
Steve Jenkins
Steve Jenkins is a freelance content creator with over two decades of experience working in digital and print and was previously the DIY content editor for Homebuilding & Renovating.
He is a keen DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years and spending time at night school learning how to plaster and plumb.
He has fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms and kitchens, laid many floors, built partition walls, plastered walls, plumbed in bathrooms, worked on loft conversions and much more. And when he's not sure how to tackle a DIY project he has a wide network of friends – including plumbers, gas engineers, tilers, carpenters, painters and decorators, electricians and builders – in the trade to call upon.
Latest articles by Steve Jenkins

Is the Einhell TP-MG 18 Li BL cordless multi tool deserving of your hard-earned cash? I take it for a spin to find out
By Steve Jenkins Published
A multitool can be a real money-saver. Find out how good the Einhell TP-MG 18 Li BL cordless multi tool is and if it will fit your needs

Ever wondered why Rawlplugs come in different colours and sizes? Here's why and how to choose the right one
By Steve Jenkins Published
Designed to keep screws securely fixed in place, Rawplugs are an essential item in a toolbox. Not sure which ones to use? Here's how to select the perfect fit

Nails or screws? Why making the right choice on DIY projects really does make a difference
By Steve Jenkins Published
Choosing between nails and screws may seem like a simple decision, but years of DIY have taught me it's one you need to get right

The 6 tools I guarantee will remove every single scrap of paint from your woodwork
By Steve Jenkins Published
Saying goodbye to old paint isn't always easy, but with these tools by your side I promise you'll get a crisp, clean surface ready for a smart new finish

OSB vs plywood — which one should you use in your next DIY project?
By Steve Jenkins Published
Experts reveal the pros, cons and costs for these different types of wood-based products and explain how to choose the right one for your DIY plans

Water pouring out of your washing machine's detergent tray? Don't panic — here’s how I fixed mine
By Steve Jenkins Published
Before you pay expensive call-out charges, find out how I restored my washing machine when it was leaking from the tray. It’s easier than you might expect

The Black + Decker BEHS01-GB SDS drill brings more power than the average cordless drill, but is it worth the upgrade?
By Steve Jenkins Published
If you need a DIY drill with more oomph an SDS model is often the solution. Black + Decker claim the BEHS01-GB SDS drill is capable of most tasks. Do I agree?

Avoid mistakes and having to start again with our expert guide to wallpapering around sockets
By Steve Jenkins Published
Getting neat edges when cutting wallpaper around sockets requires the right tools and tricks. We explain how to get a professional-looking result

How I pulled up my old vinyl kitchen floor planks and replaced them, plus the secret weapons I use to ensure a professional result
By Steve Jenkins Published
Replacing your old flooring with new self-adhesive vinyl planks is a quick, cost-effective and DIY-friendly update. Find out how to do it and the tools you'll need

Is wallpapering over damp ever a smart move, or one that will end in a DIY disaster?
By Steve Jenkins Published
If you’ve got ugly, unwanted stains and discolouration caused by damp, find out if hiding them behind wallpaper is worth considering or always a bad idea

What exactly is OSB and why do DIYers love it?
By Steve Jenkins Published
We explore the pros and cons of OSB and what makes it a durable, budget-friendly board suitable for use in a variety of home projects

We've found the 6 best paint sprayers that will give you a smooth, even finish every time
By Steve Jenkins Last updated
Want a professional-quality finish at a fraction of the cost? You'll want to get your hands on one of the best paint sprayers

Can you skim over wallpaper? Yes, but it's not always the right choice. Experts reveal the steps to success
By Steve Jenkins Published
Discover the scenarios, reasons and tools you’ll need to skim over wallpaper – and when you should always avoid it

Want to know the best way to paint over textured wallpaper? Experts reveal simple tricks for a flawless finish every time
By Steve Jenkins Last updated
Follow our quick and easy, step-by-step guide for painting over all types of textured wallpaper

Don't miss this fundamental step if you want to avoid a DIY disaster when wallpapering over new plaster
By Steve Jenkins Last updated
Not prepping new plaster before wallpapering will almost always lead to problems. Find out what you need to do for a smart, smooth finish

Lightweight, low maintenance and easy to use – we found the 6 best cordless strimmers for a neat and tidy garden
By Jack Woodfield, Teresa Conway Last updated
The best cordless strimmers can tackle an overgrown garden while neatening lawn edges and hard-to-reach areas

The 6 best vacuum cleaners to get rid of builder's dust – say goodbye to dirt and debris with our trusted favourites
By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins Last updated
Our pick of the best vacuum cleaners for builder's dust will keep your space free of debris during a house renovation or DIY project

Lime plaster is often a must-have in home renovation projects, but how does it stack up compared to other types of plaster?
By Natasha Brinsmead Last updated
Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about lime plaster and explain everything you need to know when using it

Trying to cut tiles around a toilet? Here are the different methods I’ve used to get a great fit
By Steve Jenkins Published
Getting clean, crisp curves isn’t easy. I’ve tried these classic and homemade hacks, and some work better than others.

Is the Einhell TP-CD 18/50 cordless drill a smart choice for today's DIYer? Find out if this budget-friendly tool is the right choice for you
By Steve Jenkins Published
The Einhell TP-CD 18/50 cordless drill looks like a tempting proposition, but will I love it or wish it had never crossed my path? My latest DIY projects helped me decide

What's the best technique for painting plywood? Experts reveal the tricks of the trade for getting the perfect result
By Steve Jenkins Last updated
Painting plywood needs to be done in the right way. Experts reveal the correct prep and paint techniques for a top-class finish

Want to add a lustrous new sheen to your old woodwork? Discover the steps for refreshing your old gloss paint
By Steve Jenkins Last updated
Painting over gloss isn’t difficult, but it’s essential you get your prep right. Here we tell you how to get the best results

Want to stop crumbling mortar ruining your home? Follow this expert step-by-step guide on repointing brickwork
By Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins Last updated
Repointing brickwork is an essential job if you want your home to weather the elements and still look good. Here’s how to do it properly
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