
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

C16 vs C24 timber: What are the differences and which will you need for your project
By Steve Jenkins published
C16 v C24 timber is a choice you’ll need to make when working on a DIY, self build or home renovation project. Here get expert advice on what to choose

Stain vs varnish: Which one should you use?
By Steve Jenkins published
Stain vs varnish is a question you need to be asking if you are looking to treat wood floors and furniture. Here we help you decide what is best for your needs

Can I install a dimmer on any type of light? Here's an electrician's advice
By Steve Jenkins published
Do you want to know the answer to Can I install a dimmer on any type of light? Then you’ve come to the right place

Stripping vs sanding wood floors: Which method should you use?
By Steve Jenkins published
Stripping vs sanding wood floors is a choice you’ll have to make when giving floors a makeover. Here we reveal the differences and uses to help you make the right decision

Stripping wood floors: How to get rid of the old finish ready for a new one
By Steve Jenkins published
Stripping wood floors will give you a clean like-new surface to work with. Here we reveal the best options for different floor finishes

Varnishing wood floors: Expert tips on how to prep and apply
By Steve Jenkins published
Varnishing wood floors will add a smart, durable finish to protect the surface. Find out how to make it happen

New staircase costs: How much can you expect to pay?
By Steve Jenkins published
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

Pro vinyl flooring repairs tips to restore your surfaces
By Steve Jenkins published
Discover how to tackle vinyl flooring repairs from scratches to stains to replacement with our expert tips

Can you sand engineered wood flooring? Expert reveals the answer
By Steve Jenkins published
If you're asking yourself Can you sand engineered wood flooring? You’ve come to the right place. Find out how to get the best from your flooring

How to stop wooden floors creaking: Pro tips to get rid of annoying noise
By Steve Jenkins published
Knowing how to stop wooden floors creaking will allow you to enjoy a squeak-free floor. Here we look at how to fix common problems

Can you sand laminate wood flooring?
By Steve Jenkins published
Can you sand laminate wood flooring? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Here we reveal when it might be appropriate and how to do it

Repair wood flooring: Expert advice for fixing and restoring
By Steve Jenkins published
Learn how to repair wood flooring with practical and professional tips for a smart, durable finish

Staining wood floors: Renovation experts reveal how to achieve the best finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Staining wood floors can transform their look and longevity. Here, renovation experts reveal how to prep and apply for the best finish

How to lay bricks to build a smart, straight wall
By Steve Jenkins published
Want to know how to lay bricks? Bricklaying expert David Winterburn reveals the essential steps you need to know, along with his nine must-know tips for a successful project

What is lacquer paint and when should you use it over other paint types?
By Steve Jenkins published
If you want to know all about lacquer paint, you’ve come to the right place. Here we reveal what it is, what it is used for and how to apply it correctly

Satin vs matt paint: Which one will you need for your next paint project?
By Steve Jenkins published
We reveal the differences between satin vs matt paint to help you choose the right one for your walls and woodwork

Sanding walls before painting: What you need to do to get the best finish
By Steve Jenkins published
Sanding walls is an essential part of the preparation for painting or hanging wallpaper. Here we tell you what tools and sandpaper you’ll need to do it right

Jigsaw vs circular saw: Which one should I get for my next DIY project?
By Steve Jenkins published
Jigsaw vs circular saw is a common conundrum for DIYers. Here the pros reveal what you need to know to help you make the right choice

How to build a deck frame to give a solid base for boards
By Steve Jenkins published
Knowing how to build a deck frame is key to ensuring the longevity of your deck. Here you can get some expert tips and techniques to make sure you get it right

Oil vs water-based paint: What's the difference and which will you need on your next paint project?
By Steve Jenkins published
Whatever your next paint project, it will be a choice of oil vs water-based paint. Here we reveal what you’ll need to use where

12 bedroom shelving ideas to add style and storage to your sleep sanctuary
By Steve Jenkins published
These smart, simple and clever bedroom shelving ideas will add style, substance and somewhere to display and store your stuff

How to remove a radiator and dispose of it correctly
By Steve Jenkins published
Here the pros reveal how to remove a radiator and the steps you need to take to get rid of your old radiators responsibly

Painting over grease stains the right way to stop the marks coming back
By Steve Jenkins published
Before you think about painting over grease stains, you need to clean and prep the area to get the most effective finish. Here we tell you how
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