A

publication

Getting
fixed
know your nails & screws
design tips

- Kitchen & bathroom

For the kids

MDF Storage
smart water

a SO

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use in your garden

imer

E 70

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PA G

Tap
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WEEDS!

$5

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who needs them

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January/February 2011 $5.90

Kitchen

British Paints is the trusted name in paint. Made from quality materials, British Paints
is formulated to give your home long lasting protection and good looks. The British
Paints range represents good paint at a good price. Trust British Paints? Sure Can!

Volume 6, Issue 1
Mitre 10 Projects How To magazine is
published 11 times a year by
MMS Publishing Ltd.
www.nzprojects.co.nz
info@nzprojects.co.nz

10

WALL SELECTIONS
An ultra tough hardwearing acrylic paint that is scuff
resistant and easy to clean because of its unique
polymer bead formulation.
Use on interior walls in bedrooms, hallways,
lounges, dining rooms and ceilings
Polymer Tough Formulation
Available in Low Sheen, Satin and Matt
180 colours (some colours not available in all
sheens)

Managing Editor:

Scott Wilson Phone 021-725 061

Email: scott.wilson@nzprojects.co.nz
Editor:

28

Shaun Evans Mobile 021-1529136

Phone 09-889 7888
Email: shaun.evans@nzprojects.co.nz

34

Sales Manager:

Chris Yates Phone: 027 573 2005

Email chris.yates@nzprojects.co.nz
Contributors:

Shaun Evans, Scott Wilson,

Sandy Johnson, Pamela Southcombe,
Jon Davies, Soraya Nicholas.
Marketing:

50

62

contents

KITCHEN & BATHROOM

Specially designed to prevent mould from forming,
British Paints Kitchen and Bathroom is suitable
to use on interior walls and ceilings where mould
growth is common.
5-Year mould resistance guarantee*
Easy to clean
Hardwearing
5 Year Guarantee*
British Paints Kitchen and Bathroom is guaranteed to resist mould growth for up to 5
years if used in accordance with the label directions. If mould growth occurs, British Paints
will provide paint to rectify the affected areas, free of charge. This warranty is limited and
excludes all labour and other charges.
*British Paints Kitchen and Bathroom resists mould growth as a result of air-borne
spores. It will not resist mould growth from contaminated substrates, or mould caused by
environmental or underlying structural circumstances (eg. low ventilation, localised humidity,
structural damp or water leaks).

KITCHEN TIPS

Make the most out of your kitchen with great ideas to rejuvenate.

18 CLEAR THE AIR

Take out the moisture and keep your bathroom in great shape.

22 SEALANTS

Do it once and do it right, we show you How To.

28 NAIL IT

The New Year means a new beginning for your tired rooms.

40 STORE THOSE TOYS

Getting clever with MDF lets you make use of unused storage.

46 SHED SHOWDOWN

How To help you to plan for your spectacular shed.

50 HOW TO OIL

Expand your DIY skills to the car, we show you How To change the oil.
Great systems and strategies to keep your garden in top shape.

58 BE PREPARED

Disaster kits are serious stuff and we give you the low down on what you need.

62 CHECKLIST

Time to harvest and reap the rewards of your hard work.

64 WEED ASSASSIN

Time to take out the weeds, we look at the effective killers.

66 DESIGN SERIES

Welcome to part two of our designing comfortable homes series.

Printer:

Nicholson Print Solutions

www.emags.co.nz/projects
0800 624 700
1 year (11 issues) - $49.00
(save 24% off the cover price)

34 PAINTING WITH FLAIR

54 PICK AND MIX IRRIGATION

Exclusive to

Phone 021 323 904

New Zealand Subscriptions:

We show you How To choose the right fixing for the right project.

Timers for water control make the difference in your garden.

Bernadette Tipene, Twist Design

MMS Publishing Ltd

P O Box 14069
Five Cross Roads
Hamilton 3252.
0800 NZPROJECTS (0800 697 765)

Uplift that tired bathroom with easy steps and fresh thinking.

71 POND LIFE

Design and Layout:

Enquiries:

10 BATHROOM BEAUTY

68 CONTROL THE FLOW

Juliette Bavister Muse Marketing

juliette@musemarketing.co.nz

Youve installed it, youve balanced it, now look after the pond eco-system.

NZ Projects magazine is a monthly publication,

produced 11 times a year ISSN 1177-6765. MMS
Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all
editorial or advertising material. No part of NZ
Projects How To magazine may be reproduced
without express permission of the publisher. All rights
rved.
All letters to the magazine will be considered for
publication unless clearly marked to the contrary. NZ
Projects How To magazine accepts no responsibility
for the return or condition of unsolicited manuscripts,
art or photography material.
Limitation of liability: NZ Projects How To
magazine has been produced to provide the basic
and general information required when undertaking
home improvement projects around your home. It is
not designed to replace the advice you may require in
certain applications around your home. The contents
of any article may need to be modified for a particular
site and circumstances pertaining to some projects.
Local bylaws pertaining to certain construction or home
improvements should always be adhered to and we
advise contacting a suitably qualified tradesperson
when you require expert services or advice.

Steel Fern Spit Kebab Kit

At last the answer to roasting food on a flat top bbq.
The Spit Kebab kit by Hinton Enterprises turns your old bbq, your
kettle bbq even a camp fire into a rotisserie gourmet centre.
Powered with a single D size battery the motor works to evenly
cook your meal.

The Spit Kebab kit is adjustable to fit different settings, comes

with a basket so you can cook anything.
The Spit kebab kit new to New Zealand is now available at Mitre
10 and Mitre 10 Mega.

AWA range
A contemporary selection of affordable tapware.
Giving plumbers, DIY renovators and builders a
cost-effective way to bring modern styling into home
improvement, the AWA range takes Methvens proven
engineering and adds a contemporary design twist.

Life in colour starts with ScotchBlue.

It takes traditional cross-top tapware to a completely new level.

Designed in New Zealand for local conditions, the AWA range
features a metal handle and is suitable for all pressures above
10kPa. Matching kitchen, bathroom and laundry tapware
gives homeowners a fresh way to create contemporary design
continuity throughout the home.
Smart features ensure every AWA tap works well and is easy to
use. The AWA range uses standard non-rising discs. Available in
chrome, Methvens new AWA range of tapware is available from
your Mitre10 store nationwide.

Knock out
your weeds
naturally
Organic NO Weeds is the latest
addition to the Kiwicare range of
organic garden care products
certified by BioGro. Organic NO
Weeds kills emergent broadleaf
weeds, grass weeds, clovers and
mosses. The product is nonsystemic and is inactive in the
soil. It combines natural pine oils
and plant fatty acids that cause
rapid dehydration, wilting and
death. Weeds fall over within
hours! For more information on dealing with weeds in your
garden and lawn visit www.kiwicare.co.nz

Kitchen

Kitchen
Does your kitchen need a total transplant or just some

as much as you can to make it look good and stick to

tender loving care?

your budget, but do not replace the whole kitchen.

Perhaps you want to enhance the look and feel of your

If you plan to be in your home longer, you need to weigh

kitchen because you plan to put your house on the

up the cost of revitalising your kitchen and compare that

market soon. This month we look at simple ways to

to getting a completely new kitchen. You could do the

modernise your kitchen with practical tips to maximise

simplest and least expensive things for an instant lift

space and decorating ideas to blend in with the theme of

and save your money for your ultimate dream kitchen a

the rest of your home.

There are many ways to freshen your kitchen and give it
a new lease of life without it costing the earth.
Think about the general theme of your home; is it ultramodern, modern, country style, a cottage look, 1950s or
something in between? You want to make the kitchen
compatible with the style of the rest of your home and
achieve a sympathetic look.
Consider your budget for this upgrade. How much you
decide to spend will be affected by your reasons for doing

couple of years down the track.

Whatever the reason for a kitchen makeover, the first
step is to de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter.
Get rid of those old cake tins you havent used for years;
cracked and chipped casseroles and crockery dishes
can go; surplus plastic containers can be sold; the old
dried flower arrangement needs to be binned; stained
fruit bowls and baskets are history; duplicated utensils
thrown out and old appliances traded for new.

this. For example, if you are planning to sell soon, think

If you cant bear to part with them, then pack them in

carefully about the return on your investment. If the

cartons and stow them.

kitchen is a blot on an otherwise good home, then make

it look as fresh and new as possible for the minimum
investment.

As you go through each cupboard and drawer, wipe it

out with cleaning product and give all surfaces including
curtains, windows, light shades, shelves, stove and

A good rule of thumb is: if you are planning to sell

range hood a good clean then stand back and assess

within two years (especially on the current market), do

your kitchen.

Centre of

your home
by Pamela Southcombe

Its the heart of your home where everyone

congregates, where the kids drop their
bags and make for the pantry and where
great food is created and consumed.

Kitchen

Paint the walls

Wallpaper

Choose a branded paint designed for use in kitchens and

Highly underrated and yet stunningly simple as a

bathrooms. All the right information is available from

feature, covering a wall in an eye catching wallpaper

your Mitre 10 paint advisors. A light colour from white

gives you the benefit of easy installation and great

through to light beige will give an up-to-date look for

cost benefits. Wallpaper can add class with colour and

any style of kitchen, using a light colour will give small

texture all in one.

rooms a feeling of space and large rooms a background

to add a splash of colour. Adding colour can be achieved
in many ways, like painting behind the cook top or stove,
or add texture with a splash back of tiles; try a touch of
modern with a back-painted piece of toughened glass.
Glass painted metallic silver looks stunning, as does a
rich red and even black in the right room.

Leading supplier of cabinetware

Cabinet handles
Revitalise the kitchen cabinetry with a really simple
exercise, replace the handles with more stylish, up-todate ones. Go for a more contemporary look to appeal to
you or potential buyers.
Older kitchens will have handles with 96mm between
the screw holes. It is important to measure this before
going out to buy replacements. This measurement
can limit the choice but there are many options in the
Sylvan range.
Hafele also have longer handles available with modern
and sleek designs up to 136mm long, but with screw
holes at 96mm
For a country or cottage look kitchen, you could choose
an antiqued drawer pull, bronzed and brushed, in gold
or black, which will add real character.

Drawers and cupboards

Dirty, corroded or old taps can detract from a kitchen.

If the insides of drawers and shelves are unable to be

brought back to new with a good wash then consider
lining them with contact paper or non-skid matting.

Give the existing taps a really good polish. If that isnt

If you have an older kitchen where the shelves have

been edged with iron-on tape that has lifted or broken
off, you can buy new edge tape and iron it on yourself.

or the wall behind the sink, you will need to find a new

Buy a new cutlery insert if the existing one is stained or

damaged. Mitre 10 have a range of these, including one
that will expand to fit a 600mm wide drawer and it has
a matching utensil insert too.

Taps
good enough, look around for a replacement. Remember
that if the existing tap has two outlets through the bench
tap that fits the spacing or face more work to modify the
plumbing to suit. The range from Foreno is extensive,
whichever way you decide to go, and their product is
well worth investing in.

How is your bench top?

For those with modest DIY skills, sanding back your

cupboard doors and repainting them in contemporary
colours is a real option and reasonably low cost. Always
take your time with the sanding and preparation, as
this is what will determine a quality outcome.

Take an old laminate bench top and prepare with

Sink

If you decide on a new bench top, consider the blank

Invest in some stainless steel polish and get the family

available, any one of which will suit most colour schemes.

to take turns with the elbow grease. You will be amazed

It is easy to take the next step into more expensive bench

to see the sink look nearly new again. Failing that, a

top material but always remember what your budget is

new sink from Mitre 10 can be very cost-effective.

and what you are ultimately trying to achieve.

appropriate paint to get a good key then paint two coats of

your colour choice, followed by 3-4 coats of polyurethane.
The end result is robust enough to last years and will
have cost you only your time and some paint.

tops available from Mitre 10. There are three colours

Distributed by GD Rutter Ltd

email: sales@gdrutter.co.nz

www.sylvan.co.nz
Available from

Kitchen
R

Maximising existing
storage
Take one of your cupboards and change it to a set of
three or four drawers. If the colour of the existing door

Pick up your free copy

of the LATEST edition of
Forenos UNPLUGGED
Magazine in store...

is not available, look at a light-coloured, wood look

melamine for this or some other contrast. It is always
better to contrast than get a near match.
Use an extendable tea towel prong that screws onto the
side or back wall of the cabinet.

UNPLUGGED

Fix a cleaner slide inside the sink cupboard, which

will hold brushes, detergent and other cleaning items,

de
Tapware Buyers Gui

leaving extra shelf space.

ISSUE 3

LOV
your kitchen

A rubbish bin fitted to a door or the base of a cabinet is

an asset. Ask at your local Mitre 10 as there are many

y want
... get what you reall

styles to choose from.

Simple extras

throoms
Bold Ba
Add the WOW factor

to your bathroom

A new kitchen could mean a much quicker

sale but it is unlikely you would get your
investment back.

To gain more bench space, put up microwave support

brackets or a microwave shelf. When selecting the

Plus

position for the microwave support, remember that

eye with Nat Davis

n
The designers
solutions
L w water pressure
Low
Taps
Autoflo - Electronic

all microwave doors are hinged on the left. You will need 600mm of space,

Scheme
Efficiency Labelling
about the new Water
+ All you need to know

sometimes more, so read the manual that came with your microwave.
Where there is some spare wall space, add a timber shelf in a country-style
kitchen or a glass shelf in a sleek modern style for canisters and other
items.
If you have a breakfast bar, consider making a feature of the back panel

With MORE products,

DESIGN TIPS & the latest on
the new Water Efficiency
Labelling scheme

facing out into the living/dining area. Change it to another colour or

glue on a series of horizontal timber batons or PVC-edged melamine of a
contrasting colour. Add a toughened glass panel, back painted in a colour

Rainjet features
facial spa mode for
a little luxury
at home

Nat

op 6
s T

matching the highlight colour in the kitchen.

Rainjet Slide Shower

Not enough bench space? A movable butchers table with chopping board
and drawer from Hafele could solve that problem. Add a basket on the

FSLR
A water efficient shower
that
doesnt compromise
on the
quality of your shower.
Five
different functions includin
ga
facial spa mode.

open shelf below for a country cottage look.

Windows

Waka Swi
vel

Check out the rest

of the V-Line range
on page 10

Curtains can be difficult to keep clean in a kitchen and you do not want them
anywhere near a cook top for safety reasons alone. If it is a sunny situation,
choose a Holland blind or a sun filter blind. These will blend into any style of
kitchen.

New Zealand
design is in a
league of
its own

V-Line Wall mount bath spout

VL05
Add some sophistication
to your
bathroom with the elegant
V-line wall mount bath
spout.

Spout Sin
k Mixer
WK1

NZ designed and
manufactured.
NZ identity in your own
home

Nat Davis, Judge

from TV2s Dreamh
ome
explains the ins
&
outs of choosing
your tapware. Read
on below to find
out
why she has chosen
these products as
her top 6.

Taking your kitchen to a new level of space and style is easy and with the
great range of products and ideas at Mitre 10, youll find it hard to resist some
well-deserved DIY.

Bathroom

Bathroom

From the simplest titivations to a full-scale revamp, it is easy to make a neglected

utility room into a soothing, relaxing haven. If your bathroom is plain, dated,
mildewed, stained, cluttered and dull, but what you really want is a luxurious,
restful, stylish, pretty and even glamorous space, then here are some simple, lowcost ideas to achieve a great-looking bathroom.
First, throw out all the old back scrubbers, drooping net
balls, jaded toothbrush holders and anything that has

Mirror

been there too long and looks worn. Be sure to give all

Everyone needs good light in the bathroom, so have a

the surfaces a good wash down with sugar soap, while

look at your mirror. If it is damaged around the edges

a good polish and some elbow grease applied to the taps

with the mirror backing breaking down, as often

will make a world of difference. Check the windowsills

happens, replace it with a larger one. A big mirror

and bath surrounds to see if the paintwork needs re-

will give the illusion of a much larger room, reflecting

doing. If it does, choose gloss paint as it will look sharp

more light around. You can get one made to measure or

and its reflectivity brightens the room, plus its hygienic.

purchase one from your favourite Mitre 10 store.

Quick ideas
Alter the look of your
bathroom with shower
curtains they are easy to
clean and easy to change.
Purchase fluffy towels with
matching facecloths and
hand towels.
Put down a new floor rug in
either a bath mat style or a
rug made from man-made
fibres, which will dry easily.

Scintillating
bathrooms

Add scented candles and

colourful scented soaps.
Paint a stool or a chair to
suit the colour scheme and
place it in the corner with
towels or a plant on it.
Bottles of bubble bath, bath
salts and body lotions can
provide a wonderful aroma.

by Pamela Southcombe

10

11

Bathroom

Colour

Minimal hanging space can promote clutter and there is

For a cool summer look use blues, lavenders and mauves,

of hooks designed to hang on the top of the bathroom

while restful greens will suit any season. A maidenhair

door and invest in a tiered towel rail instead of a single

fern loves a bathroom atmosphere too and will suit

rail, so it can hold several towels and give the bathroom

tropical colours like rose, apricot, red and vibrant hues.

a contemporary look.

These will also help to cheer you up when the winter

nothing worse than towels on the floor. Purchase a row

season arrives again.

Handles

A bromeliad is hardy and gives a tropical look, as do

Are the main items like the vanity, shower and toilet in

small potted palms and begonias when they are in

season. Use what you can to get that South Sea island
feel.

need of replacement or would new handles give doors

and drawers a new look? Sylvan have a wide range of
knobs and handles suitable for any style of house from

Sandy beige, turquoise blue and creams will remind you

of the beach, so compliment these with shells, starfish,
driftwood, stones or other beach treasures youve picked
up on holiday. Use bright beach towels to accentuate the
effect.

colonial and retro to contemporary and modern.

Fittings
Taps, shower and bath hardware can be replaced quite
simply, providing you choose configurations compatible

Keep to neutral tones in the overall effect but add

with the existing ones. This will allow you to retain the

atmosphere with your own soft furnishing touches and

same plumbing and keep the DIY component relatively

accessories.

simple.

276.

12

00

Bathroom

Bathroom

Showers and baths

The choice is wide and limited only by your budget and

you will be able to select fittings to suit the era and style of your home, whether it is

The most common showers are those over the bath or

voluptuously shaped claw foot baths, go the extra mile

a turn of the 20th century villa or a turn of the 21st century new build.

the wet floor style. However, the alternative shower box

for some spa luxury, or keep it simple according to your

has become very popular. A wide range of pre-fabricated,

taste.

Take a look at the Foreno range in store and their guide Unplugged. From the latest
Waka range designed and made in NZ to the Villa series and every style in between,

the space available. Choose from the deep, freestanding,

To add value to the bathroom, consider installing the Autoflo hands-free mixer, as

ready-to-install sizes and shapes are available. Corner

it is hygienic, saves water can be set at a safe temperature for the children. All of

showers can have curved sliding doors or a side hung

Forenos tapware has a water efficiency rating, so you will be doing your bit for the

door.

Tiles
If the budget can stretch to tiling a bathroom, do it!

planet.
Steam from the shower is a major factor in creating

Whether in part or all the walls, tiles add an air of

As with cars, you can spend huge amounts on top of the range products or effect a

mould and mildew in many bathrooms. Now you can

opulence.

transformation with a limited budget.

overcome that with a Showerdome. These are installed

Choose large tiles with clean lines and use a closely

over a shower cubicle, and work by preventing the warm

matching grout that will blend in. You may like a

air inside the shower from mixing with the cold air in

decorative strip such as a Paua insert or a pattern

your bathroom. They are inexpensive and will save you

created with small tiles as a feature. however, keep in

repainting walls stained with mildew.

mind that this can become expensive quickly and may

Most people still want to have at least one bath in their

not have a wide appeal.

home and, lets face it, there is nothing better after a

Combining other wall coverings such as wallpapers with

hard day in the garden or a day out fishing than a soak

tiles can help keep costs down but retain an upmarket

in a tub full of hot, soapy water.

look and create atmosphere.

WATERPROOF in just 2 hours*

5 YEAR mould resistant
guarantee#
Selleys, leading the market to deliver
what consumers want:
Waterproof, fast
Mould resistance guarantee#
Formulated to resist lifting
Neutral cure
100% Silicone, 25 year guarantee**

* Sealant will form a firm skin to be waterproof and shower-ready only 2 hours after application. The semi-cured sealant
must not be touched until fully cured (48 hours). # Sealant must be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of soap scum.
** 25 YEAR GUARANTEE This product is guaranteed against crumbling,
cracking or drying when used as directed, for private use, and within 12 months of purchase.

For more information visit www.selleys.co.nz or telephone 0800 SELLEYS

14

15

Bathroom

Vanities

Selling?

Vanity units come in a wide range of styles and if the

If you are selling your home, you may want to do more

room is small, a wall-hung vanity will create a feeling

than change the towels or spruce up the general look

of space. A tall, slim wall-hung cabinet will give you

of the bathroom. In the sales process, potential buyers

a lot of storage without taking up room and they are

can have the perception that it will cost thousands to

available in a variety of ready-made styles; some with

upgrade the bathroom, so it is in your best interests to

opaque glass doors, some with an open shelf between

do all you can to alleviate that impression.

two cupboards.
When making your selection, think about what you need
to store in the bathroom. The more basic items you can
store out of sight the better.

Start by making a simple list of the defects as you see

them and rectifying them one by one.
If you are planning to sell, decide where your house
lies in the market and who your likely buyers will be.
Understand their tastes and aim your efforts at them,
keeping in mind the return on your investment.

Select honest materials for your

vanity to alter the look of your
bathroom dramatically; try solid timber
or natural stone.

16

Whatever your decisions and no matter how much

you have to spend, there are plenty of great ideas at
your local Mitre 10 and the staff are capable, trained
and ready to help you achieve your dream bathroom
just ask.

Bosch Hot Water.

Delivering Peace of Mind.
Bosch has been delivering hot water to New Zealand households for over 50
years. Pioneering continuous flow water heating in the late 1800s, Bosch has
secured a name synonymous with quality and innovation that continues to
drive the company today. As a result, Bosch now offers the largest range of
continuous flow gas hot water systems on the market today.
One such product, the Bosch Highflow 25e is compact, space-saving and is easy
to install. It has been designed for maximum energy efficiency and environmental
protection making it a smart choice for New Zealand homes.
Call Bosch on 0800 54 33 52 or visit www.bosch.co.nz/hotwater for more
information.

Ventilation

Ventilation
Most bathrooms are constructed from materials

The Aerlite heat/fan/light combination shown here has

specially designed for wet area use, such as moisture-

four 275 watt heat lamps and a 60 watt centre lamp,

resistant wall and ceiling linings and tiles. However,

while the centrifugal exhaust fan draws steam in,

they are still challenging areas to maintain.

around the outside of the heat lamps. The pack comes

One way of keeping your bathroom looking shipshape is

to reduce the amount of steam it has to endure. Showers
and baths create a constant flow of steam reducing
or removing it from the environment will help your
bathroom look good for longer. It will also become much
easier to use no more fogged up mirrors, mouldy tiles
or dripping walls and ceilings.

Before beginning, spend some time planning where you

are going to put the unit, as its going to be much easier
doing that before you start, rather than trying to repair
mistake.
The unit should not be fitted directly above a shower
or bathtub, or in a position where the lamps may get

A Showerdome is an acrylic cap that sits on top of the

splashed with water. Placement of the unit also needs to

shower cubicle and prevents the warm air inside the

be in an area where there is sufficient clearance height

shower cubicle mixing with the cooler air outside the

between the ceiling and the roof. Make sure there are no

cubicle, preventing steam occurring. The steam doesnt

obstructions from framing components such as ceiling

even occur inside the shower, as the warm air never

joists and that electrical wiring can be routed from the

wall switches to the mounting location. It also needs

There are models of Showerdome to suit most sizes and

to be possible to route the ducting from the unit to the

shapes of shower and they are all custom-fit to your

outside of the house (generally to the soffit, although

existing situation because they are made on blanks

it is also possible to install a wall outlet location), so

larger than they need to be, allowing for them to be

make sure the unit is within three metres of where the

fitted individually to different showers (pic 1).

external grill will be situated.

It seems like a really simple solution to an enduring

The instruction card inside the Aerlite pack (pic 2)

problem and it is! Showerdome is an easy, effective

doubles as a template for the 300mm x 300mm hole.

and permanent solution to preventing steam in your

Use this to mark the hole before cutting it out, making

bathroom.

sure there are no electrical wires or pipes that may be

An extraction system is the other method of removing

severed during this process.

steam and these can provide more than just a way of

Locate the position for the external grill and cut a

venting damp air to the outside of the home. As well as

circular hole 105mm in diameter, then connect one end

a fan unit, ventilation units also provide lights or heat

Your bathroom can be one of the

outside.

extraction system to remove the steam and vent it

meets the cool air to cause the condensation.

by Scott Wilson

of ducting with a white grill for exhausting the steam

a problem halfway through the process if you make a

shower steam from occurring is to install a Showerdome.

fresh

four heating bulbs, the centre lamp and three metres

One of the most obvious solutions is to install an

outside. Another method of effectively preventing

Bright and

with the extraction fan unit, a four-way wall switch, the

lamps or a combination of each.

of the 100mm diameter duct to the spigot of the external

grill (pic 3).

best-looking rooms in your home

but, if its not taken care of, it can
also be one of the worst. Moisture
and heat, which are regularly
present in most bathrooms, are
often the worst offenders, creating
an environment that is tough on
paint or wallpaper and provides
a

wonderful

environment

mould and mildew to grow.

18

for

2
19

Ventilation

Ventilation

Remove the bulbs from the unit then unclip the fascia

Now slip the housing unit into the hole (pic 6) and use

retention springs inside the housing and remove the

the spring clips (pic 7) on the housing to ensure its held

fascia (pic 4).

securely in place against the ceiling lining.

Wiring

To complete the installation, replace the fascia and

Our recommendation would be to enlist the services of a

ventilation unit is now ready for use. With the added

registered electrician to undertake any electrical work,

light that the unit provides and the effortless extraction

especially when working with a unit like this, even

of steam and moisture, your bathroom will be a cleaner

though some of the work you can do yourself.

Connect one end of the interconnecting wire to the wall
switch and then run the wire up the wall and into the
ceiling. Next, make the connections to the terminal

retention springs and replace the lamps (pic 8). Your

and healthier space from here on in.

To find the unit that is perfect for your bathroom, visit
you local Mitre 10 store and talk to one of the expert
staff.

block on the unit as per the instructions contained in

the pack (pic 5).
The next step is to fit the internal end of the duct to the
fan outlet and fix it with the duct clip. Its important at
this point (for maximum steam extraction) to keep the
ducting as straight as possible.

Before undertaking any electrical

work, ensure the power is switched off
to prevent accidental electric shock.

8
Aerlite Bathroom Ventilation
Shower Vent and Light

Stylish design providing high efficiency

ventilation and spot lighting

The sleek Aerlite Shower Vent and Light provides high efficiency ventilation
suitable for any bathroom. This ceiling fan with light can be safely mounted
directly over the bath or shower to remove steam and reduce condensation on
your mirrors, windows and walls. White & Silver fascias are included giving you
the option to match your preferred style.

Heat-Fan-Light 2

Designer bathroom systems

providing instant heating, lighting and ventilation

The stylish Aerlite Heat-Fan-Light 4 is a complete heat, fan, light unit designed to
give independent control of your bathroom ventilation, instant heat and lighting
requirements. Easy installation and a low overall height means the unit can also be
fitted between floors. Aerlite Heat-Fan-Light 2 is also available.

Aerlite Bathroom Ventilation

Aerlite Home Ventilation
Aerlite Heat Transfer

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Sealants

Sealants

Mind
the gap
by Scott Wilson

Fillers
Flexible fillers

Fillers and sealants are a necessity for

Flexible fillers are one of the most versatile on the

your home workshop and can be used in a

market and are designed for sealing gaps where some

wide variety of applications. From filling

type of movement will still be required. This makes it

nail or screw holes and fixing blemishes

in the surface of panels, through to

ideal for along the top of skirting boards or around door

and window frames, which need that flexibility due to
natural contraction and expansion. Although a wide

bathroom renovations, sealing up leaks

range of flexible fillers area available for interior use,

in a gutter and filling annoying gaps

there are also a number designed for outdoor applications

around architraves.

or where there may be high levels of moisture, such as

in bathrooms or laundries.

There is a massive range of sealants and fillers

available at Mitre 10, which can cause some

The Selleys range of No More Gaps products has a

confusion when selecting the one for the job you are

number of solutions to your flexible gap-filling needs.

undertaking. No need to feel overwhelmed, though,

One of their latest products Selleys 3 in 1 is a

because a bit of How To knowledge will help you get

multiple-use product that seals, bonds and fills, so

what you need.

offers the versatility of a filler, adhesive and sealant

in one tube. Ados has a flexible filler called Gap Filler,
while Sikas Fast Gaps Filler is also designed for this
application. Another option is Bostiks Fill-A-Gap, a
water-based, paintable, acrylic gap filler.
In almost every instance, youll find that flexible filler
is paintable but it pays to check on the packaging
beforehand. Generally, flexible fillers cant be sanded
so they require careful application to ensure the best
finish.

Rigid fillers
If you have ever filled a nail or screw hole or had to
repair a blemish in a wall, ceiling or on the surface of a
panel, a rigid filler is the type of product you would have
used. Normally these come as pre-mixed products in a
tub or tin and can be used directly from the container
and applied to the affected area with a putty knife,
where they will cure (dry). They can be sanded back to
match the surrounding area. In some cases, a second
application of filler may be required.

22

23

Sealants

CRC has a product called Builders Fill, which can be

also possible that awkwardly-shaped cavities and voids

used on a wide range of materials, while Selleys has a

(such as under the edges of sheets of roofing material)

variety of fillers including Permafilla and Rapidfilla,

will provide a haven for birds to nest or vermin to make

the latter of which also comes in a version called

their home, so its a great idea to fill them and seal these

Coloursmart, which changes colour from pink to white

spaces off.

when it has cured and is ready for sanding.

Expanding foam fillers, such as Selleys Space Invader

or Polyfilla Expanding Foam, are an excellent solution

Foam fillers

to these difficult areas. Available in a spray can,

When undertaking renovations or repairs to a home,

expanding foam fillers can be applied through a nozzle

its often easy to be left with quite large cavities where

into these gaps where they expand to fill the empty

pipe work or ducting goes through a wall. These can

space. If it expands too far (through over application)

reduce the insulating properties in a wall or ceiling

it can be trimmed back with a sharp utility knife to sit

and provide spaces that can be draughty and cold. Its

flush with it surroundings.

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Guaranteed for as long as youre living in your house. We guarantee, as long as Weathershield is applied to your house
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To find out more information visit www.dulux.co.nz or call us on 0800 800 424

For more information visit www.selleys.co.nz or telephone 0800 SELLEYS

Sealants

Sealants

Sealants
There is a wide variety of sealants, with many of them
referred to generically as silicone sealants, even though
this isnt technically always correct. Silicone sealants
are primarily designed as a waterproof seal, making
them ideal for around baths, basins and showers and
roof spouting downpipes.

Putties
With the advent of both flexible and rigid fillers in
recent years, putties have become less and less common
but they still have a place. Glazing putty is still used
when glazing wooden windows and doors, while woodfilling putties and other products like Selleys Plastic
Wood are still available for a more traditional approach
to woodworking.
One recent advent has been the introduction of two-part
epoxy putties, the perfect example of which is Selleys
Knead It. Knead It (which has a couple of different
varieties) comes in a roll that allows you to cut off what
you need and then knead the two components together
to create a putty that can be used for a range of different
tasks. Knead It cures to an extremely hard, durable
finish and can be sanded, filed, sawn, screwed and
painted when dry.

When choosing a silicone sealant, select one that is

designed for the right job (Roof & Gutter or Window &
Glass), as these will have a different chemical make-up.
Most silicone sealants are treated with a mould/mildew
retardant, so they have improved resistance to those
ugly stains that can sometimes appear in the sealants
around your bath or shower.
Many are also resistant to paint, so take care when
applying them or choose a paintable co-polymer sealant.
Co-polymer sealants perform in much the same way
as silicone sealants and can be used on surfaces that
are damp or even wet, which is extraordinarily useful
when working outdoors or in areas where moisture is a
constant problem.
Selleys has a wide range of silicone sealants, including
the new 3 in 1, which are specifically designed for
certain purposes, but one of the new additions to the

range is Wet Area Speedseal, which is designed to cure

quickly, to a point where it is possible to shower just two
hours after application.
Ados also has a number of different silicone sealants
available at Mitre 10, ranging from a kitchen/bath
option through to a roof/gutter version and a window/
glass formula, as well as their All Purpose silicone.
Selleys All Clear, a co-polymer sealant, also comes in a
tin rather than the standard tube, so it can be brushed
onto awkward and irregular cracks.

Applying sealants
Sealants (apart from brushable types) are applied using
a caulking gun, which can take a little practice to use
properly. Before putting the cartridge into the gun, the
tip tube may need to be cut off to allow the sealant to
be forced into the nozzle. Once this is done, screw the
nozzle back onto the tube then clip off the end of the
nozzle at a 45-degree angle, using a sharp utility knife.
The further down the nozzle you cut it, the larger the
bead of silicone that will come out. If you only need a
very fine bead, clip it off quite close to the tip as its
always easy to make the bead larger if required.

of the gun in until it stops against the plug in the end

of the tube.
To apply the silicone, turn the handle and then firmly
apply constant pressure to the trigger until the silicone
starts to flow out the end of the nozzle. To stop the flow,
turn the handle until the pressure is released.
There are two ways of applying silicone either pushing
the bead in front of the nozzle or pulling it behind the
nozzle. Try and produce an unbroken bead of silicone
but, if necessary, smooth it out with a filling knife.
To create a tidy job, apply masking tape to both surfaces,
creating a valley where the silicone can be applied.
As soon as the silicone has been applied, remove the
masking tape. Alternatively, spraying the area with a
fine mist of soapy water allows any excess sealant to be
cleaned up effortlessly.

Slide the handle of the caulking gun all the way back,
then slip the tube into place before pushing the handle

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26

27

Screws / Nails

Screws / Nails

Panel pins: Used for smaller jobs such as cabinet

making or fixing thin sheets of material in place, they
can range in size from 19mm to 50mm long.

Getting a fix
on fixings
by Scott Wilson

Standard nails: Available in lengths of 60mm, 75mm,

90mm and 100mm and should be selected based on the
thickness of the material you are working with. For
larger framing jobs, a mix of 75mm and 100mm nails
can be used.
Galvanised nails: Are available in the same size as
standard nails plus 125mm and 150mm spikes, mainly

Nails

due to the larger sections of timber that are often used

in landscaping and outdoor work.

Whether its nailing together a couple of pieces

Nails are probably one of the first things that come to

To determine the correct length nail shank you should

of timber for an outdoor garden, screwing a

mind when the term fixings is used. There is a huge

select, remember this simple rule of thumb 1/3 to

range of Paslode nails available at Mitre 10.

hinge to a door frame or using nuts and bolts

/3.

That is, 1/3 of the nail length will pass through

the material you are nailing and 2/3 of the nail will be

to put a BBQ together, it pays to have a basic

Material

understanding of the different types of fixings

For most applications, you will have the choice of either

this, measure the top timber thickness and simply

available.

bright steel or galvanised nails. Its essential you know

multiply by three to get the appropriate nail length for

which ones you need, especially if working on an exterior

the application.

project.
Bright steel nails are manufactured without any form of
protection and are cheaper but will quickly start to rust
in an exterior environment. They are perfectly suited to
interior jobs like wall and floor framing right through
to smaller jobs such as shelves, chests and many other
weekend projects.
Exceptions to this rule of thumb are in wet areas of
your house like bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. In
these cases the more protected electro-galvanised or
hot-dipped galvanised should be considered. Failure to
use protected nails in wet areas may result in unsightly
timber staining.
Galvanised nails are coated with zinc, which protects
the nail from corrosion, making them the perfect choice
for outdoor work or interior wet areas.

embedded in the timber you are nailing to. To calculate

Head
The two most common head types used in construction
are jolt head and flat head but there are a couple of
other types available as well. Flat head nails have a flat,
circular head and are great for general-purpose tasks.
However, because of the head, they are really only
suitable for jobs where the nail will be seen afterwards
or where it will be covered with other material.
Jolt head nails have a head that is only slightly larger
than the shank of the nail itself, allowing it to be
punched below the surface of the timber where it can be
covered with filler.
There are also clouts, which are shorter nails with
a larger flat head and are usually used for fixing
panel products to walls and ceilings. In many cases,
manufacturers will make clouts to suit their own

Also available are stainless steel and silicon bronze

products but there are clouts available in the Paslode

nails, which are highly corrosion resistant and can be

range from 19mm to 40mm long.

used in almost any situation. These are often used when

working near the coast where prevalent conditions can
cause the corrosion of other nails due to the amount of
salt in the air.

Size
Nails can range in size from 150mm long down to less
than 20mm, depending on which section of the store you
are looking in and what you require them for.

28

29

WIN: WITH
BROWNS
BRUSHWARE

Shank
While it may seem obvious, the shank is the part
between the point and the head of the nail and this is
the section that provides the holding power due to the
friction of the shank on the material its fixed into.
The larger the nail, the thicker the shank; providing
more hold strength. However, there is also more chance
of splitting timber when using larger nails, so keep this
in mind when selecting nails for your project.

AND THE ALL NEW

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Screws

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The micro fibre used in Browns Brushware allows dirt to be trapped
within the fibres then flushed out in clear water, without the need for
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simply shift dirt from place to place on the surface being cleaned.

version. The Microfibre glove makes for easy window cleaning and it
also has a squeegee to remove excess water. And the Go Clean multi
micro fibre wand is ideal for either damp or dry use for cleaning high,
narrow or hard to reach areas with ease.

The Go Clean radius scoop and broom set is the stylish way to collect
debris. Its designer brush head with soft, long-reach bristles and large
capacity scoop with dust cover lid provides the perfect way to pick up
debris without bending.

Each pack contains:

The Go Clean linear dust mop features an extendable, twist-lock handle

which is able to be snap released from the frame. The chenille micro
fibre mop refill is ideal for both damp and dry use for cleaning lino, tiles
and wooden floors.

Vista Window Squeegee and Micro Fibre Glove - RRP$14.90

The Go Clean vista window washer features a detachable twist-lock

handle so it can be used in either a long handled or short handled

For more information on these great cleaning products visit

www.brownbrush.co.nz

Although more expensive per unit than nails, screws do

have a considerable advantage their threaded shaft
provides considerably greater holding power than nails.
There is a huge range of Atlas screws to choose from and
its vital you know which ones are suitable for the job
you are working on.

Material

Radius Scoop and Broom - RRP$29.90

Linear Micro Fibre Mop - RRP$29.90
Linear Micro Fibre Mop Refill - RRP$9.90
Vista Micro Fibre Glove Refill - RRP$4.90
Multi Micro Fibre Wand - RRP$14.90
Multi Micro Fibre Wand Refill - RRP$4.90

Screws in the Atlas range are coated in a number of

different materials but the most common materials in
your Mitre 10 store are zinc or zinc chromate. Its easy
to tell the difference between the two by the colour;
zinc is silver and is designed for interior/protected use,
while zinc chromate has a distinctive yellow colour
and is more durable. For use outdoors it is advisable to
purchase stainless steel screws.

Thread

How to EntEr tHE draw

Go online to www.nzprojects.co.nz and click on Promos to submit your entry or send your name, physical address, daytime phone
number and email address on the back of an envelope to: Projects HOW TO Browns Brushware Competition, PO Box 34-974,
Birkenhead, Auckland 0746 before Monday 28 February 2011.

Now this is where things can start to get a little

complicated. Atlas screws have a number of different
thread options and each is designed for a specific range

You must include the missing words in this phrase:

of tasks.

Chemical _ _ _ _ cleaning

Standard wood screws: Have a normal thread and

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

You may enter only once. There are 10 prize packs as outlined. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
The winners will be notified by phone or email by 30 April 2011. Employees of MMS Publishing, Browns and their immediate families
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Prices quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at time of publication.
Projects HOW TO and Browns accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.

30

are designed for fixing two different sections of timber

together but these screws have a wedge shape and
can sometimes split timber, even if a pilot hole is drilled
first.

Screws / Nails
with

Pozidrive and Phillips have similar X-shaped heads.

particleboard and soft timbers and have parallel

Phillips head screws are designed so the driver will ride

twin threads for greater holding power and quicker

out of the head (also known as camming out) when

installation. They also have a parallel core diameter

under strain to prevent them being over-tightened.

Twinfast

woodscrews:

Designed

for

use

for the majority of the screw length, which reduces the

likelihood of splitting the timber.
SUREFIX

screws:

Hardened,

Imperial - inches

Metric (approx) - mm

13mm

5/8

16mm

19mm

25mm

1 1/8

28mm

32mm

38mm

1 5/8`

41mm

44mm

51mm

64mm

Pozidrive screws are differentiated by the second set of

markings set 45 degrees from the main machined cross

self-drilling

and

countersinking wood screws with a hardened point,

meaning no pilot hole is required. They have an extra
coarse thread and rib on the underside of the head to
allow them to self-countersink.

in the head and offer more resistance to camming out or

driver slippage.
Robertson (square) heads are really useful and have
become more popular and widely used in the last few
years. Although they look like just a square, both the

Hinge screws: Similar to SUREFIX screws, but without

hole and the driver tool are tapered, which makes

the self-countersinking ribs underneath the head. They

them user friendly because the screws tend to retain

are self-drilling and designed to sit flush into hinges or

themselves on the driver bit when being inserted. The

76mm

other fittings.

shape of the head also allows considerable force to be

102mm

applied when driving them without the driver suffering

from cam out.

There are three distinct shapes to a standard screw

head - countersunk, round and dome (or oval).

such an easy one to work out. Josh George from Steel

Hex head screws have a hexagonal shaped recess and

and Tube, the suppliers of Atlas brand screws, says this

can be removed or inserted using a hex key or hexagonal

is an area that can often cause confusion.

shaped driver bit. Torx heads are more common in other

Head

The second measurement refers to gauge, and this isnt

industries, such as automotive and electrical.

Most DIYers struggle with what the gauge actually

Size

screw gauge equals roughly half itself in millimetres

refers to, so most work on the very rough rule that a

Screws are measured by length and gauge (thickness).

an 8g (gauge) screw is just over 4mm and a 10g just

Length is fairly self-explanatory, however, it is useful to

under 5mm, he says. However, this rough rule comes

remember that screws are available in both metric and

unstuck when working with the smaller and larger

imperial measurements.

gauges.
A conversion chart for screw gauges:
Screw gauge (g)

Shank size (mm)

2.74

3.10

covered with filler. Round head screws have a round

3.45

head, but the underside is flat. These are used for fixing

3.81

4.17

of a combination of both, with a round head but also

4.52

countersunk and are often using for fixing hardware or

10

4.88

12

5.59

14

6.30

Countersunk screws are easily the most common and

are designed so the top of the head either finishes flush
with the timber, or slightly below it, allowing it to be

sheet materials where the sheet is too hard to allow the

screw to be countersunk. Dome head screws are a bit

door furniture.
Just as important when selecting the head of the screw
is the type of drive each has. Not too long ago, the two
most obvious were slotted heads or Phillips heads, but

Pilot holes are often critical to the performance of

now you can also get Pozidrive, Robertson, Torx and hex

screws, but these also depend on the type of screw being

head screws each requires a different driver to insert

used and the type of material they are being used on.

or remove them.

The team at Mitre 10 have a huge amount of knowledge

With slotted screws, the tip of the screwdriver should fit

about the world of screws and nails and how to choose

snugly into the slot and not slip around when turned.

the right one for your project.

32

Paint

Paint

New year,

Refresh your walls with a coat of

the same colour, it will brighten and
freshen, giving a cleaner look.

new look

The year has turned and it is a time for new beginnings

welcome to 2011 and a whole new look for your home. With
a little inspiration and some help from the team at Mitre
10, you can transform any room into a masterpiece. From
the kids bedroom to the master suite, its time to perform a
makeover with paint, as this is the most dramatic and costeffective way of making a change.
The inspiration for your makeover can come from many places. Base
your pallet on your favourite colour, or a picture you have seen in How
To magazine. You may draw your inspiration in the childrens room from
their favourite action hero or cartoon character. Wherever you draw your
inspiration from, be sure to talk to the folks at Mitre 10 about what paint
product will best help realise your vision.
The new year can be a time of massive change for some families with the
chance to sell your home and move on to greener pastures. If this is the
case, it is important that any room makeover is orientated towards potential
purchasers. This will mean that you will be using your colour wheel to select
neutral tones and mainstream accents. You want to appeal to the broadest
range of people and using neutral tones, beiges and taupes will do the job
and look fresh and contemporary.
For those of you who are staying put and just want to alleviate the atmosphere
of last year, then it is time to search for your inspiration. Perhaps this glowing
summer has inspired you to work with a South Pacific feel, or the toys your
kids received at Christmas have been such a hit that you will theme their
room in Spiderman reds and blues or bright Barbie pinks.

34

35

Paint

Childrens room ideas

Start with base colours that appeal. For girls, pink, purples and yellows are
popular. Those aged between three and six are still living in a magical land
where fairies, princesses and butterflies are part of their world. Vibrant
colours, butterflies hanging from the ceiling, colourful stickers on the walls,
glitter and fantasy will create the perfect fairytale room for them.

Dulux Hauraki Gulf

Paint walls with

a mouse-click at
dulux.co.nz
The new Dulux website is the home of painting inspiration
and advice. With our easy to use online tools, you can plan
a painting project and see it through with perfect results.
Visit dulux.co.nz and bring your decorating dreams to life.

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For more information go to wattyl.co.nz or see your Wattyl stockist.

Paint

Paint
For the boys, various shades of blues and greens
always work. If in doubt, look to the favourite toy for
inspiration. The good old classic themes like space, cars,
pirates and superheroes will always be a good option.
The same concept of age applies to the boys at around
seven years old, they need a more grown-up room that
reflects the changes in their personality.
The kids room is more than just a place to sleep, it is
their personal space in the house. It should reflect not
only their personality but also stimulate their creativity
by encouraging play and imagination. The right room

Get your walls

in fashion

can be the best nanny you could ever wish for, simply
by creating a place where your kids will spend hours
playing happily.

Adults room ideas

The new The Range 2011/12 from

Resene is full of inspiring designer

First ask yourself what your room represents to you and

paint colours designed for 2011/12

how much time you spend in it. When you come home

and beyond.

from work, cook the evening meal, put the kids to bed
and go to your room, what kind of space do you want to

Each colour features complementary

find?

colour ideas to help you splash your

These questions will help to determine the right colour

personality around your home.

for your bedroom. Light colours are calming and relaxing

and will reflect the light nicely. Try whites, off-whites,
beiges and taupes as these are popular and provide
a neutral pallet for you to add a touch of colour. Cool

To help you splash some of the latest

colours around your place, when you
bring this ad into your local Resene
reseller or ColorShop and buy a
Resene 55ml testpot well give you
a FREE Resene 55ml testpot!

colours such as greens and blues will also open up the

room and help create a relaxing outdoor feel.

Think about the colour of your bedroom furniture, as

well as the curtains, and consider how the paint you
choose will work against it. You can always paint the
furniture to create different contrasts and take the
makeover a step further.
A darker shade of beige, sand colour or light browns can
be a good option if you still want to have light colour but
are prepared for a little change. If you spend lots of time
in your room watching TV and movies, a feature wall
behind the TV creates a good frame, giving personality
to the room.
Alternatively, a feature wall behind the bed is an area
in which you can express yourself and dare to be a bit
different. Deep, dark, dusky reds will create a luxurious
feel if you want a room you can pamper yourself in, or if
you want to add an air of romance.
Be careful not to let strong colours dominate the room
or compete for attention use these in the smallest
amounts. A deep burgundy may work on a feature
wall in a good-sized room but cover all four walls of a
smaller space and it will quickly become overbearing
and claustrophobic.
If you are unsure of your colour choice, you can always
buy tester pots and paint a small area of the wall. See
how the colour looks at different times of the day, in
relation to the windows in your bedroom, and also how
your lighting scheme affects shade and mood of the paint.
Mitre 10 has experts onsite to help you talk through
your ideas and select the right colours for your room,
just ask in store.

Using stencils of favourites shapes, planets, birds or letters will add

Offer valid until
28 February 2010
at participating
Resene resellers
and ColorShops.
Limit one free
testpot per coupon and per customer. Paid
for testpot must be paid-for at the normal
retail price. Free testpot must be equal or
lower value than paid- for testpot.

interest to the room and the use of contrasting colours can be very
effective. For the more adventurous, painting scenes from movies or
cartoons on the walls will really bring the room to life and again working
with a stencil can help.
Girls aged between seven to ten are full of personality. They are growing
up fast and their room should reflect that. A good suggestion is to have
a feature wall with a slightly darker shade of purple, pink or yellow
(like mustard, for example) to create a secret cave-like feeling about the
room; a place to hide and scribble in the diary.
Use fairy lights hanging from the ceiling to give a little magical touch
and personalise the room using wood letters to write their name
right above their bed. Using a wood stain for natural effect is fine but

0800 RESENE (737 363)

www.resene.co.nz

accentuating the letters with colour will make them stand out all the
more. Always consult your colour wheel to make sure you have colours
that compliment.

38

39

MDF Storage

MDF Storage

Stow it
by Jon Davies

but you may have other areas where this solution can

Construction

apply.

Check the size of your box is going to fit on the sheet of

For this project, were using the space under the bed,

This is one very simple project to create order out of

chaos!

MDF by measuring out the base and four sides. Make

sure to allow 16mm extra each end of the end pieces as
this will allow the long sides to be wrapped into and

When you come to construct your box, youll need to

fixed to the ends.

Toys seem to take up a large amount of

plan ahead.

space and yet need to be accessed easily

Where is it going to live? Under a bed? Under a couch?

the sheet to ensure dead straight lines. Depending on

on a daily basis. If you have storage space

How big is the gap? How wide, how high and how long?

the size of the box youre making, attempt to cut the

issues, or if you like the kids toys to be in

How high are the castors? Expect them to be around

one place, you can make an MDF storage

50mm high. Allow for quality castors to ensure it will be

box that is useful and stylish.

useful for years to come. Rubber wheels are quieter on a

Plan ahead of your cut. Look at where you are standing,

timber floor than plastic.

how long your power lead is, how the sheet is supported,

Cut the base first by using a straight edge clamped to

Get your measurements together and draw up the

dimensions of the box remember to subtract the height

long side first without stopping i.e. cutting right across

the sheet.

where the cut piece is going to end up. This will allow
you to make the cut in one attempt without pause.

of the castors and leave at least 50mm extra space

The sides can be made to sit on the base, which is the

(height) in case toys are left poking out the top.

easiest way, with fixings made through the base and up

Materials

into the sides. If you are confident in your skills, you can

1. Sheet of MDF: depending on the size of your box you

the base.

follow our directions and have the sides wrap around

may only need an Easypanel from Mitre10, which

are available in several useful sizes. We are using
16mm white-faced MDF, which will give a nice clean
finish.
2. Castors: You will need four or more and there are
so many options here. If your storage box is going to
be long, you could consider using an extra couple of
castors under the middle.

Both versions described below are with the sides

wrapping around the base; one without using a router
and the other using a router.

No router version
Measure and cut the height of the sides and then cut
them to length. Fix the sides to the base first and then
measure the gap for the length of the short sides. Use

3. Screws: Choose a suitable size and quantity (approx

wood screws approximately every 100mm to affix. This

50) wood screws for fixing the sides to the base and

will be strong enough for the sides on a small to medium-

some shorter screws for fixing castors to base.

size storage box.

bump into walls, bed and possibly other furniture,

Router version

so find something to lessen the damage it could be

You have the choice of just rebating the corners, or

a rubber strip around the entire perimeter or some

rebating the bottom edges as well. Both will add to the

door stop rubber knobs be creative! Weve used

strength and visual appeal of your storage box. Lines of

some clear plastic tubing screwed to the sides.

fixings can be hidden with your bumper strip at the end.

4. 
Bumpers: It is very likely the box will eventually

In our example
Box height: bed height
(space under)
Box length: bed width
Box width: bed width

40

= 360mm less the castor height of 60mm

less clearance of 50mm.
= 250mm box height.
= 900mm less 100mm for clearance.
= 800mm long.

Choose the thickness

of the MDF before you
choose the screw length.

= 800mm less 200mm so it will fit through doors.

= 600mm wide.

41

MDF Storage

Of course
you can make it

because GoldenEdge makes it easy with

Easi-Planks, Easi-Panels and Primed HMR Mouldings

Decide which face will be most visible when the storage

box is under the bed, the reverse side of this face needs
routing. Here we decided the ends of the short sides
needed to be routed. These ends therefore also needed
to be 16mm longer than the base measurement.
Clamp the work pieces down firmly and set the router
depth to cut 2mm or 3mm (pic 2). Always try to do all
your routing at the same time, so you do not need to
reset the cutting depth or width. Practice on some scrap
MDF to set the cutting width, which should be the same
as the thickness of the MDF sheet or fractionally larger.

Easi-Planks

Easi-Panels

Made from 18mm

GoldenEdge MDF in a range
of convenient lengths and
widths to suit the DIYer.

These come in a range of

thicknesses from 4.75 to
18mm, ideal for all sorts
of projects.

Can be painted or stained.

Sizes (mm)

DUX 1267

1800x300, 1800x400, 1800x600

2400x300, 2400x400, 2400x600

Primed HMR
Mouldings
This range of mouldings are
machine coated with a
premium acrylic undercoat.
In 5.4m lengths.

Sizes
4.75 and 6mm
1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200
9, 12 and 18mm
1200x600, 1200x900

Bevelled Architrave

Bullnose Architrave

Capture colour.

Splayed Architrave

With your free Dulux Colours

of New Zealand iPhone App

Colonial Architrave

Square Dressed

Bevelled Cornice

GoldenEdge Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is

the ideal material for a wide range of interior projects.
Whether you are making kitchen joinery, bookcases,
storage cabinets, furniture or toys, youll make it
easier with GoldenEdge MDF.

from your nearest

Mitre 10 or Mitre 10 Mega
CLAUDE 14612

MDF Storage

MDF Storage
Lay out the routed sides against the base and mark for
length (pic 3). We have marked out the short sides first
as mentioned above and then fixed the ends to the base
(pic 4). Now, measure between the ends for the length of
the long sides and cut and fix (pic 5 and 6).

Extras
To help with the movement of the box, it is a good
idea to have some handles attached to the outside; the
placement of these is up to you, as is the style. For this
project, we have opted to drill holes through the MDF to
create portals that can be used as hand holds (pic 7, 8
and 9). To avoid the hole-saw creating a messy exit, stop
cutting when part way through and continue cutting
from the other side.

Although we have not needed to paint this storage box

due to the use of white-faced MDF, if you need to, we
recommend talking to the staff at Mitre 10 to find a
style that suits and the right paint for sealing the MDF
while being child friendly.
When you fix your castors to the base, make sure they
are away from the sides and corners to provide the best
support while not stressing the corners of the MDF.

Child-friendly ideas

Paint a road system inside the box.

Set up a permanent train set.
Add a steering wheel.
Paint (or screw) wheels onto the sides.

2. Use the clutch setting on your drill

to prevent tearing out the material
(overdriving) with the screw thread. If
you want the head of the screw to sit flush
with the MDF, you need to countersink
the holes. Do this by hand or drill using
a bigger diameter drill bit than the screw
(eg 10mm or 12mm diameter) and
gouging out a little bit of the surface so
the screw head can sit in the recess.

44

9
Safety
Electrical: ensure you have an RCD as
part of your tool kit.

Noise: Always use hearing protection

when using power tools.
Vision: A comfortable lightweight pair
of safety-rated glasses are essential.
Dust: Masks with an outlet valve help
prevent heat and moisture build-up
while keeping out MDF dust.

Tips for fixing

1. Pre-drill holes using a drill bit with a
smaller diameter than the shank (central
spine) of the screw. This way it doesnt
matter how deep you drill, the screw will
still have something to grab.

Create your dream wardrobe, quickly and easily.

From this

Go from the box to fully assembled in half

to this!

the time as the leading competitor.

No cutting, quick and easy to install
Kits are expandable to suit your
storage needs
3J05 Sliding Basket

Stylish satin finish

A complete custom wardrobe
in a box

3H89 Deluxe Custom Wardrobe

3J06 Sliding Pants Organiser

Distributed by
Sims Distributing Company
9 Cessna Place Mt Maunganui
(07) 575 8280
sales@sims-distributing.co.nz

Sheds

Backyard
bastion

Choosing a shed for your home is a relatively simple process and has a lot to
do with what you require the shed for and how much space you have to fit it on
your property. It helps to run through what it is you will exactly be using the
shed for and what you will be storing in it. If you require the shed for storing

Turn empty
space into
storage space

large objects like bikes or lawn mowers, it really is important to ensure you
have the correct size of access to the shed is the door big enough?

So lets start from the ground up

The foundation for your shed will consist of one of two options. The kitset
wooden floor is a great option for ease of installation and by all means it is
an appropriate substrate on which to build your shed. Plan on pegging the
floor to the base if you live in a windy area and in New Zealand this is pretty
much everywhere.
The second option is to pour a 100mm recessed concrete floor for the shed
to sit into. This will require more work and the investment in concrete,
however it is a more robust and permanent solution. The shed frame will
need to be secured to the slab with a 8mm bolts through six to sixteen clamps
depending on the size of the shed. Manufacturers will provide you with the
plans you require to pour the correct slab for the shed you have chosen.
So, what type of shed will you choose? Well the options are many, but there
are some basic fundamentals.

Wooden sheds
Wooden garden sheds can have aesthetic appeal depending on the location
and surroundings and they are often the most expensive ones to buy. You
will also need to spend money on them to ensure that they remain in a good
condition. If you fail to varnish, paint or apply a wood preservative to them
over time, they may begin to rot and warp.

PVC sheds
Because of what we have mentioned above more and more people are buying
sheds that are made from either metal or PVC. PVC and metal sheds
generally need little or no maintenance to ensure that they remain looking
good long after they have been installed. PVC sheds again tend to be more
expensive but are resilient in highly corrosive environments.

Foldaway attic stairs: great for utilizing

unused attic space.
There are two sizes available to fit ceiling
heights of 2700mm and 3250mm and there
are two model options; standard
or deluxe.
Both models come with:
36mm hatch door with a pine frame
finished on each side
Hatch door insulation co-efficient of 1.1
W/m2K
Outer side of door (visible when closed) is
smooth with no fixing points visible
Pole and lock supplied make closing the
hatch door easy
Ladder is fastened with angle brackets to
enable the ladder to be positioned and
fixed precisely
Unique opening mechanism allows for
easy access to the loft
Treads are fitted using dovetail joints for
added durability
Safety grooves on tread
Plastic feet to provide extra stability.

Tools required

The great New Zealand shed is the dream of most DIY

enthusiasts and in fact its the aim of most people with a
hobby. A shed provides the space to store and organise
your prized toys and precious tools with all the privacy
and security to carry out repairs and preparations.

46

4 Battery drill
4 Drill Bits
4 Screwdriver
4 Riveter
4 Tape measure
4 Ladder
4 A good mate

Standard model:
Beige finish HDF panel hatch door.
Deluxe model:
White finish HDF panel hatch door
Safety hand rail.

www.hometech.co.nz
Available from

Sheds

Sheds

Metal sheds

The great thing about a garden shed is the ability

The material sturdy sheds are made from is called

this includes the position of the door(s). Have them

Zincalume, which is a blend of Zinc and Aluminium.

anywhere on the shed for easy access, double doors for

This material has been tried and tested in New Zealand

larger sporting gear and bikes, or a single door if you

conditions for years and it has proven to be strong, yet

will be using it as a tool shed/workshop. You can add

light and extremely resistant to corrosion, even over

shelf brackets and tool racks, plus skylite roof panels

and above galvanised models. The colour on the outside

for more light or a louvre window and extra wall height.

of the shed, apart from being available in a huge range

to specifically customise it to your requirements;

of colours is also applied over a series of primer coats

Now you have the specifications of what you want and

over the Zincalume providing added protection.

you are ready to receive your shed. There are options

The internal framework of your shed is steel framed,

which will tension the Zincalume membrane exterior
once it has been assembled correctly. This provides you
with a very rigid structure capable of absorbing the

Easy

here too and you need to think about the logistics of how
you will receive the shed and how you will assemble it.
Here are the options on how you can receive your shed:

worst New Zealand weather can throw at it.

Boxed

The size of your shed will depend on what you are using

The boxed shed is delivered in smaller pieces allowing

it for however you will find they range from a handy

you to handle it easily and to transport it more

1530mm x 785mm through to a whopping 3770mm x

economically. The shed will be easy to install and will

3770mm and feature two standard heights of 1830mm

take about half to a full day in this format, its always

and 1980mm plus the ability to customize the height is

good to have an extra pair of hands to help you put your

you require.

shed together.

Although usually not required, always

ask your local authorities about the
need for a building consent.

Panel
This is exactly the same shed as the boxed version,
however you will reduce the amount of time it takes to
install by over half. All the components will be received

As

in four walls and the roof. You simply join the corners
and slip on the roof.
All quality sheds will come with full instructions and
the full list of parts to ensure you have all you need to
install your very own shed properly and accurately. For
those with a general level of DIY skills this is an easy
task, however if you are short of time then there are
installation services available, ask you local Mitre 10
team member and they will help you find the right shed
for you.

Can be

NOW IN 14
COLOURS
(including Zincalume)

Custom design, off the shelf

Quality steel Garden Sheds, Workshops & Carports for Kiwis who like to DIY.

48

SBLT_4801

Easy assembly
Superior quality that lasts
Request a quote at
www.gardenmastersheds.co.nz
GM3023 with double doors, louvre
window and skylite, in Desertsand with
Grey Friars roof and trim.

Available from

Oil Change

ired
Tools reaqnduaxle stands

The good oil

by Shaun Evans

4 Jack
filter
4 New oil emover
er r
4 Oil filt d wrench set
an
rain plug
4 Socket ed wrench for the d
end
4 Open- pan
in
4 Oil dra
nel
n
u
f
4 Oil
glasses
y
ex gloves
4 Safet
osable lat
p
is
d
r
o
ic
n
4 Mecha
oil
e
in
4 Eng

Expanding your DIY skills to changing the

oil in your car will not only help you look
after your car on a more regular basis, it
will save time and money too. On top of the
benefits, the other thing about changing
the oil in your car is, its really simple!

Step 3: Lifting your

car

Step 1: Choose your oil

point to place the jack. It is important to use a

Consulting your owners manual is your first port of

weight of your car do not use the cars factory

call, as it will specify exactly what type of oil your car

supplied jack. Once the car has been raised,

uses. Look for the right viscosity, performance, quantity

support each of the forward axles with your axle

required and the service intervals. You should always

stands.

follow the manufacturers warranty recommendations.

Step 2: Preparation

chock the back wheels and find a suitable jack

heavy-duty, hydraulic jack rated to support the

Step 4: Drain the oil

Remove any splash guards or under trays and

youve run the car for 10-15 minutes to bring the cars

of the sump underneath the engine. Place your

temperature up to operating conditions. This is to enable

drain pan under the plug and remove the sump

the oil to drain properly; cold oil will not drain well.

plug with the open-ended wrench; you will need

Next, lift the bonnet and loosen the oil cap to prevent

to finish removing this by hand. Now let the oil

the creation of a vacuum and to allow the oil to drain

drain freely into the pan.

Up to 75% of engine wear occurs as the engine warms up.

Whilst Castrol Magnatecs intelligent molecules cant
speak, they do cling like a magnet to vital engine parts,
dramatically reducing engine wear in this critical period*.

Step 5: Remove the

oil filter

Castrol Magnatec. Instant protection

from the moment you turn the key.

The owners manual will indicate where the

**Castrol recommends that drivers check their vehicle handbook for

recommended service intervals

oil filter is on your vehicle. Use the oil filter

remover to loosen the filter and remove it by
hand. Be careful of the oil that will spill out.
Make sure you drain it into the oil pan.

50

Come on...let us proteCt

your engine, 24 hours
a day 7 days a week
- we never rest!

if it is an automatic and, with the handbrake up,

locate the oil drain plug, which is at the bottom

Most modern cars have yellow

caps on all fluids to make them
easier to find.

oil is the lifeblood of your

engine! you need to Change
it every 10,000kms**

Put your car in first gear if it is a manual or park

Make sure your vehicle is on an even surface and that

more freely.

have you Changed

your oil lately?

*As tested in the Industry Sequence IVA Wear Test

Oil Change

Step 6: Replace the oil

filter
Use a rag to clean the filter seat on the engine, then
rub some oil on the gasket on the new filter. If possible,
pour a small amount of the new oil into the filter. Once
aligned properly, the filter will screw in easily. At this
stage, you can clean the sump plug and screw that back
in as well. Ensure it is tight with a wrench, then replace
splash-guards and lower the car.

Step 7: New oil

Add your oil via the funnel to the correct level and check
the dipstick as you go. Once complete, run the car for
a few minutes. The oil light should go off immediately.
Turn the engine off and check the oil level again. Add
more oil as required and check under the car for leaks.
Take a note of the date and time of the oil change and
the kilometres of your car, so you know when the next
one is due.

Used oil will need to be disposed of properly. Take it to

your local garage and they will be happy to help.

Irrigation

Irrigation

Kit set

To cater to these varying requirements, the water delivery

irrigation

fittings on the Neta system are designed with different

spray patterns, water quantities and spray distances, so
you can create a complete irrigation system.

How To takes a look

through the range:

by Scott Wilson

Pipes

Summers a beautiful season with all that sun, low rainfall

Pipes on the Neta system come in three sizes 19mm,

13mm and 4mm.

and nice warm temperatures that extend late into the

evening. Theres nothing you could possibly complain

The 19mm tubing is used to deliver water from the

about, right? Not unless youre a plant!

supply to the start of the 13mm garden line. The 4mm

tube is used to connect drippers, misters and stakes
positioned away from the main pipe.
All the factors that make a New Zealand summer such
a wonderful time for us also make it incredibly difficult

Fittings

for your garden as plants struggle to extract as much

These consist of a variety of joiners, tees, elbows and

moisture from the soil as possible in order to flourish.

plugs designed to allow you to lay your garden line

While it is possible to stand out with a hand-held hose

every evening or morning (the two best times of the day

wherever it needs to go. There are also reducing joiners

and tees for where a 19mm line feeds into a 13mm line.

for watering), a second option is to use garden sprinklers.

One important item is an inline filter, which is designed

However, these often tend to spread the water too far, or

to filter out particles from the water supply before

not far enough, making them inefficient.

it enters the garden line, where it can block up spray

The installation of an irrigation system designed

specifically for your garden isnt nearly as difficult to
achieve as it sounds.
Netas modular irrigation system is suited to most types,
shapes and sizes of gardens. It reduces the chore of
watering your garden to the simple turning on of a tap,
while providing an efficient system designed around the
different aspects of your garden.

heads.
In addition, nail clips and saddle clamps allow tubing
to be fixed to fences or pergolas, while ratchet clips are
essential when joining pipe to barbed fittings.
To make things really simple, a punch spanner is a
handy three-in-one tool that makes holes in garden
lines as well as fitting heads to the top of risers.

The Neta system is centred on water delivery tubing and

utilises a range of different sprinkler heads, drippers
or rotor sprays, as well as different lengths of risers to
reach different plants or sections of the garden.
The in-store display is like a childs picknmix and
is almost as much fun with a huge range of different
components to choose from. However, it pays to plan
ahead before you rush off to buy what you need.

54

The key things to keep in mind when deciding on spray

Micro sprays

heads is the amount of water your plants will require

These have a fine spray that makes them suitable

and what form they need it delivered. For example,

for small garden beds and flowers. They can be fitted

a strawberry plant in a trough will require water

directly into the water feed pipe or onto rigid risers

delivered in a different fashion to a row of lettuces or

of various lengths. They can also be fitted onto stakes

celery plants, while a compact flower garden filled with

away from the pipe by using 4mm jointers and riser

summer colour will have different needs again.

tubes, allowing them to be repositioned if required.

55

Irrigation

Irrigation
Micro sprays are available in spray patterns of 90, 180
and 360 and have a range of spray distances (radius)
available. They can also be obtained as adjustable heads
that allow flow and spray distance to be altered.

Micro sprinklers
If your garden needs a larger droplet size than micro
sprays, a micro sprinkler is the Neta solution. These are
high-performance, durable sprinklers that spray in a
full circle and are really ideally suited to larger gardens.
Adjustable versions as also available to allow flow and
spray distance to be varied.

Spectrum sprays
Although only available with a 360 spray pattern,
spectrum spray heads deliver slightly more water than
micro sprays and come with an adjustable cap that
allows regulation of the pattern and volume of water.

Drippers
These come in a variety of types, depending on what
your watering requirements are. One of the most
versatile is the 360 flow dripper, which can be adjusted
to allow precise watering in a tight circular pattern.

This can be plugged directly into the pipe or into a riser

and adjusted to deliver up to 50 litres of water per hour.
When youve planned your garden irrigation system and
obtained the necessary components, roll out the pipe,
place a block or brick on each end to hold it in place and
leave it in the sun for a couple of hours to straighten out.
Using secateurs to give a clean, straight cut, divide the
13mm garden line into the sections required, then lay
them in place where they are required. Then, using tee
joints, or elbows, make the joins where they are needed,
securing the pipe to the fittings with the ratchet clips.
If its difficult to insert the fittings into the pipe, dip the
end in hot water to make it malleable.
It is possible to bend 13mm pipe around a gradual curve,
but if it kinks, cut the pipe and install an elbow.

Where required, fix the pipe to fences, walls or garden

edging using the nail clips, then install the filter at the
start of the line before running the 19mm main water
feed line and connecting it to the 13mm pipe with a
reducing joiner.
When installing the lines, take care not to get any dirt
or debris inside, as this will clog sprayers and drippers
later. To reduce the likelihood of this, flush water
through the pipes when they are connected to remove
any dirt before installing the end plugs.
Using the punch spanner install the risers, drippers
and sprays where required and test the system. Before
finishing off fix the pipes and risers in place using
garden stakes and cover the pipes with soil or mulch to
hide them away.

Insert the riser (if required)

Fix the required head to the top of the riser (or directly
into the pipe) with the punch spanner.

Home Irrigation Systems

From the tap to your garden

Neta Home Irrigation:

Neta can supply a full package
for any size or style of home
irrigation system.
Neta provides design and
planning tools to assist the
home gardener with the right
selection of irrigation products for their garden.

Neta Solar
Electronic Tap Timer

For more information or to download fact sheets and free

Neta home irrigation design software simply go to
Neta Pop-Up Sprinklers

www.ppi.co.nz and www.homeirrigation.co.nz

Be Prepared

Be Prepared

Be prepared
by Soraya Nicholas
When the 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit
Christchurch in early September, there
were many residents left unprepared. Some
lost their homes, nearly all were without
power and water, and plenty were left
wondering how they were going to cope.

The answer is simple.

A well-organised emergency disaster kit will keep your
family in food and water and provide other essentials
when there are no services available.
There is a wealth of information out there on what a
good disaster kit should contain and here we cover

58

So what does the average family need to do

all the essentials you and your family will need in an

in order to prepare for a natural disaster?

emergency.

59

Be Prepared

Be Prepared

Additional emergency items include a torch and a radio, both with

suitable spare batteries that are designed to be durable and last
for substantial periods of time. In the recent earthquake, many
residents were left unconnected with the outside world and for
hours after the quake it was pitch black.
You will also need a quality first aid kit, blankets or sleeping bags,
large rubbish bags or a large bucket as a temporary toilet and
adequate pet supplies. If you have a baby or a small child, ensure
you have spare formula, suitable food and nappies.
If you dont want to assemble your own kit from scratch, there are
good quality kits available for purchase at Mitre 10, which contain
all the necessary items. The Quell Disaster Relief Kit by Chubb is a
quality product available early 2011.
The kit is supplied in a bag and includes comprehensive first aid
items, rope, waterproof matches, tarpaulin, light sticks, a good
knife and a radio torch to name a few.
Regardless of the kit you purchase, your focus must be on quality,
not price, as there is no point having equipment that will fail you in
a true emergency.
For more information about how to cope in an emergency or
how to prepare your disaster kit, go to www.getthru.co.nz

When emergency strikes

be prepared!
Whilst the contents of your kit are vital, where you

Thats 36 litres of drinking water for the average family

store it and how accessible it is are also crucial. For

of four, for a period of three days, or 54 litres for a family

instance, in a true emergency situation, you may need

of six.

to access your kit immediately and leave your home.

The structural integrity of your home may be comprised,

Store drinking water in plastic bottles, with each bottle

so the last thing you want to do is have to climb into

filled to the brim with water, along with five drops of

a dangerous attic space. In planning your kit, find

household bleach. Make sure there are no air gaps and

somewhere suitable to store it, keep all your emergency

repeat this process each year, even if the water still

items in one place and inform the entire family where

your kit will be located.
The most important part of your survival kit is water.
While we can survive for days, if required, without food,

looks fine. Store the bottles in a dark place.

Just add food,

water and important
personal items
and store this kit
away in case of an
emergency.
Available from Mitre 10 and
Hammer Hardware stores
nationwide.

The other key to your disaster kit is food. Stock up on

non-perishable items like canned food, along with a

no human can survive without water. Each person will

can opener. Storing a gas barbeque or other cooking

need at least three litres of clean, quality drinking water

apparatus will allow you to cook food and boil water in

per day and water will also be required for cleaning.

case of contamination.
www.quell.co.nz

60

Trust Quells Disaster

Relief Kit to help get
you through with
over 30 useful items,
including a torch/radio,
work gloves, rope,
emergency blanket,
light stick, first aid
supplies and much
more.

Checklist

Checklist

New Year

checklist
by Sandy Johnson

Corn is picked at its milky stage, when the silk is dry

and brown. The cob will be full and if you are unsure,
pull the leaves back and push with your fingernail to
test.
Peas are best picked slightly early when the pods are
full but not tight and bursting.
Beans should be picked when they reach about 10 cm
(4) in length.
Tomatoes are a matter of preference but best when in
full colour and firm to the touch.
With cucumbers, it depends on the variety. Apple
cucumbers should be picked when theyre about the
size of a tennis ball. Long green types should be
picked when they reach 15-20cm long.
Onions are ready to be harvested when the tops are
dry. Pull the bulbs and leave them out in the sun to
dry. Twist off the tops and rub away the old roots
then store in a wire basket or mesh bag.
Pick peppers from the lower branches; mainly to get

Flower garden
Remove any spent heads from your flowers and mulch
to conserve water.
If you are growing flowers in pots, apply a layer of
Saturaid. Scratch it lightly into the soil and then
water in well. This will help to conserve and efficiently
use the water they do get.
Prepare soil beds for planting of spring bulbs.
Roses will benefit from a liquid feed to help them
through the dry weather.

Lawn care
Cut your grass higher over the summer months as it
will help to provide shade from the heat.
Cut the grass dry and remove the catcher to let
the clippings fall on the lawn to act as mulch. This
conserves water and helps to prevent scorching.
Water your lawns well to keep the grass green.

them away from the ground so they dont rot. Watch

they are not touching each other, as this will also
encourage rot. Remove the smaller ones and keep a
good airflow around the plant.
With pumpkins, wait until the vine dies away and
the stem has shrunk and dried. Before you store them
away from the sun, wash in a mild solution of soap,
water and a cup of household bleach then dry them off

meet the LOWLY mosquito

mosquitoss

WORST ENEMY

well. This will inhibit any bacteria or mould growth.

Beetroot should be harvested when they are the size
of a golf ball or larger. If the foliage is still tender, it
can be used in salads and if you want to keep some for

Home grown

62

vegetables.
P
 otatoes are dug up when the tubers are large and the
vine dies away (tubers will continue to grow until the
vine dies). Clean away the soil and discard damaged

winter then let them grow a little larger.

Wristbands

Lettuce is always best cut just before use and as such

is considered a continual harvest plant.
Cauliflower, broccoli, silver beet and spinach can be
planted now for the autumn season.

or blemished ones. Always store in a dry, cool, dark

place; exposure to the light will cause potatoes to go

Remove any leaves on your tomato plants that are

green, rendering them inedible. Check your stored

shading your tomatoes. This will encourage the

potatoes and remove rotting ones to prevent them

ripening process.

spoiling the rest of the crop.

SSpra
pray
raay lo
llotion
loti
oti
tion
on
Spray

On your grape vine, trim away any leaves that are

Z
 ucchini need to be picked young and often one plant

covering the fruit. This will expose them to the sun so

can keep a whole family going for weeks. If left to

they can ripen, but keep them covered with a net to

grow, they become marrows.

protect them from the birds.

BeadBag

Towelettes

Spreadable
insect repellent

Long-lasting effective protection against mosquitoes, flies,

sandflies, fleas and all biting insects.

H
WIT Y
DE
L
MA RAL
U
NAT RIVED
DE NIOL
A
GER

Your veggie plot is in full swing and the

fruits of your labour are starting to pay
off but when is the best time to pick
your crop? A lot of emphasis is put on the
right time to harvest and there is a lot of
information on the best stage in a plants
development to get maximum benefits. The
easiest way is to check and taste during
ripening until you recognise the colour,
aroma, taste and feel you like then you
know its time to pick!

Here are a few guidelines for the most popular

Available from:

Distributed by Tollesbury Enterprises Ltd

Weedkillers

Weedkillers

Weeds away
by Sandy Johnson

These types of herbicides are commonly used on lawns

garden is an ongoing job and by far the

to kill broadleaf weeds like clover, prickle weed and

control is weedkiller.
Looking at the array of weedkillers available can be

This weedkiller does just what the name infers it will very quickly knock
down green growth. However, it will leave the roots intact so the weed can
grow again.

Pre-emergent

Keeping weeds under control in your

most popular and convenient method of

Knockdown

moss without harming the grass.

Weedkillers that fall under this group include:
Weed Out For Lawns.

This residual weedkiller acts as a barrier that covers the ground once you
have removed the weeds and prevents them from growing again. Re-growth
is prevented from 9-12 months, depending on the amount of rain. Preemergent weed spray is often used over large areas of paving or cobblestones
and is also perfect to use before laying weed mat.

Non-selective

Weedkillers that fall under this group include:

Weed Out for Path and Patio.
Das.
Prefix.
NO Weeds Long Term Weedkiller.

for weedkillers to come into contact with the green

These herbicides will damage everything the spray

Safety

growth of the weed for best results. If you are clearing

touches, so special care must be taken to prevent spray

away the weed tops first, you will need to leave some

drift. Check wind conditions and direction before spraying.

Play it safe with the use of all chemicals by wearing protective clothing,
gloves and a respiratory mask when spraying or mixing chemicals.

a bit daunting. There are many different types on the

market and, depending on their chemical make-up, each
will work differently.
A vital point, sometimes overlooked, is the requirement

green growth or wait for new growth to appear. The

weedkiller enters the plant through the leaves and
travels down to the root system, completely destroying
the cell structure and therefore killing the plant.
Follow the How To guide to weedkillers:

Selective

McGregors Moss Control.

Kiwicare Turf Clean.
Hydrocotyle Prickle Weedkiller.

Weedkillers that fall under this group include:

Weed Out.
Butlers Gyphosate.
Round up.
Amitrole.
NO Woody Weeds.
Turfix.

These will only kill the weeds that they have been

Weed Strike

specifically blended for, as shown or stated on the bottle.

Woody Weedkiller.

Solo offers a range of

sprayers from the Professional
Knapsack to our
garden & hand
sprayer range.

Keep a separate set of mixing and measuring tools for any weed-spraying job
and ensure you label them Poison so they are not inadvertently used for
something else.
Always store your chemicals and tools used for chemicals away from children.
There is no need to double the manufacturers dosage as this is dangerous. If
you are not getting the results you want, it is probably more about how and
when you are spraying.
Mixing different chemicals together is a dangerous practice and should be
avoided.

Tricks of the trade

Add Spray Fix to increase the efficiency of your weedkiller; it is a
wetting agent that gives your spray better coverage by sticking to
the leaves.
Spray funnels are great for concentrating the spray into certain
areas and for reducing spray drift onto other plants.
Spraying in windy conditions is wasteful, ineffective and a health
risk to you and the plants you dont want to kill.
Make sure that rain is not forecast for at least 5 hours, as rain will
reduce the weedkillers effectiveness.

They are easy

to use and a
range of sizes
from 1lt to
15lt capacities
are available.
All sprayers are
complimented
by an extensive
system of reliable,
hard wearing
accessories and
interchangeable
parts.
Solo also
offers a
motorised
machinery
range as
well.

Remove unused chemicals from the spray bottle once you have
finished and rinse out the container, tube and nozzle with water.
Keep separate sprayers for weedkillers, insecticides and fungicides
and mark them clearly.

64

Available from

65

EECA #2

EECA #2

The Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand

(CCANZ), with support from the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Authority (EECA), has recently published
a guide on the use of glass, mass and insulation for
energy efficiency called Designing Comfortable Homes
(second edition). This book describes the ways that New
Zealand homeowners can incorporate passive solar
principles into the design of new homes.
This is the second of a series of excerpts from Designing
Comfortable Homes that is featured in five editions of
How To. The series will cover the three principles of
passive solar design that follow the path of solar heat
gain through the house. It starts with heat collection
that allows the suns heat to enter the house, moves

Designing
comfortable
homes

series #2
If youre thinking about building a new home, there
are some important design elements to consider
that are key to making it comfortable and energy
efficient. Homes can be naturally warm in winter and
cool in summer if they are built with the appropriate
combinations of glass, thermal mass and insulation.

66

onto heat storage to keep this heat and concludes with

heat containment, which traps heat in the house.
The publication in full is available for free download
from www.ccanz.org.nz

Thermal mass
High thermal mass materials help to maintain stable,
comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce the need
for heating and cooling.
Thermal mass works in two ways. Firstly, when the
sun shines through windows onto a high thermal mass
surface, the solar radiation is absorbed directly the
thermal mass is more effective when it receives direct
sunlight and is a dark colour, which absorbs more heat.

Thermal mass can be provided in a house in a number of

ways and potentially by a number of different materials.
In practice, however, concrete masonry, concrete floor
slabs or pre-cast concrete are the most common means
of incorporating thermal mass into a house. Concrete
floor slabs are now almost universally used on flat or
moderately sloping sites. These floor slabs can be very
effective in capturing the suns heat as they generally
receive a lot of direct sun. Using high thermal mass floor
coverings such as ceramic or concrete tiles, or polished
or coloured concrete, will ensure the thermal mass of
the floor slab is available for heat storage.

How much thermal

mass?
The basic principle is that a large area of thermal mass
should be in contact with the air in the north-facing
rooms that get significant sun. This could be most of the
floor, all of the walls, or a combination of the two.

Thermal mass and

energy efficiency
As thermal mass has the ability to capture free energy
from the sun, you might expect that high thermal mass
homes will be more energy efficient than lightweight
homes. They can be, but only if they are well insulated
and have well-designed glazing. Without insulation, a
high mass house would be very hard to heat as thermal
mass is a very good heat conductor. A 200mm concrete
wall with no insulation loses around six times the heat
of a timber-framed wall insulated to Building Code
minimums, so there is simply no point in trying to collect
solar heat in thermal mass that is not well insulated.
There is also no point in hoping that the sun shining on
the outside of a wall will somehow heat the living spaces.
Most of the solar heat collected will be lost back out to
the outside air as the wind blows across its hot surface.
Good design requires that the solar heat is brought
inside and heats the externally insulated thermal mass.

Secondly, thermal mass absorbs heat from the air inside

a house when that air is hotter than the thermal mass.
The heat stored by the thermal mass is released back
into the room when the room temperature drops below
that of the thermal mass.
High thermal mass materials such as concrete floors
and walls need more energy to heat up, as they heat up

The publication in full

is available for free
download from
www.ccanz.org.nz.

more slowly than lightweight materials. This reduces

overheating as the thermal mass soaks up some of the

Next issue: Heat containment - Insulation

excess heat.

67

Timers

Smart water
by Sandy Johnson
Water is a precious commodity and
increasingly expensive, so smart water use
is not only good for the family budget, it
helps prevent wastage. Waterproof timers
can be attached to the outside of your tap
to regulate sprinklers or irrigation systems
and will fit standard 12mm hose connectors.
There are two types of timers: mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical timers feature a simple dial function that
you turn to the number of minutes required. The timer

will allow a flow of water for that time period and shut
off automatically. Mechanical timer dial settings vary
from one to two hours, allowing for plenty of time to
freshen up the garden. Twin packs that run off one tap
enable you to run dual hoses.

Advancements in technology have allowed manufacturers of electronic timers

to produce an effective solar-powered model. The solar panel is positioned
on top of the timer and must have daily exposure to sunlight. The sun will
recharge the battery and give you up to five years running capability without
additional costs. Look for your chance to win your very own solar-powered
water timer on page 69 in this issue of How To magazine.
Another handy watering device is the Litre Meter, which clicks directly onto
a spray gun or nozzle and efficiently measures and controls the amount of
water you use. Set the dial to zero, turn the tap on and as the water flows the
dial will turn, measuring the number of litres used. This can be especially
useful if you have a water tank.
This handy How To chart shows you how much water an area needs:

Electronic timers are smart little computers that allow

you to set the time, date and duration of watering. This

AREA

1m sq

2m sq

5m sq

10m sq

20m sq

will prevent over or under watering and means you can

LITRES

10

20

50

100

200

strike at the best time of day - just set and forget. They
also offer a locking keypad function to avoid accidently
wiping your settings.

The suggested minimum for most gardens is 10mm of water per square
metre, equating to 10 litres of water.

Tricks of the trade

Always read the instructions.
If you are on tank water, fit a filter before the timer to keep out
sediments.
Lock the settings panel once you have set your timer.
Remove the timer from the tap during winter and remove the battery
so it doesnt corrode.

Spunbonded
Weedmat
Best available for low maintenance gardening
For large or small home gardens on flat or
slight slopping areas
Cuts easily with scissors or a hobby knife and
does not fray
Water and air permeable which helps to keep
the soil healthy.

Ultra Pro
Woven Weedmat
A tough durable weedmat
Many applications, steep banks or areas that
have traffic of some description
Commonly seen on sides of motorways where
strength and long life is expected
This product has been known to last over
10 years in some applications.

To prevent damage to the timer, resist pulling hard on the hose
when the timer is attached.
Set watering times for the early morning when the household water
is not being used.

68

Available from

Ponds

3 TIMERS
to be won

worth $150 each

Pond life

WIN A SOLAR ELECTRONIC

TAP TIMER FROM NETA AND
HOW TO MAGAZINE
Just set and forget this summer!

The Neta Solar Electronic Tap timer is a fully programmable

automatic timer with a built in solar panel that powers a
rechargeable battery. With 8 start/stop times and 15 pre-set
watering day combinations within the memory function you
can be assured there is a watering combination that suits
your garden.
And if you want to water the old-fashioned way you can, with
the override button you can use the tap manually without
having to remove the timer.
Use the timer for your lawn pop ups, irrigation systems or
basic sprinklers set up for larger lawns and gardens.

How to enter tHe draw

Features of the Neta Solar Electronic Tap timer include:

LCD screen showing programme settings and timer
information
Low battery indicator
Watering programme lock function protects from tampering
Comes with a 9 volt NiMH battery
Easy to follow instructions
Manufactured from UV resistant materials
For more information please go to
http://catalogue.ppi.com.au/index.cfm
Or call (03) 311 8844

Go online to www.nzprojects.co.nz and click on Promos to submit your

entry or send your name, physical address, daytime phone number and
email address on the back of an envelope to: Projects HOW TO Solar Timer
Competition, PO Box 34-974, Birkenhead, Auckland 0746 before Thursday
March 31 2011.
You must include the missing word in this phrase:
Just _ _ _ and forget

70

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: You may enter only once. There

are 3 solar timers to be won as outlined. The prizes are
non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
The winners will be notified by phone or email by 30 April
2011. Winners are to collect their solar timer from their
closest Mitre 10 store. Employees of MMS Publishing and
their immediate families and agencies are not eligible
to enter. All entrants with a valid email address will be
notified of the winners of this competition. Prices quoted
in this promotion were accurate recommended retail
prices at time of publication. Projects HOW TO and PPI
accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred
from the use of these products.

Having

installed

your

pond

and

set

conditions for the perfect environment,

you will have stocked your pond with Koi
and goldfish. The vivid oranges, reds and
whites of these entertaining fish are a result

Only feed your fish from

one to three times a day.

of a correct and balanced diet. Getting the

right food has many benefits; the health of

Changes in seasonal temperature affect the metabolism

your fish being the top priority followed

of your fish and you should adapt their feeding

closely by water quality.

accordingly. If the temperature drops below 10C, a

fishs metabolism will slow and you will need to feed

Pond fish need the proper combination of protein, fats,

your stock with the most digestible food available.

fibre, minerals and vitamins to maintain health. Too

Wheatgerm is perfect and can be used in a temperature

little or too much of any particular nutrient can have

range from 3C to 10C.

a destabilising effect on their health and consequently

your water quality.

For water temperatures below 3C, it is advisable to

stop feeding your fish altogether as their metabolism

Goldfish and Koi do not have teeth or stomachs, so easily

rates are slowed to such an extent that food will not be

digestible foods are of prime importance. These will

processed, leading to health complications.

minimise the amount of waste produced, enabling your

filtration system to work more efficiently to maintain a
healthy ecosystem in your pond.

When the weather is warm and the water temperature

is above 10C, switch your feed to a more appropriate
blend. Tetraponds Variety Blend has three different

The golden rules when feeding your fish is to only feed

foods and provides an ideal basic diet with pond sticks;

them one to three times each day and only feed them as

Koi Vibrance to enhance natural colouration and

much as they will consume within five minutes.

wheatgerm sticks for health and vitality.

Care and attention are the keys to building a vibrant
and healthy ecosystem robust enough to survive
environmental changes. The team at your local Mitre

Fish health and water quality

are inextricably linked.

10 has all the information, advice and products for your

needs and has been trained to supply you with the tools
you need to build you backyard bliss

71

Some fish are born to

be pampered
The vivid oranges, reds and whites of Koi and goldfish are
the result of a complete and balanced diet. The right food
ensures vibrant colours and proper body shape. Because

Our most popular pond food! An ideal maintenance

diet that provides nutrition for energy, longevity, and
overall health. Feed in spring, summer and autumn,
when water temperatures are 10C and above.

Koi and goldfish do not have teeth or stomachs, easy

digestibility is of prime importance. Highly digestible foods
minimise waste, enabling filtration systems to operate
more efficiently and keeping the pond ecosystem healthier.
A highly nutritional
diet that brings
out vibrant reds
and yellows on Koi
and ornamental
goldfish. Feed in
spring, summer and
autumn, when water
temperatures are
10C and above.

Wheatgerms exceptional
digestibility at low
temperatures is very important
since fish metabolism and the
ponds ammonia-reducing
biological activity are greatly
diminished in colder months.
Feed in spring and autumn
when water temperatures are
below 10C and above 4C

Everything you need to grow

beautiful flowers to add colour
& fragrance to your garden!
Give your flowers the best start with Yates Premium Potting Mix, top of the range
premium mix that feeds your plants for 9 months, and includes a wetting agent to
improve water absorption.
For more established gardens fertilise with Yates Thrive Soluble All Purpose.
A trusted, easy to use formula for healthy green leaves as well as flowers and fruit,
or for longer term feeding try Yates Acticote Pots, Planters & Garden Beds which
you apply once a year!
Protect your flowers from insect pests and diseases with Yates Guardall, and keep
beautiful roses free of insects, mites and disease with the convenient ready to use
Rose Gun.

DPP40805

D
NT N E E
YOU DO CKYARD;
A
B
IG
AB
S ARE
FLOWE R ROW
G
O
T
Y
S
EA
TOO.
IN POTS

For more information...