ASK THE experts
Our team of experts answer your home improvement questions
Q My bathroom needs a refresh, but I want to keep costs low. What can I do? John Barber, Wrexham
A Helen Dennett, UK Marketing Communications Manager at Mermaid Panels, says…
Sometimes, bathrooms require a little more than a lick of paint to refresh the space, but this can become costly. Bathroom panels are a cost-effective way to achieve this – they are 100 per cent waterproof and can be used wall-to-wall to transform your bathroom, or simply within splash zones, such as your shower enclosure. Bathroom panels are available in an array of designs, from natural stone effects to marble designs or geometric patterns: the choice is yours.
Most panels can be fixed directly onto existing surfaces including plasterboard and tiling, meaning one less job to consider when refreshing your bathroom. On average, you can save up to 25 per cent on shower panels vs tiles when taking into consideration expert fitters and time to install, so not only is the cost lower, but there’s no need to wait around for specialist tradespeople. If your DIY skills are up to scratch, you can even give it a go yourself!
I have porcelain tiles on my patio that need a clean up Q for spring. How can I do this? Simi Adebayo, York
A Kamila Chalfin, Marketing and Brand Manager at Tile Giant,
says… While we may take regular care of our indoor tiles, cleaning outdoor tiles can sometimes be considered a timeconsuming job, and is often neglected. To keep your tiles looking their best in the garden, maintenance is key. They don’t need sealing, so all you need to do is sweep away any loose dirt, leaves or debris that have built up since your last clean (we recommend you do this regularly to keep your patio in tip top condition all year round!). For an extra clean, we simply advise brushing with warm soapy water as and when needed. We wouldn’t recommend using a pressure washer on them.
How do I choose energy efficient white goods on a Q budget? Hannah Liang, Bristol
A Sophie Beckett-Smith, large appliances expert at AO.com,
says… First assess what size appliances you need. If you live alone, but use a full-sized dishwasher or 10kg washing machine on half loads or for just a couple of items every day, you will be wasting energy, water and money – so make sure you get the right-sized appliance for your household. Even with the most energy efficient products, consumers can significantly reduce energy usage by cutting down on the uses of appliances. For example, waiting for the laundry pile to get a little bigger, or leaving the dishwasher a day to ensure it’s full before switching on, will significantly cut down water and energy usage, as well as your household bills. Finally, look at the energy label rating to help you decide which appliance is more energy efficient and most suited to your household needs.
Q I have an old wooden table that looks tired – how can I upcycle it? Stephanie King, Sheffield
A Claire Manton, Creative Director and Founder of Claire’s CraftHouse, says…
Tables are among the highest wear-and-tear furniture items in a home, so durability in the finish is key with these upcycling projects.
To prep, give it a thorough clean with a degreaser and a scuff sand. If you have an electric sander and the table is solid wood, it’s worth sanding off the top to freshen up the grain and remove any scratches.
I favour natural wood on the tops of tables with significant daily use – a painted tabletop will wear more quickly than a wood finish. Painted bases with wood grain tops make a lovely contrast and allow you to keep the wood texture and warmth, while introducing some colour.
Prep and paint your base using a robust furniture paint and seal with a polyacrylic sealer, rather than a wax, for maximum protection. My favourite stain for tabletops is Fusion Mineral Paint Stain and Finishing Oil. This tinted oil is really easy to apply, dries to a rock-solid finish and also comes in a choice of six colours. If you want to use a natural alternative, hemp oil is a great option as it will nourish and show off wood grain.
Q I’d love to create a living wall in my garden, but have no idea what to do. Where do I start? Nonny Reed, Nuneaton
A Holly Jones, garden design specialist with Garden Street, says… A quick and easy way to create a living wall is by using pocket planters as these can be fitted to a wall and seeds can simply be planted in the individual pots. Another way to make a living wall is by putting up trellis panels and planting climbing plants, which in time will grow up. Spring is the ideal time to start planting for the vertical garden as plants establish much quicker and fill the space faster. Choose plants and grasses that flower all year round, so it is still functional during the winter months. You can water the living wall by using an irrigation system. Alternatively, use a garden hose or watering can with care. Start by watering from the top of the wall so the water flows down all the plants.