:: Accurate measuring is vital when doing DIY because as well as ensuring you do the job correctly, it helps you to cost it properly before ordering or buying DIY materials. Most things are sold in metric quantities these days, but if you're not happy working in metric, stick to imperial and convert it if you need to, or get the store to do it for you. The trick is to only work in one system to avoid confusion and mistakes.
:: If you can, get someone to help you measure or check your measurements, especially if you're measuring a large area, doing a complicated calculation or using a long tape measure. When you're measuring something such as a lawn, it helps to drive in pegs as markers. If the area is an irregular shape, the easiest approach is to divide it into rectangles and squares, then measure those and add together for your total.
:: Whatever you're measuring, make sure you work in good light and allow extra when measuring up for materials in case of mistakes and wastage. How much extra varies from job to job and material to material, but factor in at least 10% more.
:: A metal ruler is a must for DIY because it's sturdy and rigid and you can't score into it accidentally with a craft knife, unlike a plastic ruler. The main problem with metal rulers is that they're not transparent and they can slip on smooth surfaces, so make sure you spread your fingers out along the length of the ruler to hold it down. Use a ruler that's calibrated right up to the end, as this makes measuring and marking easier.
:: When marking, felt-tip pens are easy to see, but can be too thick to be really precise. A sharp pencil is often better, but pencil lines can be hard to see on some surfaces and can get erased easily, so have both pencils and thin felt tips to hand.
DIY news bulletin
:: Kitchens and bathrooms probably aren't top of your list when it comes to wallpapering, but the new Contour range of antibacterial paste-the-wall wallpapers, available from B&Q, is designed with these rooms in mind.
To provide long-lasting protection against germs, the wallpapers have a BioCote antimicrobial coating, which also helps to prevent mould and mildew, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
The splash-proof range includes striking geometric prints, monochromes and stripes. It will be available in store from next month, priced £14.98 per roll. Visit www.diy.com for your nearest B&Q store.
:: The College of Optometrists has issued a warning to DIYers about protecting their eyes.
DIY activity is estimated to cause around 30,000 eye injuries a year, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and 89% of people say they don't wear goggles for potentially dangerous DIY tasks such as welding, chiseling and sawing. Nearly half (45%) admit to not knowing much about DIY, but having a go anyway.
The majority of eye injuries are caused by carpentry, decorating and repairing, with flying wood, metal and concrete chips some of the biggest risks.
"Generally, the rule of thumb is that if there is a risk of any foreign bodies entering the eye, wearing protective eyewear is essential," says Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser to the college.
"When you buy eyewear protection, check it conforms to European Standard BS EN 166. And if you do experience an eye injury, it is important to not rub the eye - seek medical assistance immediately."
The college also recommends keeping your goggles on at all times, as many injuries occur when people lift their goggles to take a closer look. For more information about eye health, visit www.lookafteryoureyes.org.
Ask the expert...
Q: I need to revive and protect my wooden worktop - what should I use?
A: Choose a good quality wood oil, following the instructions on the bottle or tin carefully. If you're worried about germs, try a specialist work-surface product, such as Ronseal Anti-Bacterial Worktop Oil (£13.98 - RRP - for 500ml), which is designed to prevent the growth of up to 99.9% of bacteria, as well as protecting the wood from water, for up to six months.
Seasonal task...
Reduce draughts in your hall and keep your heating inside, where you need it, by fitting a letterbox flap and keyhole cover to your front door - both are inexpensive and straightforward to fit.
