
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 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

Have you ever tried cleaning your washing machine filter? Water usually gets everywhere — but not with these cheap and simple tricks
By Steve Jenkins published
When your washing machine won't drain, it's time to clean its filter. We show how to, all while making as little mess as possible

Thinking of removing a chimney breast? Make sure you read this advice first before you take a hammer to your walls
By Michael Holmes last updated
Thinking of removing a chimney breast to free up more space? Make sure you read this advice first before you take a hammer to your walls

Do you really need to spend big on power tools? I've had these 5 budget models for years and they're still going strong
By Steve Jenkins published
Budget power tools can be the perfect companion for keen DIYers. Steve Jenkins reveals his trusted favourites, as well as tips on where to spend and how to save

Installing mosaic tiles can be easy — but you need the right tools to ensure great adhesion, perfect spacing and a professional finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the essential tools and the subtle differences you need to know when laying mosaic tiles compared to standard tiles

Peel and stick tiles are a budget-friendly alternative to tiles. Here's why I use them and how you can too
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the benefits that peel and stick tiles can bring to every room in your home and how to apply them so they last

As a DIY expert, these are the 4 types of electric sanders I actually use (and when each one wins)
By Steve Jenkins published
Not all sanders are created equal – here’s how I use each one and the single tool I’d pick if I had to choose

Should you turn off underfloor heating in the summer? Experts confirm if you should, and the steps to follow if you do
By Steve Jenkins published
If you're not using your underfloor heating in summer, it makes sense to think about turning it off. But is there more to it than simply pressing the off switch?

Are you thinking of replacing your bathtub? Check out how much you can expect to pay in 2026
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the costs to remove, replace, buy a new bath and dispose of the old

Are ugly streaks and faded finishes ruining your beautiful timber cladding? Find out why it's happening and what you can do to restore it to its best
By Steve Jenkins published
Are ugly streaks and faded finishes ruining your beautiful timber cladding? Find out why it's happening and what you can do to restore it to its best
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