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 new Black and Decker BLD783 18v Cordless Brushless Combi Drill an upgrade worth investing in?
By Steve Jenkins Published
Recently launched, and promising a better performance, I put this combi drill through its paces to see if it was better than the many other drills I've tried

The 6 best integrated dishwashers that make light work of washing up
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane Last updated
Take the hassle out of washing up with one of the best integrated dishwashers, with options from Miele, Bosch, Beko and more

Does the mid-range Evolution R210SMS+ 210mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw cut as well as more expensive models?
By Steve Jenkins Published
The Evolution R210SMS+ 210mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw claims to offer great quality and features at a hard-to-resist price – do I agree?

Does the affordable Titan TTB876PLN 3mm Electric Planer have what it takes for serious DIY? I put it to the test
By Steve Jenkins Published
Is this own-brand, budget-friendly electric planer a one-and-done power tool or does it have more to offer? Find out how it performed for me

I tested the Einhell Professional Cordless Circular Saw TP-CS 18/190 Li BL to see if it was a cut above the rest
By Steve Jenkins Published
If you're a serious DIYer, a circular saw is worth the investment – but is this model one our DIY expert would recommend?

Is the budget-friendly Titan TTB970NST 32mm Electric Nail Gun/Stapler a DIYers dream? I put it to the test
By Steve Jenkins Published
If you want a nail gun and stapler combo the Titan TTB970NST seems to fit the bill, but is its low price an indication of its performance? I decided to find out

Could the DeWalt DCS331N XR cordless jigsaw be the missing piece of puzzle your tool kit needs?
By Steve Jenkins Published
Fancy a quality cordless jigsaw at a tempting price point? Then the DeWalt DCS331N XR cordless jigsaw could be just what you are looking for

6 of the worst pieces of TikTok advice I've seen as a DIY expert – but don't just take my word for it
By Steve Jenkins Published
TikTok is a breeding ground for DIY advice, some good, some not so good and some that should be avoided at all costs. Here's my personal pet hates

Paint sprayer vs brush vs roller – how I choose the right tool for each project
By Steve Jenkins Published
Whether you're painting walls, woodwork or fences, you need to use the best tools for the job. Here's what I recommend based on years of experience

As a DIY expert I'll admit to owning a lot of tools. This is how I keep them organised and in mint condition
By Steve Jenkins Published
Storing your tools correctly and looking after them properly will help them last longer – and save you money in the process

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
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