Before we bought our house 30 years ago, a friend was also interested in it. She got an architect to check it over and he said all the windows needed replacing. Fortunately for us, she backed out of the sale. We have replaced just one window and the others are still doing a sterling job. The quality of timber used today seems to be vastly inferior to the slower grown, better cured timber of the past so if I have any problems with doors and windows I tend to repair rather than replace. The same goes for garden furniture. You can often find some amazing bargains on eBay, Preloved or at an auction. These might well need a bit of a touch-up, but you can end up with an unusual, personalised piece that you are unlikely to see elsewhere. If you don’t have any outdoor furniture, at this time of year there are great bargains around, new and second hand Our old green oak garden table is 3m x 1m. We made it from chunky planks pre-cut by a saw mill for £200. It featured in a DIY book I wrote 17 years ago, Garden Workshop.

Now the top is a bit eroded in places and the husband (who is more Rothschild than Steptoe) started making noises. I (being more Steptoe than Rothschild) decided to give it a lift. Red Digital Cinema 4k Hd CameraHaving admired a zinc-topped dining table, I decided a new top might work. Cost To Replace Bathroom MirrorPhilip, from Manor Welding, who makes all things metal for me, from arbours to urns, agreed to sort it out. Bath Fun Shower Head ToyHe suggested using galvanised iron sheet (1.5mm thick) and then applying an acid etched finish. I have used this finish a fair bit, it makes galvanised iron look similar to lead and reflects light beautifully, adding subtle high points to the winter garden. We decided to fold the sheet around the sides of the table top and fix it with rivets to add to “the look”.

Zinc (more expensive) is also frequently used to cover tables. It is sold in sheets of many thicknesses, from 0.8mm to 1.5mm. As zinc is very soft you usually put it on plywood backing, although apparently birch ply is now considered superior for outdoor use. You can cut up to 1.2mm thick with tin snips, so if you are clever with a mallet, blocks and YouTube you might be able to do a DIY job with this – but it will probably look more rustic than professional. Phil Brugnoli is a manager at Metal Sheets Ltd who do a lot of table (indoor and outdoor) renovation this way. Phil says that zinc does expand so they usually use the thicker 1.2mm to 1.5mm sheet for external use and they don’t fix it to the top or it will buckle in the heat. Galvanised iron (which I used) does not expand so much so it is safe to fix. If you want a top they can make a custom size to fit your table. Examples of prices: a 2m x 90cm top, with the two long sides folded over, would cost £65 for galvanised steel, £125 for zinc and, if you wanted to push the boat out, £170 for copper.

Whether timber, metal or plastic, all can be given a new lease of life with a lick of paint or stain Our table has wooden benches, which we could also cover, but because we have long cushions I don’t mind if the surface is a little rough. If I wanted to give the cushions a facelift there are fabric spray paints for external use so I could create broad stripes or repaint in a brighter shade to cover their faded, jaded look. I prefer the look of benches as opposed to seats. You can accommodate more people when necessary and they look less cluttered than chairs. It also makes for a more convivial atmosphere. But the downside is that people with dicky hips and creaking knees find the various manoeuvres needed to sit down virtually impossible, especially after a few drinks. To get over this I bring out some old indoor chairs and slip printed covers over them to add an unusual twist. , from €44.10 (£37) each. They will also print them with a bespoke design. If you don’t have any outdoor furniture, at this time of year there are great bargains around, new and second hand.

My daughter bought a set of hardwood table and chairs from Second to None for £75. – which often has rich pickings. Being on the doorstep means collection from local auction houses is simple. I never manage to make the auction, but leave a maximum bid beforehand. There are invariably old chairs available. Whether timber, metal or plastic, all can be given a new lease of life with a lick of paint or stain. Maybe paint each chair in a different colour or just pick out the frame – it immediately adds personality. Plastic seats will need a primer, Zinsser 123 (brewers.co.uk), followed by two coats of Demidekk. This long lasting paint can be made up in any colour. I use it for everything external.A pair of cast iron table legs (395 x 73 x 1500mm) are available for £395. These would form a terrific table with an old door on top, or a large stone slab (see Indi Stone below). Keep an eye on the website for other examples as they come in. ), Mal, who runs it, is always coming up with new ideas.

He has some armchairs, in two sizes, carved out of Indian stone, which look pretty cool. They are an amazing £450. He will get a slab of stone, pretty much any size or shape you need for table tops, but bespoke orders often take three months to arrive. He has many carved bottle balustrades in stock, these are useful for making benches or low tables with a stone slab top. For those with less spare cash, old cable reels can look pretty good for tables. Add an umbrella in the hole and paint it with a bit of flair and it could even form a good centrepiece. Pallets are ubiquitous, if you need inspiration go to palletfurniture.co.uk, they will make items bespoke for you. Classically styled yet strong, durable and light are just some of the qualities that describe our cast aluminium collection of garden furniture. This distinct range features a number of designs to bring outdoor spaces alive – from loungers and benches to two-seater bistro tables and family dining sets. Our cast aluminium range means there is a choice to suit all tastes.

As well as looking great, the additional benefit of choosing cast aluminium is that it will not rust and is extremely easy to care for. Days can be lovely and warm but as the sun starts to set evenings can get a little bit chilly, so that is why we have come up with the Emberglow collection. A range of furniture that will take you from sunny days through to cooler evenings. These gas fired tables are a new concept for outdoor living, providing instant clean heat and a great focal point for any outdoor gathering. Made in cast aluminium, all come with easy to use controls allowing the heat to be adjusted at the flick of a switch. A stainless steel gas burner, which is covered by a layer of lava rock, gives the flames a more natural look and to really get the party started there is an accessory pack that turns the fire pitinto a grilling set. Emberglow allows you to entertain guests in comfort and style whilst having great fun. A natural look and feel combined with unmatched comfort, durability and low maintenance has made weave one of the most popular choices in stylish, quality garden furniture.

Our weave collection features graceful silhouettes and durable materials for furniture that stays strong and beautiful all year round. A range of styles and colours fuse weave with ceramic table tops and luxurious fabrics – perfect for outdoor living but equally at home in any lounge or sunny conservatory. Contemporary styling with exceptional seating comfort perfectly describes our aluminium collection. We’ve combined cool clean, low maintenance aluminum with the equally beautiful and practical texteline fabric. Our aluminium collection features two types of tables with two types of chairs which provide comfortable seating and support. Genuine, pure and durable, the aesthetic appeal of natural wood is an essential feature of any English garden. Hartman’s designs allow the material to reveal its natural beauty, transforming it into beautiful garden furntiure that has timeless elegance, while offering durability and endurance when pitted against the elements.