
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

I never start a decorating project without this £9 Amazon buy by my side — this is why you need to add one to your tool collection
By Steve Jenkins published
If you want to speed up your paint projects, make less mess and work like a pro, then investing in a paint scuttle is a must

I'm a DIY expert and these are the essential tools I always buy on Amazon to make decorating projects easier
By Steve Jenkins published
Amazon makes stocking my toolbox easy when I need new DIY essentials. It saves me time, money, and stress, and with next-day delivery, I’ve always got what I need for my next project

An expert guide to the 7 best cordless strimmers — from budget options to the best overall model
By Jack Woodfield, Teresa Conway last updated
We've scoured the market for the best cordless strimmers to help you choose the perfect tool to keep your lawn and garden looking neat and tidy with minimal effort

Looking for the best bathroom sealants to stop leaks and prevent mould? Here are six of our favourites for 2025
By Jack Woodfield last updated
Finding the best bathroom sealants for your needs is crucial for sealing gaps and preventing water leaks that can cause unseen water damage. Here you’ll find a selection of highly rated sealants that match your sanitary ware

Get your hands on the best vacuum cleaners for builders and say goodbye to dust and debris
By Hugh Metcalf, Steve Jenkins last updated
We roundup the best vacuum cleaners to keep your space free of dust and debris during a house renovation or DIY project

The best 6 integrated dishwashers of 2025
By Amy Reeves, Natasha Brinsmead, Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane last updated
We’ve put together a list that covers all bases and will help you make the right decision for you and your kitchen

Treat your lawn to a fresh trim using one of the 6 best petrol lawnmowers
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Whether you're looking for a sharp cut or pristine stripes here's 6 of the best petrol lawnmowers to suit gardens and budgets of all shapes and sizes

Are you having thermostatic valve problems? The pros reveal how to identify and fix issues
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to recognise thermostatic valve problems so you can sort yourself or call in a professional

What is the ideal radiator height from floor? Pros reveal the answer — but it's not as simple as you might think
By Steve Jenkins published
Getting the right radiator height from the floor will ensure efficient and effective heating of your home

Can you use plastic pipes for heating systems? Copper vs plastic pipes explained
By Steve Jenkins published
Our expert dives into the pros and cons of plastic and copper pipes for your heating system

Cracked and chipped flooring? How to replace a broken floor tile without causing damage elsewhere
By Steve Jenkins published
Restore your floor to avoid damaged tiling becoming a hazard

Own a stairway to hell? Transform it into a stairway to heaven with our DIY guide to sanding stairs
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Prep your stairs to perfection with our guide to sanding stairs so you can transform them with a fresh new coat of stain, varnish or paint

Fed up of gloss paintbrushes feeling stiff and sticky? Follow this simple guide to cleaning them and they'll feel like new
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know how to clean gloss paintbrushes? Here we give you the lowdown how to clean water-based and oil-based paints to keep your brushes in top condition

Take your sanding skills to the next level with these 9 must-know tips and techniques
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Sanding is a skill that every DIYer needs to learn to do well. Here we reveal the tips and tricks you need to know to get the very best finish for your project

6 common mistakes to avoid when learning how to use an orbital sander
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learn how to use an orbital sander the right way and discover what you should – and shouldn’t – be doing to get the best finish using this hand-held power tool

Learn how to build a garden wall with this DIY guide
By Steve Jenkins published
Transform your front and back garden with a neat new brick wall. Here we tell you how and what you'll need

Sanding wood needs the right sandpaper and tools. We tell you what you need to know
By Steve Jenkins last updated
There’s an art to sanding wood, from choosing the right sandpaper grade, to selecting the best tools and applying the best techniques. Find out how in our guide

Decking oil vs stain: Weigh up the differences to help you make the right choice
By Steve Jenkins published
Experts reveal the pros and cons of decking oil vs stain. Choose style or substance

Want to know how to do garden wall repairs? Pros reveal how to fix cracked mortar, crumbling render or damaged brick
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to perform garden wall repairs yourself to save money

Are you thinking about bricking up a garage door? Pros reveal what's needed and how much you can expect to pay
By Steve Jenkins published
Bricking up a garage door is a quick and cost-effective way to add more space to your home

How many types of garage doors are there? We look at the popular choices, plus how much you can expect to pay
By Steve Jenkins published
Choosing which type of garage door you want isn’t always easy. But here you’ll find expert advice on the popular options to help you make the right choice

Learn how sealing a bath with silicone will give you a clean, leak-free finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Want to know the secret to sealing a bath? We guide through the process to make sure you get a good-looking, long-lasting seal that won’t leak

Pointing patios is a quick and cost-effective way to get a great look. Here the pros tell you how
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Old or new, pointing patios makes them look smart and sophisticated and gives them a long life. Here we show you the contemporary and traditional choices
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