Home-Dzineonline

It’s all about caring for and improving your home

also in this issueenergise your home - patterned walls - bathroom flair

patio and pool - folding braai table - diy designer ottomancurved wall - diy sliding door- how clean is your water

March 2009

energise your homewith accessories, fabric, and paint

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Home-Dzine Online is written and compiled by Janice Anderssen. All projects in this issue, or any other issue, remain the property of Home-Dzine and Janice Anderssen, or the respective copyright holders, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Image and content credits:meredith publishing - good homes - chicago home - family handyman - sunset publishing - popular mechanic - house & home - georgia pacific - expert village

Hello all you beautiful Divas and Guys!

Firstly my apologies. Many of you received an email early last month - a pyramid scheme. I did send out an apology, but for those of you who did not receive it may I apologise once again. My son and his friend received an email explaining how to become millionaires in three days! Now we grown ups know how the pyramid scheme works, not to mention the fact that it is illegal almost worldwide but, being naive to the facts, they decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, I had been busy working on the next issue of Home-Dzine Online and had inadvertently left my database open - not something I normally do and will never do again - and they thought......Mmm - why not! To cut a long story short, the email went out before I could stop it. The moral of this story... never underestimate what a teenager can do with a computer!

Janice & Nancy

a word or two CONTENTSenergise your home inject personality, colour and style into your home

combing the walls Try this fun decorative paint technique

quick and easy projects

bathroom flair Add mirrors to your bathroom

designer ottoman step-by-step instructions to make your own designer ottoman

just how clean is your water?

creative outdoor spaces Thinking of adding a pool?

door in a day step-by-step to make a sliding door

curved plantera graceful planter for your garden

fold-away braai table Heat up some charcoal and set this table up in less time than it takes to open a cold beer

diy-divas fix a swollen door

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Meet our DIY Guy!Brett Turner is our behind the scenes DIY Guy. He’s the guy we call when we need an extra pair of hands and he’s a whizz at cutting out all our projects.

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ENERGISE YOUR HOME

Harlequin HarrisAvailable through Black Fabrics, Kramerville. [Tel. 011 262 3130]

Today’s textiles and wallcoverings allow you to create any mood you want

Inject personality, colour and style into your home with the wide range of textiles, wallcoverings and decorating options available to South Africa homeowners.

When decorating your home - either for the first time, or simply to refresh your existingdecor - it is important to choose the right fabric for soft furnishings. We asked interior design guru, Marcia Margolius, to share some of her tips with us. Marcia Margolius is the author of several home decor books, and force behind the best selling, annual publication, SA Decor and Design. The 12th edition of SA Decor and Design is now available. Visit: www.sadecor.co.za for more information.

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palette tips• To achieve a more formal look, choose high contrast colours such as dark brown and silver.• For the budget-minded, one affordable way to update a room’s look from season to season is to go

with neutral larger furniture pieces that allow you the flexibility to use a colour with a lot of pop for your paint, pillows, window treatments and other accent pieces.

• If you’re having trouble picking a colour for your room, a failsafe choice is to pick ranges of brown and tan and then punch the room with one additional big, bold colour.

• Remember the 60-30-10 rule when putting together the whole look: 60 percent dominant colour, 30 percent secondary colour and 10 percent accent colour.

1. Bear in mind when ordering fabric quantities in excess of a ‘piece’ (approx 50 metres) that there could be colour variance from roll to roll. Fabrics are printed or dyed in batches, and each batch is likely to be slightly different.

2. ‘Railroaded’ patterns (bottom) are specially designed for upholstery, and cannot normally be used for curtaining. The pattern repeats along the length of the roll where the design stands vertically between the selvedge. If one tries to join widths in the normal way, the design direction will become horizontal (i.e. the pattern will seem to be lying on its side).

3. Prints can also change from one batch to another, but the more colours are used in the design, the less noticeable the differences will be. If the cotton look and character is what you’re after, there is no substitute for it; just remember that plain dyed cottons will fade more readily than polyesters, acrylics and viscose.

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4. Osborne & Little Pattern matching of

vertical stripes and fabrics with a random all-over pattern is relatively simple, and is more suited to multiple drops and larger surfaces. Always check your fabrics for flawsbefore cutting. While most fabric distributors will normally allow a full credit if fabrics are returned, once material has been made up, it is rendered worthless and you cannot be refunded.

5. Be extremely careful when making up materials with a horizontal pattern. Almost all fabrics are skew due to the weaving and finishing processes,and whenever a line is visually ‘picked up’ across the width, the problem of matching arises. Skilled curtain-makers often straighten material on the table before sewing, merely ‘easing’ it into shape by pulling it gently.

6. Christian Fischbacher Certain fabrics tend to be less stable than

others, resulting in shrinkage or ‘dropping’. Sometimes materials ‘pucker’, especially fineyarns such as silk. It helps to hang the curtains in situ before hemming to allow the fabric to stabilise. Only then should hems be hand-sewn in.

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Combing is a fun decorative technique that produces dynamic texture and - when executed with two contrasting paints - extreme colour interest.

For subtler effects, select two shades of colour, or thin the top coat with additional glaze. Because the quality of the results of this technique depends on the consistent motion and pressure you apply, practice your technique and experiment with colour and glaze combinations on sample boards before applying to the actual surface.

You will need:Foam roller, roller tray and extension rodRubber comb tool or rubber squeegeeCraft knifeTwo shades of acrylic paintScumble glaze

Here’s how:1. Purchase a rubber painting comb with

desired teeth size and spacing. Or make your own comb by cutting notches into a rubber squeegee with a sharp utility knife or scissors. Making your own combing tool enables you to cut notches to the size and spacing you desire.

2. Apply base-coat paint to the surface and let dry. In a plastic container, mix one part glaze, one part paint, and one part water; stir until blended. Pour the glaze mixture into a roller tray. Load a foam roller with glaze, blot off the excess on the tray, and then roll onto the wall. Start at an upper corner and roll down, applying the glaze in long vertical strokes. Continue applying glaze in a band, all the way down to the skirting or floor.

ABOVE: Combing is a strong decorative painting choice if you want to showcase two different colours. Here, a bright green and soft cream paint are unmixed and provide distinct contrast. an ideal accent Because combing often produces a bold, high contrast look, you can use the technique in small but effective ways: as an accent on a cabinet door or tabletop, on a wall, or on a portion of a panelled wall.

combing the walls

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3. Working quickly with the still-wet glaze, drag a rubber combing tool in one long, steady motion from the top of the wall to the bottom. Press the comb firmly againstthe surface to ensure consistent contact and crisp lines. Or for a more casual look, vary the speed and pressure you apply to the comb and create slightly irregular lines.

Before you begin the next pass, wipe excess glaze from the comb with a slightly damp cloth or paper towel.

4. To create very straight and crisp pinstripes, work with a partner. Roll glaze onto the surface in bands only as wide as your combing tool. One person holds a straight board as plumb as possible. Use masking tape to temporarily attach a spirit level to the board to ensure perpendicular lines. The second person drags the comb from the ceiling to the floor, using the board as a guide.

DIY Tip:If you goof while applying the combing technique or you don’t like the result of a particular stroke, roll over the section you’re unhappy with immediately with a foam roller loaded with additional glaze. Combed-though glaze dries quickly and, once dry, creates a texture that will need to be sanded before reapplying another finish.

don’t just diy - do it like a diva!

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adjustable nylon belt. R250.00 incl postage

FREE with ever order...Sporty Safety GlassesDon’t pay over R50.00 for your safety glasses - get them FREE when you order our Safety Helmet or Toolbelt.

Serene Dreams

Here’s an easy way to personalise purchased cotton pillowcases and a duvet. Choose a flower to use as astamp. In this example we selected the Gerbera daisy. Use one floweron each pillowcase and five acrossthe duvet. Satin-stitch square outlines on the fabric to serve as the frames. Place cardboard under the fabric you’re working on to prevent the paint from bleeding through. Roll the daisy with fabric paint. Place a stamp in the centre of each stitched frame. Once completely dry, the items can safely go in the washer.

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quick &

easy

Flower Power

Let your creativity run wild with this design. Depending on your style, you can choose random or planned spacing of the motifs. Here, the flowers were appliedcasually and approximately the same distance apart. Dress up a little girl’s room with lilac and pink, or be bold for a teen room with purple and lime green

By using a mixture of matt and sheen paint in the same colour, you can create a two-dimensional wall that catches the light at certain times of the day, or artificiallight

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quick &

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White window shades tend to be boring and drab, and it’s not always easy to find thecolours and pattern that you want.

Give your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom shade a whole new look, in just an hour, with Rust-Oleum American Accents spray paint.

Choose coordinating colours from existing elements within the room.

striped shades

Here’s how:Protect your work surface with newspaper.

Mask off the stripes with masking tape, covering those areas not to be sprayed. Lightly spray over the area to be covered. You may need two coats for complete coverage. Repeat this process for coordinating stripes.

The blinds will be completely washable and will not fade in harsh sunlight.

Caution: When using spray paints, work in a well-ventilated room

ABOVE RIGHT: A combination of American Accents in Summer Squash and Soft Wheat make the perfect colour choice for this kitchen.

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Mocha, espresso, chocolate and milky coloursadd warmth and comfort to your home.

1 Wooden vase 69.95 2 Pendant votive candle holder 59.95 3 Flower scatter cushion 69.95, Ottomans 299.95 each, Solo eyelet curtain 289.95 4 Wooden swirl bowl 89.95 5 Natural panel scatter cushion 89.95 6 Bark tassel scatter cushion 89.95 7 Comforter 219.95 8 Wooden swirl vase 139.95 9 Beaded tie-back 49.95 10 Cotton chenille throws 99.95 each 11 Leaf scatter cushion 69.95 12 Embroidered duvet cover set: Double 349.95, Queen 379.95 13 Mosaic frame 49.95 23 Light wooden frames from 24.95 14 Pendant candleabra 169.95

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bathroom flair

Mirrors play an important role in the overall look and style of a bathroom. They are not only functional, but decorative - adding that special flair to yourbathroom.

Mirrors are usually placed above the wash basins, in front of the vanity, inside the shower or next to the bath for practical use. However, these are not your only options. Mirrors also serve a decorative purpose, allowing you to play around with their positions.

Choose a mirror that fits in with the rest ofthe bathroom layout, particularly with the vanity and other accessories to ensure a continuous flow ofthe design style. To create the complete look you want in your

bathroom, combine the style of your mirror by matching it up with the accessories like freestanding shelving or towel rails, an overhanging towel rail and even your paper holder.

Bathroom mirrors can influence the lookyou want to create. Frameless or circular mirrors give a more contemporary look - as do glass and chrome mirrors - whereas a decorative mosaic mirror will create a unique and distinctive style.

Tile Africa provides some guidelines when using mirrors in your bathroom:

• Remember that mirrors reflect natural andartificial light, so keep this in mind whendeciding where to place them.

• Use mirrors in a small bathroom to reflectthe room and make it appear bigger than it really is.

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• Mirror lights are a very popular choice, particularly for a small bathroom as they create a sense of space and light.

• Use a mirror to reflecta feature object in the bathroom, thus increasing its presence.

The size of the bathroom mirror should not be bigger than your vanity. A mirror that is too large can close in on the room and make it feel smaller than it actually is, yet a small mirror will look lost on the wall and could be quite impractical for the space if it is not in proportion to the other accessories in the bathroom.

Tile Africa stocks a wide range of mirrors to suit various bathroom styles, whether it is a classic, contemporary or hi-tech bathroom. For more information on the Tile Africa range of bathroom ware and accessories, visit www.tileafrica.co.za or call toll free: 0800 002 783

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make your own designer ottoman

ABOVE: One of our Divas - Paula Smith - created and upholstered a designer ottoman in our recent Ottoman workshop.

A storage ottoman is a great way to add a designer piece of furniture to your living spaces. It’s also ideal for out-of-sight storage.

You will need:This project uses 16mm BisonBord. Have the board cut to sizes:[2] 800 x 400mm - long sides[2] 400 x 400mm - short sides[2] 800 x 432mm - top and bottom[1] Medium density foam 800 x 432 x 50mm3 metres medium batting[4] Plastic feet[1] Packet of upholstery pins/tacks[20] Chipboard screwsAlcolin wood glue

TOOLS: Scissors, Drill/Driver, Bosch Tacker (or staple gun), Hammer

Here’s how:1. On both ends of the long sides (B) drill pilot

holes at the top and the bottom. The pilots holes should be at least 50mm from the top and bottom, and at least 6mm in from the edge. Countersink so that the screw heads will be below the surface of the board. Insert the short sides (A) and insert screws into the pilots holes to join (B) to (A).

2. Position the base (C) over the frame, drill pilot holes, countersink and screw the base (C) to the frame.

3. Cover the frame with batting, stapling only at the starting and finishing points. Staple atthe start, wrap the batting around the box to where you started, and staple the end. Cut off any excess batting at the top and bottom.

easy

project

4. You will wrap the fabric around the frame in almost the same way. Fold over the end and staple as with the batting. Wrap the fabric around the box, making sure that any pattern on the fabric remains straight. Once you reach the starting point, cut off any excess, fold over and staple at the top and bottom only. You can now use upholstery pins along this edge for an attractive finish.

5. Cut off excess at top of bottom, being sure to leave enough fabric to fold under and take to the bottom and top-inside of the frame.

6. Fold the fabric over and inside the frame and use the Bosch Tacker (or staple gun) to fasten securely. Fold the corners ‘hospital-style’ for a crisp corner tuck. Repeat this for tucking the fabric underneath the box.

7. Attach the foam to the top with a small amount of wood glue and leave to dry for amount 10 minutes.

8. Place fabric face down on a level surface, position the lid - foam side down - centrally

on the fabric. Fold over a hem and then fold the fabric over the lid and affix with the BoschTacker. Do the corners as previously - hospital style - for a crisp, neat finish.

9. Glue battens to the underside of the lid at approximately 20mm in from each end. This will ensure that the lid/seat does not slide around.

10. Finish off by attaching the feet to the base.

30 x 30mmpine battens

Don’t let DIY be a chore... Bosch Power Tools are designed to make DIY fun!

These powerful tools are always ready when you need them and make doing it yourself so easy.

BOSCH PSR-12 or PSR-18 DRILL/DRIVERThe portable Bosch Drill/Driver delivers enough screwing and drilling power for any DIY project. This combination screwdriver/drill is lightweight and easy to use with built-in light, screw-chuck for simple attachment insertion, forward and reverse, and ion-lithium battery pack.

BOSCH TACKERThe Bosch tacker enables rapid stapling for upholstery projects, insulation material, foils, textiles, wallpapers and more. With a battery that lasts for up to 6 hours, you’re ready to go!

Visit www.Bosch.co.za for more information on the Bosch range of power tools

place a small amount of wood glue on top of the lid and attach the foam

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just how clean is your water?We’ve all seen the newspaper articles and TV programmes about our increasing water pollution. We’ve duly noted Rand Water’s comments to the contrary. But who do we believe?

I constantly hear of family, friends and acquaintances that have suffered from gastro-intestinal related illnesses. And I am sure that employers are well aware of how many employees take time off work for similar complaints. Is the increase due to our water, or other factors? I for one am not willing to take the chance!

According to a recent article on News24, laboratory tests on water samples in various sections of the Vaal River revealed traces of cholera. However, treated water is safe for all purposes as tests on this were negative for cholera. Cholera is a potentially fatal disease and is transmitted by drinking contaminated water from rivers, wells, tanks and canals. The disease can be contracted when unpurifiedwater is used to clean eating utensils, through eating food washed or prepared with contaminated water, by washing clothing and bedding in contaminated rivers, or through poor sanitation and personal hygiene practices.

Having read that, you would probably want to rush out and stock up on bottled water - but beware! Another recent articles sites instances in the US where up to 40% of bottled water uses tap water as its source. Even one of the US’s leading brands of bottled water was found to contain tap water. As a result of this study, the National Consumer Forum has advised SA consumers to be cautious when buying bottled water, and to check whether the label clearly indicates the source of the water as they suspect a similar trend in local bottled products.

So now we are faced with a dilemma... Do we believe that our tap water is safe to drink, or do we rush out and buy bottled water that could in fact contain tap water?

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SURITA RISSEEUWCell 071 143 9449 - Fax 086 565 4998Email. bswp@live.co.za

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What’s in your drinking water?The only real solution to absolutely clean water is to install a water purifier in your home toprotect your family from contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. Water filters are great atremoving larger contaminants, but they are inefficient when it comes to smaller bacteriaand pollutants. A Blue Spot Water Purifier isa sophisticated “purification” device thatremoves viruses.

Why install a water purifier?Water Purifiers remove viruses, bacteria and many other organic and inorganic chemical and aesthetic contaminants at the highest “purification” micron level to provide greattasting water while protecting against water related disease -without chemicals! that means that you can instantly purify your drinking water effectively and economically, giving you pure, crystal clear drinking water on tap.

EDITOR’S COMMENTMy Blue Spot Water Purifier took an hour to install - no mess or fuss - and I now have purifiedwater on tap. Now I know that our tap water is safe to drink, and that my family won’t be suffering from tummy bugs any more due to questionable water quality. In fact, the kids and hubby will be taking their own purified bottled water to school and work - no more spendinga fortune on bottled water!

SURITA RISSEEUWCell 071 143 9449 - Fax 086 565 4998Email. bswp@live.co.za

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TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Now you can expand your power tool knowledge even more with DIY Divas II

DIY Divas II is for the more advanced do-it-yourself enthusiast and offers further instruction in the use of various Power Tools and basic woodworking techniques.

If you are planning to do your own home improvement projects, renovating rooms in your home, or simply getting involved in doing-it-for-yourself, DIY Divas II provides hands-on instructions and tips and techniques for the use of power tools in and around the home.

Join Janice and Nancy for a day of girl talk, good fun and discover how easy it is to DO IT FOR YOURSELF!

Saturday 21 March and 11 April from 09:00 to 13:00

The cost R850.00 per person includes refreshments and snacks, and all materials

needed for training

In this course you will discover:

• Using a hammer drill for drilling into walls and concrete

• Drilling into ceramic & natural stone tiles

• Techniques for cutting and drilling metal using a jigsaw and angle grinder

• Setting up and using a circular saw

• Using a jigsaw for corners, cut outs and angles. Fine cutting with a jigsaw

• Introduction to pocket hole, biscuit and dowel joints

FREE 10- or 14-piece FRAGRAM ToolkitAttend a DIY Divas I or II Workshop and you could take home your own Fragram PINK Toolkit!

Over the next couple of months we will be giving away either a 10-piece or 14-piece PINK Toolkit in our DIY Divas workshops. All you have to do is to attend a workshop.

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We’re heading into the winter months - the best time to think about installing that pool you’ve always wanted.

When you build a pool and everything that goes along with it, you are creating an extension of your home and it gives you a reason to go outside,. Adding a pool is really more about creating a whole outdoorexperience, especially in view of the fact that more homeowners installing pools today are building them more for an outdoor environment rather than just swimming.

Designing a poolIf you’re looking at adding a pool, think carefully about the elements you want to incorporate:

Coping is the rim around the pool. Natural stone or paving is the most common choice, while for

Striking blue tiles stand out in this pool. The formal lines of the pool match the architecture of the home.

“With the economy changing and fuel prices what they are, people are staying home more and transforming their gardens into an outdoor oasis.”

creative outdoor spaces

high-end pools travertine and marble are popular coping choices. Today, ceramic tiles come in so many colours and glass tiles are becoming more popular, just like you would see in luxurious bathrooms.

Choosing a reliable companyWhen choosing a pool builder you should consider the following:

• Look at the quality of design and make sure the contractor has an actual showroom. You want know exactly what your pool is going to look like and how much room they will have.

• Ask to see completed projects.

• Check references. If a builder isn’t willing to give you references of existing pools already built and clients currently building pools, you should take a step back and reconsider hiring them for your project.

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BELOW: A large pool with shallow step-in section at one end and adjoining spa at the other creates a great swimming and relaxing retreat for the entire family.

LEFT: Designer concrete pool, by SA Pools, with wooden deck surround. Charcoal Marbelite. Patio support pillar inside pool forming part of same construction. Rimflow on twosides.

Sheer pleasureFor the folks who own a swimming pool only to discover they’re not swimming like they thought they would, a pool can add ambiance to the outdoor experience. To hear the water movement or an outdoor place to dine, a pool offers so much more than just a place to swim.

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door in a day

I have been wanting to add a sliding door to my lounge for a few months, but it took me a while to work out the easiest and most affordable way to do it!

For this quick and easy sliding door I used 6mm SupaWood and aluminium tracks. All the materials were available at Timbercity or Builder’s Warehouse and the total cost was in the region of R800. It took a day to put everything up, and a day to do the finishing - so this project can easily bedone in a weekend.

You don’t have to use SupaWood, you can choose almost any material for this project: reinforced safety glass, 5mm perspex, etc.

You will need:6mm SupaWood12mm Aluminium channel - enough for the top and bottom of the space6mm Aluminium channel - for trimming the edgeFischer metal cavity fixings (right)Alcolin Xtreme adhesiveAlcolin ============

TOOLS: Drill, screwdriver, craft knife

Here’s how:Before you start you will need to measure up and decide the best position for the door. The top channel can be fastened anywhere on the ceiling with the use of Fischer metal cavity fixings. The bottom channel can either bepositioned at the end of a row of tiles, or you may need to use an angle grinder to cut out a slot to accept the channel so that it is dropped below the surface.

BEFORE: To create an entrance I wanted to install a sliding door between the front door area and the lounge.

BELOW: I am now able to close off the lounge with ease. Although the wood does not glide smoothly, it does move forwards and backwards with a bit of a push.

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1. Start by getting the floorready to accept the bottom channel. In my case, I was lucky that the slate tiles ended exactly where I wanted to position the sliding door. To attach the channel to the floor,holes were pre-drilled into the channelling and steel brads were driven through the holes into the floor.

2. To mount the top channel to the ceiling, holes were pre-drilled to accept Fischer cavity fixings. Ateither end a craft knife was used to cut out a section of cornice to allow the channel to be inserted.

3. Once the top and bottom channels were fixed thedoor panels were inserted - the doors were cut slightly shorter than the total height, to facilitate easy fittingand removal.

4. To cover an unsightly gap down the side, a quarter round was glued into place.

5. The doors were primed for painting and finished off withtwo coats of a water-based gloss.

6. A handle was fitted toeither side of the moving panel to allow easy opening and closing, and a 6mm channel was fittedto the edge of the door for added protection.

DIY Tips:

• Use a foam roller to apply the paint, for a smooth, streak-free finish.

• Although it isn’t necessary to apply a primer to SupaWood, it does reduce the amount of top coats needed to complete the project.

• Use a paint that is durable and scrubbable for doors.

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Here’s how:1. Use a sheet of 12mm plywood to cut 600 x 1200mm and

600 x 2500mm pieces. Fasten together end to end with cleats and screws (top right). Lay the plywood panel on a flat surface and draw a straight baseline 50mm fromthe long edge. Measure from the baseline and the end of the sheet to locate the four radius centres. Use a framing square to help you find the spots. From each radius centredraw two curved lines using a compass made out of a pencil and string. Have a helper hold the string at the radius centre while you draw the lines. Draw all eight radii on the board. Use a jigsaw to cut out the curves.

2. Set the two template pieces on the ground at the wall site. Separate them so there is a consistent gap between them (use lengthwise bricks as spacers). Drive in stakes and nail them to the template pieces to anchor the template firmly so it will not shift if you stepon it while you dig a tench. Dig along the template and the straight areas of the wall. Pour concrete to just below surface level and allow to cure for a few days.

3. Use the template as a guide for laying the bricks. Make a one-course dry run to see how well full bricks fit andto adjust the width of vertical joints between them. Stagger the two tiers of bricks, as shown. As you lay the course just above the surface, make weep holes every 300mm. As you work, check the wall for plumb. Hold the outer template up against it every other course.

4. Top off the wall with headers. At the corners, position the bricks as shown bottom right. Allow the mortar to cure for a few days.

5. Coat the inside of the wall with a waterproofingcompound. In the planting area add 100mm of sand or pea gravel for drainage. Cover with topsoil and add plants.

curved planter

If you have some experience laying

straight brick walls, you’ll be surprised

how easy it is to build this graceful planter.

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You will need:[12] A - Top slat - 480 x 90 x 19mm[2] B - Long side piece - 1060 x 90 x 19mm[2] C - Short side piece - 400 x 90 x 19mm[4] D - Leg - 730 x 90 x 19mm[2] E - Leg stretchers - 400 x 90 x 19mm[2] F - Leg spacers - 200 x 90 x 19mm[4] G - Leg stop blocks - 110 x 90 x 19mmDeck screwsTOOLS: Jigsaw, Drill/Driver, screwdriver, drill and countersink bits, clamps, ]

DIAGRAM on back page

Here’s how:1. Use a jigsaw or handsaw and a square to cut the

boards for the top and the frame (see Diagram on back page). Assemble the frame, drilling two holes at the ends of the longer frame boards and adding a countersink hole for the screwheads to nestle into.

2. Clamp the leg boards together (rough side in) and cut them at the same time to ensure identical pieces. Before unclamping, drill the 10mm bolt hole in the upper end.

3. Place the slats top-side up on a flat surface, leaving2mm gaps between each. Centre the supporting frame on top, leaving a 20mm overhang on all sides. Trace the frame shape on the slats with a pencil to make it easier to drill holes.

Heat up some charcoal and set this table up in less time than it takes to open a cold beer.

The legs of the table tuck under the top for easy storage, and a handle attached to the front makes it portable. The table is made from 90 x 19mm Meranti - you can also use Pine - sealed with a Woodoc exterior finish.

fold-away braai table

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4. Remove the frame and drill two holes on each top board end with a countersink bit, using the traced lines as a guide. Screw the slats to the frame using a nail as a spacer between the boards. End slats should overhang by 20mm to match the side overhang.

5. Flip the tabletop upside down and screw a pair of angled leg stop blocks in one end of the frame. Butt rounded ends of the legs against the blocks. Drill through the frame and bolt on legs with M10 x 60 cup head bolts, washers and wing nuts.

6. Screw spacer blocks in the other end of the frame to allow the other pair of legs to nest inside the first.Drill and bolt on the leg stop blocks and the second pair of legs using the longer M10 x 90 cup head bolts.

7. With the legs flat on the underside of the table,measure the length of the stretchers. Cut, drill and fasten them across each pair of legs.

8. Test the fit of the legs by pulling the legs up from theframe. Lift the wider spaced pair first so the secondcan be raised without catching on the stretcher of the first pair. If the legs bind and scrape, sand thesides for a smoother fit.

FinishingSand the table with 120-grit sandpaper. Slightly round the top edges of the slats. Brush away any dust and apply a finish. We used three coats of a Woodoc 50 tofinish off the table and provide sufficient protection foroutdoor use.

To use the table, simply pull out the legs, tighten the wing nuts and get ready for a braai!

TIP: Add a handle to make it easy to carry, and screw on some hooks to hang barbecue tools.

Woodoc 55Gloss Sealer - Meranti, Russet & Dark Brown Woodoc 55 is alkyd based with UV absorbers with added transparent iron oxides to protect wood against harsh sunlight conditions. The high gloss surface is water and moisture repellent.

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roll ‘emup!

I am sure that many of you have piles and piles of bags stored away somewhere, taking up space. I have come across an easy way to store your plastic bags and they will take up hardly any space, in fact you can even pop them into your handbag so that you won’t need to buy bags the next time you go shopping - pop a few into your handbag!

Here’s how:1. Flatten the carrier bag to remove all the air. Fold it over into a strip approximately 6cm wide.Starting at the bottom, fold over a triangular piece, and then fold the triangular piece over itself to continue the triangle shape to the end of the strip. Leave a small section of bag to tuck into the triangle.

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With all the rain that we have been having in Gauteng I have received a lot of enquiries regarding doors that have swelled up due to expansion by moisture. Here’s how to fix thisproblem:

First off, don’t attempt to fix the door whilst it is still swollen.Allow a couple of days for the door to revert back to its original size.

The most common problem for a swollen door is the fact that the top and bottom edges of the door have not been treated or maintained regularly with wood sealer.

Once a door has been hung in position, it may be impossible to get underneath the door to apply sealer, and in this instance you will have to remove the door and rehang.

Removing the door1. Unscrew the hinges in the door frame, starting at the bottom. Have someone to help you hold the door steady when removing the top screws.

2. If the door has returned to its original size, it is only necessary to apply a suitable sealer to the top and bottom of the door. Use Woodoc 50 and Woodoc 55, and apply at least three coats according to the instructions on the tin. (See page 25 of this issue)

Door still does not fit3. If the door has not returned to its original size you will need to sand or plane the bottom or top of the door to remove only as much as is necessary for a perfect fit. Now seal thedoor as mentioned in point 2 above.

fix a swollen door

Add weatherproofing stripTo add additional protection to exterior doors, add a weatherproofing strip tothe bottom. You can buy a weatherproofing strip from mosthardware stores and it is easily screwed to the bottom of the door. Not only a good idea for wet weather, the weather-proofing strip also insulates yourhome by blocking drafts.

BOSCH Planer PHO1Patented Woodrazor blade system – easy, effortless planing, the easiest and quickest possible blade changing and high surface quality

BOSCH Orbital SanderThe PSS200AC is the ideal solution for good quality sanding and fast sanding progress with powerful 200 watt motor and a sanding surface of 92x182 mm.

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Q zoneSend your Q & A for decor, decorating and DIY dilemmas to home-dzine@iburst.co.za.

Q. LesleyPlease help, we have moved into our own home, newly built, we are very short of cash for all the extras. I really need a splashback for behind the stove and behind the sink, what is the cheapest route to go apart from tiles that will look just as good.

A. JaniceThere are many solutions that you can use for a kitchen splashback. 1. You can paint the wall and then affix a pieceof 5mm glass over the painted section, finishingoff at the bottom with a clear silicone sealer. 2. Create a mosaic splashback with bits of old tile or crockery. 3. Paint this section of wall with an oil-based (enamel) paint - this one is very easy!

Q. ChristineI am putting up cornice in the whole downstairs area of my townhouse. Would the best effect be to paint the cornice the same colour as the ceiling, leave them white, or the same colour as the walls? The walls are 2m.8 high. What paint would you recommend for ugly ceilings (decking that shows long horizontal lines)? Would textured paint help?

A. JaniceAs you have such high ceilings, I would suggest that you paint the cornice in the same colour as the ceiling. This will visually bring the ceiling a little lower. If the ceilings have been done with tongue and groove and you want to get rid of the look, you can buy polystyrene ceiling tiles from Builder’s Warehouse, which would be perfect for getting rid of decking-look. I am not convinced that a textured paint would do very much, other than make the ceiling even more unattractive. The next alternative would be very time-consuming and would involve sanding down the ceiling, applying a wood filler, sanding and thenrepainting.

Q. BevI’d like to restore our parquet floors (they’vealways been carpeted). Could you recommend an adhesive which is suitable for any loose pieces of wood. I’d also like to use a Gloss Polyurethane sealant – how many coats should I put on and should I sand between each coat. Which sealant do you recommend?

A. JaniceSome manufacturers recommend a bitumen-based glue for parquet flooring, as it dries to aflexible finish that acts as a cushion. However,any standard wood glue (Alcolin) could be used. I would also recommend that you see the article - http://www.home-dzine.co.za/diy/diy-restore-hardwood-floor.htm - for more information onfinishing wood floors.

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directory

DIY DIVAS now has a new venue!plenty of parking - airconditioned

training room - can accommodate up to 30 divas in a group booking

Links for this issue

Alcolin

Bosch Power Tools for DIY

Decorating Centre

Dremel MultiTools

Garden Shop

Home Comforts

PG Bison

Prominent Paints

Rust-Oleum

Shop Online at Hippo

Woodoc

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