Steve Jenkins

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

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

Walls & Ceilings
Hand spraying a fence in white
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

Paint
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

Walls & Ceilings
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

Paint
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

DIY
Three of the best cordless strimmers rested against a wooden fence in a garden with cut grass and flower beds
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

Tools
Three of the best vacuum cleaners for builders dust on a dust sheet with a half painted wall in the background
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

Tools
Contemporary cottage style bedroom with bare brick wall, ceiling beams, bed with white linen, black designer radiator and lime plaster walls
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

Walls & Ceilings
White toilet surrounded by white cabinets and wood-effect tiles on the floor
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.

Flooring
Einhell cordless drill on wooden bench
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

Tools
Mini foam roller and tray with white paint resting on cardboard with a half-painted plywood shelf next to it
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

Paint
close up of hand painting white paint onto skirting board
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

Paint
New grey mortar being fed into joints between red bricks with gun
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

Structure
Redhead woman placing laundry from basket into dark washing machine in contemporary kitchen with wooden floor
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

Utility
Contemporary kitchen diner with white walls, island and wooden dining table and chairs
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

Renovation
Person holding Erbauer EXT 18V Elite Combi Drill drilling into wood
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

Tools
Large wet room with marble wall tiles integrated bench and natural stone mosaic floor tiles with wooden stool in corner
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

Bathroom
Victorian - Valm 1.5mm Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tile Flooring
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

DIY
Erbauer orbital sander in hand of person sanding white panelled door
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

Tools
Woman switching off underfloor heating pipes in cupboard
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?

Heating
White rolltop freestanding bath with ornate brass feet set against a dark blue wall and decorative Victorian tiles and plant
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

Costs & Savings
Single storey building covered in timber cladding with gravel and plant in front of building
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

Cladding
Chrome Qettle single column tap in kitchen adding water to plastic jug
What is the minimum water pressure you should have in a house? Plus, how to increase it

By Steve Jenkins Published

A lack of water pressure in the home is annoying and needs to be sorted out. Experts reveal how to test, resolve the issue and when its time to call in your water company

Utility
Black vertical bathroom radiator on beige wall in bathroom with dust sheet and tools in front of radiator
Why are my radiators cold at the bottom? Experts reveal the reasons and what you need to do to fix them

By Steve Jenkins Published

If your radiators are cold at the bottom, they need to be sorted as soon as possible

Heating
Pair of hands holding handle and turning key on white UPVC door handle and lock
Do you need to change your locks? How much you can expect to pay

By Steve Jenkins Published

Need a locksmith? Discover change lock costs for doors, windows and how much extra for an emergency call out

Windows & Doors
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