
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

Smart DIY tips for painting skirting boards to get a smooth, dust-free finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know how to paint skirting boards to keep your home looking it's best? This handy step-by-step guide has got you covered

How to paint behind a radiator to get a first-rate finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learn how to paint behind a radiator with these expert tips, and achieve a high-quality finish with the minimum of fuss

Is laying decking on grass a good idea? Experts reveal the problems and solutions
By Steve Jenkins published
Laying decking on grass isn’t considered a smart choice. Here we reveal the issues it can cause and what you need to do before you lay your new decking in a grassy area

11 caulking tips and tricks to make sure you get a professional finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learning how to use a caulking gun to add caulk and sealant is a skill every DIYer needs to know. Here we give you 11 tips for a pro mess-free finish

How to hang lining paper for a perfect wallpaper finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know how to hang lining paper? Here we show you the steps you need to follow to get your walls ready for wallpapering and painting

Is a PIV unit causing damp in your home? An expert reveals when and why it can happen
By Steve Jenkins published
Positive Input Ventilation unit causing damp in your home? Get expert advice on what you can do to stop it from happening

How to repair a hole in a ceiling with a seamless finish — so no one knows it was ever there
By Steve Jenkins published
Get expert advice and tips on how to repair a hole in a ceiling to get a clean, flawless finish

Experts reveal the fastest way to remove algae from decking — including cost-effective DIY solutions
By Steve Jenkins published
Do you want to know what is the fastest way to remove algae from decking? Here we reveal the techniques and tools you need to make your deck algae-free

What are consumer unit replacement costs? Expert insight on how much you can expect to pay
By Steve Jenkins published
When it’s time to update your electrics, you’ll need to know how much to budget for consumer unit replacement costs. Find out more in this guide

Should decking grooves face up or down? Experts explain which way they should go and why
By Steve Jenkins published
If you’re laying a deck, you’ll probably be wondering decking grooves should face up or down? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think

Decking vs paving: Which is going to work best for your next garden project?
By Steve Jenkins published
Choosing between decking and paving is a common dilemma when planning to build an outdoor space. Here we look at the pros and cons for both options

When do you need planning permission for decking? Experts reveal when you do and when you don't
By Amy Reeves last updated
Check if you need planning permission for decking before you begin building a new outdoor area with this helpful advice guide

Experts reveal why you shouldn't use a pressure washer on a deck — but also when you can
By Steve Jenkins published
There are a few reasons why you shouldn't use a pressure washer on a deck. But used correctly, it can do a good job. Here, the pros tell you how

Wood decking vs composite: Which should you choose for your next garden project?
By Rob Keal last updated
Choosing between wood decking vs composite will impact the look, cost and maintenance of your decking. Our guide explores the pros and cons to help you decide

Want to know how to repair decking to keep it looking good? Experts share their tips
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to repair decking and say goodbye to rotting timbers and cracked and scratched composite

Learn how to wallpaper corners for a professional-looking finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learning how to wallpaper corners will give your inner and outer corners neat, straight edges for a professional-looking finish. Here's how to get it right

Can you wallpaper over wallpaper? Find the answers here
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know if can you wallpaper over wallpaper? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here we give you a how to guide and alternative options

Can you lay decking straight on concrete? When you shouldn't and when you can
By Steve Jenkins published
Can you lay decking straight on concrete? Experts reveal essential tips for decking success

How much will new decking cost? Find out what you can expect to pay for decking and essential extras
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Want to know how much new decking costs? We give you the lowdown on the popular choices – wood and composite – and reveal how much the pros charge

PIV unit types: What are they and which will you need to ventilate your home?
By Steve Jenkins published
PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) unit types help take control of mould and damp. Here the experts reveal which type you will need for your home

How to clean decking in this DIY step-by-step guide
By Hugh Metcalf last updated
Want to know how to clean decking? We've got it covered with this handy step by step guide for both timber and composite styles

How to remove scratches from a bathtub to restore it to its former glory
By Steve Jenkins published
Knowing how to remove these blemishes on your tub is a quick and cost effective way to get it looking back to its best

Why testing for mould is good for your home and your health
By Steve Jenkins published
Testing for mould will help identify unwanted issues. Here the experts reveal the signs to look out, how to test and how to get rid of mould
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