Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Stain Removers and Smelly Fridges – The French Alternative In our segment Jackie French demonstrated how to make a stain remover for clothing, which works like magic on all kinds of stubborn stains including tomato sauce, soy sauce, chocolate, beetroot, curry...
Starting a Tool Kit Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, put together a basic tool kit for the home handyman. When buying tools, always go for the best quality you can afford. Once you have assembled your basic tool kit, you can supplement when necessary by...
Rita Hill and Scott Cam teamed up to transform a small, ugly balcony into a fabulous entertaining area. The balcony was originally a fire escape and was a tiny, 4 square metres in size. However, lack of space wasn’t the only problem facing Rita and Scott. The...
Backyard Blitz builder, Scott Cam, showed how to build a fabulous cubby house for two little girls, Cassi and Delaney. Once the cubby was completed, Tara Dennis and the girls added some finishing touches. Building the cubby: Materials 1 bag Rapid set concrete 20 x...
Eccentric Art House Artist and teacher, Andrew Hayim De Vries, has completely rebuilt a small, 1920s timber worker’s cottage using what he calls ‘urban rubble’. Andrew purchased the house in 1986, and over a period of 12 years he transformed it into...
Eco Concepts Don visited Eco Concepts in Melbourne, and spoke to Rick Eckersley and Ben Kerr about the latest trends in landscaping materials and how to use them. Innovative products Rick explained that people can easily go to interior design showrooms, but...
Erosion of Pathways Don looked at a classic problem facing many people who have decomposed granite or gravel pathways in their gardens. If the path is built across a slope, run-off from rainwater or even an irrigation system could erode the path and wash it away....
Innovative Pool A state-of-the-art pool is at the heart of Jamie Loft’s design for this contemporary Melbourne home. The owner’s list of requirements included a beautiful outlook from the living areas of the house, an all-weather outdoor entertaining area...
Ladders Backyard Blitz builder, Scott Cam, looked at ladders and how to use them safely. Types of ladders There are three main types of ladders – extension, step and multipurpose. For indoor use, stepladders or multipurpose ladders are usually recommended. For...
Scott Cam reckoned his best mate, Lizzie, deserved a beaut new home, so he knocked together this top doghouse. Lizzie’s kennel design has a number of simple features that make it easy to look after as well as long-lasting. The whole roof can be removed for...