Handyman reader projects

This Handyman reader used her DIY skills to create a novelty mailbox

A kingfisher bird inspired Handyman reader Andrew Ho to create this whimsical mailbox

Handyman reader James Illes transformed his dated bathroom into a modern sanctuary

Handyman reader Richard Newland and his wife took on the challenge of renovating their bathroom with a modest budget. The result was this amazing transformation. While the couple’s bathroom was not in shambles prior to the renovation, it was dated and lacked the luxurious feel their current bathroom posseses. ‘My wife and I had a very small budget
of $5000 to renovate our bathroom. We wanted new flooring, wall sheeting and tiles that would reach around the shower, vanity and mirror,’ says…

Handyman reader Patricia needed to renovate the dated living area of her new home. Inspired by the interior of her favourite café, Patricia and her partner set about renovating the area into a relaxing lounge space. ‘We bought our 11-year-old house and it had a very dated layout and design. The previous owners had installed a timber bar counter that took up space and didn’t suit our purposes,’ says Patricia. ‘We removed the bar and installed corrugated roof cladding along the wall and…

Salvaged from a friend’s house nine years ago, Handyman readers Amy and Hilmar Hoefer’s kitchen cost only the labour to remove it. It was meant to be temporary, but grew with the family and became permanent. The kitchen was later relocated to a different area while the space was being extended, then reinstalled with benchtops made from discarded desks. The couple then repainted the timber doors and drawers and replaced the hardware to give the cabinetry an instant update. All the work was…

Handyman reader Alan Redcliffe’s bathroom was a relic from decades past, with retro fixtures and a large but dated spa bath. The toilet was also located in a separate room. Alan completely overhauled the space, upgrading everything but keeping the floorplan similar. A toilet was installed opposite the shower, tucked behind the vanity, and the tub was replaced with a newer model with massage jets. Alan also added a flatscreen TV facing the bath. The window was replaced with three vertical…

Check out this eye-catching DIY privacy screen inspired by colourful beach huts

A desire to hide the wheelie bin area inspired this DIYer to create a backyard oasis. Handyman reader Peter Knoll needed to build a screen to hide the wheelie bin area from the rest of the yard. This desire inspired him to create not only a timber screen but a pond water feature and seating area as well! ‘As a novice handyman I’ve been tackling all sorts of projects. I needed to hide the bin area in our backyard and decided to build a timber screen to block it off,’ says Peter. ‘I also…

Handyman reader Richard Hanman had always wanted to construct an impressive statue in his backyard. After retiring last year, he finally had time to make his dream come true. He built this replica of a moai, the monolithic statues carved on Easter Island between 1250 and 1500AD. About 900 moai can still be found on the remote island today. ‘I have always wanted to create something of statuesque proportions, and this replica weighs three and a half tonnes,’ says Richard. It took Richard two…

A Handyman reader renovates their pool for easier cleaning and a better aesthetic

Handyman reader Andrew’s front yard was in bad shape. Andrew wanted to replace it with a low-maintenance modern garden. Says Andrew, ‘ I removed the small pond and used a bobcat and chainsaw to dig out the grass and tree stumps. Then I poured concrete to extend the driveway, and put up a retaining wall.’ ‘The lawn was put down with reticulation, and modern New Zealand flax planted along the driveway for colour. I distributed mulch across the front of the lawn and the garden bed.’ ‘The final…

Tom Neivandt built his own barista station using recycled cabinets and timber sleepers

Discarded pallets were transformed into patio furniture for just $180

This reader project was inspired by a day bed build featured in Handyman magazine

A cubby house with a café-style window was built DIY by this Handyman reader