH
UE
diy.co.za
www.easy
n IMPR
RESTORE
11
Making the base
See what you get:
secretary desk
diy expert
MEET THE EXPERT
Cliff Kay has over 32 years

experience in the paint and home
improvement industry. He was with
the Jacks Paint Group and Earthcote
Paints. He is an expert on home
trends and is a trend forecaster and
innovator at Builders Warehouse.
PAINTING UP A
STORM
For Cliff Kay colour is his most powerful
weapon. Paint is the least expensive and
easiest way to decorate. With just a few
litres of paint you can change the entire
feeling of a room
words: kim novick
ainting your home is a means of expressing
yourself. As Cliff says, With paint, we make our
environment our own, reflecting our single
personality. There is a dazzling and seemingly
ever-growing array of paint colours, textures and
finishes. You have shimmers, pearlescents, textures,
sheens, suedes, matts, washes, stains...the list goes on
and on.
As such, paint can turn a formal room into a cosy
retreat and can make a small, dark corner appear bright
and airy, cleaner, bigger, sexier or just plain better!
Planning a paint scheme
Paint can raise ceilings (although Cliff says white is always

preferable on ceilings), lengthen walls, give rooms space or
hide design flaws.
Dont be intimidated by the language of colour. The
human brain can perceive 7 million different colours; in
theory, however, there are only about 30 original names
for colours.
While there are thousands of paint colours with poetic
names that seduce the consumer, the best way to test the
colour that has captured your eye is do prepare a mood
board or test the colour on the wall by painting a patch
and living with it over a 24-hour period, says Cliff.
When planning a room, breaking it into colour elements is

as easy as 60:30:10.
The space you are about to decorate will have
separate percentages of differing hues. The largest
expanse will be the wall colour, i.e. about 60% of the
colour in the room.
Then the window treatments, floor covering and
upholstery will make up the next 30% of the plan. Last
is the accent colour (10%) that includes accent pieces,
lamps, books and floral arrangements. This is a quick and
easy way to look at your decorating project and indeed,
emphasises the importance of being satisfied with your
paint colour choice.
Colour is canned magic.

It can flatten the glare
in an operating theatre,
encourage nursery school
children to play and create
a soothing cocoon in an
otherwise cramped room.
paint
Setting the mood
There are many books out there telling you that cool
colours make you feel calm and warm colours make you
feel cheerful. But I think the most important thing you need
to do is what works for YOU, says Cliff. However he does
recommend some practical tips:
n In rooms where daylight hours are spent, use warm
colours on walls that receive northern light and use cool
colours for southern exposures.
n For walls exposed to sunrise and sunset (eastern and
western light), neutral colours generally work best.
n Colour is never static. The position of the sun will change
a colour minute by minute. When the sun sets and we
turn our lights on, colour will again be altered.
n In daylight, yellow is the colour we see best. At twilight
its blue/green and at nightfall orange and red appear
darker than either green or blue.
Make it yours
Forget about fashion; make it yours, says Cliff. Personal

style is what counts when it comes to colour choice. If
you choose colour that reflects your personality and your
lifestyle, your room will glow and people will respond
positively to it as it is representative of you, your family
and your welcoming home. n
diy expert: POOL
PICTURE
PERFECT
POOLS
Our swimming pool expert, Ryan Nesbitt

of Rhino Pools offers advice on keeping
your pool in mint condition during the
summer months
words: LEVI LETSOKO
outh African summers just beg to be spent in the

swimming pool, so its important to keep ones
pool in sparkling condition. Just like any other
maintenance procedure, if the correct method is
followed and adhered to, looking after your pool
should be a breeze.
According to Ryan Nesbitt, owner of Rhino Pools, the
best way to monitor the cleanliness of ones pool is by
MEET THE EXPERT
RYAN NESBITT of Rhino

pools has been renovating and
preparing sparkling pools for the
past 11 years. Rhino pools operates
in Pretoria and Johannesburg and
specialises in pool heating and
swimming pool filtration.
maintaining it yourself instead of getting someone else to

do it for you. Pool maintenance is generally considered
to be hard work but in fact with regular (and surprisingly
minimal) maintenance, one can easily enjoy year-round
pool pleasure. The trick is to be consistent and hands-on in
your approach, he says.
Regarding the most important and basic way to
keep your pool clean, Ryan says, Firstly, backwashing
and rinsing of the filter should be done religiously and
consistently on a weekly basis. He emphasises that
rinsing the filter every other week or on Saturday one
week and then only on Thursday the following week is the
single biggest mistake most pool owners make. This is
because the filter is the heart of the filtration system and
must be clean and clear in order to do its job effectively,
he says.
diy expert: POOL
Chlorine,
Salt or Ozone?
Chlorine has always been relied on to purify
water and is definitely a viable option,
although the addition of 2 3 cups twice
a week adds up at the end of the month. A
salt-chlorinated pool also requires chlorine
from time to time as does an ozonated
pool since these machines run at set levels
and arent programmed to manufacture
more chlorine or ozone after a cloudburst,
for example.
The main reason for the introduction of
salt chlorinators and more recently ozone
generators is to reduce maintenance and
running costs as well as to have a slightly
more automated system.
There is also some research to suggest
that chlorine may be carcinogenic and
harmful to ones health.
Our atmosphere is cleaned with ozone
and its now possible to generate ozone
(O3) via corona discharge or UV light.
Ozone is also the most highly-oxidative
substance known to man and is known to
destroy up to around 98% of all known
bacteria and viruses. Ozone is 3000-3500
times more effective than chlorine in
purifying water and creates water almost
as pure as mineral water for you and your
family to swim in.
The delivery mechanism for the ozone
into your pool is via a venturi installed on the
pipework inside the pump box. In the case
of a salt chlorinator, the delivery mechanism
would be the electrode that is also installed
on the piping inside the pump box.
Pools treated only

with chlorine granules
are usually the most
expensive to run,
followed by salt
chlorinated pools.
An ozone treated
swimming pool, if
managed properly, is
the cheapest to run.
What is better
pool tiling or painting?
Stick to marblite or, if you can afford it, fiberglass. Algae cannot
manifest on fiberglass as it does on marblite and therefore it can be
brushed off with ease leaving a clean, smooth surface. Never ever
use any kind of pool paint to waterproof your pool as this is only a
temporary solution to a permanent problem, says Ryan.
How to manage a backwash cycle

The backwash cycle should run for about 1 full minute for small
pools and about 2 full minutes for medium to large pools. The rinse
cycle should be done straight afterwards as it is a secondary yet final
cleaning cycle and need only run for approximately 15-20 seconds.
The pool cleaner (usually either a Kreepy Krawly or Barracuda
or similar) should be unplugged during this cleaning cycle as the
resistance offered by a pool cleaner drastically reduces the flow
through the filter.
Top tips for a healthy looking pool

n Clean the baskets and the filter regularly.
n Test the PH and balance it regularly.
n Its a good idea to add a cup or two of chlorine granules straight after
a storm or cloud burst.

n Keeping the pool free from leaves and other floating debris helps
prevent decomposition that ultimately leads to the growth of algae.

n A salt chlorinator or an ozone generator is supposed to lower the
maintenance of the pool water. But, these systems still need to be

managed as they either create chlorine or ozone respectively and do
nothing for the pH of the water. Maintaining pH is a totally separate
part of the pool management cycle and needs to be tested regularly
so that the chlorine (whether added by hand or manufactured by a
salt chlorinator) or ozone can be effective. n
style icon
Display counters at
Metropolitan Cosmetics
show the detail of
Mikes work.
SHOPPING AROUND
Name Mike Shapiro

Born South Africa
Company Andis Interiors cc
WITH MIKE SHAPIRO

Mike Shapiro works his magic to turn empty
spaces into ultra-desirable stores
words: kim novick PHOTOS: DEBBIE YAZBEK
he words shop fitter may not conjure up the
most glamorous of careers, but when one
considers how important the appearance of a
store, restaurant or night club is in the mind of
the consumer, it takes on a far shinier hue.
Indeed, Mike Shapiro, together with his partner Tony
Povall have been turning empty spaces into things of
beauty for the past 16 years.
Think the likes of Browns Jewellers, the iconic Nicci
chain of boutiques and Metropolitan Cosmetics; these are
all stores Mike and his team have crafted.
Shop fitting style guru Mike Shapiro
with partner Tony Povall.
MIKE SHAPIRO
The road to retail
Mikes career in shop fitting took a rather circuitous

route; he started out with a BCom in accounting. After
working for 8 months in a corporate environment, I
decided Id never work for anyone but myself again, says
Mike. Instead, he took up dairy and vegetable farming in
Klipriver (where he still lives and works) which he keeps
up all these years later.
I started making things as a hobby; chairs, tables
and such, says Mike. Then a cousin asked him to fit a
concession store. Wed be milking cows in the morning
and making shelves in the afternoon! The business grew
from there and Im very happy to say I still have most of
my original staff, laughs Mike.
You can do your finishes

yourself. If youre not confident,
look for someone that specialises
in great finishes; otherwise the
trick is to pay attention to the
detail and give yourself time to do
the job. Its all possible, you just
need to focus and persevere.
Display cases showcase

glittering jewels at
Browns Jewellers.
Talented hands
Mike is adamant that everything he does is self-taught

and can be learned by anyone who puts their mind to it.
Im very technical; in fact I should probably have done
engineering. When I started making things I just went by
gut feel. Our first store was on a mine. It was 1400m
and we did everything counters, bulkheads, shelving.
The entire job cost about R40 000, today it would be over
R1 million. Stores can literally cost from R100 000 up,
he says. While the concession store all those years back
may have been fairly basic, today Mike, Tony and the
team work with rich and varied materials. Mike says while
he enjoys working in solid woods it has become so costly
no-one specifies it anymore. The bulk of the work we
do is in wood. Right now my favourite is Mahogany. Its
easy to work with, hardy and finishes nicely. Woods go
through phases of popularity though; the darker ones,
particularly Walnut are in favour at the moment but
it changes all the time, he says. Mike also points out
that from a cost point of view, veneer boards are good
substitutions and there are plenty of finishes to choose
from these days.
Making it work
As with any job, Mike says half the works done with
proper planning. Planning helps you work your
costs correctly, optimise materials required and meet
A perfectly crafted
column shows the
detail of Mikes work.
your deadlines. Just like you have to meet all these

expectations in a work environment, if youre working in
a DIY environment at home, you need to follow the same
steps, he says. This means putting everything down on
paper first as Mike points out, its better to mess up in
the planning stage than incur a big cost or do a job badly
during the execution stage.
The bottom line is you can probably do whatever it
is you have in mind, but prepare properly. Also, rather
make whatever you need yourself as opposed to buying
ready-to-install kits that are generally cheap and badly
constructed. Theres a lot more satisfaction for you if its
a job well done and independently done.
style icon
The shop fitters right-hand woman:
interior designer Claudette Rosen

hile Mikes job is to kit out space
beautifully, Claudette Rosen of Spin
Interiors is the prologue to the area
Mike and his team will work in.
Simply put, Claudette custom designs
spaces to create a functional plan that Mike will turn into
reality. We work predominantly in the retail and
corporate space and every design we do is completely
custom-made, says Claudette whose portfolio of stores
includes Stuttafords, Apsley House and Cameraland.
While Claudette has interior design as a background,
her work is more complex as each plan has to allow for
the nuts and bolts like electrical, plumbing and tiling
requirements as well as all the detail that is required in a
functional store.
Claudette works with computer generated 3D renders
of the store to be designed. Nowadays, anyone that
wants to open a store in a centre needs to take their
business proposal to the centre management for approval;
part of that proposal has to be 3D renders of the store.
What weve done to accommodate people is prepare
generic plans as a starting point. Weve covered about
16 standard designs, from funky to minimalist to male or
female-dominated. Prospective clients can then get an idea

of what theyd like and we take it from there, she says.
On planning your home space
Claudette says when planning a room for homes its key

to work at making a space look large and airy. Often
rooms tend to be too small and badly designed as they
are planned by developers more than by people with
an understanding of space. So work on creating the
perception of space using colour, texture, flush cupboards
(built into the wall rather than having a free-standing
cupboard), recesses and such, she advises. Similarly, use
storage space that is part of the furniture, for example,
ottomans, beds with storage underneath and cupboards
designed in such a way that instead of shelves and a rail
you actually have compartments that specific things can
be packed into.
Claudettes website, www.interiorsonline.co.za can help
you plan your home. If you need some help, answer our
interactive question format to give us an idea of what
you like. Then you can upload a picture of the room
in question and well show you how to design a great
working space. n
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DIY PROJECT: improve
after
BATHROOM
BEAUTY
Our DIY Divas tackled a
bathroom that had originally
been done on a shoestring
budget and was stuck in a
20th Century time warp
TIME 3 DAYS
COST R5900
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
before
bathroom makeover
n this project we show you
how easy it is to update a
bathroom with new sanitaryware,
taps and bamboo flooring for a
contemporary and environmentallyfriendly bathroom.
I recently strolled through my
local Builders Warehouse and was
a bit shocked to discover that I
could have given the bathroom a
makeover years ago; who knew that
sanitaryware was so affordable?
says Janice Anderssen.
Put on your thinking cap

If you want to make changes to a
bathroom you need to spend time
thinking about what you will want to
do, how you will do it, what you will
need, and most importantly, can you
afford it.
Dcor websites and magazines will
provide you with inspiration to help
you with your decision.
Do some window shopping too.
Take a stroll down the aisles of your
local Builders Warehouse or Tile
Warehouse to see the various ranges

available. At the same time you
can jot down prices and get a good
idea of how much everything
will cost.
Plan the project

With an idea of the costs involved,
you now need to think about how
you are going to tackle the project.
You dont want the bathroom out of
commission for months, so plan your
project schedule carefully.
making the vanity stand DAY 1

Our first step will show you how to
remove and replace a bathroom sink
and install a modern tap, plus build
a vanity unit upon which the sink
will sit. Ripping out the old basin and
installing a new one is a 1-day job
that requires only a few basic tools.
Making the vanity

The vanity is designed to hide the
pipes and connectors but it is
freestanding so that we can still
get to them for maintenance
or repairs.
For the vanity we are using 20mm
thick bamboo board.
WHY BAMBOO
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material
and is resilient enough to take
occasional splashes of water.
GOOD TO KNOW
This little piece had us baffled until

we realised its the overflow cover!
There are 2 sides and a front section that

have been joined together using a pocket
hole jig. Brackets and wood glue can be
used if you dont own a pocket hole jig. Our
top is glued onto the frame beneath.
For your basin you will need additional

parts needed that are not supplied,
like a drain mechanism and plug to fit
the sink.
DIY
TIP
Whatever shape or size basin that you

select, you will need to measure and
mark for correct placement and drilling
for drain holes and tap fittings. Use a hole
saw to drill a hole in the top of the vanity
for the drain.
As we are mounting the basin on top

of the vanity and not sinking it into
the top, we have built a small box
frame with some of the bamboo off
cuts to elevate the tap so that it sits
nicely above the basin.
PlasterKey A Universal Waterbased Bonding

Aid Makes It Easy!
bathroom makeover
replacing the basin DAY 1

Once the vanity has been completed,
its time to remove the old sink and
pedestal and install a new basin and
stand.
take note
n Be sure to purchase the right taps. A
high basin will require a tall tap and
vice-versa for a small basin.
n Have a bucket and old towels handy
for any water still in the pipes.
Switch off the water at the main stopcock
located on the property, usually close to the
water meter. Switch off the geyser. To empty
the system, open the hot and cold water
taps until water stops running.
n Before
drilling into walls (especially

tiled walls), use an electronic
detector to check there are no
pipes or wires in the wall. If the
display is green to go you are
safe. If the display ring is red, you
will need to move to another
position until the display ring
indicates green.
n When you turn your water back
on, wait until all trapped air has
been released and the water is
running smoothly and then turn
the geyser on.
COST R800
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
You will need:
Basin (we used Builders Pride
basin R600)
Taps (R95 from Builders Warehouse)
Outlet fitting
Waste fitting (if necessary as some
sinks have a built-in waste that
goes into the outlet)
Old towels
Bucket
Conex elbow fittings (1 for each
outlet)
Adjustable or lockable wrenches
Hacksaw and sharp blade
Silicone sealer
Use a pair of wrenches to tighten the new

Conex fittings onto the top of the cut
copper pipes. The Conex fittings have
an integral sealing ring which when fully
tightened, provides a water-tight seal.
hot and cold hoses
Conex elbow
connectors
hot and
cold hoses
existing
drain pipe
Loosen the existing taps and drain pipe so

that you can remove the basin and pedestal.
We were lucky, as the sink came away freely
from the wall as did the pedestal. As both
had been mounted on top of the tiles we
didnt have to replace any.
The hot and cold braided hose is

connected to the corresponding Conex
fitting and the other end is screwed tightly
into the tap using adjustable or lockable
wrenches, once again matching up hot
and cold.
Use a hacksaw to cut through the copper

pipe. You need to do this to install the hot
and cold braided hose connectors that are
now supplied as standard when buying
new taps.
Turn the water back on at the main

stopcock and open both hot and cold
taps. Check for any leaks, and if any, turn
off the stopcock and release water from
the pipes by opening taps, then tighten
where necessary.
replacing the TOILET DAY 2

We are now ready to tackle the toilet.
take note
main
stopcock
n Before placing the new cistern
onto the toilet, assemble all the

components according to the
manufacturers instructions. Bolts
are provided for mounting the cistern
securely onto the toilet base.
COST R1200
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
Before removing the old toilet, switch

off the water supply at the stopcock.
If there is no stopcock close to the toilet
you will need to switch off the main
water supply stopcock. Flush the toilet
to ensure the water supply is indeed
off and then loosen the hose from
underneath the cistern.
It was necessary to raise the height of the

toilet in order to fit in the outlet pipe. We
cut a piece of bamboo board to the shape
of the toilet base, glued it in place with
Pattex PL700 and then glued the base to
the floor, sealing around the board and
toilet base with Pattex PL700.
4
cut open
to fit
You will need:

Toilet (we used the Pamela Suite
toilet R1 000 from Builders
Warehouse)
Wax seal
Pattex PL700
Old towels
Sponge
Bucket
Tools
Adjustable or lockable wrenches
Hammer
Chisels
Take off the cistern by removing any wall

anchors and disconnect the toilet by
loosening the bolts at the base of the
cistern. This toilet base was cemented to the
floor so we we used a hammer and chisel to
remove it. Check on your base to see if there
are any anchors holding the base in place, in
which case you can remove the base whole.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER
Use a sponge to remove water from

inside the toilet.
You need to seal around the pipe for a

watertight connection. Cut the wax seal
at one point to allow it to be fitted around
the join between the toilet and outlet
pipe. Press and mould the wax seal so
that it completely blocks and seals
the opening.
Use the hammer and chisel to remove

any excess material from the floor so
that it is perfectly level and ready for
mounting the new toilet.
Mount the cistern on top of the toilet base,

securing with the provided anchors. Turn on
the stopcock and check for leaks.
HOT new arrivalsjust unpacked!

swivel head
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(Compatible with 2.4mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm
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All steel construction for durability
Spring-loaded handles to hold rivet in tool
swivel head
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RG002 pro-hand riveting gun heavy duty.

Front has rotating size selector to easily toggle
between rivet sizes. (Compatible with 3.2mm,
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handles return to original position immediately
Remaining mandrel pieces are collected in the
plastic container for safety and easy disposal
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Dcor
Made Simple
Learn to decorate like a Pro

The Home Channels own interior designer Juliet Newell coaxes her
colleagues to spill the tricks of the trade. From beach house to
Bauhaus, shell show you how to create stunning spaces on a budget
you can afford.
Mon 7pm Tue 10.30pm Wed 11am Thur 3pm Sat 1pm & 10pm Sun 8am & 5pm
bathroom makeover
bath modification - Day 2/3

In this step we are modifying the bath
so it also serves as a shower.
take note
n The glass panel is heavy and you
will need to lift it into place. Place
a blanket on the floor to prevent
chipping the base of the glass as
you manoeuvre it into position.
fit track to wall

and floor
COST R2100
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
You will need:
10mm thick safety glass (half the
length of the bathtub and slightly
lower than ceiling height)
12mm aluminium U-tracking
Wall plugs and screws, 5 x 40mm
Tape measure
Pencil
Spirit level
Pattex PL700
Tools
Drill/driver or impact drill
Assorted drill and screw bits
To mount the glass along the side of the

bathtub, aluminium tracking was fixed to
the wall and floor. Use a tape measure,
pencil and spirit level to mark the wall and
floor for screws at 300mm apart and then
drill to accept wall plugs and screws.
Run a thick bead of Pattex PL700 along
the tracking. This provides additional
security and also covers the screw heads
before inserting the glass panel. Leave this
to dry overnight and then mount the glass
panel carefully into the wall and
floor tracking.
With the glass mounted in the tracking,

apply another bead of Pattex PL700 to fill
any gap between the glass and tracking.
You want the glass to be firmly and securely
mounted in the tracking. Clean off any
excess adhesive with a dry cloth while
still wet.
EasyDIY TIP: For two non-absorbent, or
water-sensitive surfaces use Pattex PL 700.
Ensure surfaces to be bonded are clean and free
of dust, grease or oil. Surfaces should not be
continuously damp.
bamboo flooring- Day 3

In this part of the project we are
creating a side panel for the bath and
putting down bamboo laminate planks.
COST R1800
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
You will need:
Eco-Logic bamboo flooring
(www.oriental-bamboo.co.za)
Drawn plan of the floor, with
exact measurements
Tape measure
Pencil
Graph paper
Tools
Rubber mallet
Workbench
what to do
n Take exact measurements of the space to
draw up a plan to scale on graph paper.

Measure and mark the location of the
toilet, bath and sink, door opening and
any other fittings in the room.
n Sanitary sealer is applied around the
toilet base where the flooring butts
against the bath panel, the join between
the bath and side panel by and around
the inside of the glass panel to ensure a
waterproof seal.
n We have created a panel for the side of
the bathtub using floor planks mounted
onto a wood frame to provide a more
appealing finish and additional support
for our glass panel. Once mounted, we
are ready to lay the floor. The new floor
butts against the panel. The planks are
angled slightly to link together and then
lightly tapped with a rubber mallet for a
tight-fitting join. n
Win with TAL

TAL is giving away 5 of
their fantastic Goldstar
Groutsealers, each valued
at R50. The Goldstar
Groutsealer comes in an
easy to apply aerosol can for
mess-free application in your
bathroom or kitchen. To win,
email editor@easydiy.co.za
and tell us why you need one
of these fab products.
A special thank you to
n Eco-Logic for the bamboo flooring.
www.oriental-bamboo.co.za
n Finishing Touches for the Basewood Mahogany
Blind. Finishing Touches is avaiable at Builders
Warehouse.
CELEBrity lifestyle
The property
A homely haven in the heart
of leafy Morningside
Homeowners
Jeremy and Jacqui Mansfield
When celebrity couple Jeremy

and Jacqui Mansfield need
time out from their busy
schedules, they retreat to
their perfectly-tailored home
in Johannesburg
At HOME WITH
THE MANSFIELDS
words:CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER PHOTOS: DEBBIE YAZBEK
STYLING: PETA-ANNE STROUD AND MARTIN HILLER
ucked away in Morningside lies Jeremy and Jacqui
Mansfields home. Best-selling authors, TV
personalities and all-round Joburg legends, their
space is homey and functional, coloured with
rich, earthy tones and organic textures. Their
home is als on inhabited by beloved family pets (and
Zhoozsh! cover stars) rescue dogs Alex and Jesse; and cats
Patch, Raka and Honey.
The Mansfields made this their home nine years ago
and still absolutely love it, enthuses Jacqui. It is designed
around their lifestyles and personalities, with an expertly
equipped kitchen (for Jeremy, of course), a large, inviting
bar overlooking the pool and garden (ditto) and a delightful
library nook (for Jacqui and the cats). Everything has
its place and is in its place, giving the house a naturally
uncluttered and practical feel.
The couple recently released Zhoozsh! Faking it, the
follow-up to their successful 2009 cookbook Zhoozsh!.
Theyve also designed a stunning range of Zhoozsh! cutlery,
crockery and glasses in partnership with Inter Table Top
Company, available exclusively at Boardmans.
How do you work your spaces effectively?

Jacqui: We both like open flow, yet need our separate spaces
for our own downtime or when we are entertaining friends.
By creating different areas that are separate, but not totally
separated, we have created multi-use spaces in our home,
which work beautifully.
what do you love about your home?
Jeremy and Jacqui: Its an ideal home for us as its spacious
yet intimate. It has all we need and want.
Our master bathroom, especially, is a win. The one exterior
wall is almost completely glass (including the roof), looking
out onto a private enclosed garden. Theres a large indoor and
private outdoor shower.
We also love the area in which we live: theres a park down
the road to walk our dogs, theres a river nearby and we can
hear frogs singing in summertime.
Our home is central to the places we like to go to and with
multiple access roads to our suburb, we dont get snagged in
traffic, as there is always an alternative route. We have all
we need.
The millions of words in

hundreds of books seem to
fill the air and make it still,
peaceful and muted and
everyone seems calm and
content - Jacqui
CELEBrity lifestyle
Left: The Mansfields love
entertaining family and friends
and serving meals out of their
own range of crockery in their
welcoming dining room.
RIGHT: Rescue dog Alex enjoys
the sun on the Mansfields patio.
BELOW: The charming living
room is filled with collectibles
the Mansfields have brought
back from their travels.
Have you done any renovations?

Jeremy and Jacqui: We renovated a couple of years ago.
We enclosed an outside patio area to create a large bar/
entertainment area and moved a wall to enclose an outside
walkway that created a library/reading nook. We knocked
through a (previous exterior now an interior) wall and added a
two-sided, ventless gas fireplace. This effectively gave us two
additional and separate lounge/conversation areas. A wooden
deck also extended the bar area and gave us an outside
entertaining area. It took about two months.
Are you planning any more renovations?
Jeremy and Jacqui: Yes, we want to enlarge the deck and add
a roof to cover part of it, so that we have a more substantial
outside entertainment area. We are in heated (no pun
intended!) discussions regarding a fire pit, another braai area
and the size of the deck.
Where do you take time out?
Jacqui: When I want to get away from it all, I go to the solitude
of our garden. A large section of it is secluded and the light
is beautiful there dappled by massive Oak trees. We dont
use any pesticides or insecticides anywhere in our garden and
there are always butterflies, fat bumblebees, bugs and critters
getting on with their lives. It offers me perspective and reminds
me that I am just one small item in a greater plan.
Jeremy: Cooking relaxes me, so if Im stressed, youll find
me in the kitchen. I like the concentration and focus cooking
requires. My favourite de-stressing dish is a stir-fry all that
chopping and slicing and dicing then a quick flash-fry of all

the ingredients in the wok and Im relaxed.
Whats your favourite space in your home?

Jacqui: Without a doubt its my library, my tranquil haven.
When Im in there reading and listening to my vinyl records, all
the pets come in too.
Jeremy: My bar! It is 100% my space. It is where I go to
unwind and work. I go there to be alone and when my mates
are over, thats where I entertain.
What are your favourite places to buy
dcor and furniture?
Jeremy and Jacqui: Neither of us is big into dcor or
decorating, so we dont have a favourite place to buy
furnishings, but we will keep an eye out for things when we
travel. We have bought handmade furniture and furnishings in
Zambia, China, England, Vietnam and Alaska and we always
visit antique shops when we travel in South Africa. n
GIVEAWAY!
Two lucky readers will each win a

signed copy of Zhoozsh! Faking it.
Email: editor@easydiy.co.za and tell us
how you plan to make the most of your
cooking with Zhoozsh! Faking it.
Inspired by nature!
FIRED EARTH launches two new paints, both incorporating
nanotechnology, and ecowise qualities, as well as a 7 year
quality guarantee.
all-in-one
BEYOND NANO
SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY
Fired Earth all-in-one plaster primer is a high quality pigmented, alkali resistant
primer, penetrating sealer and undercoat for both interior and exterior use. It can
be used on sound cement, cured gypsum plaster, concrete and brick substances.
As an ecowise product is it lead free, ammonia free, acrylic, low voc, low
odour, and incorporates nano technology, with a 7 year guarantee.
LEAD
FREE
WATER
CLEAN-UP
WATER
RESISTANT
MOULD
RESISTANT
ultimate
LOWER VOC
LOW
ODOUR
NANO TECHNOLOGY
INCORPORATED
Fired Earth ultimate is a luxurious mid sheen pure acrylic wall coating for both
interior and exterior use. As an ecowise product is it lead free, acrylic, low
voc, low odour, as well as incorporating enviro-cide. Ultimate is all weather
and uv resistant, washable and stain resistant, as well as alkali resistant. The
paint incorporates nano technology to maximise protection, along with a 7 year
guarantee.
LEAD
FREE
WATER
CLEAN-UP
UV & WATER
RESISTANT
PRO-TEFF
SCUFF
RESISTANT
MOULD
RESISTANT
LOWER VOC
LOW
ODOUR
For more information and available colours visit www.fired-earth.co.za
Tel: 012 804 7305
GET THE LOOK
YOU CAN
DO IT TOO
Peta-Anne Stroud shows you how you can
create a home that is homey and functional...
Earthly tones and organic

textures are used
throughout the
mansfields home
Beautifully made
Damask R60 and Tweedle
R130, both from Mr Price
HAVE A SEAT
Suede dining chair R600,
Mr Price Home
TRENDY crockery
Zhoozsh! tableware from R40 - R200,
Boardmans
MOSAic
Must-Have
Mosaic Vase R130,
Mr Price
GREAT THROW
WIRE DELIGHT
Chocolate, bronze
and taupe R180
each,Boardmans
Wire chickens R70 (small) and

R90 (large), both from Mr Price
BRIGHT IDEA
Metallic bronze lamp
R370 and brum lamp
shade R140, both
from Boardmans
STOCKISTS
Boardmans 0860 692 274, www.boardmans.co.za
Mr Price Home 0800 212 535, www,mrpricehome.co.za
Prices are correct at time of going to press
DIY PROJECT: make
Super
stylish
storage
solution
You will need:
2 of 22mm pine 200mm x
900mm - top and bottom
2 of 9mm pine 44mm x 180mm
sides
1 of 9mm pine 44mm x 900mm
front
1 pine batten 44mm x 44mm x
850mm
Wood glue
80-, 120-, 220-grit sandpaper
and sanding pads
Lint-free cloths
Mineral turpentine
Woodoc gel stain in your choice
of colour
Woodoc 10 (or your choice
of sealer)
Gel stain
Woodoc steel wool
80mm wall plugs and 120mm
screws
Tools
shelve IT
This easy floating shelf can be designed to fit into any room
for added storage of books, DVDs or pretty ornaments
Orbital sander
Impact drill and assorted drill
bits
Drill/driver (or screwdriver) and
assorted screw bits
Spirit level
Tape measure
Pencil
Paintbrush
Rubber gloves
TIME 2 DAYS
COST R200
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
floating shelves
front
bottom
wood glue
side
side
bottom
bottom
front
Place the shelf bottom on a flat, level

surface. Apply a bead of wood glue to the
top at the front and sides.
Firmly press the front and side sections

onto the wood glue. Wipe away any
excess glue.
Apply a bead of wood glue to the top of

the front and side sections and position
the top shelf onto these sections. Wipe
excess wood glue. Leave overnight to dry.
sand
mounting
batten
Sand the top, bottom, front and sides

so that you have perfectly flat, smooth
edges all around. Start off with 80-grit
sandpaper, use 120-grit to go over once
and finish off with 220-grit sandpaper.
Sand the mounting batten so that it fits

easily into the shelf cavity.
EasyDIY TIP: Start off with 80-grit sanding
pads if there is uneven wood to remove.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER
7
wall
EasyDIY TIP: Apply the gel stain with the

grain of the wood, for a professional-looking
finish. n
screw batten
to wall
batten
Place the batten at the required height.

Use a spirit level to check and mark with a
pencil. Measure and mark three holes on
the batten and drill 5mm holes with an HSS
bit. Let the bit mark the wall behind. Drill
holes in the wall. Reposition the batten and
insert long screws through the front and
into the wall plugs and screw tight.
Wipe the wood clean with a cloth lightly

dampened with mineral turpentine to
remove all traces of dust. Pop on your
gloves and apply Wood Gel Stain with a
soft cloth. We used Ebony stain for this
project. Finish off with Woodoc 10 interior
sealer applied as per the manufacturers
instructions.
GOOD TO
KNOW
The batten is 44mm wide and you
are using 120mm long screws. To
allow for full insertion of the screw,
use a spade bit and drill to a depth of
20mm where the holes are located.
Place the wall plug

against the bit, allowing
an extra 5mm-10mm
length, and wrap
masking tape around the
bit to know how deep
to drill.
August n September
Augustn nOctober
September
2011n October
EasyDIY2011
67 EasyDIY 67
Sealant for sanitary applications
Crack sealant
Isocyanide free
Innovative Sealant Technology
Sika i-Cure technology is the latest innovative and intelligent hardening system that allows
curing without any odours or defects. It has been proven to be environmentally friendly,
have increased longevity, improved durability and safe to use.
Sika Customer Service KZN:

Tel 031 792 6500, Fax 031 700 1760
E-mail headoffice@za.sika.com
Website www.sika.co.za
Gauteng
Tel: 011 608 6100
KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: 031 792 6500
Western Cape
Tel: 021 555 0755
Eastern Cape
Tel: 041 453 2813
Zululand
Tel: 035 797 3814
Export
Tel: 031 792 6564
The
SAVVY
SHOPPERs
handbook
We make it it easier for you to find the

best of lifes little essentials in our simple
buyers guide
SORTED
THIS
MONTH
paintbrushes
door
handles
Shelves
Nothing like a new lick

of paint to transform a room
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
paint
brushes
You dont need to be the sharpest tool

in the box to realise that there must be
some difference between the multitude of
brushes out there. However, pinpointing
exactly what that difference is can be a
little more challenging. The very thing that
differentiates brushes from each
other be they designed for painting,
sealing, treating, varnishing or even
applying wallpaper paste, is the one thing
they all have in common, bristles
Brush up on the basics

Keep it simple
Dont despair when youre in a store and faced with a rack
of seemingly cloned brushes; no matter how huge the
range, you can separate them into just 3 categories:
n Natural bristle brushes. These are commonly
made of hog hair. Also called Chinese bristles, they
are more suitable for oil-based paint or varnish. The
tips of the hairs will split naturally over time, allowing
them to hold more paint. On the down side, their
innate ability to hold paint makes them more difficult
to clean.
n Synthetic bristle brushes. Machine-made
bristles are excellent for water-based paints and
glosses because they wont show brush strokes in
these relatively quick-drying paints. When choosing
between brushes with synthetic bristles, remember
theres likely to be a vast difference in quality offered
by the different brands; with the cheapest often also
being the nastiest.
n Mixed bristle brushes. Its likely that all
manufacturers offer brushes that use a mix of natural
and synthetic bristles, giving you the best of both
worlds and making the brushes suitable for any type
of paint.
By the brush
Despite the differences in bristles and design, with so
many brushes on the market, people question whether
there is any benefit to using a high-quality brush. The
answer is a most definite yes.
A good brush improves the overall appearance of the
medium youre applying; it provides a smooth finish,
free of streaks or telltale hairs.
It also soaks up the paint and releases it well,
providing good coverage without you having to paint
and repaint an area.
Dont do it!
n Once
youve used a paintbrush with water-based

paint, dont use it for oil-based paint, and vice versa. It
shortens the lifespan of the brush.
n Dont soak natural bristles in liquid; it ruins them.
This is The perfecT brush for

professional and d.i.Y use.
A mixture of synthetic
And nAturAl bristles
for the do-it-yourself
mArket.
This is The perfecT brush for

professional and d.i.Y use.
The long superfine sYnTheTic
brisTle and rusT free
sTainless sTeel ferrule
ensure good painT reTenTions
characTerisTics.
used for applYing enamels,
varnishes, pva/waTer based
painTs on rough, medium
and smooTh surfaces.
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
paint
brushes
Harris No-Loss Evolution
R29
Nothing to lose When it comes to bristles guaranteed

to stay firmly in place for life, this brush is the perfect choice.
Whats more, a rubberised easy-grip handle means youll
enjoy painting in comfort with those locked-down synthetic
bristles.
NOTE: We used 75mm brushes, but theyre all available

in a range of sizes.
we
didnt
want to
give it
back!
R20
Harris Down to Earth
Builders Pride Paintbrush
R29
Plays rough The thirsty, broad bristles of this block brush
are just what rough textured walls and grainy or uneven
surfaces such as roof tiles need. The convenient clip on its
handle means you can balance it over the edge of a can
while working. You can also use it for wall paper glue.
Addis Midi Block Brush
Take one for the world This is the ideal eco-friendly

paintbrush. Every part of it is recyclable, biodegradable or
made from recyclable materials. The plastic-looking handle
is 65% cornstarch. This is great for those painters with a
conscience.
R24
No commitment necessary If youre not sure whether

your foray into DIY will be a lifelong love affair or a quick
fling, then this lightweight, entry level paintbrush is for you.
Its low on cost yet big on performance.
R35
Painters friend If you need a dependable brush at a
bargain price, then reach no further than the Layman. Made
from lightweight plastic, its easy to work with while the
pure Chinese bristle head makes it a natural choice for a
fine finish.
Millennium Layman
Dont wash brushes with boiling water as the ferrule will

swell and the bristles will loosen.
paintbrushes
Fluffy, split looking natural bristles arent a sign of
a defective brush; just the opposite; it holds more paint.
R36
Loves the outdoors From coating the wooden jungle
gym in creosote to painting the shed with a preserver; this
stout brush gives excellent coverage with less splash-back,
thanks to the mix of synthetic and natural fibres.
Addis Shed and Fence
R56
Go pro or do DIY This multi-purpose brush is popular
for home improvements and for semi-skilled labour. Treated
well, its natural Chinese bristles will keep performing
perfectly for years to come.
Academy Everyman
Editors
choice!
R44
Lovely to look at, better to hold We couldnt
decide what we loved more; the ergonomic design;
the non-slip, soft-touch gel pads or the high-quality
synthetic bristles that drink up paint. This one comes highly
recommended.
Harris Gel
R70
means business A sturdy, no frills paintbrush thats
geared towards the professional but will still work wonders
in the hand of the DIY enthusiast. This no-nonsense brush
has a thick head of synthetic and natural bristles; good for all
paints and all surfaces.
hamiltons professional
OUR SAVVY SHOPPER SAYS

n A good brush should have a full head of bristles, held in
place by a sturdy, non-rust band, called a ferrule.

n Sponge-tip brushes are excellent for thinner liquids
such as stains.
n Many people wont use hog hair brushes for religious or
Harris Easyclean
R50
A clean finish The silky synthetic bristles of this beautiful

brush ensure that both water- and oil-based paints are
applied easily and flawlessly and that they wash off the
brush with equal ease.
animal rights reasons, so dont be shy to ask

your salesperson for a suitable synthetic
option.
n Many brushes offer promises, such as a
no bristle loss guarantee, which may
make them a better long-term buy. n
SHOP
SMART
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
door
handles
If theres a single, important fact you should

know about door handles its this: you
shouldnt have to live with a handle you dont
absolutely love. Theyre a comparatively
inexpensive and easy way to give your home
a facelift or make a statement. Plus, with
a phenomenal range on the market, youll
most definitely find the perfect handle at the
perfect price
Opening doors
What to choose
When it comes to choosing your door handles think
location, location, location. Most materials will
last well on inside doors, so feel free to experiment
with brass or bronze fittings here, whereas durable
aluminium will hold up better on doors exposed to
the elements. Knob locks (with spherical or tulipshaped handles) are extremely popular for front
doors, whereas lever handles (the traditional type
of handle with a lever that you pull down to open)
will last longer in high-traffic areas inside the house.
You could even opt for specialised handles in certain
rooms, such as a handle that only locks from one
side for bathrooms, or one that wont lock at all for
childrens rooms.
You also need to look at the location of the
existing handle and lock within the actual door, as
your new lock will need to fit the existing holes and
cavities. You cant, for example, drill a few holes and
hope to jam a lever-type handle and lock into a door
prepped for a knob lock, because everything from
the shape of the lock to the position of the latch
is different.
Try it
If you want to draw attention to a designer handle,
consider choosing a lever handle that fits onto
the door with a small rose. Since they and have a
separate keyhole cover and no plate, the handles
stand out as the focus of attention.
TAKE NOTE
If your new handle is the same as your existing one
theres no need to buy a new lock, so double check
that you arent inadvertently taking a pack with a
lock, as youll pay more for it.
EXPERT ADVICE
For extra outdoor security
install a 5-lever lock along
with your door handle rather
than the more common
2-lever, because theyre a lot
tougher to break or pick
Spencer Xana
DIY Salesman; Gleneagles
Builders Warehouse.
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
door
handles
Mackie Cambridge Suite
Brass Handle
R209
Solid brass shine Beautiful to look at and heavy to hold,

these solid brass lever-type handles have a natural warmth
and shine that become richer over time. Keep in mind
however, that since brass is fairly soft, keys and rings can
cause dents and scratches; but aging gracefully is part of the
beauty of brass.
Dcor City Brass Lever
R160
Old world style This ornate brass plate with scrolled

handle lends itself perfectly to a well-crafted door or to
adding a little glamour to a plain door. The thin plate and
fine patterns give it an attractively delicate appearance.
Mackie Antique Brass Rim lock
R140
Like a lollipop Cute as a round, brass-coloured button,
this plastic-handled rim lock fits on the surface of a door
rather than inside it; which makes it perfect if you need a
lock on a new door but dont have the skill or patience to cut
holes for a lock. This kind of lock is great indoors, but doesnt
have the security features required for a perimeter lock.
Builders Pride Victorian Scroll
R70
Curves and curls If you love luxurious finishings

and bold accessories that make a statement, youll love
coming home to the scrolled handle, generous curves and
Alice in Wonderland style keyhole of this durable aluminium
door handle.
we
didnt
want to
give it
back!
Dortello Tube
R120
Italian wave With its waves and curves it turns opening a
door from an action into an experience. You will need to fit
the escutcheons over the keyhole separately.
DOOR HANDLES
Editors
choice!
Jaguar Antique Copper

Entrance Ball Lock
R140
Guaranteed for 10 years This made-to-last knob

with an old, copper finish, is ideal for a front door. Its sturdy,
attractive and can be locked with a key on one side and a
knob on the other. It comes with a small encyclopaedia of
information and instructions that will put even the most
nervous DIYer at ease.
REMEMBER: Make sure youve got the keyhole showing to
the outside of the house and the knob on the inside.
Builders Pride 2-Lever lock set
R60
Inner lock and outer handle included
Lock, stock and handle Ideal for new homes or if
youre replacing your locks, this all-in-one set comes with a
lock mechanism, handle, keys and screws. The solid, standard
aluminium design makes it easy to both install and maintain.
Yale Tulip
Knob Set
Dortello Antique Brass Handle
R115
Not what youd expect A designer handle for a

designer home! This unusual handle slots in with a normal
2-lever fitting and the scroll design with antique brass finish
fits in perfectly, with unique or unusual furniture or fittings.
Remember that the escutcheon needs to be fitted separately
over the keyhole.
Lever locks with a very wide

keyhole need a different
style of lock than those
with small keyholes, so if
youre changing from one
to the other, remember to
buy a new lock too.
R300
Brass beauty The timeless

design and durable brass finish
of this Yale lock means it will
age beautifully. Whats more,
as with all Yale locks, it comes
with a promise of exceptional
strength and craftsmanship; just
what you need for an outwardfacing door.
Mackie Entrance Lock
R160
For thick and for thin An easy-to-install knob lock

that can be adjusted to fit doors in a range of thicknesses.
Made from durable aluminium, its designed to be locked
with a key from the outside and a simple twist of a button
from the inside.
n
INNOVATIVE SHELVING
SOLUTIONS
by
Tel: 021-508-1250
SUMO
BUNGEE
GLASSLINE
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
shelves
When youve cluttered up floors and

cupboards, dont despair; start storing
upwards, with shelves to store, carry or
display anything from cosmetics to clothes
to your collectible comics. The good news for
those of us whose idea of shelving has always
been three bricks and an old bit of board, is
that todays DIY shelving is attractive, sturdy
and best of all, incredibly easy to mount
Happily on
the shelf
Range of materials
n Wood
usually
pine Its hardwearing
and great for kids
rooms because the
scratches and dents
simply add to the
charm and are easy
to repair. Its also very
versatile because it can
be stencilled, painted
or stained any colour
of the rainbow.
n Glass Although very common in bathrooms, glass
can be used throughout the house as its usually
toughened, making it almost as strong as wood.
Its particularly good for areas where theres water
or moisture, or for displaying collectible items
because their lack of colour wont detract from the
items, themselves.
n Manufactured wood such a Supawood
Made by bonding wood fibres with resin, the
strong, lightweight nature of this wood makes it
perfect for shelves, in particular floating shelves
that attach to the wall with hidden bolts. It comes
in a variety of colours and is fairly durable.
Smart Selection
While your DIY dreams probably have no boundaries,
your DIY skills might, which is why its a good idea
to match your shelf to your abilities.
If wielding a drill is still daunting to you, steer
clear of shelves with more holes than a dot-to-dot,
or that require installation equipment that seem
better suited to removing a limb than mounting a shelf.

Its also not a bad idea to unpack your prospective
shelf in-store to make sure that it either comes with
everything you need to put it up, or that a sales person
can match up anchors or brackets for you.
Finally; go shopping with an idea of what youre
bringing your shelf home for. How much space do you
have for it? How heavy are the items youll put on it?
TRY IT
n If
you dont have a spirit level, simply ensure your shelf

is straight by measuring upwards from the ground with
a tape measure. Mark 3 spots at the same height and
then draw a guide line between them.
n Rather than drilling all the holes at once when
installing your shelf, try this: drill one hole, position the
shelf and press a screw through the first hole to hold
it in place; now mark the position of the next hole;
remove your shelf and drill it. It takes longer, but at
least you wont end up with a row of holes slightly out
of line.
SAVVY SHOPPER
10 best
shelves
R370
Design Yourshelf
For work and play A strong, simple shelf with rounded
edges, supported with small scoop-like arms; this kit makes
it so easy to do it yourself. A 20kg capacity makes it ideal for
holding files or books in an office, or just about anything at
home, especially since its durable finish resists stains.
Max Weight: not stated
Size: 600 X 200 X 19mm
Available in: Pine, mahogany, white and silver
Beechcraft and Scoop Shelf
we
didnt
want to
give it
back!
Hanging Wall Cubes
R369
Castle Timbers
Neat to be square Think out of the box with these
versatile squares. Fun and functional, this set includes 3
squares that you can hang and space individually. The closed
sides make them great for storing books.
Size: 240 X 240 X 117mm; 270 X 270 X 117mm
& 300 X 300 X 117mm
Available in: Mahogany; white; pale pink and pale blue
NOTE: NO screws or plugs are included. Buy three L hooks
and matching plugs when you buy your shelves.
Corner Coco
R249
Dolle
Where the hearts at Play with your packing space
with Dolles range of corner shelves. This burgundy heartshaped shelf adds a splash of fun and colour to any area in
the home, from the bedroom to the kitchen. Plus it holds a
phenomenal 35kg.
Max Weight: 35kg
Size: 350 X 350 X 21mm
Available in: Burgundy, white and silver
NOTE: The screws and plugs are hidden under the black
plastic edging.
SOLID
WOOD
R120
Decorative Solid Pine Shelf

Wildberry Homestyle Accessories
Ingrained beauty You simply cant duplicate the natural
shades, texture and grain of solid wood. Whats more, even
when its been bumped, scratched, hung and rehung, a little
sanding paper and varnish or stain is all you need to restore
it. The large bracket gives it extra stability, making if great
for kids rooms.
Size: 600 X 200mm
Available in: Mahogany, treated Pine and raw Pine
Floating Wall Shelf
R229
Wildberry
Just like magic With no visible screws or brackets, this
thick shelf seems to float up against the wall. Its stylistically
pleasing and visually impressive, but its not entirely suitable
for heavy items.
Max Weight: 10kg
Size: 600 X 235 X 38mm
Available in: White, oak, silver and mahogany
SHELVES
Create magic by illuminating
your glass shelves with
coloured lights.
Editors
choice!
Little Fat Boy
R360
Dolle
Back to basics A shelving heavyweight that can hold up
to 15kg, this chubby little helper tucks in against your wall
on hidden mountings. It has a beautiful sheen that makes it
attractive on its own and striking when partnered with other
Little Fat Boys.
Max Weight: 15 kg
Size: 3445 X 250 X 50mm
Available in: Wood, coloured black, white and silver
Step 4 Wire Ladder

Dolle
and Lite Shelf

Glass Line Shelf
Dolle (with jam clip)
R210
R119
Dolle
Clearly beautiful Available in a range of shapes and
sizes, these tempered glass shelves are too beautiful to hide
in a bathroom. Simply select the shelf you love then choose
from a range of gorgeous or inconspicuous if you prefer
clips to mount it.
Max Weight: Unknown
Size: 600 x 150 x 8mm
Available in: Various shapes and sizes
R90
R120
Dolle
Step, flex, fix The simple brilliance of this build-ityourself set will astound you. Use the plain wire ladders to
build a network of supports, then rest shelves of any length
between them, creating perfectly sized nooks and packing
spaces.
Max Weight: 40kg in total per ladder
Size: 500 X 250mm; but you can use any length and
thickness of shelf
Available in: Silver
Support Belt
R220
Dolle
and Lite Shelf

Lite Tri
R190
Design Yourshelf
Hanging strong
The perfect packing space. This long broad shelf has space
to spare and since its flanked by two sturdy supports you
wont need to worry about anything toppling off the ends.
Plus, it holds a phenomenal 30kg with ease.
Size: 600 X 150 X 19mm
R120
Dolle
A long way to go
When youre short on packing space, go long on shelving
with these strong, versatile support belts. Since you simply
slide any appropriate board through to form a shelf, you
can keep adding on belts to support longer boards or build
additional shelves.
Size: 300 X 25mm; but you can use any length of shelf
n
BUILDERS WAREHOUSE TRADE FAIR
Builders Warehouse Fourways Manager,

Rob Van Straaten and representatives
from Make a Difference.
Builders Warehouse Northriding,

Peter Pretorius and representatives
from The Lighthouse.
Stand-up comedian Barry Hilton had

everyone in stitches.
Builders Warehouse hosted a successful Trade Fair

in June this year, offering commercial customers the
opportunity to view new and innovative products.
they also showcased some great specials!
Mod Ngejane and Tyron Govender

from Cast Away, suppliers of
bathroom accessories and taps.
he fair, well supported,

was hosted by Builders
Warehouse Strubens Valley,
Fourways, Rivonia and North
Riding stores. Each store
nominated its favourite charity and
donated a generous R5 000 to that
particular worthy cause. The charities
that received donations included: The
Lighthouse, Make a Difference, Logwood
Village and Touch of Care.
Builders Warehouse annually invests

money into the local community in which
our stores operate. We look for initiatives
that will uplift the community in some
way or other, even through store-based
donations, said Janet Pieterse, Marketing
Executive for Massbuild.
A number of lucky customers enjoyed
some great giveaways while Barry
Hilton, South Africa's premiere stand-up
comedian, kept everyone entertained. n
Afrisam showcased their

environmentally friendly Eco
Build Cement.
Rodney Borman and MJ Voges from

Harris.
Turf-Ag with their display of the Hunter

irrigation system.
DIY PROJECT: restore
before
You will need:
WROUGHT IRON
RENEWAL
To show you how easy it is to restore metal or wrought iron

furniture, we got our hands on a patio set that was almost
falling apart, after being left at the bottom of the garden
Paint scraper
Rust-Oleum rust stripper
Bucket of clean water
Small paintbrush
Rubber gloves
Epoxy steel weld
Dremel multitool and sanding
ring or 60-grit and 180-grit
sandpaper
Drop cloth or newspaper
Rust-Oleum protective enamel
spray gloss white
TIME 2 DAYS
COST R150
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
wrought iron
Use a paint scraper to remove as much

loose or flaking paint as possible. Pop
on your rubber gloves and then apply
Rust-Oleum rust stripper according to the
instructions, using a small paintbrush.
You need to rinse off the rust stripper
with clean water in order to neutralise
the acid.
Cut a small amount of epoxy steel weld

just enough to work on a small section of
the repair and knead/mix according to the
manufacturers instructions. Press small
pieces firmly into the area to be fixed,
blending the pieces together as you work
to fill up the damaged area. Leave the
putty to dry for 2 hours.
We have only let the putty dry for 2 hours

so that it is not completely cured but dry
enough to sand. If left until completely
cured the putty becomes extremely
hard to sand. Use 60-grit sandpaper or a
multitool and sanding ring to smooth the
putty so that it matches the original finish.
Leave the putty overnight to cure properly.
Working outdoors or in a well-ventilated

area, start spraying the furniture. Spray
in light even strokes from a distance of no
less than 30cm. It is better to apply
2 light coats than 1 thick coat that
runs. Let each coat dry before applying the
next coat. n
After
channelling
colonial
words: AMY CHANSELLO
PHOTOS: NOLEEN FOSTER
The easy, laid-back

style Janine Miller has
created in her home
can be beautifully achieved by
combining natural fabrics, cane, wood
and well-chosen decorative pieces
The property
Colonial Revival family home in the
northern suburbs of Johannesburg
Homeowners
Michael and Janine Miller
even years ago when Michael and Janine Miller

started looking for a new house, they set their
hearts on finding somewhere that would evolve
into the perfect place to raise a family. At the time
their daughter was just a tiny baby, but already
Janine knew she wanted her children to have a large garden
to explore and run around in, as well as spacious rooms.
We spent time trawling the property pages and were
thrilled to find something available in this area. When we
drove up the driveway and saw the lush garden with so
many huge trees, we knew this was where we wanted to
live, says Janine.
The previous owners had transformed the house from a
1930s Art Deco to a modern and more functional Colonial
Revival style. Michael and Janine liked the fact that the home
was newly renovated. With a brand new baby to consider,
they were not keen to embark on a renovating project, big
or small.
Large trees line the long driveaway leading up to the house.
Laid back living

Driving up the long driveway, one is struck by the unspoiled,
lush garden that is home to several giant trees as well as a
magnificent Magnolia bush. Garden beds are planted with
simple, hardy, verdant plants that can withstand the digging
paws of young pups or the impact of a misdirected soccer
ball. Well-maintained lawns make up the rest of the garden,
giving the children ample space to run off surplus energy.
An enormous tree hung with ropes and a swing offers a
clear indication that children play a central role in the lives of
this family.
To complete the idyllic picture, charmingly tucked away in
a corner of the garden is a pretty white Wendy house with a
sign on the door announcing My House. A few steps away,
a large wooden jungle gym keeps the children and their
friends happily entertained.
Inside the double-story home its a similar story. Janine
has managed to expertly combine classical elegance with
the needs of her growing family. Stylish and functional,
comfortable furnishing are covered in robust, resilient fabrics
and a family-friendly, yet serene colour palette of taupe
and duck-egg blue provides the ideal backdrop for display
cabinets and an informal wooden dining table. The casual
look is emphasised by the choice of natural fibre rugs and
wicker baskets for storage.
The hub of the home is the open-plan family room, dining
area and kitchen. Sunlight streams in through glass-panelled
double French doors leading out onto a small courtyard

garden. The effect is a cheerful, homely space where family
and friends feel free to commune. On the opposite side
of this large room, wood and frosted glass-pained doors
also allow a fair amount of light in, and when left open,
the family is rewarded with a wonderful view over a large
covered patio and into the garden.
The kitchen, French country style, is cleverly designed
with a dividing wall to provide storage on both sides. The
back of the kitchen serves as a scullery-cum-laundry while
the front provides space for cooking while a large centre
island offers a convenient preparation surface. Wed like to
have a separate laundry. Its something we may eventually
build on, comments Janine. However she doesnt see it as
an immediate necessity but rather a nice to have.
Despite the fact that the emphasis is on informal family
living, there are two formal rooms leading off either side
of the central space - a large, and very grown up dining
room and a formal lounge. Here, specially chosen pieces
and favourite objects are tastefully displayed out of reach
from curious little hands, an indication that these two rooms
are less lived in but no less loved. While remaining within a
similar colour palette for the formal areas, Janine chose to
add splashes of stronger colour to these rooms to lend an
air of sophistication. Patterned cushions and accessories
in a mix of materials, such as glass and metal, add depth to
the scheme.
READER HOME
Light and airy, this French country style inspired kitchen is a

wonderful gathering place for friends and family.
Twin beds in both childrens rooms provide enough space for

sleepovers. Shelving above the beds makes for an eye-catching
display area.
The spacious master bedroom gives Michael and Janine space to

relax and unwind.
Where little heads go to rest

The upstairs living area contains four bedrooms, all with
en-suite bathrooms. This is one of the features that sold us
on this home, says Janine. We also felt the rooms were all
a good size and the flow of the space upstairs gives it a great
feel, she explains.
The furniture in all the rooms remains classically stylish
and practical. The childrens rooms are uncluttered and
both feature a long length of shelving stretching across the
expanse of one wall of each room. Here favourite teddies
and sentimental items are displayed. This points to Janines
practical approach to organising childrens paraphernalia. I
hate childrens toys being part of the dcor, so theyre either
tucked away in toy boxes and cupboards or in the Wendy
house, she says. Because the children were too young to
have a say in the decorating of their bedrooms, Janines
personal taste influenced what she chose to do in their
rooms. However she recognizes that the rooms have evolved
a bit as the children have grown up and collected their own
stuff and will continue to do so.
The master bedroom is very large, allowing ample room
for a king-size bed, an exquisite solid-wood armoire, an

oversized chest of drawers and comfortable reading nook.
However, the most irresistible feature of this room is the
built-in fireplace directly opposite the bed. A large dressing
room leads off the bedroom and beyond it, a spacious, crisp
white bathroom.
While Janine maintains she doesnt have a favourite
area in her home, its clear that sentimental items lovingly
displayed in the master bedroom make this a special space
where she retreats to for some peace and quiet reflection.
When it comes to keeping a handle on family clutter
Janine advises a simple approach. Simplify, simplify,
simplify. Throw out everything you dont use and give it to
people who need it, she says.
As with so many homes set on large properties in
Johannesburgs northern suburbs, this home provides a real
retreat from the mad pace of everyday life.
Once the school run is complete and the frenetic
schedule of afternoon activities dies down, this family of
four close their doors on the world for some downtime
together in their beautiful home. n
YOU CAN
get the look
DO IT TOO
Ingrid Loud shows you how to create Janines colonial style

with these must-have items...
FABRIC DELIGHT
Nazs Fabrics from their
EN STYLE range, from R700/m
PLAYFUL FABRICS
R274/m. Wild Blue Yonder (on rhs),
R210/m, both from Scarlett Fine
DECORATIVE VASE
SHADES OF BLUE
Vase R257, Griffiths

and Griffiths
Choose your perfect hue of blue

from these Plascon swatches
FLOWER POWER
Characoal flower
candle holder R200,
Loads of Living
Classic curtains
Curtains from R460,
Loads of Living
STOCKISTS
Griffiths and Griffiths 011 444 5744.
Loads of Living 0861 565 565, www.loadsofliving.co.za
Nazs Fabrics 011 444 6339
Scarlett Fine 011 262 3147.
Prices are correct at time of going to press
COMFY CUSHIONS
Scatter velvet palace
cushions from R290,
Loads of Living
Green Pages
Did you know?

The energy saved by recycling 1 aluminium can is enough
to power a computer for 3 hours. Recycle 1 glass container
and you save enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for
4 hours. You know what you have to do.
GREEN STYLE
words: KATE SIDLEY
Smart products for

greener homes
www.sustainable.co.za is a great source of eco-friendly
products. Start off with their smart interactive tool, the
Energy Saving Calculator. Input details about your home and
your energy usage and it will calculate how much money
you can save over the next ten years by implementing
sustainable energy products. The range is extensive and
covers Solar Water Heating, water conservation, energy
efficient products and more. Owner Zeke Murphy says Solar
Water Heating has really taken off in South Africa, helped
along by Eskoms rebates. He says that by installing solar
heating systems to supplement your electricity needs, you

can save 40% of your bill. The initial outlay is quite steep, but
technological advancement means the cost is coming down
quite dramatically.
OK, so not every suburban DIY enthusiast is in the market
for a wind turbine kit or a solar heating system, but even
small improvements can have a big impact. One of the
easiest and least expensive things you can do to reduce
your energy consumption (and your bills!) is to improve
geyser efficiency. Youll find a full range of geyser timers and
geyser blankets that will help you make the most of your
geysers energy.
www.sustainable.co.za delivers countrywide and can
recommend installers if necessary.
Green Pages
Tidy up
Planning some spring cleaning? By re-using containers, you
can cut clutter and recycle. Here are some ideas for the home
or the workshop:
n Baby food jars or other small glass jars are perfect for small screws
and nails nail the lid to the underneath of a counter or shelf and
screw the jars in. That way, you can see whats in each jar and
unscrew the jar when you need to use the contents. A similar idea,
also good for storing small items, is to superglue strong magnets
onto the lids of jars or onto the back of small tins. Attach a metal
strip to the wall. The tins and jars are held in place, but easy to
remove when needed.
n Pill bottles are good for storing even smaller items pins, needles,
paper clips, press studs, beads and other odds and ends that
hobbyists need.
n Shoe boxes are great for storing light bulbs and batteries.
Were floored
There is such a variety of fantastic, environmentally-friendly
flooring options that are popping up. Here are some of our
favourites:
Resysta decking looks and feels like wood, but is
wood-free. In fact, its made of bio-waste - rice husks, salt
and mineral oil in contrast to much of the timber decking,
which derives from rain forests. It wont swell, rot, crack or
give you splinters, its easy to maintain and its recyclable.
Go to www.resysta.co.za for more info.
Bamboo flooring is growing in popularity as an
alternative to hardwood floors. As youll know if youve
ever grown it, bamboo grows very fast and is a renewable,
sustainable resource. Its also very strong and hard-wearing
and oh so pretty!
Rubber carpet tiles are easy to install and very durable
perfect for the workshop, playroom, hobby room or anywhere
else that demands a tough surface. They are very ecofriendly, because they are composed largely of recycled car
tyres that would otherwise be filling up our landfills. Floors
Direct stores in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal stock them in
black, red, yellow, green, blue, brown and grey.
For more information on these and on bamboo flooring, visit
www.floorsdirect.co.za.
Fired Earth launches

two new paints
Always inspired by nature, Fired Earth has now launched
2 new products. Fired Earth all-in-one plaster primer is a
high-quality pigmented, alkali-resistant primer, penetrating
sealer and undercoat for both interior and exterior use.
It can be used on sound cement, cured gypsum plaster,
concrete and brick substances. Fired Earth ultimate is a
luxurious mid-sheen pure acrylic wall coating for both
interior and exterior use.
Ultimate is all-weather and
uv-resistant, washable and
stain resistant, as well as
alkali resistant. Both products
are eco-friendly (lead- and
ammonia-free, low voc and
low odour) and incorporate
nano technology to maximise
protection. They also come
with a 7-year guarantee. Look
out for them at your local
hardware store. n
DIY PROJECT: make
You will need:
recycle IT
Build this practical recycling centre featuring bins for
aluminium, plastic and glass and make a real difference to
your carbon footprint
1 sheet of shutterply cut to the

following sizes:
2 of 500mm x 1000mm sides
1 of 532mm x 1000mm top
2 of 500mm x 1000mm doors
2 of 500mm x 1000mm
shelves
4 brass hinges, medium
3 brass hinges, small
30 of 3 x 16mm screws
50 of 3 x 30mm screws
2 handles and screws
120-grit sandpaper
Optional: Rust-Oleum spray
paint for hinged lids
3 plastic bins
Tools
Drill/driver and assorted drill and
screw bits
Trestles or workbenches
NOTE
Shutterply is manufactured from recycled wood and is very affordable. Shutterply

is suitable for outdoors if protected with an exterior sealer. You will also need some
off-cuts for this project.
TIME 1 DAY
COST R500
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
DIY PROJECT: make

recycling centre
1
centre line
at 500mm
lines in from end
On the top section measure in 250mm,

500mm and 750mm from end and then
500mm from the sides. Make a pencil
mark at these points.
2
paint tin lid
drilled hole
You will need a template to cut out the

circles in the top. We used a paint tin lid
and drilled a hole in the centre to see our
marks. Draw three circles on the marks
you have made.
8mm hole
to allow
jigsaw blad
Support the top section on two

workbenches and drill a hole with an 8mm
drill bit to insert the jigsaw blade to cut
out 3 holes. There must be no obstructions
underneath where you are cutting.
Butt one side and the top section

together and drive in 3 x 30mm cut
screws at the top, middle and bottom
edge of the top section. Repeat this for
the other side.
Insert the horizontal supports at the top

and bottom of both the front and back
with two 3 x 30mm wood screws at each
end. Make sure all edges are aligned for
a neat finish.
Winter is time to relax indoors but

dont forget your
cosy corners in your winter garden...
Growing Citrus Trees
Regardless of whether your
climate is tropical or
wintry, learn how to grow
your own citrus trees
at home.
Citrus plants offer a wide
array of juicy fruit,
including oranges, lemons
and grapefruits.
You can grow your own
right at home, even if you live in
a colder climate.
How to Make
a Conc
Fire Feature rete
Instead of throwing out an old fire pit, reuse the metal bowl.
By creating a square concrete frame and filling it with
gravel, you can set the bowl in place, surround
with decorative rock, and enjoy a
beautiful new fire feature.
Step 1: Grade Area:
Make sure you have a solid foundation. Grade area.
Step 2: Build Concrete Exterior Form:
Nail together four 4-foot lengths of 2x12 boards to
make a square.
Step 3: Build Concrete Interior Form:
Repeat same steps for the inside frame, but make it smaller.
Step 4: Add Reinforcement:
Secure foot pieces in the ground and sits below the edge
of the frame.
Step 5: Add Wire Mesh
For extra reinforcement,
add wire
mesh or matting.
Winter Gardening
Plant Broccoli, Broad Beans Cauliflower,

Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Lettuce,
Peas, Spinach and Radish.
Nows the time to plant onions, including and spring onions. They like a sunny,
sheltered spot in limed soil. Plant garlic
cloves in a light, well-drained soil in full
sun.
Step 6: Pour Concrete

Pour concrete inside the frame. Tamp
down the concrete so all holes are filled;
you dont want any spaces inside the
form. Smooth off the top with a trowel.
Tap forms while concrete is still wet this
releases the concrete from the forms while
drying. Let dry overnight
Step 7: Strip Forms:
Once the concrete is dry and set up, carefully strip the forms.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches to Concrete Frame:
Add a thin layer of mortar along the outside of the frame to
add a smooth finish. If desired, cut pieces of slate to fit the
top of the frame and mortar in place. Fill with stones.
Step 10:
Set Bowl in Place and enjoy.
Plant strawberries, raspberries,

gooseberries and currants.
Tel: (011) 825-1100 | Fax: (011) 825-7428 | Email: sales@lasher.co.za or

exportsales@lasher.co.za or visit their website www.lasher.co.za or www.lasher.mobi
DIY PROJECT: make
cabinet frame
cover flap
small
brass
hinge
brass hinge
base shelf
cabinet top
door
Insert the base shelf and drive 3 x 30mm

wood screws to attach to the front and
back base supports.
Working on the inside of both sides,

measure down 300mm from the top and
mark. Hold the shelf in place or put the
unit on its back to mount the upper shelf
by driving 3 x 30mm screws through the
sides and into the shelf.
Using the same paint lid, draw three more

circles and enlarges these by 2cm to
create the cover flaps. Cut a straight edge
at one end.
Rinse recyclable items before throwing

them into the recycling centre. This
will reduce unpleasant smells and keep
insects and rodents out of the bins.
decorative painted lids

Attach the bracket to the top section to
create a hinged flap that will prevent rain
entering the bins.
10
Measure down 10cm from the top of both

doors and mark. Measure the distance
between the holes on the handle and
measure and mark this onto the door. Drill
4mm holes with a wood bit to insert the
screws and attach the handles. n
It isnt necessary to spray the

hinged flaps but it does add a
nice decorative touch to the unit,
which then matches the coloured
bins. We used Rust-Oleum
2X spray paint in red, blue and
green to match our bins.
COLOUR confident
COLOUR me
PRETTY
Colour affects our brains, the way we think,
behave and make decisions. Selecting the
right colours for our home interiors is vital
to creating the harmonious living space
essential to our wellbeing
words: AMY CHANSELLOR
e all want our homes to be a refuge from

the busy, stressful world outside and its
important that our personal spaces
provide the ideal environment in which
to unwind, relax and enjoy family time.
Paint is the perfect (and inexpensive) tool to create space
and make rooms feel airy and fresh.
Anne Roselt, Colour Manager at Plascon and Ingrid Loud,
interior decorator and owner of Scarlett Fine (kids fabrics,
furniture and dcor) share some valuable advice to help you
make good colour choices for your home.
Colour creates a mood and is the first thing we notice
when we enter a room. In decorating its the most important
element in creating the overall scheme, says Anne.
Anne believes that by understanding the qualities and
effects of colour on us, we enhance our quality of life and
bring an atmosphere of harmony into our homes.
Every colour holds certain significance historical,
cultural, religious and political. However, the most important
factor to consider when choosing colours for your home is
how they make you feel.
Want to make a room

look larger? Allow
as much light as
possible to stream
into the room.
DID YOU KNOW?

Different cultures react to colours
differently, but most of the
research done on how colours
affect us is based on responses
from people living in the Western
Hemisphere.
Anne suggests that when
choosing a colour for a room you
should consider the following:
your favourite colours, whether
the room you are painting is warm
or cold, large or small, light or dark
and what function the room fulfills
in your home.
HOW COLOURS AFFECT YOU

the all-important link between colour and
the emotions they evoke.
Red Bold, stimulating, exciting, energetic,
draws attention, action-oriented, promotes
feeling of physical strength
Annes comments: Works best in rooms where
activity takes place like kitchens, dining rooms and
recreation areas.
Orange Fun, flamboyant, radiates warmth
and energy
Annes comments: Stimulates the appetite,
gets the creative juices flowing, is friendly and
welcoming, provides a wonderful backdrop for
candle light and stimulates the sexual organs.
Pink Youthful, fun, exciting, romantic, sensual
not as aggressive as red
Annes comments: Nurturing and pacifying,
it also creates a feeling of security and is
suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms and
relaxation areas.
Yellow Promotes optimism, enlightenment,
and happiness. Advances from surrounding
colours, sparks creative thoughts
Annes comments: Aids clear thinking, decisionmaking and sociability. Yellow works best when
combined with other colours. Light goldenyellows and butter-creams are best.
Green Brings balance and harmony to spaces.
Promotes relaxation and peace of mind as it is
reminiscent of the natural world
Annes comments: Its a colour thats good for
the heart emotionally and physically. Steer clear
of dirty greens or yellow greens, which can be
depressing. Green works well in relaxation rooms,
as it is cool and tranquil.
Blue The colour of communication, seen
as trustworthy, dependable and committed.
Invokes peace and calm. Brilliant blues are
dynamic and dramatic. Deep blue and
indigo promote profound insights and
spiritual growth
Annes comments: Blue is one of the worlds
favourite colours and this is not surprising
considering the gentle, calm and relaxing effect
it has on us. Blue is best used in rooms used for
relaxing such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Avoid
too much blue as it can be cold or introduce some
energising yellow for balance.
Choosing colour for your environment is an adventure. Dont

be afraid to play around, but as Ingrid advises, get sample pots
of the colours you want to use before you commit.
COLOUR confident
Create the
ts fairly simple to create the illusion of space in your home

using the right colour scheme. Lighter colours are
generally key to opening up a rooms space, says interior
designer, Ingrid Loud. This is because they have
wonderful natural reflective properties. Neutral colours like
soft whites, creams, and shades of beige work well, but if
colour is your thing, consider cool colours like light greens or
blues, says Ingrid.
Design rules also dictate that to get your space looking
large and airy, you should go for a monochromatic scheme.
This means your walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, and window
treatments should be within the same colour family.
Monochromatic schemes do not have to be boring, says
Ingrid. You can still choose a bold colour for a few key
accessories to keep things interesting.
Ingrid says that people often make the mistake of believing
that white or very light walls will make a dark room look
bigger and more cheerful. But white walls in a dark room look
grey and gloomy. A dark room will be much more inviting
when warm colours are used to create a rich interior space.
Using mirrors in the space will add to the atmosphere and
create the illusion of space where colour cannot, she says
Many people also assume that white is a safe colour when
it comes to making a room brighter. Its the colour of hygiene
and cleanliness and its bright and airy, but used in decoration
on its own can make a room look very cold and void of any
emotion or life. It is more successful when used as a backdrop
to set off other colours. If you want to use white in your
scheme, choose from a variety of soft whites that are less
alienating, says Anne.
Mix it up
If the thought of choosing just one colour doesnt appeal to
you, you can still achieve the illusion of space by introducing
colour harmonies. This might mean introducing warm
touches to cool colour schemes and vice versa.
Colours that work well together

Colours are divided into four groups - warm colours, cool
colours, mixed colours and neutrals.
Examples of warm colours: Red, yellow, orange, pink, gold
Examples of cool colours: Silver, blue, turquoise and green
Examples of mixed colours: Purple and lavender fall
Examples of neutral colours: Black, grey, white and brown
(Neutral colours are usually used to either highlight
n September
colours August
or tone down
the effectnofOctober
darker, more
100other
EasyDIY
2011
overpowering colours.)
Popular colour combinations

Ingrid says, My favourite at the moment has to be shades of
grey for walls. The old idea that grey is dull is a thing-of-thepast. Grey allows bright colours and fabrics to burst. It is also
calm and soothing.
Other good combos are cream and chocolate, the latter
being used as an accent colour. This allows light cream
furniture, shelves and artwork to stand out. A chocolate
wall wont make the room seem smaller, it will just add
some drama. n
Photo: Plascon Spaces magazine
illusion
of space
NURSERY
KNOW-HOW
cane furinture
In a baby or small childs
nursery theres one simple
rule; the more storage you
have, the better. In this
project we show you how
easy it is to transform old
furniture into items that
can be put to practical use.
We found a cane cabinet
and a bent cane rocker at
a second-hand store and
thought they would be
perfect for a nursery
You will need:
80-, 120- and 220-grit
sandpaper or sanding pads, paint
stripper or heat gun
Clean cloths
Rust-Oleum primer
Rust-Oleum 2X or Universal in
your choice of colour/s (we used
Muslin and Berry Pink)
Drop cloth
Tools
Orbital sander
Optional: Heat gun
Both the chair and cabinet only required

sanding to remove a fine layer of cracked
varnish. We started with 120-grit and
finished with 220-grit, wiped clean and
then applied our spray primer and left to
dry for 20-30 minutes. If you have pieces
with layered paint or varnish you will need
to use either a stripper or heat gun, or a
combination of both depending upon the
amount of detail.
Place the pieces in a well-ventilated

space for spraying (the fumes can be
overwhelming). Put down drop cloths to
protect flooring and surrounding areas.
Shake the can for at least 30 seconds to
ensure the contents are well mixed.
Spray from a distance of no less than
30cm away from the surface; any
closer than this and you will end up
with runs.
TIME 2 DAYS
COST R200
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
DIY JUST GOT EASIER
If you are spraying more than one colour,

apply the first colour. Use masking tape to
cover those areas not being painted.
Gently peel off the masking tape once the

paint has fully dried. The cabinet and bent
cane rocker are done.
GOOD TO KNOW
Two light coats of paint are better than
one that is over-sprayed and messy.
You can use a variety of materials for stripping and removing old paint or varnish. An
orbital sander is perfect for large, flat surfaces. An eco-friendly paint stripper can be
used to remove paint from items with lots of detail and a heat gun will cut down on
time when you need to remove layers and layers of paint or varnish. n
your Letters
Ask our EASYDIY

panel of experts
janice anderssen
EasyDIY expert
DArrin Mail
Senior Paint buyer
Builders Warehouse
Andrew Et zinger
EasyDIY electricity expert
Jackie simmonds
EasyDIY gardening expert
Share your comments or DIY queries with us by writing to EasyDIY Po Box 1574, Parklands,
Johannesburg, 2121 or email editor@easydiy.co.za.
Mark from Gardens emails:
The plumbers bakkie left a
huge oil stain on my brick
paving! Ive tried to remove it with
turpentine, acetone and Handy Andy
to no avail.
Darrin Mail replies: Try
Builders Pride Driveway and
Paving Cleaner 5LT, R170 and
apply as follows:
n Pour on undiluted (note: if the
driveway is painted it will also
remove the paint. In that case
dilute 50% with water to reduce the
risk of damaging the paint);
n Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes.
If the stain is in direct sunlight, wait
until sundown as the sunlight will
evaporate the detergent;
n Scrub with a hard bristled broom
or brush;
n Rinse with clean running water until
all detergent has been diluted;
n Repeat once a week for 3-4 weeks
or until the stain has been removed.
Dont forget to wear protective
gloves, goggles and shoes as this
product is corrosive.
Linda from Pinetown writes:
My sons room has cables
running all over the place;
from the TV and DVD to the Xbox,
cell charger and reading lamp. Is
it dangerous to simply plug them
into adaptors that plug into other
adaptors? Secondly, is there any way
to keep them neat and untangled?
Andrew Etzinger replies:
There is a simple rule for
electrical plug connections.
You should never plug an extender
or adapter into another extender or

adapter. Rather buy an adaptor that
can take several plugs and use it as
your base adaptor. As for tidying up
the wiring, you can get wire clips from
various hardware stores as well as
music stores. They act as wire sorters
and will keep your wires neat and tidy.
Candice from Bloem emails:
Theres clover spreading out
all over my lawn. How do I kill
the clover without killing the grass?
Jackie Simmonds replies:
Clover is a very common weed
and can be found invading
many lawns. Hand weeding is not
an option as its impossible to get
all the roots out and the clover will
regenerate quickly, often even thicker
than previously. It therefore has to be
treated with a selective weed killer
that specifically controls broadleaf
weeds, for example Banweed
or Hormoban. As these are selective
weed killers they wont kill the lawn.
The grass may turn yellow for a
while but it will soon revert to its
usual green. Persistent weeds can be
spot treated with non-selective total
weed killers like Ridder or Roundup,
write in and win
Send us your comments or

questions and you could win
an incredible Stanley/Afmit
Hamper full of fantastic DIY
goodies to the value of R2 500!
but these may damage the lawn if they

get onto the grass blades, so use them
very carefully. Never spray your weeds
on a windy day as the spray will drift
and cause damage to other plants.
Ethel from Kensington
writes: I have a slate
WINNING
floor in my kitchen,
question
which I seriously dislike, but my
husband refuses to allow me to
pull it up because of the underfloor
heating.Would it be possible for me
to lay something on the slate to
level it so that I could put laminate
flooring on top?
Janice Anderssen replies: I am in
exactly the same predicament!
You are going to have to lay a
concrete screed over the slate
tiles to level them out. My tiles are at
varying heights, so its imperative to
get a level surface before I can lay or
install a new floor. I want to install
bamboo flooring and will be laying
down a 5cm thick concrete screed.
If you are going to be doing this
yourself, you need to mix up
high-strength concrete with 1:4
cement and sharp sand. You will need
a bonding agent to ensure that the
screed bonds well with the slate tiles.
The bonding agent is either laid over
the tiles, or mixed with the cement - be
sure to check when you buy it. Builders
Warehouse has everything you need
and will also be able to offer additional
advice. You will need a steel or timber
straight-edge, which is a long, straight
rod, a wood and steel float and a
trowel and something for mixing the
concrete in.You are not going to be
able to use the kitchen for a few days. n
competition
win a chiminea
One lucky
reader
stands a
chance of
winning
with
EasyDIY
and Dcor
Features
Chimineas were first used by Mexican tribesmen as a means

of providing heat for their family as well as a vessel for
cooking and baking. Nowadays Chimineas have become a
popular patio and deck accessory.
To stand a chance of winning a chiminea from

Dcor Features worth R1 600, email chiminea
in the subject line to editor@easydiy.co.za.
For other competitions

Page 1: Reel Gardening is giving away 10 delicious salad mix
garden packs to the first 10 lucky readers to email reel gardening in
the subject line to editor@easydiy.co.za.
Page 16: Share your DIY hints and tips with us. Email editor@easydiy.
co.za and you could win a Builders Warehouse voucher worth R100.
Page 59: TAL is giving away 5 of their fantastic Goldstar Groutsealers,
each valued at R50. The Goldstar Groutsealer comes in an easy to apply
aerosol can for mess-free application in your bathroom or kitchen. To
win, email editor@easydiy.co.za and tell us why you need one of these
fab products. Email editor@easydiy.co.za.
Page 62: 2 lucky readers will each win a signed copy of Zhoozsh!
Faking it. Email editor@easydiy.co.za and tell us how you plan to make
the most of your cooking with Zhoozsh! Faking it.
Page 104: Send us your comments or questions and you could win
an incredible Stanley/Afmit Hamper full of fantastic DIY goodies to the
value of R2 500! Email editor@easydiy.co.za
Page 107: Do you have an interesting project youd like to share with
other EasyDIY readers? It could be as small as fixing a piece of furniture
or as large as a home renovation. You will also stand in line to win a
Makita 8281DWPETC Cordless Impact Drill/Driver toolkit, complete
with 2 batteries, a charger and a 116-piece accessory set. Email
editor@easydiy.co.za.
Page 120: Send your funny DIY story to editor@easydiy.co.za and win
a Makita toolkit.
Reader Project
after
Before
Reader Liesl van Rooyen sent us pictures

of her home makeover and we were so
impressed with the clever and cost-effective
ways in which she redid each room, we had
to make her our home project winner!
lIesls BEDroom
makeover
Liesl: My DIY adventure started

when my friends daughter
outgrew her pink princess room
and we decided it was time
to repaint.
l
es
Li
I am a sports massage
d
Elcora an
therapist and my friend, Elcora
is a PA, so both of us didnt have much of an idea where
to start and what to do. Initially we were ready to give the
room a coat of white paint, hang some pictures and ta-da,
we would be done!
Im not sure if it was all the paint fumes or the time of
night (we could only do this whenever we had some free
time), but we started throwing some silly ideas around and
in the end decided that white was so boring.
Reader Project
inspired by paint
We gave the walls a blue frame and then filled the inner
square with green. We used brown paint to divide the ceiling
from the wall and the wall from the floor and to add just a
splash of colour to the closet. We were so impressed by what
we had accomplished we decided to redo the spare bedroom
too. We took a bit more initiative and with the help of a few
DIY websites we built the bed, a display cabinet and framed
the picture.
In addition to these rooms, we have redone another two.
In the first room we painted Tetris style images all over the
wall to cover marks, paint chippings and cracks. We covered
the more severe cracks by painting a crack-like image over
the polyfilla. In the master bedroom we went for a multicolour pillar look. We used black, maroon and grey as this
matched the bedding and cushions.
We have decided to redo the whole house whenever we
have funds available. n
Win with makita

Do you have an interesting project youd like to
share with other EasyDIY readers? It could be as
small as fixing a piece of furniture or as large as
a home renovation. Either way, wed like to hear
about it. Send your high-res before and after pics
plus one of yourself and a description of how you
did it to editor@easydiy.co.za and your project
could feature in our magazine. You will also
stand in line to win a Makita 8281DWPETC
Cordless Impact Drill/Driver toolkit,
complete with 2 batteries, a charger and
a 116-piece accessory set. This prize is
worth R2 400, so get going on those DIY
projects right away.
DIY PROJECT: make

You will need:
2 bags of cement
4 bags of sand
200 bricks*
Fire pit surround
Stainless steel drum or
old braai
Woodoc 30 exterior sealer
Woodoc steel wool
Woodoc brick and stone sealer
Paintbrush
2 sheets of 16mm shutterply
Wood glue
Pack of 4 x 30mm cut screws
120-grit sandpaper
Tools
Drill/driver and assorted screw
bits
Angle grinder and masonry
cutting disk (or hammer and
chisel)
Jigsaw and clean cut jigsaw blade
Wheelbarrow
Builders trowel
Carpenters square
Spirit level
Straightedge
Safety glasses or goggles
Gloves
*There are 51 bricks in a
square metre
Warming up the
This rustic outdoor fire pit is ideal for your outdoor entertainment on cool summer evenings
ire pits have been used since
early man as a source of
warmth and a way to cook
food. In this project the DIY
Divas take you step-by-step
through the process of building your
own fire pit and seating surround.
Its surprisingly easy and at around
R800 is incredibly cost effective.
The fire pit can be placed
TIME 4 DAYS
COST R800
SKILL 1 2 3 4 5
anywhere in a garden as long as it is
a flat, fairly even surface.
For our project we are building
the fire pit on top of an existing

concrete base.
If you are building the fire pit
directly onto the soil, dig to a depth
of 300mm x 300mm wide.
Mix up cement to the ratio 1:2:2
(cement, sand, stone) and fill the
dug foundation to 20mm below the
level of the surrounding area. Let
this dry for 7-10 days.
GREAT OUTDOORS
fire pit
3
mix sand
and cement
trowel
Day 1 Start by dry-laying the bricks in the

arrangement for your seating surround.
We are building the seating on two sides
of our fire pit, at a distance of 80cm
away so that there is plenty of space to
move around.
Mix the mortar to the ratio 1 spade of

cement to 4 spades of sand. Mix a quantity
to last half an hour; after that it will be too
dry. Make a well in the centre of the mix
and add a small amount of water until you
have the consistency of a thick paste.
Start at one end by placing the first brick on

a 20mm layer of mortar with the trowel.
EasyDIY TIP: To ensure the seating is a circular
shape, lay the bricks beforehand. Move them
around until satisfied with the layout.
20mm layer
of mortar
For the next brick you will also lay on a

20mm bed of mortar but you will butter
one end of the brick with a 20mm layer of
mortar. Repeat this process to the end of
the first row.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER
For the next row, the bricks are laid in a

staggered pattern, with a half-brick
space at the end of each row. This will
allow for easy corners once the rows
are finished.
Corners are laid in the same way as

rows, with a staggered pattern. This
type of design provides a strong bond.
DAY
ONE
angle grinder
Old water
feature
cutting line
Use an angle grinder and masonry disk,

or hammer and chisel to cut bricks to
size. Remember to wear gloves and
safety goggles when using an angle
grinder and to always ensure that the
safety guard on the angle grinder is
positioned to protect you from flying
debris. It is also important to work away
from your body when cutting.
A wooden spoon
works just as well
as a brick jointer
For a neat finish, use a brick jointer or

similar implement to smooth off between
the rows and bricks. Use a wire brush on
the face of the bricks before the mortar is
completely dry to remove excess mortar.
Day 1 is complete. We have done all the

brickwork for one side of our seating area.
We have also placed our fire pit surround,
which is an old water feature that wasnt
being used.
DIY PROJECT: make
10
Battens
shape drawn
on underside
Day 2 is spent building the opposite seating

and cutting the seat tops. To measure the
seat tops, place the shutterply over the
brickwork and use a pencil to draw a line.
Increase the line by 5cm to give an overlap
and cut out with a jigsaw. To use the inside
for storage, the lid is cut into 3 sections.
Sand with 120-grit to remove splinters.
The seat top is held in place with

battens glued and nailed to the bottom
of the shutterply to prevent it from
sliding around. Use the line drawn to
cut out the board and measure in
120mm as the position for mounting
the battens.
Apply Woodoc 30 exterior sealer

to the seat top, bottom and sides as
per the manufacturers instructions.
EasyDIY TIP: You need to apply
3 coats, allowing drying time
between each coat.
how to make the fire pit
11
12
Woodoc
Brick and
Stone sealer
We used Woodoc Brick and Stone sealer

on the face of the bricks. Sealing the
bricks brings out the colour and protects
the bricks from staining.
13
For our fire pit we have used a large

clay pot that was originally part of
a water feature, and an old braai
that has seen better days. Another
great idea is to use the stainless steel
drum from an old washing machine.
Look around your home for other
items that you could use. The only
requirement is that it be steel and
have ventilation holes at the bottom.
The area between the clay pot and
the braai was filled in with mediumsized pebbles for effect.
GOOD
IDEA
MISSING PICTURE
STORAGE SOLUTION
To finish off the seating, pop down to your favourite dcor store and buy various cushions
and throws.
We have designed our seating area so

that it is perfect for your outdoor storage
needs. Simply lift off the seat top and you
have storage space. n
diy gardening
NEW Wall & Floor Grout in Mushroom
HEALTHY
GARDENING
ALL YEAR ROUND

eutrog has introduced a year-round fertilising
programme, designed by experts to provide
consistent and sustained growth of your
garden plants and lawns throughout the
year. All you need to do is apply whichever
specific Neutrog fertiliser is recommended, to your
garden and lawn during each of the four seasons.
Neutrogs Bounce Back for gardens and Blade Runner
for lawns will improve soil structure and drainage along
with increasing earthworm and microbial activity. This
way your plants and lawn will have a head start for spring
when maximum sustained growth is required.
In the past, when fertilising our gardens and lawns
we tended to only apply fertilisers in autumn and spring
when maximum sustainable growth is required.
The main reason for this was the fear that the nutrients
in chemical fertilisers would leach in winter and burn
in summer, providing no positive impact. However,
Neutrogs premium 100% organic fertilisers have been
manufactured to also suit the needs of your garden in the
winter and summer months.
Winter now calls for consolidating fertilisers, when
new growth is not expected but root systems need
strengthening. n
For more information: 021 972 1958 or www.neutrog.co.za.
THE PROFESSIONAL CHOICE
Tiling is easy thanks to TAL

TAL takes care of all your tiling needs and we're introducing a
new colour to our TAL Wall & Floor standard set grout range.
We offer quality tiling solutions that include tile adhesives, primers, grouts,
screeds and tiling tools so that you can get the tiling job done, whether you're
tiling floors or walls and inside or outdoors. TAL Wall & Floor is a cement-based
grout suitable for filling interior and exterior wall and floor tile joints. The grout
prevents moisture penetration and resists bacterial and fungal growth.
The new mushroom colour complements our lighter-coloured grouts and
perfectly matches tiles with a neutral tone that still remain very popular for
bathrooms and living areas.
TAL Wall & Floor grout is available in 5kg and 20kg bags from major retailers and
you can choose from these colour options: super white, white, light grey, dove
grey, dark grey, light brown, mid brown, dark brown, terracotta, beige, calico
cream, ivory and now also mushroom.
TAL is ISO 9001:2000 accredited and our products are designed, manufactured
and tested to TAL standards, assuring you of the quality of our products.
TAL is a division of NORCROS SA PTY Ltd and TAL and TAL Wall & Floor
are registered trademarks of NORCROS SA PTY Ltd.
more information
contact the
TAL Technical
Advice
Centre
n October
August n For
September
2011
EasyDIY
111
0860 000 TAL (825) or visit www.tal.co.za.
GETTING
DOWN
TO THE
NITTY
GRITTY
Using gravel as a decorative feature in your garden is a

simple and cost effective way to create a lovely focal point
that harmonises well with plants
words: kim novick
arden landscaper Jackie
Simmonds took a
neglected rose garden
and turned it into a
neat and pretty
landscape by laying a pretty, light,
grey gravel. The garden did have
gravel but being a pinkish colour, it
had blended in a bit with the

brown soil so it didnt define
itself well.
It was also laid without a base,
so weeds kept creeping through that
were almost impossible to remove
as they were embedded between the
gravel, she says.
diy gardening
diy gardening
Laying the biddum
When working with gravel, edging

is a good idea, otherwise the
gravel will become scattered into
surrounding areas.
Jackie used:
n 3 bags of gravel per m
n Biddum underlay to prevent
weed growth
Both are available from your
nearest garden centre and there is
a wide range of gravels in assorted
colours and sizes to choose from.
Preparing the area

Jackie began by preparing the rose
garden for its makeover. We removed
all the existing gravel by raking and
collecting it. Then we took out any
grass or weeds that had grown on
the planned area. Last, we raked the
entire area level. Jackie recommends
working with gravel when the weather
is good and the ground relatively dry.
Its far easier to lay biddum when you
have a solid piece of ground to work
on. If its damp it tends to be a bit
soft, she says.
Jackie then laid the biddum over

the area to be gravelled and cut it
to size. Where a join is necessary,
make sure the material overlaps
in order to prevent weed growth
between the cracks, she says.
Once the biddum was laid out
and correctly overlapped, Jackie
emptied the gravel in piles onto the
biddum. The gravel was then raked
evenly to cover the entire area of
the biddum.
Depending on the size of the area
youre intending to gravel, it may
be necessary to edge with bricks
or cobbles in order to contain the
gravel in the selected area. Here she
chose small bricks and cemented
them together to keep them even
and firmly in place.
The whole process took less
than a full day and the result was
a newly restored and elegant rose
garden. n
Jackie Simmonds is a garden
landscaper based in Johannesburg, who
consults on preparing compost and
growing vegetable gardens. She can be
contacted on 083 458 7779.
www.skil.co.za
GOOD TO KNOW
DIY PROJECT: maintain
Keep your garden furniture in tip-top

shape for year-round use
A BRAND
NEW LOOK
PROJECTS: J ANICE ANDERSSEN/DIY DIVAS
Whether your garden

furniture is plastic, wood,
wrought iron or cane,
harsh weather conditions
may affect the look and
condition of the pieces.
Follow our easy guide
to keep your outdoor
furniture in good condition
and youll be able to use
them for years to come
outdoor furniture
PLASTIC
Plastic garden furniture is still one of the
most affordable types of outdoor furniture
and its handy to have stacked away in
case you need extra seating. Plastic is
resilient and can withstand the elements
but over time it does become dirty and
stained, especially when kept outdoors.
Colour your chairs

You may want to consider painting your
plastic chairs in a new colour to brighten up
the garden. Use Rust-Oleum Paint to spray
bold, bright colours onto plastic.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER

n Use a toothbrush to get into small tricky
areas in and around plastic chairs.

n For stubborn dirty spots, mix a paste of
vinegar and baking soda and apply to

soiled areas. Leave on for 20 minutes
and then rinse off with clean water.
You will need:

Household washing powder
Soft scrubbing brush
Toothbrush
Vinegar
Baking soda
A good scrub with a thick paste of

water and regular household washing
powder will remove much of the grime
that tends to build up on plastic. Wet
the chair thoroughly and scrub with a
soft scrubbing brush. Let the solution
sit on the chair for approximately 5 to
10 minutes so that the enzymes in the
detergent can get to work to release the
grime. Rinse well with clean water.
wood
With our weather extremes in South Africa,
wood does not age as it does in other
countries. For this reason it is necessary
to seal garden furniture and accessories to
protect them from the elements and to
keep them looking good.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER

Raw wood furniture that has been left
untreated or exposed to the elements may
need a light sanding before sealer is applied.
Use a 180-grit sandpaper to remove any
splinters and smooth off the surface.
Where furniture shows black areas of

rot, use a Wood Reviver product to kill
any bacteria and restore the wood to
its original condition.
You will need:

Woodoc 30 (or Woodoc 50 for
coastal regions)
Woodoc steel wool
Paintbrush
Mineral turpentine
Clean, lint-free cloths
Orbital sander with 120- and
180-grit sanding pads or,
120- and 180-grit sandpaper
Drop cloths
Treated wood furniture that has been

varnished will need to be sanded to
remove all traces of old varnish. Start
with a 120-grit sandpaper to remove
the varnish and then finish with 180-grit
sandpaper to smooth.
Where wood has been previously sealed

and only requires maintenance, use
Woodoc steel wool. Wipe the surface
with a clean, lint-free cloth and
mineral turpentine to remove all traces
of dust.
DIY PROJECT: maintain
wood
When staining and sealing your project, make sure you use
a product that is suitable for where the final piece will be
placed. For outdoor furniture use an exterior sealer.
n Use this step if the table has not been
sealed. Sealer is best applied with a

paint brush to ensure that the grain is
thoroughly saturated. Start at one end
of the table and work to the other end
in smooth even strokes. If the sealer
is quickly absorbed into the work in
under 10 minutes reapply until
saturation no longer occurs. Leave to
dry overnight.
nUse Woodoc steel wool to lightly rub
over the surface of the first coat. The

reason for this is to remove any excess
sealer that remains on the surface, so
that the second coat can be absorbed.
Apply a second coat and leave this
to dry.
n No rubbing is required between the
second and third coats, simply apply and
let dry for the specified time.
wrought iron
Wrought iron garden furniture is a
lifetime investment. Its relatively
indestructible but does require
maintenance from time to time and
may develop rust spots, although these
are easily treated.
These lovely wrought iron and wood
garden benches had been left outdoors.
They were in good condition but were
covered with layer upon layer of thick
flaking paint.
DIY JUST GOT EASIER

If wrought iron furniture becomes
stained, you can easily refresh it with a
specialist paint that contains an anti-rust
additive such as the Rust-Oleum Stops
Rust range of protective spray enamels.
Lightly sand the painted surface with
180-grit sandpaper and wipe clean before
re-painting. Spray on a light first coat and
allow drying time before spraying on a
second coat.
If wrought iron furniture has been painted

and the paint is peeling or signs of rust
are starting to appear, it is best to remove
all the old paint. Apply paint stripper
according to the instructions and wear
rubber gloves.
Wait for the recommended time

before using cold water to neutralise the
paint stripper. Use a scrubbing brush to
remove as much paint as possible. If there
are layers of paint you may need to repeat
the process until it has all been removed.
RUST SPOTS It is essential to remove any rust spots with Rust Stripper as rust will eat into
the wrought iron and eventually destroy the piece. See page 84 for details on using rust
stripper and painting wrought iron or steel furniture.
You will need:

Paint stripper
Stiff scrubbing brush or nail brush
Wire brush
180-grit sandpaper
Rubber gloves
Long-sleeved t-shirt
Old cloths
Maintaining wrought iron furniture

n C
leaning painted wrought iron furniture should be done at least once a year with
a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Use a soft brush and clean
cloth to lightly clean and dry. Applying car wax to the furniture will also help
maintain and protect your wrought iron furniture.
T o prevent rust spots, furniture that has detailed depressions need to be kept dry, so
store your wrought iron furniture under cover when not in use.
outdoor furniture
wicker
Wicker or rattan continues to be a
popular choice for outdoor furniture due
to its natural beauty and more recently,
as an eco-friendly and sustainable
choice for patio and garden furniture.
Wicker becomes more comfortable as
it ages but its not as durable as other
types of outdoor furniture and requires
care and regular maintenance. The
most important point to remember
when buying wicker furniture is to
keep it on a covered patio to protect it
from harsh sunlight and over-wetting.
This type of weather will result in
deterioration of the fibres. Where
wicker is left exposed to the elements,
painting or varnishing is recommended
but this should only be done by spraying
on light coats in order to avoid clogging
up the wicker and causing it to become
dry and brittle.
You will need:

Bosch PFS spray system for oilbased paint or,
Rust-Oleum spray paint
Soft scrubbing brush
Old toothbrush
Mineral turpentine
Scissors
Drop cloth or newspaper
Linseed or tung oil
Painting wicker furniture

n Clean wicker with a soft brush and
a soft cloth. Gently brush in the

direction of the pattern to remove
stubborn dirt. A toothbrush will
come in handy for tight corners and
detail. A small amount of mineral
turpentine can be used to loosen
hard dirt that can then be brushed
away.
n Use a pair of scissors to trim off
any loose bits but be careful not
to cut through strands as this will
eventually cause the weave to
fall apart. If there are damaged
strands, use 2-part epoxy glue to
repair.
n Wicker should be completely dry
before painting. Take outdoors and
place on a drop cloth or newspaper
for painting with either a spray
system or spray paint. These are

the easiest options for a professional
painted finish on wicker furniture.
n Working from a distance of not less than
30cm from the surface, spray a light,
even coat onto the furniture, allowing
time for the layer to fully
dry before applying another layer.
Caring for
natural wicker
Regular cleaning with a soft, dry
brush will keep wicker clean, as will
the application of oil, such as linseed
or tung oil once a year just before
summer. Oiling natural wicker will
make the material supple, avoid
breakage and extend the life. n
amateur handyman
Amateur Jack is our everyday

handy-guy-around-thehouse. Hes on the constant
lookout for smart, good
value tools that all the
other handy guys (and girls)
out there can use for their
home DIY projects and
maintenance requirements
AMATEUR JACK
GIVES US THE
LOWDOWN on...
THE MAKTEC RANDOM
ORBIT SANDER
SPECIFICATIONS
n Model:
Maktec Radom Orbit

sander
n Paper size: 125mm
n Orbits per minute: 12 000
n Dimensions: 127mm(L) x
123mm(W) x 142mm(H)
n Price: R600
n Available at: Builders
Warehouse and other leading
hardware stores
mateur Jack (AJ) used

the nifty Maktec
Random Orbit Sander
to sand down the
wooden tabletops of his
newly renovated kitchen, in
preparation for giving them a fresh
coat of varnish.
This neat sander is ideal for
sanding large surfaces of wood,
plastic and metal materials
and is great for stripping paint
AJS TIP
If youre using the Maktec Random Orbit Sander try to work

in an outdoor area, (if you can move the item youre sanding outside) as there
is no dust absorption capability and your house may be very dusty after youve
put the sander through its paces.
EasyDIY advertisers
off furniture. At a lightweight

1.1kg, the sander was easy to
manage and fitted comfortably in
AJs hand.
There was no problem sanding
the wooden surfaces and the sander
glided smoothly around corners
without losing any of its effect.
The tabletops were smooth in no
time at all.
AJ was also pleased to note that
a wide range of sandpapers fitted
easily into the sander.
Overall the Maktec Random Orbit
Sander fulfilled its job smartly and
is a sound basic sander. n
Next issue we test the Dremel

Multi-Max 8300.
Henkel
105, 107
Roco
83
Isca
Ruwag
Robert Bosch Powertools
IFC 113
Lasher Tools
95
TAL
111
Builders Warehouse
48,74,97,OBC
Mackie
29,78
SA Ladder
33
Cedar Paint
42
Makita
65
SIKA
68
Colourtone
11
Plascon
39
Summit
58
Eureka
17
Progressive Impressions
25
Topline
91
1st for Women
IBC
Promac Paint
63
Vermont Sales
22
Foresta
119
Prominent Paint
45
Webco
57
IN OUR NEXT EDITION
Loving the South

African lifestyle!
All things beautiful and South African.
Lighting it up How to install a

dimmer switch, make the most of your
lighting and the newest in eco-friendly
lighting options.
Our projects
We show you how to:
n Waterproof those hardworking areas
of your home.
Songbird Louise Carver invites us into her home.

Clever cheats Hints and tips for fixing those home problems when you
n Work with grouting and sealants.

n Fix those rickety cupboard doors.
n Restore a faded deck.
dont have time for the real thing in DIY101.
Summer living
Perfect pool area garden Your pool may be looking good but
what about the area around it? We show you how to plan your pool area garden.
uild a braai bench and cover that ugly

B
pool pump.
BACK PAGE HUMOUR
DIY laughing
Justin Wolff puts the sexy back into DIY
o I was thinking the other
day - always a dangerous
thing for me to do, especially
while trying to fix a
lawnmower gone wild. I was
thinking about sex which made the
whole scenario doubly dangerous.
Now were all pretty much aware, or
should be, that the old chestnut of
men thinking about sex every seven
seconds is just rubbish. I mean,
thinking about anything that
frequently wouldnt leave much time
for man to have wrought all the
wondrous works that he has things
that clearly have nothing at all to do
with sex, like the Taj Mahal, those tall
skyscrapers or that giant metal willie
in Paris the Eiffel Tower.
What I was pondering during
my mechanical meanderings was
the clear link between DIY and sex.
Just the name hardware says it all,
doesnt it? Sure those geeks can try
and toughen up their software with
things like stiffies and hard drives,
but nothing beats the raw animal
sensuality of a good hardware store.
And its only the most repressed
of people that will try to deny
this as they walk along the
rows of tools, nuts and
studs, sweating as they
desperately try to ignore
the pungent veneer
of sex mingled inextricably
with the smell of sawdust.
I wont even mention
screws, given that this is
a family magazine. OK,
maybe its just me and
that was my seven-second
anniversary. But even the
lingo of sex borrows heavily
from DIY. Just think of the
rallying cry of the big-boned man,
You need a big hammer to drive
Now its one thing

to get your kicks
at the hardware store,
but its in the home that
the DIY-as-sex theory
sees its full expression.
a long nail or the greeting, How

hangs the hammer?, that dedicated
DIYers prefer over the more traditional
South African, Howzit? I even have
a friend who talks of his bed as The
Work Bench.
Now its one thing to get your
kicks at the hardware store, but its in
the home that the DIY-as-sex theory
sees its full expression. Its expected
of us men to be continually thumping
things into walls, perfecting perpetual
motion machines and slapping up
small blocks of flats in our backyard
every weekend. Even as you read this,
wives, girlfriends and partners (and
sometimes all three at the same time)
across the country, are planning this
weekends latest project for their man
to implement.
The really cunning women are
even able to make it seem like the
whole thing was their mans idea in
the first place. And woe betides the
men who dont produce; awaiting
them is the yawning Sahara of sexual
denial for non-delivery on unspoken
expectations.So when you pop down
to your local hardware store this
weekend, watch out for all those
lust-crazed men battling to
resist the avalanche of sexual
innuendo that threatens to
engulf them as they hurry to
get supplies for the job at
hand. Theyre only too aware
that if they get the job done,
paradise awaits, but if they
dont, theyre just going to
have to Do It Themselves. n
Send your funny DIY story to

editor@easydiy.co.za and
win a Makita toolkit.

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AUgust n September n OCTOBER 2011

fabulous floating shelves

All you need

maintain your outdoor

EasyDIY is packed (pardon

heres something about

their lovely Joburg home. We met

Congratulations to the following

"I want to congratulate you and your

August n September n October 2011 EasyDIY 1

can repair balconies, terraces and other

waterproof new and old buildings (internal

waterproof of showers, tanks, containers

can be painted and covered with tiles.

effective on negative (damp proofing) or

Call 011 306 9000

2 EasyDIY August n September n October 2011

adhesives waterproofing primers sealants

August n September n October 2011 EasyDIY 3

resin & bituminous coatings flooring products grouts

Nailing the basics! Your

Cut the clutter and dejunk

Old furniture new looks

Expert pages Painting up

Expert pages Picture

Bathroom Beauty. A brand

Celebrity homes. At home

Shelve it! Make a fab

The Savvy Shoppers

Recycle it. Make a

114 Old furniture new looks

Cut the clutter

Inspiring people and fabulous homes

Need a handyman? When to

Dejunk your life

Painting up a storm with

Style Icon. Shopping around

Picture perfect pools with

Celebrity homes: At home

Get the Mansfield look

Reader homes: Channelling

Get the Colonial look

Nailing the Basics

Let the sun shine in

106 Our winning reader project

4 EasyDIY August n September n October 2011

Beautiful buys and all the latest trends

Cosy outdoor living for

Restore a wooden table

Make a home secretary

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Our DIY Divas show you how to:

Get the Mansfield look

Improve your bathroom for

102 Improve cane furniture

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104 Your letters

This magazine may be recycled. For more

August n September n October 2011 EasyDIY 5

n keeping new tiles squeaky clean

n Recycling your old paintbrushes Remove

n cutting pipes when plumbing Wrap a piece of

n hiding any traces of nails If you dont want to

n You glue wood together before you