It is important that shelves are hung correctly to reduce the risk of damage to the shelf itself, the wall it is attached to, or to the contents that sit on it. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to erect a shelf securely and safely.
Professional paint brushes can be expensive but deliver a better finish than cheaper alternatives. They require proper cleaning to prolong their life. Follow our expert tips to care for your paint brushes.
Curtains make a house a home. They add colour, texture, privacy, insulation and a personal flourish to a room. If you’re hanging curtains for the first time or replacing an old curtain rail, follow our expert guide to easily achieve a professional result.
Coving is a decorative feature that conceals the edge between a wall and ceiling, to give a room a finished look. Coving comes in various sizes and designs to suit any type of décor. For a professional result with any coving, follow our simple step-by-step guide.
Tiles are the ideal flooring choice for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and high traffic areas like hallways and entranceways. Whether for a new build or a renovation, our easy step-by-step guide will help you lay floor tiles like a pro.
Paint has a transformative effect on a room and is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to revamp your home. Most of us have painted a wall before, but using this expert step-by-step painting guide will help you achieve more professional results.
An easily accessible attic provides valuable extra storage space, especially for seasonal items like Christmas decorations or deck chairs. Please note: this task will require the help of a second person in places.
Hedges protect your garden from harsh wind and weather, as well as providing an attractive visual barrier. Hedges need to be regularly maintained to keep them neat and healthy. Follow our guide to use your hedge trimmer like a professional.
_1350.png "How to Locate Cables, Pipes and Studs")
Before drilling, it is essential to know the whereabouts of cables and pipes, to avoid an accident. It is necessary to also know the location of wall studs so they can support hanging heavy objects. Our guide will help you locate these items.
Step 1
The Old-Fashioned Way
The most basic method is listening for a change in pitch while lightly tapping the wall with a hammer. Tapping the centre of an unsupported plasterboard span gives a very hollow sound. As you continue to tap your hammer across the surface of the plasterboard, the sound will change to a duller, more solid sound, indicating the presence of a stud.
Step 2
Using a Stud-Finder
A stud-finder uses a sensor to locate wires or pipes behind the plasterboard. Place the stud-finder on the wall and press the activating button. Slowly slide it in one direction until the indicator light glows and there is a beeping sound. Most stud-finders will locate pipes and electrical cables as well as timber. There is usually a separate indicator light to indicate the presence of an electrical wire.
Step 3
Locating the Left Edge of the Stud
Using the method above, slowly slide the stud-finder across the wall from left to right. When the indicator light illuminates and the device beeps, place a piece of masking tape on the wall (or mark it with a pencil), this will show the left hand edge of the stud.
Step 4
Locating the Right Edge of the Stud
Repeating the process but sliding the stud-finder from right to left, you will locate the right hand edge of the hidden baton.
Step 5
Confirming Location
To make doubly sure you have correctly located the timber work within the wall, drive a panel pin through the plasterboard. You will feel the resistance of the timber if you have correctly found the stud.
A wooden shed that is properly cared for adds character to a garden. Freshly painted in trendy colours, it can be both stylish and functional. Follow our simple step-by-step guide for an efficient and professional paint job.
_1350.png "How to Hang a Shelf")
_1350.png "How to Clean & Care for Paint Brushes")
_1350.png "How to Install a Curtain Rail")
_1350.png "How to Fit Coving")
_1350.png "How to Lay Floor Tiles")
_1350.png "How to Paint an Interior Wall")
_1350.png "How to Install an Attic Ladder")
_1350.png "How to Use a Hedge Trimmer")
_1350.png "How to Paint a Wooden Shed")
