Bunnings Magazine February 2021

February 2021

YOUR

FREE MAGAZIN

E!

DREAM RENOS A NEW KITCHEN IN A WEEKEND + STUNNING LAUNDRY MAKEOVER

From this... to this

Love life outdoors

PLAN IT

Lush native garden

UPDATE IT

DIY STORAGE

3

OUT OF THE BOX PROJECTS

+ 8 WAYS TO SHADY SPACES + BUILD A PRIVACY SCREEN + BRILLIANT BACKYARD REVIVAL

Revive your finishes

FIX IT

Add a water tank

MAKE IT

Upcycle a tyre

P.I.Y.

(PERSONALISE IT YOURSELF) Slimline Weathershield

Snorkel

Roof Racks Canopy

Bonnet Protector

Heavy Duty Side Steps 18” Alloy Wheels

Nudge Bar

Toyota Genuine Accessories* are designed specifically to integrate perfectly with your Toyota. They are tested for years to withstand Australia’s unique weather conditions.

So put your own personal touches on your Toyota by contacting your local Dealer.

Toyota Genuine Accessories. Built to last. toyota.com.au HiLux fitted with snorkel, slimline weathershield, roof racks, canopy, heavy duty side steps, 18” alloy wheels, nudge bar and bonnet protector. All accessories sold separately. *Toyota Genuine Accessories are not applicable to all models/grades. See your Toyota dealer to confirm Accessories suitable for your vehicle. Toyota Australia uses its best endeavours to ensure material is accurate at the time of publishing. All information must be confirmed with your Toyota dealer at the time of ordering, as specifications, applicability and availability may change over time. Colours displayed are a guide only and may vary from actual colours due to the printing/display process. Toyota Australia reserves the right to change and/or discontinue, without notice, prices, colours, materials, equipment and specifications. To the extent permitted by law, Toyota Australia will not be liable for any damage or loss incurred from relying on the information and images contained in this material. Consider the mass of your load and your selected accessories to ensure your vehicle will not exceed gross vehicle mass limits. Certain accessories when fitted may require removal of standard equipment, which may be retained by Toyota. Visit toyota.com.au/ vehiclepayload.

T2020-015802

February

Contents

THE MAGAZINE TEAM

10

53

Mulch options

Valentine’s Day craft

58

30 DIY privacy Kitchen makeover

13

Drought- tolerant plants Laundry renovation

22

27

Dream it

Outer space A neglected patio is transformed into an alfresco retreat 19 Painted love Seal a timber deck from the elements and show off the grain 22 Beach break After a weekend’s work, this kitchen basks in coastal style 27 Awash with charm Be inspired by this budget-conscious laundry reno

Plan it 30 Local legends Follow our guide to choosing native plants for the garden 35 Order in Learn the art of clever organisation, then reap the benefits

Update it

41 Finishing touches Freshen up tired surfaces with good old elbow grease!

45 Take shelter Keep cool indoors and outside with our savvy shade tips

Fix it

49 Water falls Make the most of rain and store it to irrigate your garden 53 The magic of mulch Tidy up and protect plants and vegie patches

56

Make it

O utdoor flow Be inspired by this creative shower project 58 For your eyes only Create privacy – and a statement – with a DIY screen 60 Hip to be square A simple box frame becomes three must-have items 64 Roped in How to turn an old tyre into a stylish ottoman

Regulars

7 What’s happening in February

News, special buys and things to do 66 Dry spell Choose tough native plants that can blossom in the heat

Share your DIY creations with us or get inspiration for your next project.

Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag CONNECT WITH US

instagram.com/bunnings

pinterest.com.au/bunnings

Editor Jane Parbury Associate editor Shelley Tustin Art director Bridie Mahoney Creative services manager Katharine McKinnon Senior designer Carol Baldas Style editor Matilda Roberts Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Content co-ordinator Amanda Ghalaini Contributors Judie Siu, Louise Cheung National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski (02) 8114 8955 NSW account manager Anthony Sullivan (02) 8114 8954 Victoria advertising manager Kristina Frohlich (03) 9292 2273 Business manager Rosanna Costa (03) 9292 2273 Junior account manager & sales support Claire Wischusen (03) 9292 2297 General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777 Managing director Gerard Reynolds Executive general manager Sally Wright Chief operating officer Fiorella di Santo Head of sales Annii Hirst Head of content, Food & Homes Julie Lee Digital strategy director Karla Courtney Social strategy director Scott Drummond Finance manager Leslie To Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct.

However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Upper Ground Suite 58, 26-32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. © 2021. All rights reserved.

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, 16-18 Cato Street, Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas.

Pricing is to be used as a guide only.

This publication is not for sale.

youtube.com/bunningswarehouse

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia, Pty. Ltd.

7

News What’s happening in

February

Find out what’s new, what’s trending and what’s inspiring us in the home and garden this month A word from our editor

Words Amanda Ghalaini; (gardening to-do list) Tammy Huynh.

Photography (editor) Sue Stubbs; (hearts) Getty Images. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Who doesn’t love a room makeover?

This issue we have three to inspire you: a pretty outdoor room, a kitchen given a whole new look in just a weekend and a laundry that shows off the power of paint in any transformation.

All three needed a lot of hard work and varying degrees of DIY prowess – but the results are fab!

Still on DIY, one of the handiest skills to have is knowing how to build a basic box, which can be adapted for all kinds of projects. We’re giving you three cute ideas on page 60.

Enjoy the issue!

SHOP SCANDI ON

Planning a change to the much-loved Nordic look? Find just what you need to get a bit of hygge at home with these MarketLink buys Decor Villa ‘Suri’ tall vase in White, $24*, I/N: 0195820

12

Relaxhouse ‘Scandi’ natural ash frame with upholstered seat stool in White, $275*, I/N: 0161185

45 6

3

One Six Eight London ‘Willow’ 50cm silent wall clock in White, $199.95*, I/N: 0224996 Artiss ‘Skane’ armchair in Beige, $144.95*, I/N: 0190064

Morphy Richards ‘Accents Rose Gold’ 4-slice toaster with 1.5L pyramid kettle (not shown) in White, $269*, I/N: 0231957

Homestar ‘Finland’ sideboard storage buffet unit in White, $1,299*, I/N: 0243685

COOL BUYS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Bag some heat-busters for your home to help you through the warmest days of summer

Printed by Ovato Print Ltd. Paper fibre is from well-managed forests and other controlled sources.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may This be ordered. product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered through a Bunnings MarketLink Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

Enjoy the breeze with a pedestal fan Mistral 40cm 5 blade pedestal fan in White, $23, I/N: 0180975

If your existing air conditioner is due for an upgrade, get in now!

Mitsubishi ‘Avanti’ 2.5kW reverse cycle split system air conditioner, $799, I/N: 4442099

Keep larger areas cool with an industrial fan Bristol 750mm industrial pedestal fan, $128, I/N: 0126673

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Don’t let the heat drive your barbecue inside – invest in an outdoor ceiling fan Threesixty ‘Delta’ ceiling fan in White, $289, I/N: 0236354† 

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

8

News

BRING IN THE BEES Invite these insects for a bountiful garden

Gardens & outdoors

Get the kids involved when planting your bee habitat – it’s a great way to teach them about bees’ importance

This month in the garden Tick off this to-do list for tiptop growing areas. For more on what to do in the garden and home during February, go to bunnings.com.au/garden-diaries If you live in a warm temperate climate and you want to grow cold-climate bulbs – tulips, hyacinths and daffodils – place the bulbs in a paper bag and store in the fridge. Chill for at least six weeks before planting.

Yates ‘Grub Kill & Protect For Lawns’ insecticide, $20.98/750g, I/N: 0207186 If you see brown patches in your lawn, it’s very likely to be the dreaded curl grub. Treat with a suitable insecticide as soon as possible.

Bloomin’ Bulbs assorted landscaper bulbs, $21.98/ pack of 34, I/N: 3770118

Lavender plant

Mr Fothergill’s ‘Giant Russian’ sunflower seeds, $3.72, I/N: 2960491

Argyranthemum daisy plant

Salvia plant

Mr Fothergill’s ‘Herb Garden’ sweet basil seeds, $4.45, I/N: 2960571

Mr Fothergill’s ‘Herb Garden’ rosemary seeds, $4.45, I/N: 2960542

Scotts ‘Performance Naturals’ premium potting mix, $8.28/10L, I/N: 0182065 The early bird gets the worm! Start planning your spring flower garden now.

Sow primulas, hollyhocks, delphiniums, cinerarias, lobelia and stock into pots or trays filled with potting mix. Transplant into the garden once they reach 10cm in height.

As wheelbarrows help you through the tough work, it’s only a matter of time before wear and tear kicks in, but you can extend the lifespan of your wheely assistant by replacing various parts.

Ensure the items are suited to your wheelbarrow before you buy – check the product details or ask in store.

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1 Sherlock timber wheelbarrow handle, $49.90, I/N: 0193092†. 2 Sherlock standard wheelbarrow wheel, $62, I/N: 3360564.

3 Sherlock 100L poly medium duty wheelbarrow tray, $53, I/N: 3360595†.

4 Sherlock standard wheelbarrow axle and bracket kit, $22.50, I/N: 3360573†.

bunnings

Mr Fothergill’s ‘Hydrogarden’ all in one grow kit, $69.98, I/N: 0011513 In warm tropical climates, make the most of the season and sow eggplant, tomato, climbing beans, capsicum and zucchini. Use an organic mulch to help conserve moisture. 

Safety tip: If you or any family members are allergic to bees, avoid adding highly flower-bearing plants to your garden, and be careful when doing yard work.

WHEELBARROW ON THE MEND

Take your indoor herb garden to the next level with a hydroponic kit. It has an artificial light source, so you don’t need to worry about giving your plants the right amount of sunlight for them to grow. Absolutely perfect for apartments.

Neutrog ‘Sudden Impact’ fertiliser for roses, $44.85/10kg, I/N: 3015381 Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Nothing says “I love you” better than a potted perfumed rose. Feed with a specific rose fertiliser to encourage more blooms.

Brunnings sugar cane mulch, $17.50/11kg 18sqm, I/N: 0173049 (not available in WA) Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography Getty Images. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

These valuable visitors pollinate our plants and keep our produce growing. In return for their hard work, we can give them a helping hand by growing flowers they love. Here are a few of their favourites:

For the most beautiful room in your home Part of our Capsule Collection of 32 elegant colours, Porter’s Sundance was created by our colour designers as a celebration of warm turmeric and golden sunshine.

In-store now. Try it today.

10

Seeds with love

News

What you need

 Terracotta pots and saucers  Resealable plastic bag  Seed-raising mix  Selection of seeds  Hand trowel  Ribbon  Scissors  Cut flowers

Be my Valentine

The perfect gift for Valentine’s Day is just an easy craft project away – have a go at our functional trinket box or ready-togrow planter pot, for a handmade gift that speaks volumes

To make the raffia hearts, wrap raffia rope around an MDF heart, working in the  Raffia rope same direction. If you feel  Heart-shaped plaque the raffia loosen, cut and  Scissors tie up end at the back of the heart, then continue wrapping around and tying as you go until the heart is covered. Secure at the back.

Raffia hearts

What you need

3 1

2

1 Boyle wooden heart boxes, $19.98/set of 2, I/N: 1662724. 2 Grunt craft raffia rope in assorted colours, $5.70/100m, I/N: 4310756.

3 Boyle heart plaque 613020, $4.10, I/N: 1660913.

Washday helpers A few choice items can help your laundry function fabulously

Pair your one-of-a-kind pressie – or simply skip the craft part altogether – and give your loved one a box of fresh roses.

Order yours online at bunnings. com.au/bunnings-marketlink.

Mr Roses ‘Elegant’ 10 red roses with gift box, $65*, I/N: 0152767

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered through a MarketLink Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

See page 27 for interior stylist Katy Thomas’s beautiful laundry transformation In

THE TOOL FILES

Banish clutter from your DIY space with a tool-specific storage unit.

This one from Ryobi stores up to 125kg of tools – four Ryobi ‘One+’ tools slot neatly into the racks, the lockable cabinet fits spare batteries and smaller tools, and peg holes on the sides hold bits and bobs.

Now that’s clever storage. ◆ Ryobi lockable door hanging wall storage, $89.99, I/N: 0057186 (excludes tools and accessories)

a small space, a washer-dryer is your go-to Samsung 7.5kg washer/4kg clothes dryer combo, $1,039*, I/N: 0217087

Add functionality with a washing machine stand Bedford Furniture 666mm front loading washing machine stand in White, $165, I/N: 2660666

An airer cabinet is a tidy space saver Bedford Furniture 1200mm x 597mm x 82mm moisture resistant airer cabinet in White, $154, I/N: 0067677

Discreet extra drying space is an absolute winner for small spaces Daytek indoor micro retractable clothesline, $12.50, I/N: 0135248

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings.com.au |

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Save on running costs with an energy-efficient dryer Samsung 8kg heat pump clothes dryer, $1,349*, I/N: 0217085

Photography (craft projects) James Moffatt, styling Tilly Roberts.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Paint a heart-shaped box for a custom gift

Above: Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 16cm terracotta pots, $2.10 each, I/N: 2835057, ‘Italian’ 17cm terracotta saucers, $2.40 each, I/N: 2863494, ‘Italian’ 12cm terracotta pot, $1.60, I/N: 2833746, and ‘Italian’ 130mm terracotta saucer, $1.60, I/N: 2863478. Scotts Osmocote ‘Seed & Cutting’ premium potting mix, $7.26/10L, I/N: 3020058.

Mr Fothergill’s cosmos ‘Purity’ flower seeds, $2.98, I/N: 2960382, and ‘Sensation’ cosmos mixed flower seeds, $4.45, I/N: 2960557. Saxon bulb trowel, $3.70, I/N: 3361024. Ribbon, Spotlight, spotlightstores.com.

Find a terracotta pot with a matching saucer to use as a lid.

Fill a small, resealable plastic bag with seed-raising mix (enough to fill the pot), and pop it and a packet of seeds inside the pot. Put the saucer upside down on the pot and tie it on with ribbon. Slip fresh flowers through the knot.

We’re for

travellers

Looks like a tablet, reads like the paper.

You can now read either the The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail or The Advertiser exactly as it was printed on your favourite device from wherever you are.

Just $7.50 per month for the first 3 months*.

1800 054 880 | digitalprintedition.com.au

TODAY'S PAPER DIGITAL REPLICA

*Today's Paper Digital Replica costs $7.50 (min. cost) billed approximately monthly for the first 3 months. After the first 3 months, the cost is $15 (min. cost) billed approximately monthly. Renewals occur unless cancelled in accordance with the full Terms and Conditions. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Not available to any person who has previously breached any of our subscription terms and conditions. Today's Paper Digital Replica only provides access to a digital replica of the print edition of only one of Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail, Herald Sun or The Advertiser via a secure login to view a digital replica of the print edition and not any other of our premium or locked content; this subscription does not provide access to the +Rewards program. Today's Paper Digital Replica is for a period of time and not a specified number of downloads. Prices after the introductory pricing period may be varied in accordance with the full Terms and Conditions. See dailytelegraph.com.au/subscriptionterms or heraldsun.com.au/ subscriptionterms or advertiser.com.au/subscriptionterms or couriermail.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details.

Make it happen with a low rate personal loan Borrow $5,000 to $50,000 No monthly or early repayment fees Easy online application

WIN

a $50 Bunnings gift card

Do you know your credit score?

You can now find out your credit score for FREE with SocietyOne. Sign up to get your credit score in February for your chance to win a $50 Bunnings gift card.

Credit provided by SocietyOne Australia Pty Ltd, Australian credit licence 423660.

Credit scores provided by SocietyOne Services Pty Ltd. For Bunnings promotion Terms and Conditions, go to www.societyone.com.au/credit-score. Canstar 5-Star Rating was awarded on 5th of November 2020 for the Unsecured Loan – Excellent Credit Product for the Unsecured Personal Loan profile.

13

Dream it Outdoor makeover

Shade, fresh air, privacy and comfort: this alfresco space has all the essentials

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts.

Before

Outer space

A speedy, top-to-toe renovation has made a hardly used rear patio the perfect outdoor room to chill and unwind }

DIY i t!

See

page 19

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

14

Colorbond roofing

Dulux Matt Vivid White

T

he rear patio of Natasha Dickins’ coastal home in northern NSW was in dire need of attention. The old pavers had lifted and sunk over time, the weatherboard walls were sound but required fresh paint, and the old polycarbonate roof had seen better days. Having given her whole home a serious makeover, Natasha – aka DIY specialist Little Red Industries (littleredindustries.com) – focused on this neglected corner. Down went a modular deck with adjustable supports to cover the old pavers, brand-new Colorbond replaced the roof panels, and paint revived the walls, frame and fascia. With the addition of comfy furniture and greenery in oversized pots, this gorgeous new outdoor room is likely to become the most used zone in the home.

Natasha assembled the modular base frames, installed the treated pine panels, then added new roofing

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15

Dream it

Serene scene

Timber, white, grey and green are a relaxing colour combo

Cabot ’s Beach House Grey

Good Times modular decking

From left: Marquee ‘Bayfield’ wicker sun chair, $129, I/N: 0177369. Waxworks citronella bucket candle, $12.98, I/N: 3340370. Decofire ‘Prairie’ 530mm x 450mm x 450mm log basket in Grey Wash, $59.95, I/N: 3171601. Brilliant ‘Coolum’ 240V up down lights in Black, $59.90 each, I/N: 4320806, with Arlec 6W 420lm RGB+CCT GU10 smart globes with Grid Connect in White, $19.90 each, I/N: 0148683. Mimosa ‘Malibu’ 1 seater lounges, $249 each, I/N: 0177346, 2 seater lounge, $399, I/N: 0177355, and rectangle coffee table, $149, I/N: 0177348. Bayliss ‘Hampton’ 225cm x 155cm sisal border rug in Natural, $199, I/N: 6670579.

(Bring rug in out of the weather when not in use.) (On table) Tuscan Path 14cm ceramic vase in White, $9, I/N: 0204154. Waxworks citronella coil incense diffuser, $12.50, I/N: 3340508.

(Pots, from left) Rosemary in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 28cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $27.30, I/N: 2830107. Small olive tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 23cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $17.30, I/N: 2830106. Cumquat tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 35cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $38.10, I/N: 2830108. Rosemary in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Jardin’ 22cm x 20cm planter in White, $20.90, I/N: 2833006. Hybrid rhaphiolepis plant in Eden ‘Wavy’ 40cm plastic planter in Sandstone, $38.90, I/N: 0118222. Olive tree in Tuscan Path 52cm studded glazed pot in White, $89.20, I/N: 2800979. Throw and cushion, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. All plants sold separately.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. } bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Outdoor screen The screen at the far end of the deck creates another ‘wall’ to the outdoor room, allowing for light and airflow while adding privacy from neighbours. Natasha repurposed hardwood slats from another part of her home renovation, with a slatted base mounted on castors to move it around as needed.

How to make it

To DIY a similar one, make two screens from pre-primed pink weatherproof 42mm x 18mm treated pine, supported at the back with 600mm x 300mm galvanised stay brackets. Finish with three coats of exterior paint, ensuring the ends are well coated. Tip: Always use galvanised or stainless steel fasteners for outdoor structures to prevent corrosion.

Deck details The fascia that runs around the deck and step has been painted the same shade as the walls and gives a neat finishing touch.

Base level Circular concrete pavers provide the requisite firm base for the modular deck’s adjustable supports.

These are finished with a natural-look sealer. bunnings.com.au |

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bunnings

The shape of these pavers lends a quirky edge to the new deck

17

Dream it Cosy corner

Create a comfy spot that’s just right for time out with a book Hybrid rhaphiolepis plant in Eden ‘Wavy’ 40cm plastic planter in Sandstone, $38.90, I/N: 0118222 (plant sold separately). Marquee ‘Bayfield’ wicker sun chair, $129, I/N: 0177369. Waxworks citronella bucket candle, $12.98, I/N: 3340370. Decofire ‘Prairie’ 450mm x 530mm x 450mm log basket in Grey Wash, $59.95, I/N: 3171601. Brilliant ‘Coolum’ 240V up down light in Black, $59.90, I/N: 4320806, with Arlec 6W 420lm RGB+CCT GU10 smart globe with Grid Connect in White, $19.90, I/N: 0148683.

Cushions and throw, Adairs. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆

Using a light-coloured stain, like this Cabot’s Beach House Grey, ensures the woodgrain is still visible for a warm, timber finish while providing maximum coverage

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

19

Dream it Timber treatment

Painted love

Give a new deck a chic, on-trend look with a tinted finish that still allows the beautiful grain to shine

A

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts.

Instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins.

low-level timber deck was the answer to creating an outdoor room over the existing pavers of this backyard. Using a modular system meant it could be installed over a weekend and the adjustable feet allow for inconsistencies in the ground level. Made from treated pine, these decking panels are relatively lightweight to work with and can be stained any colour. Here, a water-based stain was used – it leaves a semi-opaque finish. }

Mimosa ‘Malibu’ 1 seater lounge, $249, I/N: 0177346. Bayliss ‘Hampton’ 225cm x 155cm sisal border rug in Natural, $199, I/N: 6670579. (Bring rug in out of the weather when not in use.) Rosemary in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Jardin’ 22cm x 20cm planter in White, $20.90, I/N: 2833006 (plant sold separately). Deck built using Good Times 1116mm x 1116mm x 90mm x 45mm frame modules flat pack, $77 each, I/N: 8451187, and 1113mm x 555mm treated pine modular decking panels, $81 each, I/N: 8451230. Deck painted in Cabot’s ‘Deck & Exterior’ water based timber stain in Beach House Grey, $103/4L, I/N: 1520191. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

20

Dream it

Tip For 30 modular decking squares (just over 30 square metres) you’ll need at least four litres of timber prep solution and four litres of stain for each coat

E

ssential exposure Any new timber that will be subject to the elements must be sealed to protect it from deteriorating, but first it should be exposed to the weather for at least a month to leech out the natural tannins, pigments and oils. If these aren’t removed, the quality of the finish can be compromised. An alternative that’s quicker is to treat the timber with a prepping product designed to activate with water, followed by a deck cleaner to do what the weathering does in a couple of hours.

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Wet the deck using a hose, sweeping away pools of water with a stiff-bristled broom. Pour the prep solution into a bucket to brush it liberally over the boards, applying a thick coat and leaving it for 15 minutes. Tip: Work backwards, standing on the un-prepped decking to avoid slipping.

DIY toolkit

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment  (eye protection and non-slip shoes) Hose with adjustable  nozzle  Stiff-bristled broom  Buckets Timber prep product  Deck cleaning solution   Painter’s tape Deck sealer or stain   Paint stirrer Medium-width  paintbrush Lambswool applicator  with extension pole

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In a bucket, mix one part cleaning solution with four parts water and scrub it thoroughly over the damp decking with the stiff-bristled broom. Leave the solution for 20 minutes, keeping the deck damp by misting over any patches that begin to dry out.

Note: Water activates the solution to remove the tannins.

Wearing non-slip shoes, systematically scrub the solution into the boards, then rinse off thoroughly with a hose.

Tip: Use the hose to mist over the deck to keep it damp throughout the preparation and cleaning process, wetting the boards again before applying the cleaner.

Hose off the solution until the soda-like bubbles have dispersed, directing the wash away from structures or plants, then brush off excess water and leave to dry completely. Sweep the deck with a dry broom to remove any residual dirt. Tip: After cleaning, treated pine will look lighter and more even in colour.

7 8

1 Good Times 1113mm x 555mm treated pine modular decking panel, $81 each, I/N: 8451230. 2 Holman multi function spray gun with thumb control, $24, I/N: 3111081. 3 UNi-PRO 230mm lambswool applicator with extension pole, $16.36, I/N: 1670779. 4 Oates ‘Workshop’ medium stiff poly broom head, $28, I/N: 0064610.

5 Cabot’s ‘Deck Clean’ exterior timber cleaner, $42.90/4L, I/N: 1521477. 6 Cabot’s ‘Deck & Exterior’ water based timber stain in Beach House Grey, $103/4L, I/N: 1520191.

7 Gardena ‘HighFlex’ 13mm x 30m fitted garden hose, $92.90, I/N: 3120802. 8 Cabot’s New Timber Prep, $56.90/4L, I/N: 1520593. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings

Mask around posts, steps and along walls with tape. Stir the stain to disperse pigments for an even colour and pour into a bucket.

Paint stain around the edges of the deck and seal the exposed ends of the boards with a brush. Tip: For access to the decking end-grain, paint the fascia separately and attach it after sealing the deck.

Apply the stain with a lambswool applicator, working quickly along three boards at a time, using a sweeping motion and working backwards to avoid walking on the wet stain. Leave to dry for two hours, then repeat to apply a second and third coat.

Leave the deck to dry for a day before walking on it. ◆

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Cabot’s Aquadeck in Merbau refreshed this merbau timber deck

QUESTION TIME

Like new again

The Cabot’s Project Assistant can answer your questions about restoring your deck. Scan the QR code for instant advice.

A new coat of oil or stain instantly restores your deck, but how often should you do it? Cabot’s has the answers

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freshly finished timber deck is a thing of beauty. Ideally done regularly to keep it in good shape, a new coat of oil or stain costs little effort, while rewarding you with a seriously good looking deck.

Once a year is a good rule of thumb, but how do you really know when it’s time to give your deck some love?

AGEING DISGRACEFULLY Greying, cracked and craggy – you don’t love signs of ageing on your face and neither should you put up with it on your deck. Cracking, splitting, greying and splintering are all signs you need to refinish your deck, fast. But you don’t need to wait until it’s looking shabby before giving it TLC. Keep an eye out and note any colour fade of the coating. A water bead test is also a good way to know what’s going on with your timber; sprinkle droplets of water on the timber and if the water beads on the surface, the existing finish is still going strong.

But if the water soaks straight in, your deck is unprotected from the elements and you need to refinish it pronto.

Remember to check your deck every 12 months. Maintaining a great looking deck is much easier if you recoat before the finish completely degrades.

OLD MEETS NEW It would be nice if your deck finish wore evenly, but the reality is, you’re likely to have patchy wear, where some parts of your deck are more exposed to UV and rain. The good news is, it’s a simple matter to get it back to looking uniformly gorgeous.

Simply scrub the whole deck with Cabot’s Deck Clean to get rid of any dirt and prep the surface for your finish.

Apply two coats of oil or stain to the damaged parts, then when it’s fully

dry, apply one coat across the whole deck to even out the colour.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH Uneven ageing can be a problem with a new deck too. Traditionally, new timber needs to weather before it can be coated, meaning it needs to be left exposed to the elements until the tannins and oils have been drawn out. This takes four to six weeks, but it can be hard to know exactly when it’s weathered enough, and more exposed parts will inevitably weather faster than others. Eliminate the waiting and the guesswork with Cabot’s New Timber Prep. This product lets you skip the wait and ensures evenly weathered timber and a beautifully oiled or stained deck, with no patchy bits.

1 Cabot’s ‘Aquadeck’ exterior decking oil ready bucket in Merbau, $89/5L, I/N: 0229568. 2 Cabot’s Deck & Exterior water-based timber stain in Beach House Grey, $103/4L, I/N: 1520191. 3 Cabot’s New Timber Prep, $34.90/2L, I/N: 1520592. 4 Cabot’s Deck Clean, $15.90/1L, I/N: 1521451.

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Before

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Dream it Budget kitchen renovation

Beach break Just a weekend of work has given this kitchen a fresh slice of coastal style

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Words and styling Pip Miller. Photography Brian Cassey.

TAMMY homeowner

The honey tones of Tasmanian oak dowel and bamboo lend an organic softness to the white cabinetry. See page 25 for product details

o sooner had the removalist van pulled out from the driveway of her new, north Queensland home, than Tammy started hatching plans to reimagine the dark brown kitchen. “In its original state, the kitchen was dated and just sucked all the energy from the room,” she says.

Yet, with a busy career and home life – Tammy is mum to eight-year-old Sophia – her renovation dreams were put on the backburner, until the pandemic suddenly provided both the time and opportunity to make them a reality.

Calling on the expertise of her father, a retired tiler and enthusiastic handyman, Tammy launched into a whirlwind kitchen makeover. “I am fortunate to have Dad who is very particular about workmanship and has always loved working with timber,” she says. “When I asked him if he could do what I had in mind, he said ‘Yes’ without a second’s hesitation. And I can’t forget Mum, who also turned up to help, making all the coffees and meals while we worked!”

Tammy approached the reno with both resourcefulness and a focus on sustainability. She retained the primary elements of the kitchen, such as the layout, cabinetry and appliances, and concentrated on cosmetic changes with paint and lighting. “If COVID has taught us anything, it’s going back to basics,” she says. “You really do get more value and there is a feeling of satisfaction from using what you already have.” 

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Dream it

Taubmans Miss Universe

Just add texture While white paint filled the kitchen with light, the timber dowel feature wall on the island bench gave the room warmth and texture, and captured the beachy look Tammy loves. Inspired by the kitchen in the Bunnings video series, Make It Yours, Tammy and her father set about transforming the front of the island bench with Tasmanian oak half round dowel, cut to size. “I am so lucky that Dad could manage this process and the result is just gorgeous,� says Tammy.

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Refinished island bench

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Pop of white The brown laminate disappeared under new white paint. The key to the success of the project, says Tammy, was a painstaking approach to preparation. “This was by far the most important and labour-intensive part of the entire process,” she recalls.

“Fortunately, Dad has lots of experience and knew that for the effect I was looking for, we had to take time and do the extra steps. What can I say, he’s a perfectionist!

“In short, you have to clean the surface really well before sandpapering, priming and then sandpapering again,” she explains. “I am just so happy with the results and glad we took the time to prepare well.” Tammy used White Knight tile and laminate primer and paint, tinted to a Taubmans colour called Miss Universe.

The cupboard above the stove, which was in a different timber-look laminate, was left as is to create a pleasing contrast.

Rattan pendants

“You want to feel happy when you walk into your home, and that is exactly how I feel”

Paint colours may vary on application. • Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Tammy homeowner

Original benchtop

More in store Though perfectly functional as it was, you can never have too much storage – and the repainted cabinetry was much easier to match with an off-the-shelf cupboard! A new Kaboodle pantry provides extra shelf space, as well as a greater sense of balance and symmetry to the kitchen’s configuration.

Lighten up The rule of three is a fail-safe styling tip, as shown by a trio of bamboo pendants; Tammy enlisted the help of a sparkie to replace the original plain oyster ones.

Eye-catching and affordable, the pendants add subtle texture while casting interesting shadows for a little night-time drama. ◆

Read it!

Find out how to create your own dowel feature: bunnings.com.au/diy-dowel-feature Above and opposite: Kaboodle Kitchen 600mm pantry cabinet, $284, I/N: 2662279, and 600mm ‘Modern’ profile pantry door in Gloss White, $162, I/N: 2664909. White cabinets painted with White Knight ‘Renew’ tile & laminate primer, $55.50/1L, I/N: 0197362, and satin tile & laminate paint in White, $57/1L, I/N: 0197788, tinted to Taubmans Miss Universe. Kitchen island clad in Porta 2.4m x 30mm x 12mm Tasmanian oak half round dowel moulding, $18 each, I/N: 0084210•. Tea towels, cookbooks, boards, canisters, tableware and bar stools, Kmart, kmart.com.au. Espresso maker, Robins Kitchen, robinskitchen.com.au. Flowers, Botanic Republic, botanicrepublic.com.au. Kokedamas and water plant, The String Garden, thestringgarden.com.au.

All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Dream it

Awash with charm

Practical makeover

Savvy interior stylist Katy Thomas embraced the challenge to transform her laundry into a stylish, functional space on a tight budget Laundry upgrade cost

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Words Kylie Jackes. Photography & styling Katy Thomas. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. •Timbers and wall linings vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

hen interior stylist Katy Thomas and her husband Hugh bought their home on the Victorian south coast, they were keen to put their own stamp on KATY THOMAS it. Having changed all the flooring @katythomasstudio and given the walls a fresh coat of white, Katy planned to continue their soft coastal look into the laundry. “It had no bench space, no practical storage and the open wire shelves were a mess.

I’d just shut the door and didn’t want to go in there,” she recalls.

Katy tracked down a budget-friendly combination of materials to create the look she was after. “I started researching products at Bunnings, created a wish list online and everything I wanted came in under $1,300,” she explains. Key features included a timber benchtop and open shelves, flatpack cabinetry, a panel splashback and black hardware, against a serene backdrop of white and grey.

Apart from enlisting a plumber and electrician, Katy and Hugh completed the makeover themselves in a week and a half, diligently painting and putting together cabinetry, often after their three young daughters had gone to bed. 

“White paint can completely transform a space and it’s a great place to start when renovating” Katy Thomas interior stylist

Approx

$1,300

Shelf life

110mm x 32mm x 2.4mm Tasmanian oak DAR timber, $90, I/N: 0073153•

Before

Bedford 900mm 2 door high moisture resistant wall cabinet in White, $118, I/N: 0028636, and 884mm x 604mm x 604mm 2 door high moisture resistant base cabinet in White, $163, I/N: 2666631.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Dream it

Mondella ‘Resonance’ single bowl round stainless steel sink, $117, I/N: 5090441, and pin lever bath set in Matte Black, $106, I/N: 5004184. Lane 45mm round timber knobs in Black, $5 each, I/N: 0135456, and 76mm round timber knobs in Black, $8.70 each, I/N: 0135457

Style tip Interior wall linings can work well in a laundry, but make sure you choose waterproof linings for heavy-duty wet areas

Textural timber Rather than pick a custom-made benchtop to go above the washer and dryer, Katy browsed the timber section and picked out a Tasmanian oak panel. “It was a bargain at $79,” says Katy, who enlisted Hugh to cut a hole in one end to fit a Mondella sink. To ensure it stood up to the rigours of a wet

“I could visualise the beautiful end result I wanted, so I worked backwards researching all the elements I’d need to achieve the look” Katy Thomas interior stylist

area, the bench was sealed with a clear matt varnish (try Feast Watson ‘Satin Clear’ weatherproof varnish). In keeping with the natural and textural look, Tasmanian oak DAR timber forms open shelving.

Serene palette The palette features Tasmanian oak for warmth and character, with paint in white and grey. “The first step was painting the walls in Dulux Vivid White,” Katy says. For contrast, the panels on the splashback were painted in Dulux Aquanamel in Highgate. “It is subtle, but breaks up the wall beautifully and looks great against the timber.” ◆

Washday wish list 3

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4 5 6

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1 Bedford 1200mm x 597mm x 82mm high moisture resistant airer cabinet in White, $154, I/N: 0067677. 2 Mondella ‘Resonance’ 5-star 6L/min pin side lever sink mixer in Matte Black, $144, I/N: 0134810. 3 Easycraft ‘EasyVJ’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 9mm primed wet area panel, $150, I/N: 0166124†. 4 Mondella ‘Rococo’ single bowl sink in Black, $428, I/N: 0165963. 5 Hafele 60mm x 28mm cabinet knob in Matt Black, $9, I/N: 0165770. 6 110mm x 19mm x 1.8m dressed all round DAR select grade Tasmanian oak, $26, I/N: 0070358•. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Paint colours may vary on application. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Katy is thrilled with the result and says she has never enjoyed doing laundry more.

“It’s a calm space and incredibly functional,” she reflects. “Because we did it ourselves, it was extremely satisfying.”

Bespoke flatpack Bedford flatpack cabinets were a quick, affordable storage solution that hid all the clutter from the open shelves behind closed doors. Each of the cabinet doors came with two pre-drilled holes and chrome handles, but Katy personalised the doors with statement 76mm black timber knobs, teamed with smaller 45mm versions for a striking feature, which complements the Mondella lever tap set, also in black.

Plantation Shutters

25 Stan da

ustom M ad +C D SIZES

izes eS

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DHYT ROEFA REIG AR STAND

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For the inside.....

Add a touch of luxury inside your home with EasyAS Adjustable DIY Plantation Shutters.

Choose from standard or custom sizes that are stylish, quick and easy to install.

25 Standard Sizes (Ready to Freight) Custom Sizes Available (See the Special Orders Desk)

easy-as.com.au

or the outdoors.....

EasyAS Aluminium Shutters are the perfect product to enclose any outdoor space. EasyAS Aluminium Shutters are manufactured in Australia and are available in a range of colours to match any decor. Available through the Special Orders Desk. facebook.com/easyas.shutters @easyas.shutters

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Plan it Growing native plants

legends

Use hardy natives to create a garden that not only survives but thrives

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Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Alamy Stock Photo; (opposite, left) Alamy Stock Photo; (right) Gap Photos/Brent Wilson.

Local

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ustralian native plants are well adapted to our varied and sometimes challenging climate, so it makes sense to use them in our gardens, right? They’re reliable, tough and relatively easygoing, but sadly, they’re frequently undervalued. “Native plants are often underestimated for their variety of foliage, flowers, landscaping appeal and drought tolerance,” says garden designer and horticulturist Narelle Happ of A Garden for Life (agardenforlife.com.au).

They’re also surprisingly well suited to different garden styles.

A mature native grass tree (Xanthorrhoea) placed front and centre makes a hardy feature for your garden

Native plants can provide an explosion of colours, even in small areas

Design with flair Your garden will have more structure and impact if you are careful with your plant choices and their placement. “When planting natives, they look best when spread throughout the garden – not in a formal way, but to lead the eye around the garden,” says Narelle.

“This can be achieved by focusing on a particular plant aspect, such as flowers or foliage, and repeating it throughout the garden.” Try planting strappy-leaf lomandra around a native grass tree (Xanthorrhoea glauca) to help highlight and soften its sculptural form, along gravel pathways or to add height and drama to rockeries and garden beds. Layering plants also helps add visual intrigue.

“Seek out and choose plants that flower at different times of the year; this ensures we are providing food year-round for our fauna” Narelle Happ horticulturist

“Garden beds should be at least 1.2m deep to ensure this is possible – curved beds work well and make your garden look bigger too,” says Narelle.

When grouping plants, consider their colour, texture, habit and size, and use them to either complement or contrast. Try drifts of lowgrowing blue fescue grass (Festuca glauca) to provide contrast in a sea of tussock grasses and creeping groundcovers, or clip westringia into

topiary balls and dot them around a flowering gum.

Colour chameleon There is a huge assortment of native flowers, all with diverse forms, colours and scents that attract birds, insects and other local wildlife. Everlasting daisies, callistemons, grevilleas, banksias and correas flower for months on end and generally come in warm shades of red, pink, yellow and orange. For cool tones, try scaevolas, native daisies, 

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Plan it

Add organic matter to soil so your natives are better able to cope with weather extremes

dianellas and wahlenbergias.

Foliage can provide fresh interest, too. “The palette of native grey foliage is extremely diverse and it contrasts so beautifully with green foliage,” says Narelle Happ. Highlight your planting scheme with the silvery notes of conostylis, westringia, woolly bush or the silver-leaved mountain gum.

Planting tips Regardless of your soil type, it will always benefit from added organic matter, like compost and pelletised organic fertiliser.

“Healthy soil enables plants to better cope with weather extremes, especially dry periods,” says Narelle Peart of Evergreen Garden Care. At planting time, dig organic matter in well and,

“Whether you’re creating a garden with a particular style in mind, be it tropical, formal, cottage or a certain colour scheme, there are native plants to suit” Narelle Happ horticulturalist

Spearwood (Kunzea ericifolia) is a large rambling native shrub, with small cream flowers in spring

Strike while it’s hot

Propagating plants by taking cuttings is a thrifty way to fill every nook and cranny of your garden with plants. Some cuttings will strike (root) easily, while others won’t at all!

If you’re a keen propagator, Narelle Happ suggests trying grevillea, leptospermum, myoporum, philotheca and melaleucas. “Use a good-quality propagating mix and a cutting gel – this aids with root development,” she explains.

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Take cuttings between 15-20cm long and remove soft new growth from the tip.

Cut below the node (where the leaf attaches to the stem) and remove bottom leaves, ensuring there are at least 2-3 leaves on the cutting.

Gently scrape 1-2cm of bark from the base of the cutting to expose the green cambium.

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Dip the end into a rooting gel or powder and plant up in a pot or trays filled with a propagating mix.

Position in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight. Cover with a plastic lid or bag to maintain humidity and mist regularly to keep the soil moist. It can take between 6-8 weeks to root. Pot up once the roots are 5cm long.

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once the plants are in, spread an organic mulch such as pine bark around the base. Water regularly, especially during hot dry periods. Once established, plants will be able to tolerate extended dry periods, but they will perform better if you are able to water them.

Australian plants have adapted to soil that is naturally phosphorus deficient, explains Narelle Peart. “Use fertiliser that is specifically designed for natives, as it’s low in phosphorus,” she says. Contrary to popular belief, natives aren’t zero-maintenance plants and do benefit from your time and attention. “To keep plants happy, healthy and flowering well, regularly trim after flowering and apply Scotts Osmocote for natives twice a year,” adds Narelle. ◆

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bunnings

1 Yates ‘Clonex Purple’ rooting hormone gel, $11.03/50ml, I/N: 3012537. 2 Scotts Osmocote ‘Seed & Cutting’ premium potting mix, $11.98/25L, I/N: 2961489.

3 Saxon mini green house with seed tray, $9.98, I/N: 2960182. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Top native picks

SANDY SOIL CLAY SOIL

Photography (opposite page) Alamy Stock Photo; (flowering gum, kangaroo paw, lemon scented myrtle, brown boronia, giant candles) Alamy Stock Photo; (fan flower, grevillea, liriope, native violet, pigface, cushion bush, wattle, tea tree, coastal rosemary, bottlebrush, wax flower) Getty Images.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

SHADE

FULL SUN

Enjoy pops of colour throughout your garden with a mix of warm- and cool-coloured natives

Flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia): grafted eucalypts with gorgeous flowers in red, pink, white and orange.

Fan flower (Scaevola aemula): a groundcover with sweet purple, blue or white fan-shaped flowers in summer.

Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.): an iconic plant with flowers in single and bi-colour forms.

Grevillea (Grevillea spp.): available in trees, groundcovers and shrubs, with blooms in various colours.

Liriope (Liriope cvs): strappy-leaved grasses, perfect for spilling over the edge of garden beds or pots.

Native violet (Viola hederacea): dense groundcover with dainty purple and white blooms.

Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora): a medium-sized shrub or tree with white blooms and scented leaves.

Brown boronia (Boronia megastigma): a small shrub with reddish-brown blooms from spring.

Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens): hardy, low-growing and creeping succulent with pink, daisy-like flowers.

Cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii): the silvery-grey stems and leaves of this small shrub grow into a neat, compact mound.

Wattle (Acacia spp.): an ideal feature tree, with golden-yellow blooms hanging from pendulous branches in late winter.

Tea tree (Leptospermum spp.): medium shrubs with an upright or weeping habit, and pink or white blooms in spring.

Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa): bushy shrub with silvergreen foliage and small lilac or white flowers.

Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus): large red flower heads appear in autumn and spring.

Giant candles (Banksia): a very hardy medium shrub with large bronzeorange spikes.

Wax flower (Philotheca myoporoides): provides white star-shaped flowers from late winter.

bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

Joist & bearer protection that’s sticking NO TOOLS around for REQUIRED, Hand tearable, a long time no screws, nails or cutting to come! equipment For a fraction of the cost, add years to the life to your structural build by protecting joists and bearers with Nichigo G-Tape Innovative Pressure-sensitive Tape.

needed

Acrylic Adhesive Flashing Tape Nichigo G-Tape features a patented combination of solvent acrylic adhesive with an advanced backing substrate, making it the premium solution for extending the life of bearers and joists used in outdoor decks and most other building applications.

Nichigo G-Tape sets itself apart from the industry with a patented acrylic adhesive and woven cloth substrate. The acrylic adhesive not only provides high adhesion strength, but is also repositionable without leaving a sticky residue or losing adhesion.

The cloth substrate is woven in a way that means Nichigo G-Tape is straight-line hand tearable every time.

Adds years to the life of your deck substructure Quick and easy to use to add that extra protection to your deck No primer required Easy to detach from itself or substrate being applied to and repositioned NO TOOLS REQUIRED, hand tearable, no screws, nails or cutting equipment needed

The adhesive on Nichigo G-Tape has a negative charge.

Steel nails and screws have a positive charge. The adhesive is attracted to the steel and then seeps into the surface imperfections of the substrate host to make a seal for all round moisture protection after curing in approximately 72 hours.

Can be replaced without leaving any sticky residue prior to curing

Throughout installation, Nichigo G-Tape is easily detached and repositioned. Simply lift the tape, smooth out any wrinkles and flatten back out for a clean application without any loss of adhesion.

Available in 20m rolls in the widths of 50mm & 100mm

cagroup.com.au

The ultimate surface protection, c

Manufactured By: Mitsubishi Chemical Corp - Japan Distributed by CAgroup

35

Plan it Storage solutions

Order in When there’s a designated spot for your stuff, tidying is a breeze

Words Kylie Jackes. Photography TI Media. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Try it

Attach sturdy wire baskets to the wall to use as book shelves

W

ith more time at home – and a little encouragement from Marie Kondo – many of us have indulged in the joy of decluttering. The next step to organisational success is to create functional and stylish ways to store your stuff so it’s tidy and easily accessible. Start here, with our round-up of savvy solutions for every space. }

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

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Plan it

B AT H RO O M

“Effective storage means you will be able to find and access everything, as you need it” Josh Smith Rack It

KITCHEN Stack it To maximise pantry space, decant staples into stackable clear containers in varying sizes, like the ClickClack Pantry Cube containers. For simple labelling with a personal touch, use a paint pen such as Empire liquid paint marker in White or Black to scribe the contents on the front.

Like with like Soft-close pull-out baskets are ideal as they allow you to see and access the entire contents of a shelf, suggests Bonnie Black, founding director of Little Miss Organised (littlemissorganised. com.au). “If they’re not an option, a great alternative is clear pull-out containers on wheels,” she says. “Use them without a lid to corral food containers, lunchboxes and water bottles, and use a smaller size to store lids or separate plastics by type or shape.”

Under-sink stars Utilise the void under the kitchen sink with a rail. Fit an adjustable, self-supporting aluminium rail and use it to hang spray bottles and cleaning cloths.

Behind closed doors Inside the pantry door is prime real estate for small, regularly used items. Use simple stick-on hooks to hang items like measuring spoons. Narrow wire baskets are great for spices and a mounted paper towel holder will help to free up valuable bench space.

Roundabout Delete dead space in awkward corner cabinets by installing a rotating shelf unit, so you can simply swivel and grab what you need. bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

Kaboodle 2 tier blind corner soft close pullout baskets, $537, I/N: 2667707

Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 76cm x 76cm x 39cm 2 x 2 cube unit in Oak, $54, I/N: 0045680, and 370mm x 330mm x 330mm inserts in Urban Canvas, $10.70 each, I/N: 2583440

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Flexi Storage 435mm x 79mm x 70mm small spice shelving basket, $11, I/N: 2580936

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bunnings

Roll up Rolled towels create a resort vibe and take up less space. Keep them handy on shelves, or group them in a decorative woven basket.

For extra hanging space with character, add a vintage timber ladder – or try making one (see opposite).

Vanity fix To organise your vanity, divide and conquer.

Bonnie recommends small tubs or baskets, which can be arranged by use and user.

“Have a ‘daily use’ basket and consider separate baskets for make-up, hair products and pampering.

Colour coding kids’ baskets can also be really helpful,” she adds. For slim drawers, try a cutlery insert tray, where you can separate smaller items and grab your favourite lipstick in a flash.

Mirror upgrade For added functionality, switch to a mirror shaving cabinet, which offers great headheight storage. For an on-trend alternative to a standard cabinet, choose one in a timber veneer or with a curved shape.

1 Empire liquid paint marker in White, $4.98, I/N: 0163237. 2 Kimberley 700mm half shelf plastic lazy Susan, $79.50, I/N: 4520098. 3 HomeLeisure ‘Trend’ paper towel holder, $3.94, I/N: 4561587.

4 All Set 50L storage container with wheels, $6, I/N: 2583730. 5 ClickClack ‘Cube’ pantry containers, $139.95*/set of 10, I/N: 0249098.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered through a MarketLink Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

37

1

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†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

3 1 Cibo Design ‘Circle’ 600mm mirror cabinet in White, $237, I/N: 4844372.

2 Ezy Storage ‘Brickor’ touch basket, $6.79/small, I/N: 2583806. 3 Practa Solutions 6 section bamboo cutlery tray, $33, I/N: 0166763. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Watch it!

Make your own bathroom storage: bunnings.com.au/DIY-towel-ladder

Cibo Design ‘Tonic’ 900mm mirrored cabinet in Coast Veneer, $275, I/N: 0138304, and 900mm vanity in Coast Veneer, $414, I/N: 0138517 (cabinet only)

BEDROOM Toy tubs Encourage kids to put their toys away with a colour-coded tub system. “To help make the system easier, add word or picture labels,” Bonnie says. “To reduce the quantity of toys that need tidying day to day, only keep favourites out and consider rotating items in circulation.”

Space saver Vacuum bags will revolutionise the way you store things, says Jessica Haslem from Flexi Storage. “They’re ideal for seasonal clothes,

bedding and bulky recreational gear, which you simply bag up then use your vacuum cleaner to suck out the air, reducing the contents to a third of the size for storage,” she says. “This frees up valuable cupboard space and the sealed contents are protected from dust and mould, ready for when you need them again.”

Storage as art A coat rack mounted on the wall is a wonderful way to display favourite scarves, jewellery,

hats and bags, or make your own from a beautiful piece of timber with knobs or hooks.

Double duty Add a second hanging rail or expandable hang bar below the original rail in your wardrobe. To streamline outfit selection, store shirts on the top rail and pants and skirts on the lower bar.

Chic shelves “Decorative storage can add interest to a plain wall – it’s a functional spot to keep and display items you love,” says Jessica. }

“Kid tip! If something doesn’t have a home, it will find a home on the floor” Jessica Haslem Flexi Storage

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1 Flexi Storage 760mm x 210mm x 200mm coat shelf with hooks in Oak, $36.75, I/N: 0127441. 2 Neatfreak 61cm-106cm x 5cm x 87cm expandable hang bar, $24.90, I/N: 0098243†.

3 Ezy Storage 60L storage tub in assorted colours, $6.50, I/N: 2583350.

4 Flexi Storage wall cubes in Oak, $26.23/pack of 3, I/N: 0127429.

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bunnings | bunnings.com.au

38

Plan it 1 2

Pinnacle 1140mm x 515mm x 410mm wall mount storage shelf, $64.90, I/N: 2760334

3 4 1 Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 376mm x 335mm x 335mm 2 drawer insert in Oak, $25, I/N: 0079582. 2 Neatfreak 160cm x 53cm over the door accessory organiser in Alloy Grey, $25, I/N: 0098251. 3 Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 146cm x 146cm x 39cm 4 x 4 storage unit in Oak, $165, I/N: 0045679.

4 Pinnacle 900mm x 450mm metal pegboard in Matte Black, $38.50, I/N: 0038055.

ST U DY Wall allure Create vertical storage with a pegboard, suggests Bonnie Black. “Start with a piece of masonite pegboard and spray paint it to match your walls or in a striking feature colour, then be as creative as you like – add S hooks, wire baskets, small shelves and pin images for a mood board feel.” Plastic plant pots (drill a hole in the top for hanging) are also handy for storing pens and craft supplies.

Waste not Upcycle jars into personalised penholders with a coat of paint on the inside of the jar. A group painted in sorbet shades looks great on a kid’s desk and can be embellished with googly eyes, buttons, pipe cleaners and washi tape. If a rustic, organic

look is more your style, wrap the jars in natural twine.

Hanger helper Over-door hooks and hangers make great use of this otherwise underutilised space. The Neatfreak over-door accessory organiser takes this idea to the next level with 25 pockets, perfect for storing tiny tech devices and charging cables. To keep track of what’s where, clip a labelled cardboard tag to each pocket.

Divide it If you’re sharing a home office space, consider dividing the zone with a wall of cube storage. “Fill with your chosen fabric or natural inserts for personalised useable drawer space, or team with doors and shelf dividers to hide papers and stationery,” suggests Jessica Haslem.

GARAGE AND SHED Grow a storage wall To convert an empty wall into storage space, Rack It category manager Josh Smith suggests beginning with a Rack It Wall starter kit, a shelving setup that can be extended or reconfigured to suit your needs as they change.

Suspend Clear clutter off the floor with hooks to hang bulky bikes or skateboards, garden tools and any other potential trip hazards.

Basket case Contain smaller items like kids’ beach toys, shoes, gardening gloves and hand tools in a compact mesh basket unit. “These are perfect for the garage as the mesh baskets provide good airflow and ventilation to ensure the contents don’t

smell or collect moisture,” says Jessica.

Multitasker “For a storage solution that doubles as a fully operational workspace, use a modular shelving set-up like the Rack It 1000KG racks, teamed with PRO storage systems so you can add overhead cabinets, under bench drawers, large 2 door cabinets and 4 drawer units for maximum organisation,” says Josh. ◆

Watch it!

Build your own: bunnings.com.au/ how-to-build-garage-shelves

3

2 1

5 4

6

EXPERT TIP “In the garage or shed, reserve the top storage shelf for large items like tent poles, fishing rods and surfboards, which can be laid flat. This ensures they’re out of the way and won’t get damaged” Josh Smith Rack It bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

bunnings

1 Rack It Pro 910mm x 900mm x 600mm drawer insert in Black, $443, I/N: 0027425. 2 Delta two bike folding rack, $45, I/N: 0086001. 3 Flexi Storage 3 mesh baskets and frame kit in Black, $99, I/N: 0168747. 4 Rack It Wall 940mm x 600mm x 20mm folding workbench, $154, I/N: 0176973. 5 Rack It 1000kg 1940mm x 1830mm x 640mm 3 shelf starter kit in Black, $270, I/N: 2760599.

6 Pinnacle universal tool rack, $7, I/N: 2610008. Some products are not availiable at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography (desk) Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts.

Wire baskets are handy for books and paperwork

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2 Plug in Recharge your devices anywhere, anytime with the RYOBI 18V ONE+ USB power adaptor. This unit clips onto any ONE+ battery, letting you charge your phone, tablet or other electronics on the go. Pair it with your 5.0Ah battery to get up to six full phone charges while you’re sleeping under the stars.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V USB power adapter, $35/ skin only*, I/N: 6210800

3 Cool off Keeping your cool on a hot day – or night – is important for a comfy outdoor experience.

The RYOBI ONE+ hybrid portable fan will give your site up to 16 hours of cool air, plus it has two speed settings, multi-directional head adjustment, and handy hanging options.

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RYOBI ONE+ 18V air inflator and deflator, $109/skin only*, I/N: 6210400

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RYOBI ONE+ 18V LED torch, $35/skin only*, I/N: 6210771

6 Nightlife Late-night card games require a bright, long-lasting light. The RYOBI ONE+ LED area light is a convenient, portable option, providing up to 70 hours of light, along with a handy 1-Amp USB charging port for smart devices.

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41

Update it Revive your home

Finishing touches

For a renovation-free makeover, try these tips to get tired surfaces looking sparkling and bright

B

efore embarking on a remodel of walls, floors, benchtops and other surfaces, it might pay to first gather your cleaning gear and muster up some elbow grease. By following our tips to tackling your finishes, you just might get them looking as good as new.

Gilly’s ‘Leather Care’ beeswax conditioner, $25.99/200ml, I/N: 0149310†

Words Caroline Botting. Photography Larnie Nicolson, styling Sam van Kan. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories.

For hire: Britex carpet cleaner, $47/48 hours, I/N: 5450006‡

Vileda ‘Flip Flat’ microfibre mop, $27, I/N: 0065910

Karcher ‘T 7/1 Classic’ dry vacuum cleaner, $273, I/N: 0027295†

Upholstery love Leather upholstery is at its best when supple and moisturised, says Sara Attanasio of Gilly’s Australia.

“Using a conditioning product about every two to three months helps to prevent cracking and splitting, which can occur over time,” says Sara. “It also keeps a check on mould in humid regions.”

Soft fibres in non leather sofas and armchairs trap dirt, allergens and bacteria. Vacuum these regularly. An annual deep clean will help ensure longevity – use the upholstery attachment with a Britex carpet cleaner, available to rent through the Hire Shop‡.

Faultless floors Particles of dirt can cause premature wear to floors.

But be careful about how you clean them and always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines. Run a vacuum over floors at least once a week, and for laminate and wood, use a damp (not wet) microfibre mop – don’t use abrasives. Deep clean carpets and rugs every six to 12 months, at least.

Mr Clean eraser pad block, $2.99/ large, I/N: 0066425 Selleys ‘Sugar Soap’ super concentrate wall surface cleaner, $5.75/1L, I/N: 1230181

Pristine paint Stains and scuff marks on walls and skirtings can really make a space look tired. Try wiping the marks off with a damp cloth and an appropriate cleaner – sugar soap works well – but don’t scrub at it unless you’ve used a washable paint that allows this treatment. }

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

42

Update it Use a tile grout cleaner or whitening product to keep your bathroom looking fresh

Wondrous woodwork Polishing wood furniture and benchtops with waxes and oils will help bring them back to life.

“For bigger nicks on furniture, or even wooden floors, wax filler sticks can help hide blemishes,” says Sara Attanasio. The sticks mould into timber gaps and can be scraped back to create a flush finish. Once hardened, these can be sanded and finished with oil, wax or varnish.

Gilly’s beeswax filler sticks in assorted colours, $27.99/pack of 6, I/N: 0149347†

Grimy grout Being porous, grout is great at picking up dust, dirt, oil and stains, and grubby grout really ages a bathroom or kitchen.

Keeping it clean goes a long way towards keeping your tiled spaces looking sharp. “A baking soda paste left to sit for 5-10 minutes, and scrubbed with a grout brush in sections, will help clean these areas,” says Elise Warner, marketing manager at Oates. But there will be times when a specialised grout cleaning product is needed for stubborn stains and mould.

A periodic deep clean is also advisable, says Sarah Scammell, brand manager at Britex Carpet Care, which has deep cleaners with a grout and tile wand. “A clean with hot water extraction will help to scrub away built-up grime from grout and tiles that regular weekly mopping will not reach,” says Sarah.

Oates long handle grout brush, $10.99, I/N: 4480730

For hire: Britex grout & tile deep cleaner, $38.60/24 hours, I/N: 0086844‡

Selleys ‘3 in 1’ grout stain whitener, $13.49/280g, I/N: 4460456

bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

Dunlop ‘Tile & Grout’ cleaner, $18.85/1L, I/N: 6650275

Glitz Green ‘Cleaning Bi-Carb’ multipurpose cleaner, $7.50, I/N: 4460481

bunnings

CLR calcium limescale rust remover, $18.40/1L, I/N: 4460670

Better Living ‘Crystal Clear’ shower squeegee in Chrome, $22, I/N: 4823180

De-scum the shower Clean cloudy shower screens after a hot shower. “The heat and steam from the shower will soften soap scum and make it easier to clean,” says Draga Sarcevic, marketing manager at Vileda. Hard water deposits can be removed with patience: on tiled surfaces try an abrasive cleaner, an eraser pad or a (gently!) wielded scraper blade.

CLR Calcium, Limescale, Rust Remover will help tackle rust stains on baths and toilets, and works off calcium and lime deposits on taps and showers.

Photography (left, top left) Anna Robinson; (opposite, top) Sue Stubbs, styling Jess Bellef; (bottom) Getty Images. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. ‡Not all services are available in all states and territories.

Run a squeegee over glass screens after every shower to prevent soap scum build-up

NEW

For a similar worktop, try Think Benchtops ‘Alpine’ solid 38mm custom made benchtop, $720/sqm, I/N: 2660678†

GROUND SCREWS BUILD TODAY No Concrete Required

Extra care for benchtops Engineered stone is a hard-working surface and you need to give it some love to keep it looking its best. Wipe it daily with warm water and a soft detergent, but avoid harsh abrasives, scourers, bleach and acidic cleaners as these can strip the sealer and etch the stone. Some food Hillmark ‘Stone Kleen and drinks, like red wine, turmeric, food & Protect’ marble colouring and strawberries, can stain, granite 3 in 1 cleaner, so address spills quickly. It’s best to $7.20/375ml, I/N: 4460274 use stone-safe cleaning products on engineered stone. For all surfaces, including solid surface benchtops, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when cleaning so as not Avanti ‘Hobnail’ 13cm cast iron trivet in Black, to void your warranty.

Oakwood ‘Granite & Stone’ benchtop cleaner daily wipes, $6.99/pack of 50, I/N: 0190514 This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered through a Bunnings MarketLink Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

$8.95*, I/N: 0156220

Regular use of stainless steel cleaners will help keep the kitchen pristine

Bring back sparkle Grubby finger marks or stubborn water stains on stainless steel or glass? Both these surfaces can be kept clean and streak-free by wiping with microfibre cloths – these are designed to catch dirt efficiently, says Elise. “When used with water, all of these fibres loosen and physically pick up dirt.”

For scum-caked stainless steel, such as the splashback above a well-used stove, try a suitable cream cleaner that will gently abrade away the stains. ◆

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

SETUP IN

3

EASY STEPS

Insert Ground Screw

Vileda ‘Colours’ microfibre cloths, $12/pack of 8, I/N: 0065913

Insert timber beam

Fits 90mm post

Hillmark ‘Steel Power’ stainless steel cleaner, $9/250ml, I/N: 4474324

Gumption multi-purpose cleanser paste, $7.25/ 750g, I/N: 0175668

Fix beam to U-Bracket

ADVERTISING FEATURE

For hire: Britex Carpet Cleaner, $38.60/24 hours, I/N: 5450012.

For purchase: Britex Carpet Cleaner, $1500, I/N: 4610139

Hire the Britex cleaner with an upholstery wand for an extra $5 (I/N: 0045321)

Britex Grout & Tile Cleaner, $12.77/1L, I/N: 0086842

Floor show

Just remember, when using the cleaning machine for carpet and upholstery, Britex De-foamer is recommended so the dirty water tank doesn’t sud up and overflow.

Bring your flooring and upholstery up to a new standard of clean, with a DIY deep clean from Britex

D

eep cleaning carpets, upholstery and tiling can eliminate stains, nix bacteria and allergens and extend the life of your carpet, but it might have once been considered a cleaning task just for the professionals.

Thanks to Britex, deep cleaning is a job anyone can master. Trust in your cleaning capabilities – and save some serious cash – by hiring a Britex cleaner.

WHERE TO START

Whether it’s carpet, tiles or upholstery, each surface has an appropriate cleaning wand that attaches to a powerful Britex Deep Cleaner. Handily, Bunnings offers combined wand hire packages, and there’s no need to rush the job – machines can be hired over a 24 or 48 hour period.

Stain spray, followed by a once-over with the carpet wand. Britex Odour Blaster will help tackle unpleasant aromas, and if a furry friend has left a particularly icky stain, turn to Britex Urine Remover. Sofas, dining chairs, car seats and outdoor furnishings can be cleaned and brightened with Britex Upholstery Cleaner. If grimy and stained grout is your issue, you can tackle tiles, inside and out, with Britex Grout & Tile Cleaner solution, plus the Britex Grout & Tile Brush, which attaches to the Britex deep cleaning machine.

LET THE CLEANING BEGIN Now you have all the tools at hand, simply set up and get started. For guidance, follow the steps on the Britex brochure from the Hire Shop or watch the helpful how-to videos on the Bunnings website.

Once you’re done, empty the machine of water, give it a wipe down with a cloth and soapy water, pack it up and return it to the store. Voila! Now you can kick back, relax and enjoy your sparkling clean floors and furniture.

CORRECT CLEANERS

Make sure you choose the right cleaner for the task. Carpets and rugs require a cleaning product that can reach deep down and lift dirt particles.

Prepare for the job with Britex Deep Cleaning Carpet Cleaner solution (one litre is recommended for three average size rooms). Need to deal with a nasty coffee, crayon or red wine stain? Zap it with the Britex Spot ‘n’

1 For hire: Britex Grout & Tile Deep Cleaner, $38.60/24 hours, I/N: 0086844 2 Britex Deep Cleaning Carpet Cleaner, $12.77/1L, I/N: 4500038 3 Britex Spot ‘n’ Stain, $8.95/500ml, I/N: 4500003 4 Britex Urine Remover, $14.95/500ml, I/N: 4500005 5 Britex Odour Blaster, $14.95/500ml, I/N: 4500006 6 Britex De-foamer, $7.95/500ml, I/N: 4500004 7 Britex Upholstery Cleaner, $9.95/500ml, I/N: 4500002

45

Update it Heat protection

Take shelter Turn the temperature down in your home and garden with our pick of shade solutions

D

on’t suffer yet another sweaty summer; now’s the time to create beautifully cool spaces inside and out. Prioritise comfort with our tips on harnessing shade at home.

1

Natural shade For deep, cooling cover, there’s a variety of trees and bushes available that together can drop your garden’s air temperature by up to 30 per cent*. The denser the canopy, the deeper the shade.

Deciduous trees are fantastic, as they will screen summer sun and let in winter light. However, be careful not to choose a tree that will grow too big, has invasive roots or will drop heavy branches, and don’t plant it too close to the house.

Words Louise Tigchelaar. Photography Larnie Nicolson, styling Sam van Kan. *Source: sunsmart.com.au.

2

A better place Well-designed shade can make your environment feel much cooler than under direct sunlight, and where you position your shade structures will maximise your efforts. Orient gazebos, pergolas and the like towards incoming breezes and ideally make sure the openings are in shadow, perhaps that of a nearby tree. To cool the entire zone, prioritise shading those surfaces that tend to attract heat, such as sand, concrete and brick. 

Lifetime 82.5cm children’s picnic table, $79, I/N: 3240426 and I/N: 3240650. Saxon 580mm kid’s garden leaf rake, $5.50, I/N: 3360658, and shovel, $5.50, I/N: 3360660. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

Update it

5

Great gazebos For permanent (or semi-permanent) shade, build a gazebo from scratch or assemble a kit. Ron Williams, national business manager for Palram, says the Palram gazebo kits feature tough, UV-resistant polycarbonate sheeting, which can provide up to 100 per cent protection against UV. “Our gazebo kits offer bronze ‘Twinwall’ roofing in a series of sizes and designs or, if you are building from scratch, choose from one of our many roofing options,” he says.

“You can do anything you like; the sheeting can look really spectacular through clever design.”

Palram ‘Martinique 5000’ 4.92m x 3.59m x 2.85m aluminium DIY gazebo kit, $3,413, I/N: 0135569†

Windoware ‘Easy Fit’ 3m x 2m awning in Charcoal, $264, I/N: 1262181 (available early February)

Window dressings Awnings provide shade to windows, cooling indoor spaces without blocking air flow or views.

They can be fixed or retractable, stretched fabric (canvas, mesh or vinyl) on a frame, or metal or polycarbonate hoods. Polycarbonate and fabric awnings provide UV protection and shade while maintaining diffused natural light.

Coolaroo ‘Lindeman’ 2.7m wall mount market umbrella in Charcoal, $349, I/N: 0123979

6

Instant shade From a beach style to a permanent wall- or floor-mounted model, umbrellas are a convenient source of shade. Choose a lightweight market umbrella for your patio table or a cantilever model, which can be angled against the sun as it moves throughout the day. To be sun-smart, check the UV protection of the fabric. When properly secured, an umbrella should be able to withstand light winds, however if you want it to last (and to prevent it taking a flying trip), collapse it when you’re not outside or when the weather warrants.

7

Coolaroo ‘Easy Release’ 2.4m x 2.4m outdoor roller blind in Gun Metal, $265, I/N: 0047637

Roll up Shade your home with outdoor roll-up blinds over windows or around outdoor areas. “When placed over external windows, outdoor blinds are a great way to block UV rays and minimise heat entering your home,” says Danny Collins, marketing director of Coolaroo.

Windoware ‘QuikLok’ 3.0m x 1.8m channel guided outdoor blind, $399, I/N: 0164229

4

Palram Feria 3m x 3m x 3m patio kit in White, $1,413, I/N: 0106709†

Protect your veg Harsh sunlight can cause heat stress to plants. Plant or place them in the shade of stronger, taller plants for partial sunlight, or cover with shade cloth – look for a 30-50 per cent UV cover. This will allow in sufficient light, air and water, while protecting delicate plants from the worst of the heat.

Maze 2m net tunnel garden cover, $54, I/N: 3321484†

Pillar ‘Sc303610cg’ 10m x 3.66m 30% shade cloth in Cottage Green, $79, I/N: 0183675

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Coolaroo 3.6m x 3.6m square shade sail in Beech, $125, I/N: 3300345

Sail away For outdoor areas, shade sails are a great option.

Coolaroo shade sails block up to 90 per cent of UV light and are endorsed by Cancer Council Australia. “Made from breathable fabric that allows air to pass through on hot days, our shade sails come in a range of sizes and colours that coordinate with popular exterior colour schemes,” says Danny.

Shade sails are a great solution for both large and small living areas and can be attached to walls, secure posts or structures. ◆ Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

bunnings.com.au |

bunnings |

bunnings

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

3

46

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Clark tanks are known throughout the industry as the manufacturer of superior designed, premium quality products, to suit all domestic & rural applications.

As an Australian owned and operated company, Clark Tanks is committed to providing quality products designed to meet the needs of rural & residential Australia.

We supply stainless steel mesh strainers for their higher quality service life. We only supply Brass Outlets & Ball Valves that are Watermarked so as to comply with all state and territory regulations concerning installation of a water tank and connection of that tank to your home.

(AS:3688-2005 ATS:5200.012-2005)

Our raw material is high quality Australian Made, UV established, & food grade polyethylene.

(AS/NZS:4766), (AS/NZS:4020).

We are certified ISO 9001:2015 & to Australian standard AS:4766 (Certification No:300/1)

Clark Tanks offers delivery services to Queensland, Victoria, NSW and the ACT from manufacturing facilities located in:

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• Dalby, Queensland • Bathurst, New South Wales • Moama/Echuca, Victoria

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49

Fix it Garden irrigation

Water falls

Discover the bright side of wet weather, with our guide to storing rainwater to keep your garden lush

D

o water restrictions mess with your plans for fabulous flowers and a verdant lawn? Solve the problem with a tank. “Harvesting rainwater can be a very effective, safe and renewable way of watering your garden during the dry spells that we inevitably experience,” says Chris Jenks, NSW key account manager at Clark Tanks and National Poly Industries. Which tank you choose will depend on various factors, such as how you intend to install it and what you want to use it for.

Riser watering system

Words Gun Arvidssen. Photography Sue Stubbs. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Size it up Mini tanks not connected to the mains can be installed DIY. Elevate them on compatible stands to make it easy to fill a watering can or supply a gravity-fed drip irrigation system. Council approval is not normally needed for rainwater tanks smaller than 10,000L, but check with your local water authority.

For example, it may not be legal to install a tank over existing pipework, and you may need to install a backflow preventer.

“The biggest mitigating factor when choosing a water tank will be space,” says Chris. “For every square metre of roof space you have, each millimetre of rainfall will put one litre of rainwater in your tank.”  bunnings |

bunnings | bunnings.com.au

50

1

Get connected Max out your available space by linking two or more tanks.

“A level linking kit can be used with any small tanks,” says Aaron Gionis, sales manager at Maze. “The 100L Maze mini tanks and the Garantia range of tanks have an internal thread, so the connection fitting to the tank simply screws into them directly.”

For larger tanks, you will need to assemble your own system. Include an isolating valve for each tank; if one of them springs a leak or gets contaminated, you can take it offline for repairs or cleaning without affecting the rest of your water supply.

2

3

Garantia ‘Classic’ 300L 2 in 1 zinc water tank in Grey, $598, I/N: 0013072 (plants not included)†

“The reality is, you can never be satisfied with enough water storage capacity” Chris Jenks Clark Tanks and National Poly Industries

Maze 100L rainwater mini tanks, $72 each, I/N: 3130198

Maze water tank diverter, $15.54, I/N: 3130252

4

5

1 National Poly Industries 1,000L round squat water tank in Mist Green, from $672, I/N: 4818304†. 2 Maze 300L rainwater mini tank, $149, I/N: 3130780. 3 Clark Tanks 2,000L poly slim water tank in Stormedge Blue, from $977, I/N: 4819456†. 4 Garantia ‘Linus’ 220L 2 in 1 water tank in Zinc Grey, $399, I/N: 0013083†. 5 Garantia 3,000L underground rainwater tank, from $2,595, I/N: 4813385†. See your local store to determine your tank range.

Check your flow for size

Figure out your water consumption to find the tank size you need

1 2

If you are using a hose or sprinkler, open the tap to achieve the same water flow as you normally use.

Time yourself pouring water at this rate into a bucket or watering can for exactly 20 seconds, then shut off the tap.

Measure how much water has flowed into the container during that time, then multiply it by three to find your flow rate. For example, if you have an 8L watering can that’s half full, your flow rate will be 4L x 3, so 12L per minute.

Knowing the flow rate you need will help you choose a suitable tank size. If your irrigation system is connected to a timer that switches on your sprinklers for five minutes a day with a flow rate of 12L per minute, it will take just over a month to go through a full 2000L tank.

Heavy lifting A larger slimline tank with a capacity of 2000-3000L can be situated along the side of your house. Before installing a tank of this size, ensure that the location will be able to bear the weight of the full tank – every 1000L literally weighs a tonne! Your tank supplier will provide you with recommendations for a suitable substrate. A concrete slab, for example, should be strength rated at 25MPa (megapascals), and reinforced with F62 mesh (steel ‘reo’).

TOP TIP For a small installation, a downpipe diverter might be all you need – it has an integrated screen to filter out debris from the gutter, and a built-in overflow that redirects excess water back to the downpipe

3 Maze rainwater tank stands to suit 100L tanks, $19.95 each, I/N: 3130203

bunnings.com.au |

Maze level linking kits, $29.95 each, I/N: 0087291 (links up to 3 tanks)

bunnings |

bunnings

Photography (top) Brigid Arnott; (opposite centre) Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Fix it

6 7

6 ClayTech Pumps ‘DiverTron C6’ submersible rainwater pump, $665, I/N: 4819844†. 7 ClayTech Pumps ‘EcoBoost 3’ rainwater pump, $299, I/N: 5104066. 8 Rain Harvesting 90mm overflow flap

Redirected downpipe

Overflow pipe

51

Safety tip All plumbing and electrical work must be done by a licensed tradie

Slimline water tank Watch this space A water tank needn’t be a dominant feature – highdensity polyethylene tanks can be manufactured to look like terracotta, zinc, stucco or other attractive materials. Decorative tanks are available in a range of shapes and finishes and can store up to a generous 300L. Some include a planting tray on top to help them blend into the garden.

If you’re building a home from scratch or doing major landscaping, you might consider an in-ground tank.

These are essentially invisible and take up no external space, while also preventing the growth of algae as they have zero exposure to sunlight.

Pipe dream To fill a larger tank, or a linked series of tanks, it’s usually best to redirect your downpipe altogether.

Install a first-flush diverter between your gutter outlet and your tank supply pipe to catch the worst of the gunk that washes off your roof when it starts to rain.

You’ll also need an overflow pipe to allow rain to run back into the wastewater system after the tank is full.

8

9

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The most common material for tanks is high-density polyethylene, which is durable and UV-resistant

Under pressure You’ll need a pump to bring tank water up to mains pressure. This will allow you to connect it to your irrigation system. The two main types available are submersible pumps, which are kept inside the tank itself, and external ones. An external pump may tend to be noisier, but is easier to access if you are upgrading your system and need to change connections or fittings.

If using an external pump, hook it up to your tank’s outlet tap with a flexible hose to absorb vibrations. The pump’s output can be connected to your irrigation system in the same way as you would connect an ordinary garden tap. ◆

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valve, $13.90, I/N: 4761094. 9 Rain Harvesting 100mm first flush downpipe diverter kit, $67.37, I/N: 4779883† (clear pipe not included). 10 Maze moisture sensing irrigation kit, $89, I/N: 0087293. 11 Ozito 9 piece tank to pump installation kit, $20.55, I/N: 4819851.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Watch it!

Work out how to use your harvested rainwater: bunnings.com.au/how-to-planan-irrigation-system

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53

Fix it Garden covers

The magic of mulch This protective layer is a gardener’s secret weapon – plus a shortcut to tidier flower beds and vegie patches

Words Jane Wrigglesworth & Tammy Huynh. Photography (top) Gap Photos/Perry Mastrovito, (bottom) iStock.

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ulch is one of the gardener’s most valuable tools and serves many purposes. It blocks weeds from resprouting, keeps roots cool in the heat of summer and provides a clean, organised aesthetic that makes it easier to navigate around your plants.

“Mulch is a bit like a protective blanket,” says horticulturalist Chloe Thomson of @beanthere dugthat, and host of Bunnings podcast Staying Grounded.

“It helps reduce evaporation, suppresses weeds and, as it breaks down, adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil,” she explains.

Inorganic mulches, such as pebbles, play both an aesthetic and a practical role in the garden

When should you mulch?

Mulch at any time but, for best results, apply it at the start of the growing season, preferably when the ground is damp. “In the vegie garden, work the old mulch into the soil and then

replace with fresh organic mulch once you have planted,” says Chloe. In the rest of your garden, organic mulches should be reapplied every year to keep them at a depth of 3-4cm, while inorganic mulches, like pebbles, will only need topping up every few years.

How much do I need?

More mulch is not always better – if applied too thickly, it can prevent rain and irrigation reaching the plant roots. The amount needed varies based on the product, but for bark mulches, aim for around 3-4cm.

“Straw can be slightly thicker – up to 7cm, as it is light and fluffy, and weeds can easily push through thin layers,” says Chloe. Grass clippings and leaf mould can gradually be built up to a 5cm layer – if you have excess, split it with the compost bin. 

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Fix it

Organic mulch Natural materials such as pea straw, sugar cane, pine bark, seed-free grass clippings and leaf mould make great mulches, as they break down and help improve soil structure, according to TV gardening expert and Richgro ambassador Charlie Albone.

“But keep it away from stems and trunks to avoid stem rot – instead, create a moat around newly established plants to help trap water and direct it to the root zone,” he adds.

Leaves These need to be shredded first, or composted.

Inorganic mulch

Tuscan Path 20mm-40mm pebble mix in Natural, $10.98/15kg, I/N: 0046111

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If left whole, they can clump and form impenetrable mats that can suffocate the soil. An easy way to shred leaves is to mow over them. They will then break down over the season, providing nutrients to your garden in the process. The downside: if you live in a windy area, they can blow away.

Wood waste/bark Mulches made from untreated wood waste or bark break down slowly and won’t blow away.

However, woodchips are low in nitrogen, which can cause a temporary deficiency in soil, as the microorganisms that

Stone/gravel This is an aesthetically pleasing option, but better used to create paths through a landscape, over pots or areas where a more designer look is desired.

“It adds nothing to the soil, so you will need to address the lack of organic matter by adding extra compost to the soil,” says Charlie.

bunnings

Mulch under strawberries to help keep them clean

break the chips down are big consumers of nitrogen. An easy fix: add a conditioner, such as blood and bone, to soil before applying wood-based mulch.

Sugar cane mulch This breaks down easily over the year to give your garden the benefit of added nutrients. But high winds can cause it to blow away, so it’s not great for windy areas.

Coolaroo 0.9m x 5m pre-packed weed control mat, $5.49, I/N: 3040596

Imported sugar cane mulch is not available in Western Australia, as it may contain the seeds of prohibited weeds.

Grass clippings An excellent, free source of mulch. They’re also great for boosting and conserving soil moisture.

Pine needles These are good for acid-loving plants and a great mulch for strawberries – of course, you’ll need access to pine trees to source a decent supply for your garden.

Coir mulch A decorative mulch, this is light and quite easy to transport, and also typically contains fertiliser.

Landscape fabric/weedmat Weedmat is a porous material that suppresses weeds. While weeds can sometimes grow through the upper layers of cheaper fabrics, the more expensive products may last up to five years. It’s a little bit unattractive on its own, but can be covered with mulch so it’s less visible.

Photography (top and opposite) Getty Images, (strawberry) iStock.

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Spread mulch over your garden area in an even layer and remember to water it in

CHECKLIST During blackouts Storm season preparation Changing smoke alarms Fire season preparation Outdoor trips & recreation

Ryobi 2400W electric mulching shredder, $329, I/N: 3380970

Ozito ‘Silent’ 2400W garden shredder, $299, I/N: 0055062.

Waste not

If you’re a keen gardener who is often pruning and cleaning up the backyard, why not consider making your own mulch with all the clippings? Mulchers or shredders are fantastic tools to make the most of your garden waste – and it’s much easier than bundling it all into the green bin or putting it aside for council pickup. Plus, it all adds valuable nutrients back to your garden, completing the lovely circle of life! Simply cut, shred, collect and spread. Just make sure you add an organic pelletised fertiliser to your soil prior to application and this will help it break down too. ◆

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with the versatile range of products from Energizer® and EVEREADY®

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©2020 ©20 ©202 © 2020 020 Energi 02 020 Energizer. nergi nnerg ergi er eerg rrgi rg g ze zer. zzer er EEnergizer, neergiz ne nergiz rgizeer, err,r the the Energizer th Eneer erggize g er e Character Char Charac aara rac rac ra acte tter eerr design, d design, g , and cce certain ertain t graphi tain graph graphic aph c designs desi d esiign es ggnns are arrree ttra tradem trade tr trademarks raad rade rrad aade adem de d dem e arks rkkss of of En EEnergizer nner eerrggiz izzer Brands, B ands, Bran Bra n LLC LLLCC aan LL and nnd d re rela related lated late llat at ated aate tte ted ed ssu ed subs subsidiaries. uubs bsssid id diaries aries ri .

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1 Neutrog ‘Whoflungdung’ composted mulch, $21.95, I/N: 0057433. 2 Richgro pine bark mulch, $9.52/40L, I/N: 2980119. 3 Garden Essentials organic sugar cane mulch, $13.88/7sqm, I/N: 2961431 (not available in WA). 4 Hortico water saving mulch, $7.98/30L, I/N: 2960296. 5 Brunnings ‘Feed and Mulch’ mega coir block, $19.10/90L, I/N: 3010083. 6 Tuscan Path 30mm-50mm polished pebbles in Black, $14.98/15kg, I/N: 3460086. 7 Tuscan Path 10mm-25mm polished pebbles in Chestnut, $8.49/1.5kg, I/N: 0014850. 8 Whites ‘Tree Guard’ 500mm felt mulch ring, $6.60, I/N: 3321621. 9 Sherlock 100L poly tray garden wheelbarrow, $125, I/N: 0043703. 10 Saxon 14T garden rake, $14.50, I/N: 3361148.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

© 2020 Energizer. Energizer & Eveready are trademarks of Energizer Brands, LLC and related subsidiaries.

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Make it

Outdoor

Installing an outdoor shower transformed a boring bare exterior wall into a refreshing spa-style retreat

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hower after a swim, hose down the dog or cool off after gardening – an outdoor shower can be a practical addition to any backyard, as DIY guru Natasha Dickins, of Little Red Industries (littleredindustries. com), discovered. Natasha changed a blank wall and unused space in her northern NSW garden into a resort-style alfresco shower.

Words Caroline Botting. Project Natasha Dickins.

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts.

Alfresco shower

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Consider the height of who will be using the outdoor shower before it’s installed!

Shower, for similar try Methven 200mm WELS 3-star 9L/min round overhead shower, $109, I/N: 5003781, with Methven ‘Stilo’ swan neck shower arm in Chrome, $88, I/N: 5001769. 40cm x 40cm x 2cm porcelain pavers in Anthracite, $7.84 each, I/N: 3452416. Whites 3-5mm landscaping stone fine pebbles, $14.98/10kg, I/N: 3452481. Towel, Adairs, adairs.com.au.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Make it!

See

page 58

Design with purpose First, Natasha considered how the shower would be used; this dictated its location, plumbing requirements and design. “Is it for you to use every day as a private shower? In which case you would want it plumbed in hot,” she explains. “Or is it just to wash sand off the kids when they come back from the beach? In which case, position it so you don’t have to trek all through the house to get to it.” Natasha’s shower is located behind the laundry, which meant tapping into the existing plumbing was possible with the help of a certified plumber.

Room with a view Natasha considered the outlook and chose not to fully enclose the shower zone.

“The nice thing about an outdoor shower is being able to look up and see the open sky,” she says. Two decorative Matrix screens are attached to steel posts to ensure privacy, while a natural timber slatted splashback and pebble and paver base give the shower a spa-like feel. The slats are attached to H5 treated pine posts, sealed with an in-ground sealant. Natasha also gave the timber splashback a coat of Bondall Monocel Gold marine varnish.

“I use it for all my exterior timbers,” she says. “If it’s tough enough to keep boat decks UV-resistant and waterproof, then it’s fine for an outdoor shower!”

Need to know

Any plumbing or electrical works  must be done by a licensed tradie.

Your local council may require  outdoor showers to be connected to the sewer and protected by a roof structure. Always check with your local authority and discuss drainage options with your plumber.

When building a shower onto an  existing structure, attach it to the wall studs so it’s well secured. “Don’t attach just onto weatherboards as they could come loose with the weight,” explains Natasha. Be mindful of electrics behind the wall.

Always use fixtures that can  withstand harsh weather conditions, like galvanised or stainless steel nails and screws, and seal any timber fixtures, such as a seat, with a marine-grade coating.

Style on tap After extensive research, Natasha chose a standard chrome shower rose, arm and mixer. “They tend to lose their shine over time, but still function efficiently and were more affordable than specialty outdoor fittings. Every so often, I wipe them down and polish the chrome,” she says.

“We worked our shower so there’s an open wall and roof, to avoid the feel of a public amenity!”

Natasha Dickins DIY specialist

Comfort underfoot The shower base is lined with pavers over pebbles. Natasha’s tip is to lay them after the shower is installed to ensure the best position under the water, and to seal the pavers to stop build-up of moss and weeds and protect the grout. Another option is a well-sealed, slatted timber platform. ◆ bunnings |

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Make it

For your eyes only

A decorative screen

Create instant privacy around an outdoor shower – or anywhere it’s needed – with a DIY screen

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privacy screen is a practical finishing touch for an outdoor shower, but this one is pretty enough to sit anywhere in the garden, as a sculptural element, as well as to protect from prying eyes. Using the Matrix screens with its post kit makes this a simple build, plus it’s light on maintenance – the UV-resistant plastic material won’t rust or deteriorate, and is lightweight but strong.

Tip

Before

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Above: This alfresco zone was great for rinsing off sand after a beach dip, but was rather exposed to the rest of the garden

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Safety gear (gloves, mask  and eye and ear protection) D rill with driver bit 3mm, 5mm and 12mm drill bits  8mm hex head bit  Tape measure and felt-tip pen  N arrow post shovel Level  Wheelbarrow  Measuring jug  G arden hose or watering can Small trowel  Quick-grip clamps  Two decorative screens  M atrix slimline framing kit (or use a C-channel frame kit with 40mm self-drilling screws) Screen installation pack with  screws and brackets Three Matrix 2500mm  galvanised steel posts in Charcoal G ravel or road base Ready-mix concrete (we used  one 20kg bag per post) 2m-long timber offcut 

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Set the screens out on a flat surface to assemble the slimline frames around them. Push the top of the frame against the top of the screen and use a 3mm bit to drill a hole through the centre of the frame and screen, stopping before piercing the front of the frame. Secure with the supplied screw. If using a C-channel kit, follow the maker’s instructions to fit the screen in the frame with the supplied pins.

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Slide on the frame sides, with the ends overlapping the top.

On each, mark the centre, 300mm from the top and 300mm from the base, then use a 5mm bit to drill right through. Remove the sides and use a 12mm bit to drill through the screen holes only to create larger holes for expansion.

Tip: The 12mm holes allow for the screen to expand and contract with temperature changes.

EXPERT TIP The term ‘check for plumb’ means ensuring a post is straight vertically and square to the ground. Position a level down all four sides of these posts – the bubble in the vial should be perfectly centred each time

Your DIY toolkit 4

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1 Matrix ‘Orbit’ 1800mm x 900mm x 7mm screen panel in Off White, $99, I/N: 0227892†. 2 Dingo hi-strength concrete, $12/20kg, I/N: 0760378. 3 Matrix 1815mm x 915mm x 28mm C-channel frame kit in Charcoal, $39.90, I/N: 3041120.

4 Kincrome 8mm hex bit drive socket, $12.95, I/N: 6110893. 5 Whites 3-5mm landscaping stone fine pebbles, $14.98/10kg, I/N: 3452481. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography Cath Muscat. Project, instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

C-channel frame kits now come in a range of colours to add more style to your screen

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Remove the protective film from all parts of the frame before reinstalling the sides.

Position the base overlapping the sides, drill through the centre with a 3mm bit, stopping before piercing the front of the frame.

Secure with the supplied screw.

Tip: Use a felt-tip pen to mark out the holes.

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Brackets are attached to galvanised posts to hold the screen bases. To install them, mark 1780mm from the top of each post.

Position the bracket with the holes over the mark and drill with a 3mm bit. Secure with supplied self-drilling screws. Tip: Position brackets flush with the inside of the posts for each screen, with two for the centre post.

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To sink the posts, dig the first hole with a narrow post shovel to 700mm deep. Dry-fit the post using a level to check for plumb.

Check the centre of the second post, measuring 905mm between the outside of the brackets.

Repeat digging and checking the remaining post holes.

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Position a 2m-long offcut on the ground in front of the holes.

At the filled hole, check for plumb and clamp to the offcut. Repeat mixing, pouring concrete and clamping each post, leaving to cure for at least 24 hours.

Tip: Clamping onto the offcut keeps the posts upright and prevents them from sinking.

Wearing a mask, open a bag of concrete in a wheelbarrow, add two litres of water and use a shovel to mix thoroughly. Add an 80mm layer of gravel to the base of each hole, lightly soak with water, add 20mm of concrete and reinstall the posts. Shovel the concrete around the posts, using a trowel to compact and remove air bubbles.

Position the screens in the brackets, then lift to be flush with the top of the posts and clamp to hold. Drill into the posts through the holes in the frame sides with a 5mm bit, securing the supplied screws using an 8mm hex head bit and avoiding over-tightening. Tip: Lifting the frames off the bottom of the brackets before securing allows space for expansion. â—†

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TLY PLU S TAN NS

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Hip to be square Starting with a simple shape, we’ve thought outside the box to create a series of useful pieces

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box is such a simple structure, but once you’ve nailed this basic shape, it can form the basis of countless projects around the home! We’ve turned boxes into three fantastic and functional objects: a neat little side table, box frames for a wall display, and a useful desk organiser to corral pens and other small items.

The clean lines of this side table suit any decor style Make working from home more organised!

Box frames are an original way to display your stuff

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Make it Three easy projects

NO-DRILL S I D E TA B L E This cute side table tucks in next to a bed or sofa and all you need is basic hand tools to build a designer piece – no drill required! We’ve created it to be a super-simple DIY project as it’s made from just one 1800mm x 405mm panel that can be cut in store, along with the pieces for the feet.

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Remove the clamps to flip the box by nailing through the top and base. Measure 20mm from the sides and 10mm from the edges to secure five evenly spaced nails. Tap the heads below the surface with a round-head centre nail punch.

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In store, have the panel cut to a top, base and shelf, each 300mm wide; the remaining piece cut in half (ensure the sides are exactly equal) and the Tasmanian oak cut in half for two feet. Tip: The sides are slightly less than 450mm, allowing for the width of the blade.

Position the top and base between the sides, applying adhesive along the cut ends, clamping at the front and back.

Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth, leaving to dry.

Tip: Ensure the best sides face outwards, with the base facing up.

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. Project, instructions and steps photography Natasha Dickins. • Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask  and eye and ear protection) Four 450mm quick-action  clamps Hammer  R ound head centre nail punch 300mm combination  square with pencil P hillips head screwdriver 1800mm x 405mm x 19mm  laminated timber panel (we used finger-jointed oak•) 00mm length of 42mm x  7 19mm Tasmanian oak• Timber adhesive  Cloths  0mm x 2mm bright bullet  3 head nails Four white 30mm x 30mm  x 17mm reinforcing brackets G x 13mm white button  8 head screws Timber filler  180-grit abrasive paper  with sanding block Furniture oil 

Turn the box upside down to position the feet along the sides, 10mm from the edge and 30mm from the front. Apply some adhesive and secure with five nails into the base, at least 20mm from the ends to avoid splitting.

To mark out the shelf brackets, on the front of the box, use a combination square to measure 220mm up the sides (from the outside of the base). Position the combination square on the mark to make lines inside. Flip box to finish marking the lines from the back.

Smooth over the nail heads with timber filler, leaving to dry. Sand the box all over with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove excess filler and pencil marks, sanding flat areas along the woodgrain and rounding over all the edges and corners slightly.

On the inside, from the front and back, measure 100mm along the lines to position brackets, securing screws into the sides with a screwdriver. Position shelf, securing brackets underneath with screws.

Tip: Create screw pilot holes by tapping a nail through the brackets.

Wipe over the box with a damp cloth to remove dust. Apply two coats of furniture oil, rubbing it into the timber with a cloth and leaving to dry after each. Tip: We used an easy trigger-pack oil then finished with a cloth. 

PRO TIP To DIY the cuts, use a circular saw with a straight edge, trimming the shelves and the sides if necessary to ensure they’re exactly the same width

Your DIY toolkit 4

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1 SpecRite 1800mm x 405mm x 18mm finger jointed oak panel, $66, I/N: 8330202•. 2 Carinya 30mm x 30mm x 17mm x 1.8mm white round angle bracket, $4.59/pack of 12, I/N: 3962550. 3 Trojan 5mm nail punch, $8.45, I/N: 0014858. 4 Bondall ‘Monocel’ furniture oil trigger pack, $16.60/500ml, I/N: 1520428. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings |

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Make it BOX FRAMES This is one of the simplest and most adaptable ways to make basic box frames – just ensure the four pieces are cut to exactly the same length. For our boxes, we cut four pieces 300mm long, 200mm and 150mm, but you can adjust the sizes to suit.

It should be noted that while gluing and nailing the joints keeps them secure, the frames are best kept under about 350mm square so they don’t become too heavy. Avoid using them to display heavy items – they’re best for stashing lighter bits and pieces.

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On the pine, mark 300mm from the end and use a mitre box with handsaw to cut. Use this piece to mark and cut three more pieces, checking to make sure they’re the same length.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask  and eye and ear protection) Tape measure and pencil  Mitre box with handsaw  150mm combination square  H ammer 1.2m length of 64mm x  19mm DAR pine• (makes a 319mm-square frame) T imber adhesive Painter’s tape  Cloth  30mm x 1.6mm bright bullet  head nails 180-grit abrasive paper with  sanding block Saw-tooth hangers with  supplied nails

Your DIY toolkit

Dry-fit the frame by positioning a side flush against the base, the top flush against the side, the remaining side flush against the top and over the base. Tip: Work on a flat surface to keep the joints straight and accurate.

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Apply adhesive along the endgrains and reassemble the frame.

Wrap tape firmly around the middle, checking the joint angles with a combination square. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth and then set aside to cure.

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Working around the sides, hammer two nails into each joint, 10mm from the ends and sides, then remove the tape.

Tip: Nailing too close to the sides can split and damage the pine.

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1 Zenith ‘SureHook’ 5/25kg brass plated 49 piece wallmate picture hanging starter kit, $23.54, I/N: 3930448.

2 Paslode 30mm x 1.6mm 100g bright steel bullet head nails, $3.98/pack of 190, I/N: 2360368. 3 Empire ‘True Blue’ 150mm combination square, $16.75, I/N: 5660527. 4 Claymark 1.2m x 64mm x 19mm standard grade dressed pine, $6.50, I/N: 8401490•. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings.com.au |

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Use 180-grit abrasive paper with a sanding block to remove any adhesive from inside and outside the frame, rounding over the edges and corners slightly for a professional finish.

On the back of the frame, measure along the top to find the centre. Position a sawtooth hanger, tap in the supplied nails and hang on an installed screw to suit your wall type.

Tip: To support larger frames, position D hooks either side.

• Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

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Using a mitre box with handsaw, cut the Tasmanian oak into two 180mm-long ends, three 200mm lengths as the sides and centre divider, two 78mm-long dividers and two 224mm-long bases, checking the lengths of each item are exactly the same.

To glue up the frame, apply adhesive along the end-grain of the sides and butt the ends against them. Wrap tape firmly around the middle, checking the joint angles with a combination square. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth and leave to dry.

DESK ORGANISER Tasmanian oak is a lovely hardwood, so this simple project creates a useful object that’s also beautiful enough to be displayed on your desktop.

Using 12mm-thick timber helps keep it simple to cut and secure without requiring power tools.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Safety equipment (mask  and eye and ear protection) ape measure and pencil T

Mitre box with handsaw  150mm combination square  Hammer  .4m length of 90mm x  2 12mm Tasmanian oak• Timber adhesive  Painter’s tape  C loths 25mm x 1.25mm bright  bullet head nails 180-grit abrasive paper  with sanding block Furniture oil 

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To assemble the dividers, apply adhesive along the end-grain of the short dividers. Position them on the long divider, 58mm from the ends, checking they’re straight with a combination square. Wipe away excess adhesive. Leave to dry.

Tap two nails through each end, 20mm from the edges, to secure into the sides. Use a combination square to mark up the centre of the dividing pieces on the outside of the frame to secure with nails.

TOOL TIP

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Run some adhesive around the underside of the box, including along the dividers. Position the base pieces, then secure into the dividers and frame with nails.

Wipe away any excess adhesive with a cloth and leave to cure.

PRO TIP When using a mitre box and handsaw, secure the box to your workbench with clamps or screws

Apply adhesive to the end-grain of the divider assembly (the ends of the short and long pieces).

Position it in the box, pushing against the frame and checking that it’s square. Wipe away excess adhesive and leave to cure.

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Smooth all over with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove pencil marks, rounding over the edges and corners for a professional finish. Apply two coats of furniture oil with a cloth, setting aside to dry after each. ◆

To use a hammer, grip the middle of the handle. With your other hand, hold the nail at the top and tap until it stands upright, then move your hand to hold the piece to finish driving in the nail

Your DIY toolkit 1 Porta 90mm x 12mm x 2.4m Tasmanian oak DAR moulding, $43, I/N: 0081513•. 2 Craftright mitre box and saw set, $14.98, I/N: 5710099.

3 Uni-Pro cork sanding block, $3.74, I/N: 1670153. 4 Flexovit 280mm x 230mm 180 grit furniture sanding sheet, $0.75, I/N: 1210462.

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Tip If you’re not using a standard-size car tyre, adjust the measurements so the circles will centre on the top and taper down the sides as a seamless base for the rope

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Make it Tyre transformation

Roped in

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Upcycle a used tyre with on-trend sisal rope to create a stylish and sturdy ottoman

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ld car tyres have long been a favourite for homemade garden swings, but they can have more grown-up uses, too! Here’s how to transform a tired tyre into a chic sisal ottoman. Use it as a side table, low seat or footstool – perfect for poolside lounging (although avoid getting it wet).

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Photography Larnie Nicolson. Project, styling and steps photography Sam van Kan. Instructions Natasha Dickins. •Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

Safety equipment  (mask, eye and ear protection) Tape measure  and pencil Drill with a 4mm,  8mm and driver bit Jigsaw  Random orbital  sander with 120-grit abrasive disc Caulking gun  1220mm x 610mm  x 12mm marine plywood•

0.5m length of 20mm  x 12mm clear pine• (or an offcut of similar size) 20mm timber screws  90mm x 45mm treated  pine cut to four 185mm lengths• Clean standard-size  used car tyre 40mm timber screws  T hree 250g tubes of construction adhesive Approximately 75m  of 10mm sisal rope Masking tape 

Method On the marine plywood, measure 300mm from each end and the sides to mark the centre of two circles, each just over 590mm in diameter. On the length of clear pine, measure 155mm from one end and centre a hole using an 8mm drill bit. From the other end, measure 50mm to centre a hole using a 4mm drill bit.

Use a 20mm screw to secure the pine to a centre mark through the hole closest to the end. Put a pencil through the hole on the opposite side and push the pine to mark out a circle, then repeat on the other end of the panel.

Position the panel on a stable surface to cut the circles with a jigsaw, ensuring there is unobstructed space for cutting underneath, cutting with one hand while pushing down and turning the panel with the other.

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Evenly position the four pieces of treated pine inside the tyre, then centre one of the circle cutouts on top.

Secure the circle cutout to each piece with two 40mm screws. Tip: Drill pilot holes using a 4mm bit before installing the screws.

Flip the assembly over to centre and secure the remaining circle cutout. Round over both circles cutouts using a random orbital sander to smooth off the sharp edges.

Apply adhesive to the end of the sisal rope and the centre of the top circle cutout, securing with three 20mm screws, ensuring they’re flush with the surface, leaving to dry.

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8

Begin coiling the sisal rope over the screws to create a tight coil to neatly cover the circle cutout. Work in sections of five rounds of rope, first applying adhesive in a zigzag pattern, then coiling. Hold each section with masking tape and leave to dry for about five minutes, or until the adhesive becomes tacky and holds the rope.

Work over the circle cutout and down the side of the tyre, flipping the assembly over at halfway to work towards the base. About 10 rows under, cut the rope, apply adhesive to the end and secure with a 20mm screw, leaving to dry thoroughly before use. ◆

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Opposite: Ottoman made using Grunt 10mm twisted sisal rope, $1.50/m, I/N: 4310235. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Plant pick

Dry spell Tough enough to take the heat, these hardy natives are our favourites when water is scarce False sarsaparilla A sprawling native covered with a sea of purple blooms in spring, this can creep up structures up to 2m tall. If left untrained, it will cascade over the sides of retaining walls or grow densely over garden beds. Plant in full sun or part shade and in well-draining soil. Prune back after flowering to keep it tidy.

Weeping lilly pilly This medium shrub or large tree has a beautiful lightly weeping habit.

Its wavy-edged leaves start off pink and turn various shades of green as the foliage matures, and are the perfect backdrop for the fluffy white flowers that appear in summer.

Once established, it can tolerate dry periods and little maintenance.

False sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea)

Weeping lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda)

Hardy once established, but will perform best with an annual dressing of a native controlled-release fertiliser.

Plant in a full sun to part shade position and water regularly at first to encourage fast growth.

Lomandra

Native daisy

Native daisy The sweet daisy-like blooms on this native low-growing shrub are ideal for mass planting in rockeries, hanging baskets or filling in gaps in native or coastal garden beds. It’s an incredibly hardy flowering native and can tolerate periods of drought once established. ◆ FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

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(Lomandra spp.)

Can tolerate full sun or dense shade and, once established, can go through periods of extended drought.

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(Brachyscome multifida)

Soft mauve, lilac-blue or white flowers with yellow centres appear almost all year round and attract bees and butterflies.

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Alamy Stock Photo.

Lomandra With many varieties to choose from, this is one of the toughest native grasses. Its strappy foliage forms a tuft-like habit, which lends itself to a variety of uses, from specimen planting in pots or beds to mass plantings along borders. Honeyscented flower spikes, appearing from late winter, attract birds and wildlife; they can be spiny though, so remove if needed.

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