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

large paintbrush next to rolls of wallpaper
Is painting over wallpaper ever a good idea, or should you always strip and start again?

By Steve Jenkins Last updated

Painting over wallpaper might seem like a quick and easy option but is it a long-term solution? Experts weigh in on this often divisive DIY topic

Paint
Blue topped spray bottle applying solution to white tiles with black mould in the grout
Black mould in bathrooms is a big no-no. These easy-to-follow cleaning tips will help get rid of it for good

By Steve Jenkins Last updated

Black mould in bathrooms is ugly and unhealthy. Here we get expert advice on the causes, how you can get rid of it, and stop it coming back

Bathroom
Three piece brass taps attached to white sink with high gloss teal tile behind
Where to buy bathroom taps to smarten up your sink and bath with style and substance

By Steve Jenkins Published

Find out where to buy bathroom taps to start your dream bathroom makeover at the right price

Bathroom
Close up of stacked plywood sheets edges
Waterproofing plywood protects against moisture and prevents rot. Try these five DIY methods to make it happen

By Steve Jenkins Published

Discover the best methods to protect your plywood and make sure it lasts longer

DIY
does ryobi have the best angle grinder?
Best angle grinder: 6 top buys for your tool shed

By Hugh Metcalf Last updated

Wondering what the best angle grinder is for your DIY project? Here's our pick of 5 of the best you can buy right now

Tools
Top down shot of multiple staircases
Curious about new staircase costs? Find out how much you can expect to pay to replace your old staircase

By Steve Jenkins Last updated

Discover how much you’ll need to invest on new staircase costs. Here we look at prices for all types of staircases, how much to relocate and labour rates

Costs & Savings
Top down shot of white sink with hairline cracks around chrome plug hole
Need to repair sink cracks and chips? Follow these must-know steps from an expert

By Steve Jenkins Published

Doing sink crack repairs yourself is not as hard as you might think. Find out what tools and techniques you need to make it happen

DIY
Large loft space with newly fitted insulating plasterboard around a large window with step ladder in foreground
What is insulated plasterboard? How it can make your home warmer and more energy efficient

By Steve Jenkins Published

Insulated plasterboard brings plenty of benefits. Discover exactly what it can do for your home

Walls & Ceilings
Man up a ladder painting the exterior of a house cream with a roller
Where to buy masonry paint to give your brick, render and cement surfaces a new lease of life

By Steve Jenkins Published

If you’re looking for the best masonry paint at wallet-friendly prices, check out the list of UK retailers we have put together to help you get what you want

Paint
Close up of stacked pre-painted skirting boards on wooden laminate flooring
Is pre-painted skirting board worth the extra cost? We have the answer on whether or not it'll actually save you time

By Steve Jenkins Published

We help you decide if it's the right option for your next decorating project

Paint
NOËL & MARQUET IL10 WALLSTYL LED skirting board
Ever heard of LED skirting board? Find out why it's worth a look when designing and planning your living spaces

By Steve Jenkins Published

LED skirting board adds subtle and atmospheric lighting to a room. Discover what it is, how it works and whether you can install it yourself

Lighting
Person adjusting the temperature on a white combi boiler in a white cupboard with door open and metal hinge showing
What is the optimal combi boiler water temperature for heating and hot water? Experts reveal how you should set both

By Steve Jenkins Published

Discover the ideal combi boiler water temperature range and how you can save money on your heating bills

Boiler
trench dug in garden with yellow pipe nearby and wheelbarrow containing soil
Installing a French drain only takes 6 simple steps but could reduce the risk of flooding in your garden

By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley Last updated

While some drainage problems need expert help, installing a French drain is something you can tackle yourself. We explain the tools you need and how to do it

Garden
Man spreading tile adhesive with a notched trowel onto wooden floor with cement backer board
What you need to do before tiling on wood to ensure your tiles stick and stay looking good

By Steve Jenkins Published

Get your preparation right for tiling on wood, and you won't be coming back to fix any time soon

DIY
Close up of large plastic containers of paint with tins of paint in background on shelves in a store
Where to buy paint for every room in your home as well as the features in your garden

By Steve Jenkins Published

Are you looking for the right paint, at the right price for your next home renovation project? We’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of UK retailers to suit all your painting needs.

Paint
Blue jigsaws lined up in a store with main jigsaw at front in focus
Let the experts help you choose the type of power saw you are going to need for your next DIY project

By Steve Jenkins Last updated

What types of power saw do you need? We take a closer look at six saws that you should consider for your collection and why you might need them

Tools
Reciprocating saw cutting through wood
Why you should have a reciprocating saw in your toolbox

By Steve Jenkins, Joseph Mullane Last updated

Demolition, remodelling or rough cutting, a reciprocating saw is crucial for all of these jobs. We provide the lowdown on choosing, using and optimising a reciprocating saw

Tools
Gloved hand holding a grout float applying grey grout on white metro tiles
Avoid these 9 common grouting mistakes that could be ruining your tiling projects

By Steve Jenkins Published

Check out the expert advice in this guide and say goodbye to making grouting mistakes forever

DIY
Green wall with white skirting board heating, wooden floor and contemporary furniture
Forget radiators, find out how skirting board heating saves space and creates warm, welcoming spaces

By Steve Jenkins Published

If you're wondering what skirting board heating is, this expert guide provides the answers.

Heating
Close up of Baxi 600 combi boiler showing water temperature dial and pressure gauge
Is your Combi boiler pressure too low or too high? Find out what it should be, how to fix it and when you should call in a professional

By Steve Jenkins Published

Check that your combi boiler pressure is set in the green zone, and discover the reasons why it might not be

Heating
Woman wearing safety goggles and white gloves using an angle grinder to sand a metal column radiator
Discover the art of sanding metal with these expert tips from the pros

By Steve Jenkins Published

Learn what tools, sandpaper, grits and techniques you need to sand metal successfully

DIY
Close up of white decorative skirting boards next to a dark wooden floor
No need to rip out old trim — try skirting over skirting for a quick and easy way to update your skirting boards

By Steve Jenkins Published

Experts reveal why you should do this, what types are available and how to install it

DIY
Top down shot of mini roller and three paintbrushes with blue handles and small opened tin of blue paint on pine wood background
What are the unknowns behind successfully painting varnished wood? Experts share their tips for a smart, smooth, long-lasting finish

By Steve Jenkins Published

Find out how to prep old varnished wood and get it ready for a fresh coat of paint

DIY
wall with mould above laminate floor and skirting with bottle of cleaning solution and cleaning sponge on floor
This is how to remove mould from walls without needing to repaint them, says cleaning expert

By Steve Jenkins, Sarah Harley Last updated

Understanding how to remove walls from walls is key to maintaining a safe and healthy home, but how do you do it without damaging the surface? We explain how

Walls & Ceilings
Cream log burner with kettle on top in tiled fireplace with plants and chairs either side
Can you paint a log burner? They don’t always have to be black

By Steve Jenkins Published

Experts reveal whether it is possible to change the colour of this cosy heating installation

DIY
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