Useful guide
How to lay resin bound paving
Practical UK guidance on base assessment, mixing resin and aggregate, screeding to a consistent depth, and curing times for a permeable, long-lasting driveway or path.
Read the resin bound paving guide
The Sandwich HandymanGardens, electrics, repairsGarden help
Practical garden help for lawns, hedges, and outdoor tidy-ups around Sandwich and nearby East Kent villages.
What this covers
Useful guide
Practical UK guidance on base assessment, mixing resin and aggregate, screeding to a consistent depth, and curing times for a permeable, long-lasting driveway or path.
Read the resin bound paving guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on sub-base preparation, adhesive mortar technique, setting drainage falls, cutting porcelain with a diamond blade, and finishing with flexible jointing compound.
Read the porcelain patio guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on sub-base compaction, wetting slabs before laying, full mortar bed technique, checking levels and drainage falls, pointing joints, and sealing the finished surface.
Read the Indian sandstone guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on siting, digging, lining, and planting a garden pond that attracts frogs, newts, dragonflies, and other wildlife through the seasons.
Read the wildlife pond guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on sourcing sleepers, stacking courses with staggered joints, securing the corners, lining for veg, and filling with the right soil mix for a durable garden border.
Read the sleeper raised bed guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on choosing a safe location, preparing the base with drainage, building with fire-safe bricks and mortar, and curing before lighting a full fire.
Read the garden fire pit guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on permitted development, preparing the base, building wall frames from scratch, fitting the roof structure, and weatherproofing for a lasting outdoor room.
Read the garden summerhouse guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on building a treated timber sub-frame, fitting boards with hidden clips, leaving expansion gaps, and finishing with fascia boards for a clean, long-lasting deck.
Read the composite decking guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on choosing the right species, preparing the planting trench, planting at the correct depth, watering in, mulching, and first-year formative pruning.
Read the hedge planting guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on cleaning, sanding, priming bare wood, and applying exterior garden furniture paint for a durable finish that stands up to UK weather.
Read the garden furniture painting guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on choosing the right position, fitting the stand, cutting the downpipe, connecting the rainwater diverter, and routing the overflow safely away from the house wall.
Read the water butt guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on planning the rise and going, digging and compacting foundations, pouring concrete, building brick or block risers, setting slab treads with a drainage fall, and pointing the finished steps.
Read the patio steps guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on removing weeds, pressure washing, re-sanding the joints, choosing the right weather window, applying sealer in two thin coats, and keeping the driveway looking good for years.
Read the block paving sealing guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on choosing the right spot, balancing greens and browns, layering material to keep air in the heap, keeping it moist, and knowing when the compost is ready to dig in.
Read the compost bin guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on picking the right weather window, cleaning the boards, carrying out a water absorption test, applying decking oil generously along the grain, and keeping on top of annual maintenance.
Read the decking oil guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on planning post positions, setting posts in concrete, fixing cross beams, laying rafters, and treating the timber for a long-lasting garden structure.
Read the pergola guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on excavating, compacting a sub-base, fitting edging restraints, laying weed membrane, and spreading gravel to depth for a tidy, durable driveway.
Read the gravel driveway guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on removing old guttering and rotten timber boards, checking rafter feet, fitting uPVC fascia and vented soffit panels, and refitting guttering.
Read the fascia and soffit guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on laying a level base, assembling wall panels in order, fitting the roof, felting for weatherproofing, and hanging the door for a tidy, long-lasting shed.
Read the garden shed guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on marking the fence line, digging post holes to the right depth, setting posts plumb in postcrete, and slotting in gravel boards and panels once cured.
Read the concrete fence post guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on choosing the right fence paint or treatment, preparing the timber surface, applying two coats in dry weather, and finishing around posts and top edges.
Read the fence painting guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on digging footings, pouring concrete foundations, laying courses in stretcher bond, keeping the wall plumb and level, and finishing with a weatherproof coping.
Read the garden wall guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on planning the route, excavating and compacting a sub-base, laying paving slabs on a mortar bed, cutting edge pieces, and pointing the joints for a lasting finish.
Read the garden path guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on cleaning and keying the surface, priming bare timber, painting panels and rails in the right order, and getting a finish that holds up to UK weather.
Read the external door painting guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on checking posts are solid and plumb, marking hinge positions, hanging the gate for an even swing, and fitting a latch that works first time.
Read the garden gate guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on excavating to depth, compacting a Type 1 sub-base, fixing edge restraints, screeding sharp sand, laying the blocks, and brushing in jointing sand.
Read the block paving guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on choosing the right spot, digging the correct depth, firming the roots in without damage, staking if needed, and watering through the first season.
Read the tree planting guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on assessing damage, replacing rotten arris rails and featherboard slats, re-fitting lap panels, and treating the timber for a lasting repair.
Read the fence panel repair guideUseful guide
Practical steps for stripping old felt, checking the roof boards, laying overlapping strips correctly, and capping the ridge to keep water out for years to come.
Read the shed roofing guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on excavating the area, compacting a type 1 sub-base, laying weed membrane, rolling out and cutting the grass, securing the edges, and brushing in sand infill.
Read the artificial grass guideUseful guide
Simple steps for diagnosing the leak, cleaning and inspecting the joint, replacing the gasket, reassembling, and testing the repair before checking the rest of the gutter run.
Read the gutter joint guideUseful guide
Practical UK guidance on choosing bulbs, planting at the right depth in autumn, spacing for a natural display, and leaving foliage to feed them for next year.
Read the spring bulbs guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on excavating, compacting a type 1 sub-base, laying slabs on a mortar bed with the right fall, and finishing the joints neatly.
Read the patio slabs guideUseful guide
Practical steps for raking out failing mortar joints, mixing the right ratio, pressing in new pointing, and finishing with a bucket-handle or flush profile.
Read the brickwork repointing guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on choosing the site, selecting and treating timber, assembling the frame square, preparing the ground, and filling with the right compost mix.
Read the raised bed guideUseful guide
Practical steps for timing, choosing between spiking and hollow tining, brushing in top dressing, and overseeding thin patches for a healthier, thicker turf.
Read the lawn aeration guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on planning the layout, building a level sub-frame, fixing boards with consistent gaps, and treating the timber for a lasting finish.
Read the decking guideUseful guide
Practical advice for clearing blocked gutters safely, flushing through with water, unblocking downpipes, and checking for sagging sections and leaking joints.
Read the gutter cleaning guideUseful guide
Step-by-step guidance on planning post spacing, digging holes, setting posts in Postcrete, fitting panels, and adding gravel boards for a fence that lasts.
Read the fence installation guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on timing your sow for UK conditions, preparing a fine seedbed, choosing the right mix, sowing evenly, and caring for new grass through to the first cut.
Read the grass seed guideUseful guide
Safe UK guidance on timing around the nesting season, choosing the right tools, working sides upward from the base, setting guide lines, and clearing clippings properly.
Read the hedge trimming guideUseful guide
Practical guidance on timing, tool choice, and technique for removing thatch and moss from a lawn, with advice on feeding and overseeding afterwards.
Read the lawn scarifying guideUseful guide
Simple mowing tips for cleaner lawn stripes, including roller use, straight lines, dry grass, and sensible cutting height.
Read the lawn stripes guideUseful guide
A practical guide to removing, sharpening, balancing, and refitting blades safely for a cleaner lawn cut.
Read the mower blade guideUseful guide
Careful steps for cutting ivy back, letting it die off, protecting brickwork, clearing roots, and spotting when the job needs help.
Read the ivy removal guideUseful guide
Simple UK-focused guidance on when to prune, what to cut out first, and how to shape roses for healthier growth.
Read the rose pruning guideUseful guide
Practical advice for cleaning patios, paths, decking, and driveways without damaging surfaces, joints, doors, vents, or electrics.
Read the pressure washing guide