Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

D.I.Y. - Header - Ten D.I.Y. Projects You Can Do In A Rental Home
Armed with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, small updates can make a huge difference to your home – whether that’s giving your bedroom a lick of paint or finally creating that vegie garden. Here are 10 D.I.Y. ideas you can do in a rental property without risking your bond.

Build a kitchen trolley

Most kitchens could do with a little extra workspace – and if you’re a bit handy on the tools, you could easily build this D.I.Y. kitchen trolley as a weekend project. It requires a mitre saw and chisel to put the lightweight, user-friendly pine panels together. At the end, you’ll have a sturdy trolley with a food-safe timber finish panel on top, and storage underneath for extra pots or plates. Winning!

Create a room divider with storage

Keen to separate your bedroom into a sleeping area and workspace or create more storage in your living room? A D.I.Y. room divider like this one could be just the ticket. This flat-pack furniture offers heaps of functional storage while also letting natural light through – and you’ll make short work of the assembly with a drill and an Allen key. Simply add storage cubes to the bottom section when you’re done (we love these water hyacinth cubes with cut-out handles for a lovely natural look).

Start a compost garden

We all send more to landfill than we should – so a great solution for reducing your kitchen waste is with a compost garden! Typically, you might compost in a bin or purpose built patch of a larger garden, where you re-purpose organic waste such as cardboard, kitchen scraps and grass clippings. Turn it regularly and hey presto: it creates gorgeous liquid gold you can use to turbo-charge your plant growth.

Plant vegies in pots

If you’ve recently gasped at the price of herbs in the supermarket, you’re not alone – and it’s a great opportunity to grow your own. Good soil and healthy seedlings are a great start for a thriving vegie garden, although you’ll want to choose the right fruit and veg according to your growing space and the amount of sunlight it gets. Pots, a vertical planter/wall garden or even a raised garden bed are all good options for helping to feed your family (and reducing those grocery bills).

Create a shady outdoor spot

We have no shortage of hot days – and to really enjoy your outdoor space, you’ll want ample shade in place. It’s also a great chance to create an entertaining area you’ll be proud to invite guests into – like this D.I.Y. pergola. Kits like this can be installed on decking or concrete (ask your landlord if you’re renting) and are an easy makeover project. Just add comfy seating and a weather-proof table for your drink!

Install a bamboo screen for privacy

Want to create a Balinese vibe in your backyard or cover wooden or metal fences that have seen better days? Bamboo screening is a cost-effective fix that’s easy to install with wire cutters and staple nails – and once up, you simply need to add comfy outdoor furniture and a few plants to create a beautiful and calming outdoor space. This is also a great temporary solution if you’re renting.

Upcycle a piece of vintage furniture

Stumbling on a vintage furniture find in a store (or on the street!) is exciting if you know how to bring it back to its former glory. This is known as upcycling – and might involve sanding, staining or painting a thrifted find or existing piece in your home. Best of all, it’s an easy weekend project and our step-by-step guide has lots of tips to get you started.

Paint a feature wall

Ask any interior designer how to best freshen up a space and they’ll tell you to get your paint rollers out. It’s true: a coat of paint is relatively inexpensive, instantly freshens up a space and can add value to your home. It’s also something a landlord may let you do if you’re renting (just make sure you ask first). A feature wall is an achievable weekend project as it takes just hours and it can bring a dramatic look or splash of colour to any space. Here’s a guide on how to do it – from prep to final finish.

Bring grout back to white

Showering in a bathroom that feels just a bit… ick? Wish you could rip the tiles out and start again? No need – it’s actually easier to freshen and clean grout than you think and even bring it back to white. Here’s a list of products – including the ingenious grout pen – that’ll help you transform grotty grout into looking new. Just check with your landlord first if you’re renting.

De-clutter and organise your garage

If you can’t remember the last time you actually parked in your garage – because it’s become the family storage facility – this is the project for you. Start by clearing the clutter (and taking boxes and stuff you no longer need to a thrift store or the tip). Then, organise and group things you do want to keep – using the right storage. Wall storage and hanging rails also go a long way towards freeing up floor space and before you know it, you’ll have a space to park your car.

Don’t stop now …

Want more ideas for D.I.Y. projects? Check out all of our trending projects and see what you can do next!

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.