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Original poster

The Great DIY Beginners Support Group

100 replies

SunnieShine · 23/07/2023 11:03

OK, so there seems to be a few of us who need to get jobs done at home - but don't know where to start/how to do it/need a confidence boost and some accountability.

I have a hunch we are all FAR more capable than we think we are.

So let's "buddy up" and start working through that list, one job at a time .

Who's with me? 😀

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3BSHKATS · 29/07/2023 13:41

A crowbar and a hammer it seems in case anyone else needs to know

chocciecake · 29/07/2023 13:47

I'd like to join please. I have some painting bare wall to do ( put it off for 8 years) and my barriers to starting it are lack of knowledge, confidence and time

DownNative · 29/07/2023 14:02

3BSHKATS · 29/07/2023 13:38

Guys, I might be asking the wrong people hair but I thought what the heck in for the Penny. What would you post skirting boards off with?

Claw hammer and long flat head screwdriver is what I use.

3BSHKATS · 29/07/2023 14:28

DownNative · 29/07/2023 14:02

Claw hammer and long flat head screwdriver is what I use.

Show quote history

I am going great guns you do all be proud of me. I’ve only damaged one finger so far and I’m wearing sunglasses for eye protection against little bits of flying wood which is a bit naughty.

I actually feel like Wendy from Bob the Builder

3BSHKATS · 30/07/2023 09:41

How was yesterday?

i think we need a check in, progress, accountability aspect to the thread 🤣

Straysocks · 30/07/2023 12:08

I'm 3/4 of my way through removing wallpaper from one room. Plaster quote came in at £700 (including materials) to do the room, it really does need it. I'm not sure I'm ready to turn my hand to plastering, has anyone successfully done this from scratch (without losing their mind)?

3BSHKATS · 30/07/2023 16:22

Plastering is like decoration a big cake. Do it in stages, less is more and if it goes wrong you can always sand it off and start again.

Horriblewoman · 31/07/2023 09:33

I have been sanding and varnishing floors this past week. My husband did the main sand and I’ve been tidying it up by hand and I’m very pleased with how the boards are looking.

3BSHKATS · 31/07/2023 09:48

Horriblewoman · 31/07/2023 09:33

I have been sanding and varnishing floors this past week. My husband did the main sand and I’ve been tidying it up by hand and I’m very pleased with how the boards are looking.

How did you find the mess? Was the room completely empty or do you think covering furniture would work ?

Horriblewoman · 31/07/2023 11:11

3BSHKATS · 31/07/2023 09:48

How did you find the mess? Was the room completely empty or do you think covering furniture would work ?

Show quote history

We’re working in a totally empty room (took internal walls down and rebuilt them ourselves).

my very practical husband who was using the big hired sander said that he never wants to do it again and that’s with a room where where there’s nothing to worry about! So I’d say it would be a challenge trying to do it around furniture and it is super dusty!

Original poster
SunnieShine · 03/08/2023 09:41

Diymesss · 29/07/2023 13:39

Thank you @rockingbird for wallpaper tips 😊

I have been having a productive day painting skirting boards and architraves, amazing how much better my hallway looks now

I need to do but I'm dreading it. Especially with cats...

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Original poster
SunnieShine · 03/08/2023 09:42

Shecanmove · 27/07/2023 14:31

This sounds like my thread. Would love to do a basic hands on course to get confidence up for drilling/painting etc. Any recommendations?

Where do you live, Shecanmove?

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Original poster
SunnieShine · 03/08/2023 09:47

3BSHKATS · 30/07/2023 09:41

How was yesterday?

i think we need a check in, progress, accountability aspect to the thread 🤣

Good thinking, @3BSHKATS

Maybe 1) what you plan to do

  1. when you plan to do it.

I am starting to paint my bedroom today, but waiting for a lift to B&Q. Dulux Timeless here I come...

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CherryogDog · 03/08/2023 10:24

Just placemarking for ideas and inspiration.
I'm having a massive declutter and clean at the moment and then I'm going to tackle some decorating.

Diymesss · 03/08/2023 13:56

My bathroom has now been completed! It took five weeks but very happy. But not going through that again for a verrrry long time. And never again with an only recently potty trained toddler!

Diymesss · 03/08/2023 13:58

My bedroom carpet is in an awful state and really all the furniture needs taking out to change it, but I want a rest from work for a while 😴 Just going to stick to what I can do myself, like painting, for a bit

Original poster
SunnieShine · 03/08/2023 23:20

Diymesss · 03/08/2023 13:58

My bedroom carpet is in an awful state and really all the furniture needs taking out to change it, but I want a rest from work for a while 😴 Just going to stick to what I can do myself, like painting, for a bit

Mine too. The cat has chewed holes in it!

Going to paint first then lay a new carpet.

OP posts:
Diymesss · 04/08/2023 14:15

@SunnieShine will you lay the carpet yourself? I have no idea how easy that is or not.

Original poster
SunnieShine · 04/08/2023 14:22

Hi @Diymesss do yes, I'm planning to. There are some great videos on YouTube.

I'll get an off cut and some good underlay and give it my best shot.

I think the hardest part will be clearing the room, tbh.

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DownNative · 04/08/2023 16:21

Diymesss · 04/08/2023 14:15

@SunnieShine will you lay the carpet yourself? I have no idea how easy that is or not.

Definitely possible to do this yourself!

You'll need a knee kicker, sharp knife and I might be forgetting something here. Been years since I've done it myself!

It's very easy to not cut carpet in a straight line, even against the board so watch for that.

Duchessofspace · 04/08/2023 16:26

I have sorted all my screws, nails and plugs etc by size and put them all in little drawers
a bit like this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawer-Storage-Cabinet-Garage-Plastic/dp/B08ZDP3SRZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=1Y448EK6Z31QD&keywords=small+plastic+drawers+for+screws&qid=1691162665&sprefix=small+plastic+drawers+for+screws%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-8

for all my odds and ends. I’ve sorted all my bits and bobs into spanner sets in order, small screwdrivers in orders, normal screw drivers, wire strippers, fuses etc I do feel very pleasantly pleased with myself 😂

Duchessofspace · 04/08/2023 16:27

About 200 drawers in alphabetical and size order - I felt very sad and geeky - but if you want an electrical connector I can put my hands on it in less than a minute!

Original poster
SunnieShine · 04/08/2023 17:18

DownNative · 04/08/2023 16:21

Definitely possible to do this yourself!

You'll need a knee kicker, sharp knife and I might be forgetting something here. Been years since I've done it myself!

It's very easy to not cut carpet in a straight line, even against the board so watch for that.

Show quote history

Thank you. 😀

I will put the straight edge it comes with in the most conspicuous place.

The great thing about my current carpet is the new one has got to look better.

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Original poster
SunnieShine · 04/08/2023 17:20

@Duchessofspace Good work. Its all in the prep.

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