
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

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

Patio or decking? Experts reveal the pros, cons, and costs to help you make the right choice
By Natasha Brinsmead last updated
Patio or decking? It is a choice commonly faced by those creating a new landscaping scheme. If you can't decide, our guide is here to help

Start painting patio slabs to give a fresh new look to your outdoor space
By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley last updated
Get expert advice to give your patio a bold new look with these simple, professional patio painting tips

How to clean patio slabs with or without a pressure washer to get your home ready for summer
By Teresa Conway last updated
The start of spring is the perfect time to tidy up your patio and make it look inviting

What is feather edge fencing? The pros reveal how it differs from other types of fencing and how to build your own
By Steve Jenkins published
Feather edge fencing offers stylish and secure garden boundaries. Find out more about this popular fence option

Wallpapering an alcove can add style and panache to a room. Get pro tips on how to do it
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover the smart tips you need to know when wallpapering square and arched alcoves

Want to know how to dispose of wallpaper paste safely? Follow this quick and simple guide
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Need to know how to dispose of wallpaper paste? Here we give you the lowdown on how to get rid of it safely. Or, make good use of the left overs

Learn how to wallpaper around a window with this DIY guide
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Learn how to wallpaper around a window to get a good looking finish. Follow our guide for top techniques to paper windows with and without a recess

Experts reveal their tips for wallpapering a chimney breast to ensure a smart professional finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
There is an art to wallpapering a chimney breast and in this guide we give you the techniques you need to know

Which lining paper grade do you need for your next wallpapering project? Get expert insight to make the right choice
By Steve Jenkins last updated
We're here to help you choose the right lining paper grades for your next DIY decorating project. Find out why you need lining paper and which is best for what

Want to know how much to wallpaper a room? Pros reveal costs for labour and materials
By Steve Jenkins last updated
Want to know how much to wallpaper a room? We give you the lowdown on the cost to call in a decorator and how to calculate how much wallpaper you need

9 easy-to-follow wallpaper hacks that will help get a pro-looking finish
By Steve Jenkins last updated
These wallpaper hacks will help take your skills to the next level. You'll be hanging wallpaper faster with clean removal too

Electrical sockets explained: Understanding the power in your home
By Melanie Griffiths last updated
We explain the parts and elements of an electrical socket

How to hide wallpaper seams to get a flawless finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Say goodbye to annoying, easy-to-see wallpaper seams with these pro tips and techniques
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