Renovation guides
Straight-talking guides to measuring up, working out materials and choosing between options - each one paired with a free calculator so you can put the numbers to your own job.
Tile
Open calculator →How Many Tiles Do I Need?
The formula for tile count, including grout gap, tile size and boxes to buy.
Open calculator →How to Calculate Tile Wastage
The right wastage percentage for each tile layout, and why patterns waste more.
Open calculator →How to Measure a Shower for Tile
Measure shower walls, niche and floor for tile, with the right wastage.
Open calculator →Paint
Open calculator →How Much Paint Do I Need?
The wall-area formula for paint, with coats, coverage and tins to buy.
Open calculator →How Many Coats of Paint Do I Need?
When one, two or three coats are needed - and when to prime first.
Open calculator →Interior vs Exterior Paint
Durability, additives and coverage differences - and why each belongs where it does.
Open calculator →Concrete
Open calculator →Quikrete vs Sakrete vs Ready-Mix
Bagged Quikrete/Sakrete vs ready-mix, compared by job size, cost and effort.
Open calculator →How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need?
Turn slab or footing volume into a bag count, with yields and the ready-mix threshold.
Open calculator →How Much Concrete for a Fence Post?
Hole sizing, concrete per post and bag count for a fence - with fast-setting tips.
Open calculator →Wallpaper
Open calculator →How Much Wallpaper Do I Need?
Count wallpaper in rolls the right way - the drop method, not area.
Open calculator →Understanding Wallpaper Pattern Repeat
What pattern repeat means, straight vs offset match, and its effect on rolls.
Open calculator →Peel-and-Stick vs Traditional Wallpaper
Durability, fitting, removal and cost - peel-and-stick vs paste wallpaper.
Open calculator →Flooring
Open calculator →How to Measure a Room for Flooring
Step-by-step measuring for floors, including L-shaped rooms and doorways.
Open calculator →How Many Boxes of Flooring Do I Need?
Turn your room size into the right number of boxes, with wastage built in.
Open calculator →Laminate vs Vinyl Plank vs Hardwood Flooring
Cost, durability, water resistance and lifespan compared across the big three floors.
Open calculator →Decking
Open calculator →Trex vs TimberTech vs Fiberon
The three big composite decking brands compared on looks, heat, warranty and range.
Open calculator →How Many Deck Boards Do I Need?
The formula for deck boards, plus how gaps, board length and joists affect it.
Open calculator →Composite vs Wood Decking
Upfront cost vs lifetime cost, maintenance and lifespan compared.
Open calculator →Mulch
Open calculator →Gravel
Open calculator →Raised Bed Soil
Open calculator →Paver
Open calculator →How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Turn a patio area and paver size into a paver count, per m² or per sq ft.
Open calculator →How Much Sand Do I Need for Pavers?
Size the bedding (leveling) sand and the jointing or polymeric sand for pavers.
Open calculator →How Much Does It Cost to Install Pavers?
Estimate paver cost from the material list plus labor - patio or driveway.
Open calculator →Types of Pavers Compared
Concrete, brick and stone pavers, common sizes, and the laying patterns.
Open calculator →Fence
Open calculator →How Many Fence Posts Do I Need?
The spacing rules and formula for counting fence posts, panels and bays.
Open calculator →How Many Fence Pickets or Boards Do I Need?
The formula and gap rules for counting fence pickets, boards or palings.
Open calculator →How Much Stain or Paint Do I Need for a Fence?
Estimate the stain or paint for a fence from area, coverage and coats.
Open calculator →How Much Does a Fence Cost to Build?
Estimate fence cost from the material list - posts, panels, concrete and labour.
Open calculator →Fence Types Compared
Wood, vinyl, chain link, privacy and picket fences compared, with calculator settings.
Open calculator →Drywall
Open calculator →How Much Drywall Do I Need?
Turn a room size or a square-footage figure into a drywall sheet count.
Open calculator →How Much Drywall Mud and Tape Do I Need?
Work out joint compound and tape from your boarded area, in boxes and rolls.
Open calculator →Cost to Hang and Finish Drywall
Estimate drywall labor and material cost per square foot and per sheet.
Open calculator →Stairs
Open calculator →Stair Rise and Run Explained
Riser height, tread depth, the comfort rule and the code limits.
Open calculator →How to Cut Stair Stringers
Mark and cut stringers with a framing square, including the bottom-step deduction.
Open calculator →How to Build Deck Stairs
Measure, calculate and build exterior deck stairs, including the base footing.
Open calculator →