Getting the best from your DIY projects means having access to the right tools and materials. Whether you’re doing something simple, like hanging a picture, or something more extensive, like constructing a stud wall, a selection of quality tools can really help to make life easier.
Basic Tools Every DIYer Should Have
There are a number of hand tools that will prove useful in just about every project. These include hammers, tape measures, and spirit levels. Screwdrivers are also hugely useful. Make sure that you have a selection of them, with various bits – or, just one, with interchangeable bits.
When it comes to power tools, it’s easy to spend a great deal. In the modern era, lithium-ion batteries are powerful enough that you can dispense with a cable for most tools. This makes life more convenient, as well as safer. Look for a separate cordless drill and an impact driver. On larger projects, these are the tools that can make a big difference.
If you know that you’re going to be doing a lot of carpentry, then a power saw can also be helpful. Mitre saws are best for cutting lengths, while table saws are perfect for cutting sheet materials to size.
Choosing the Right Building Aggregate for Foundations
If you’re going to be creating outdoor projects like patios, pathways, and garden walls, then you’ll need to ensure that they’re resting on the right foundations. This means picking out a suitable type of building aggregate. Coarser aggregates provide superior drainage, and thus they’re ideal for base layers. Finer ones, like builder’s sand, can be compacted more easily, which makes them perfect for surface finishes, and for providing a perfectly flat base to stack paving slabs on.
Materials for Paving and Hardscaping Projects
Hardscaping is a great way for DIYers to save money in the garden, and the driveway. Pick out materials that are easy to work with, and that match your personal tastes. You’ll also need to consider how durable your chosen materials are, especially if you know that a given part of the space is going to be receiving a lot of foot traffic.
Landscaping Materials for Planting and Ground Cover
If you’re going to be caring for plants, then you’ll need access to the right organic materials, too. For example, mulch will protect soil from sunlight, and help it to retain moisture – while suppressing weeds at the same time. Compost is something that you can make in the kitchen – but buying ready-bagged alternatives can be worthwhile if you’re embarking on a gardening project and you want a perfectly clean finish.