TIMBER FRAMEWORK FOR STORAGE UNITS

This project contains basic principles for building a frame for a basic cupboard. It can be expanded on by using different designs, the struts can be moved to accommodate shelves or simply left open plan. It will give you the idea of building storage space onto your home and can even be adapted to make a corner cupboard. The timber sizes can be changed and more struts can be put in to ensure greater strength if you feel you need it. The structure can be fixed to any wall, ceiling or floor using our guides to fixing. Check the wall, floor and ceiling area for pipes and cables before you drill anything.

Tape measure, pencil, cross cut saw, tenon saw, carpenters square, bevel edge, adhesive, power drill, wall plugs, electric screwdriver, countersink bit, masonry drill bits and hss drill bits,

spirit level, hammer, filler and applicator gun, screws, chisels, mortice gauge,

We suggest for this simple cupboard you use 50 x 50mm PSE timber. This stands for Planed, Squared Edge and simply means prepared for joinery, as opposed to the "sawn" state timber is in when it leaves the timber mill. It is also called, in its prepared state, PAR which is Planed All Round.

With the number of different door designs available from kitchen and DIY stores these days we suggest it may be a good idea for you to find the doors (if you intend to have them) first. The frame can easily be built around the door size and you will have guaranteed matching your existing decor.

We have deliberately not given any dimensions in the project. Even when

planed timber can vary by a mm or so and ceiling heights can vary considerably. Measure your own timber and other dimensions carefully and remember. Measure twice-Cut once.

SKILL LEVEL • • • • •

Provide a sound, level base and anyone will be able to erect a garden shed - though an extra pair of hands is essential for lifting the panels into place.

SAFETY FIRST

Have a steady pair of stepladders for working on the roof -and get someone to help you lift the heavy wall and roof components into place.

INTRODUCTION

In the long run, it pays to buy a quality shed which, with routine maintenance, will provide a dry, sound facility for storing tools, materials, garden furniture and other

equipment.

Never skimp on the size of shed you buy. Get the largest that will suit your garden - extra space is invaluable as not only can you store more, but the shed will be easier to organise and items will be more accessible

Because you probably will only buy a new kitchen once or twice in your life, you will need all the help you can get. Especially with the ever changing trends and the home improvement and cookery programmes on television it becomes more and more difficult to make a sound choice. This step-by-step decision planner will help you on your way to your dream kitchen.

Kitchen Plan

First it is important to choose whether you want a fitted kitchen or a freestanding kitchen. If you choose for a fitted kitchen, you will make the most of your space, as all the difficult corners can be hidden and used for storage. You can choose for flat pack, rigid or custom built to suit your needs and budget.

Choose a freestanding and you will get that individual and informal look you might have been looking for. You can use all kinds of furniture to create the ambiance you prefer. You will have to choose your furniture well though to create as much storage space as in a fitted kitchen.

Different people have different lifestyles. It is obvious that a single person or a couple will have different expectations from their kitchen than families with growing up children. Make sure the kitchen will fulfil all your needs.

Sink, preparation area and hob should never be too far apart and that the fridge should be near the entrance of the kitchen. This all will have effect on where you will plan to put your basic equipment and where the service points for water, electricity and gas will be. Keep the existing service points in mind when planning your new kitchen as rewiring and re-plumbing your kitchen will take a lot of time and money.

SKILL LEVEL • • « • •

Basic plumbing skills would be useful. Good agility and dexterity are essential to work in cramped conditions.

SAFETY FIRST

Ensure all metal pipes and the bath (if metal) are bonded to a common earth. Take care when using a blowlamp. Keep naked flames away from flammable material. Make sure that the water is off and well drained before placing a lead lamp near the underside of the taps. If possible, use a water-resistant double-insulated lamp. When working upside down, wear eye protection.

INTRODUCTION

Changing taps can give a new lease of life to a bathroom suite or kitchen, and modern fittings make the job a lot easier than it used to be.

The most difficult part is removing old taps which, in bathrooms, may be puttied in. On a workbench it would be a fairly easy job but the inaccessibility makes it awkward, so don't rush into it. Invest a little time in getting comfortable, and you will work faster with less strain. Get a good light so you can see exactly what you are doing and, if you have to lie on your back, use a cushion for your head.