:: Polystyrene ceiling tiles are unsightly and old fashioned, but removing them isn’t much fun, so be sure you want to. Once you’ve started scraping them off, you can’t just stop.
:: Make sure you have a stepladder tall enough to enable you to reach the ceiling without stretching and straining, as this could be dangerous. The ladder should always be placed on a flat, stable surface and the floor should be protected from falling debris, unless you’re planning to replace it.
:: You’ll need a stripping knife to scrape off the tiles. One with replaceable blades is a good idea because you can change them when they become blunt. Be careful about damaging the ceiling underneath, especially when the blades are sharp, as plaster can be very soft and prone to gouges.
:: Once you’ve removed the tiles, you’re left with the problem of the adhesive underneath. You can continue scraping this off, but it will be easier if you use a hot air gun to soften the adhesive first. Scrub any remaining adhesive off with an abrasive sponge dipped in solvent thinner.
:: Be very careful when using the hot air gun, as, again, you don’t want to damage the ceiling – or yourself. Play safe by wearing protective gloves, glasses and a dust mask and remember to ventilate the room. You should also wear something like a shower cap on your head to protect your hair from the falling tiles and adhesive.
DIY NEWS BULLETIN
:: DIY is enjoying renewed popularity because of the recession, according to a survey by online trades and services portal MyHammer. It found that 85 per cent of those questioned would rather make improvements to their home than sell up in the current economic climate.
More than half (58 per cent) of those surveyed said they were planning or doing home improvements, and more than two thirds (69 per cent) said it was because they have to stay in their current home for longer than they originally thought.
The study found that the hardest hit are the over 56s, with 92 per cent saying they must improve instead of move. Following the fall in house prices, many of this age group are stuck in their current homes, whereas before they’d have been able to downsize and use the profit from the sale towards their retirement.
:: B&Q has teamed up with shutter specialist The California Company to offer made-to-measure shutters on its website. The online service guides you through every step of the process, from selecting and measuring to ordering and DIY installation.
You can enter your exact opening sizes, choose from a range of designs and the number of panels for each window, then select a stain or paint and the finishing touches. Free shutter samples are available and there’s a choice of elm or poplar wood and a variety of stains, ranging from cherry to honey oak.
All the shutters are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited, which means that the wood has been sourced from independently certified, well-managed forests or other controlled sources. Prices start at £175 a square metre – see www.diy.com/shutters.
ASK THE EXPERT…
Q: What’s a good DIY way to get privacy on my lower windows without having net curtains?
A: Plain frosting film is inexpensive and easy to fit yourself (decorative film tends to be much more expensive). If you want something less permanent, bottom-up blinds work like upside-down roller blinds (from the windowsill up) on a pulley system, so you can control how much of your windows you have covered. These blinds can also be installed quite easily by DIYers, but they’re not cheap. Another (fairly expensive) option is shutters, some of which come with installation included and some of which are designed for DIY installation, but they will reduce the light coming into the room.
SEASONAL TASK…
Easter’s coming up, the traditional start to the DIY season, and if you’re staying at home, why not use the long weekend to do a meaty home-improvement project? Plan ahead early so you’ve got everything you need to get on with it and don’t have to brave the bank-holiday shopping crowds.
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with their B&Q survey, we know most of this already as you sheddies have been doing it for years.. and of course last years winner was a 
Henley Offices Compact Maxi Room
