Daily Archives: November 14, 2025

Stylish Storage Hacks You Can Build with Just Timber and the Right Screws

November 14, 2025 By in Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Keeping your home tidy doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on furniture. With a few pieces of timber, the right screws and a touch of imagination, you can make storage that looks good and works well day to day. These simple ideas suit any space, whether you live in a small flat or want to make better use of an unused corner. If you enjoy quick DIY projects, these are perfect for a relaxed weekend.

One of the easiest upgrades you can make is installing open timber shelves. They work in almost any room and give you a place to display books, plants or your favourite home accessories. Cut your timber to size, sand the edges smooth and fix each shelf firmly to the wall using strong brackets or hidden battens. Good-quality screws make a big difference to stability, and you can pick these up easily from Speedy Fixings, who stock reliable hardware for all kinds of DIY tasks. Leave the timber natural for a warm finish or paint it to match your décor.

Stylish Storage Hacks You Can Build with Just Timber and the Right Screws picture

A slim ladder-style rack is another great project if you’re short on space. It’s light, easy to move and ideal for hanging towels, throws or scarves. Cut two long pieces of timber for the sides and a few shorter pieces for the rungs. Fix the rungs between the sides with wood screws, checking everything is square before tightening. Lean it against the wall and you have storage that feels modern without taking up valuable floor space. You can leave the wood as it is or add a bit of colour with stain or paint.

If you prefer something more structured, a simple timber crate is surprisingly versatile. It’s ideal for storing toys, blankets or shoes and can be built to any size. Cut your panels, screw them together neatly and add handles if you want it to be easy to carry. The result is a sturdy crate that looks far more stylish than a plastic box and can be stacked or labelled to suit your home.

Bedside furniture image

A floating bedside shelf is another clever little idea. Instead of a full bedside table, a small timber board fixed directly to the wall can hold your book, phone and a lamp without cluttering the floor. Choose screws suitable for your wall type so the shelf stays secure, especially if you’re adding anything with weight. It’s a simple project that makes a bedroom feel more open and organised.

For kitchens and bathrooms, a small timber rack can make a big difference. Fix two vertical pieces of timber to the wall and add two or three short slats. These slats can hold jars, spices or rolled towels. It’s a clean and compact way to keep everyday items accessible without taking up counter space. Because you’re building it yourself, you can size it exactly to fit a gap or corner.

Even small offcuts can be used. A few narrow boards screwed together will form a shallow tray for keys, jewellery or skincare. They’re great on dressing tables or hallway consoles and help keep things tidy while adding a natural, handcrafted touch.

Interior design image

Extra Tips

  • Sand timber thoroughly for a smooth finish.
  • Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting.
  • Choose strong wood screws for secure joints.
  • Paint or seal timber for rooms with humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms.

FAQs

Do I need expensive tools?
No. A basic drill, a saw and a screwdriver are usually enough for these projects.

Can beginners try these ideas?
Yes. Each of these projects is straightforward, and timber is forgiving to work with.

What timber works best?
Softwood is ideal for indoor storage. It’s affordable, easy to cut and takes paint well.

Where can I get the right screws?
You can find suitable wood screws, fixings and drill bits at Speedy Fixings, who stock a wide range of hardware for DIY projects.

With a bit of effort and some simple materials, you can create stylish storage that genuinely helps your home feel more organised. These timber projects are practical, budget-friendly and surprisingly satisfying to make. If you’re ready to transform a corner of your home, this is a great place to start.

How to Build a Simple Raised Garden Planter Using Affordable Timber

November 14, 2025 By in Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated, and a raised planter is one of the easiest ways to start growing your own herbs, flowers or vegetables. It tidies up your outdoor space, improves drainage and makes gardening more comfortable. Even if you only have a small garden or balcony, this simple timber project is an achievable weekend task.

A raised planter gives you control over your soil, helps reduce weeds and creates a clear, organised space to grow in. It also lifts your plants away from ground-level pests and makes watering easier to manage. You don’t need advanced tools or expensive materials, just a straightforward plan and a bit of time.

To get started, gather your materials. Firstly, you’ll need timber sleepers, available at Harlow Bros, that are suitable for outdoor use. You’ll also need exterior screws, a drill, a saw, a measuring tape and a bit of sandpaper. It also helps to have a liner such as landscape fabric or plastic sheeting to protect the inside of the planter. A good beginner-friendly size is around 120cm long, 60cm wide and 40cm tall, though you can adjust this to fit your space.

How to Build a Simple Raised Garden Planter Using Affordable Timber picture

Begin by measuring and cutting your timber. You’ll need pieces for the two long sides, the two shorter ends and four sturdy corner posts to keep the structure stable. If you prefer not to cut the timber yourself, many merchants will do this for you when you purchase it.

Once everything is cut, lay the pieces out on a flat surface and assemble the frame. Fix each of the long boards to a corner post using exterior screws, keeping the edges aligned so the planter sits evenly. Repeat this with the shorter end panels. Pre-drilling your screw holes helps prevent the timber from splitting and makes the assembly smoother.

After the frame is secure, give the edges a sand. You can do this by hand or with power tools; it’s up to you. This removes rough areas and makes the finished planter nicer to handle. You can leave the timber natural, or paint or seal the outside later if you prefer a particular look.

Before adding soil, fit a liner inside the planter. This protects the timber from moisture and helps keep everything clean. Allow the liner to sit slightly above the top so you can fold it neatly over the edges before securing it. If you’re using plastic, make a few small holes to allow excess water to drain.

Move the empty planter into its final position before filling it. Once the soil is in, it becomes heavy and awkward to lift. Choose a sunny spot for herbs and vegetables, or a location that suits the plants you plan to grow. Fill the planter with a mix of compost and topsoil, leaving a little space at the top to make watering easier. Plant your seedlings or seeds, give them a gentle soak and you’re ready to go.

Extra Tips

  • Keep the planter slightly raised on blocks or bricks to help it last longer.
  • Seal or paint the outside if you want extra weather protection or a certain finish.
  • Use a lighter soil mix if the planter will sit on a balcony.
  • Add simple handles to the sides if you’d like to move it around during the year.

FAQs

Can I use untreated timber?
Untreated timber can work, but it won’t last as long outdoors. Treated timber gives you better value and durability.

How deep should my planter be?
A depth of around 30–40cm suits most plants, from herbs to salad leaves and smaller vegetables.

Do I need drainage holes?
Yes, drainage is essential. Without it, water will pool at the base and harm your plants.

What can I grow in it?
A raised planter suits herbs, flowers, tomatoes, strawberries, leafy greens and even compact shrubs.

A simple raised planter brings instant charm and practicality to your garden or patio. It’s a manageable project that gives you fresh planting space for years to come, and once you’ve built one, you may find yourself planning a few more. Happy planting!

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