Screwdrivers Scott Cam, the builder from ‘Backyard Blitz’, looked at different types of screwdrivers and their uses. Two main types Scott explained that there are different kinds and sizes of screwdrivers for different jobs. If you choose the wrong one you...
Home Among The Gumtrees
Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Shifters and Spanners
Shifters and Spanners Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, looked at shifters and spanners. Shifters and spanners are made in many different shapes and sizes to deal with specific jobs, but the basic requirement is that the spanner must fit the nut snugly....
Balcony Makeover
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...

Building a Cubby House
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Building a Dog Kennel
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...
