I’ve rented homes for most of my adult life and I know how important it is to keep the property in good condition in order to get your deposit back when you choose to move. In fact, I’ve basically repainted the house each time that we’ve moved.

But there’s one thing you can’t easily refresh – the flooring. Whether carpets, laminate or lino, its always a big and expensive job when you have to replace it so I think prevention is the best method here, which is why I’ve come up with a quick and easy DIY project to make your own runner rug.

This can help to protect flooring from wear and tear in high-traffic areas – think hallways, walk-thru living rooms and at the back door in the kitchen. If you’ve covered up the flooring, the rug will take all the impact of walking through these areas and keep your deposit safe!

Plus, it’s a great way to add a dash of personality to your rented home. Alongside curtains, cushions and bedding, adding a rug lets you add a pop of colour or some pattern to the otherwise neutral interior. So you can feel like your home reflects your own style of decor, even without decorating any walls.

I’ve shared this full renter-friendly DIY project on the Do It With Cans tutorial website, where you can find lots more inspiration for upcycling and decorating. All the projects use craft and DIY materials that can be bought in cans, as metal is endlessly recyclable and therefore a more sustainable way of upcycling.

Be sure to check out my step-by-step guide on How to DIY a Custom Runner Rug to Protect Flooring if you want to create this project yourself. All you need is a jute or signal rug that you’d like to upcycle – the best part is that you can use an old secondhand rug and paint over any marks to cover up stains.

By the way, in the photos of my living room above, you can see another of my projects – how to upholster a padded topper to convert a coffee table into a footstool. Another added bonus is that if the design you stencil onto your rug becomes scuffed in the future, you can easily bring it back to new with a quick refresh with spray paint – or completely change the colourway to match when you get new soft furnishings or move house.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have a go at making this runner rug for yourself, and I’d love to hear what shapes or designs you decide to go for (there are many ideas in my Do It With Cans tutorial). Also, I’d love to see photos of your creations so please do tag me in your snaps on Instagram @Cassiefairy.

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In my house, if there isn’t a dedicated space to store something, it’ll get left out on the side and a mess will usually start to accumulate around it. So there has always been a pile of post, papers and lists on the countertop in the kitchen, which quickly becomes a place that all odds and ends of items end up – a torch, batteries, keys, pencils and so on.

I wanted to create a place where all this could be stashed away but I couldn’t fit an extra cupboard into my kitchen. So, I came up with the idea of creating a ‘command centre’ for my home using an old frame that was missing its glass front.

This is a renter-friendly project as it can be hung on a wall the same as any picture frame – you just need to check your rental agreement for the guidelines for hanging pictures. I’ve shared the full step-by-step guide to DIY your own command centre on the Do It With Cans website so be sure to check that out.

The whole back is painted with chalkboard paint, providing the ideal space to create a shopping list that everyone can add to when a grocery item runs out. It also gives you space to write reminders, to-dos or notes to other family members when you’re heading out. Attaching a piece of chalk to the side of the frame using string helps to make this extra easy.

The command centre is also a place where all the family can hang their keys – so no more last-minute scrambles looking for lost keys. Plus, you could write on the chalkboard to label each hook with the name of the person whose keys belong there, or you could write ‘shed’ or ‘garage’ to make it easier to grab the correct key.

You can hang up mail on the bulldog clip as soon as it hits the doormat, keeping the hallway much tidier. You can never find a pen when you need one, but now they’ll all be in the upcycled tin can along with a torch, scissors, screwdriver or other practical essentials.

Any picture frame is suitable for this project so you can go as ornate as you link in a traditional, period interior or you can use a broken wooden frame for a more rustic look. I’ve spray-painted my melamine frame to match the UPVC kitchen door I’d previously painted but you could use any paint, stain or varnish to coordinate with your interior.

Head over to the Do It With Cans website to see the DIY guide to make your own handy command centre from an old picture frame. Plus, while you’re there, you’ll find plenty of upcycling ideas and interior decor projects all using DIY supplies in sustainable metal cans, which are endlessly recyclable.

Let me know if you have a go at making this command centre for yourself in the comments below and I’d love to see photos of how your own command centre turns out so please do tag me on Instagram @Cassiefairy. Happy DIYing!

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If you’ve only got the drawers left out of an old chest of drawers and have been wondering: ‘How can I upcycle these drawers?’, there are a few things you can do with them, including under-bed storage and creating a work-from-home desk or console table. And smaller drawers are ideal for this bedside cabinet project…

You will need:

• Old slim chest of drawers
• Thin plywood
• Wood glue
• Wood filler
• Rust-Oleum Surface Primer in White
• Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Gloss White
• Set-square
• Hand saw or jigsaw
• Drill with a drill bit to match the screws and wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Sander and sandpaper
• Corner brackets
• Legs and matching screw-plates

Step 1

Remove the middle drawers from an old chest of drawers. You’ll be using the top and bottom drawers and the surrounding frame for this project. Mark the point where the bottom of the top drawer meets the frame. Using a set square, mark this line across the sides and back of the frame.

Step 2

Use a handsaw or jigsaw to cut along the line to cut off the top of the frame. Repeat the measuring and cutting steps on the bottom section of the chest of drawers, this time marking a line at the top of the bottom drawer.

Step 3

Use the top of the frame as a template to mark out a new base piece on thin plywood. Cut out the new base using a hand saw or jig saw. Repeat this step, cutting a second piece to make a top for the bottom drawer.

Step 4

Line up the piece on the base of the top frame and use a drill to pre-drill some screw holes around the frame. Remove the ply wood and add a line of wood glue around the frame before putting it back in place. Screw the base to the frame and allow the wood glue to dry thoroughly. Repeat this step to add the new top to the bottom frame.

Step 5

Give the bedside tables a light sanding all over and then fill all the screw holes with wood filler. Allow to dry before sanding smooth. Wipe away any dust.

Step 6

Give the bedside tables a coat of white primer. Allow to dry before painting with a top-coat of white gloss spray paint. Allow to dry and add a second coat if needed.

Step 7

Attach the leg screw-plates to the front of each bedside table and screw the legs in. Position 2 corner brackets at the very back of the underside of each beside cabinet. Screw into the base, leaving one side of the corner bracket facing downwards. Use this bracket to attach the bedside cabinets to the wall beside the bed.

If you would prefer freestanding bedside cabinets rather than wall-mounted tables, you can add four screw-in legs to each drawer unit.

Top tips

If you only have old drawers but no frame, you can still turn them into a bedside cabinet like I did with in my guest room DIY bedside table project. Simply build a frame to fit around the drawers and add legs to make the cabinet whatever height you wish.

When painting your bedside cabinets, why not go for a bold colour to add a contrasting accent colour to your bedroom? Or simply spray paint the legs in a bright neon or metallic tone to make a feature of the mid-century style legs.

I’d love to see how you get on with your own bedside unit DIY projects so please tag me in your photos on Instagram @cassiefairy.

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When I was renovating my porch and adding new storage, I also ordered one extra cupboard from Ikea. I had a plan – to create a cat cupboard to store my pet’s food, bowls and toys etc. But I also wanted to build a private bathroom for her…

I know that cats like a little privacy when they’re using the litter tray and I wanted Muffin to feel extra comfortable now that I’m moving her tray out of the porch and into the hallway.

So, the hallway space is now all hers, with space for her food and water fountain in front of the cat cupboard, which features an enclosed bathroom for her.

Don’t worry, I’m not expecting her to open the door herself – I’ve DIY’d an entry into the bathroom!

You could use any flat-packed cupboard for this project that fits your space – you just need to make sure that it’s deep enough and wide enough to fit your cat’s little tray, with a bit of extra space around it to make sure it’s easy for your cat to get in and out.

I used a Pax 50cm wide wardrobe frame with a BERGSBO door, which is almost the same style as the original doors in my 1950s house. The tall frame is fixed to the wall, as recommended by Ikea’s instructions.

Step 1

Before you construct the flat-packed cupboard use a jig-saw to cut out an entry hole in the side panel. Make sure that you’ve considered the height of any floor plinth on the bottom so that the entry hole is flush with the inner floor of the cupboard.

Step 2

Use strong Duck tape to cover the raw edges of the entry hole. This will make sure that there are no rough edges or MDF splinters for your cat to catch themselves on.

Step 3

Build the cupboard following the instructions and attach it securely to the wall, again following the instructions that come with the flatpack unit.

Step 4

Add a shelf above the entry hole at a height that allows your cat to stand up and sit down inside the cupboard with plenty of free space so that they don’t feel restricted.

Step 5

You can add as many shelves above as needed to store their toys, medicines, treats, food and bowls etc. I’ve added two boxes on the lowest shelf – one with fresh litter and a scoop, plus one lidded bin for used litter. I made a bigger opening above the next shelf up so that it could be used for storing and serving my cat’s food.

Step 6

Add the door to the front and gradually train your cat how to use their private bathroom. At first, I left the door completely open so that she could find the litter tray straight away.

Then, after she had got used to it, I began closing the door after her when she went in to use the tray. That meant her only exit was through the side hole.

Eventually (it didn’t take more than a few days) she was happy to enter through the side hole as well as exit that way so now the cupboard door is always closed and she has all the privacy she needs.

The added bonus is that it keeps any smells enclosed so the house feels fresher too. And Muffin has never been more happy to go to her private bathroom. Yes, I sing Private Bathroom to her to the tune of Tina Turner’s Private Dancer.

Let me know if you have a go at making this project for your own pets. Just be sure to fix everything securely to the wall so that there’s no chance of the cabinet moving and give your pet plenty of room to manoeuvre, making sure your pet is 100% safe when using their private bathroom.

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I first chatted with Claire many MANY moons ago when I wrote about her fantastic projects for Reloved magazine. Since then, I’ve been an avid follower of her blog Pillar Box Blue and have often been inspired by her DIYs so I thought you’d like to see her projects too.

If ever a home could be described as unique or eclectic, this is it. Every room in Claire’s house is full of her colourful projects, each of them handmade by Claire and complete one-offs.

In fact, you probably won’t find a space in the house that DOESN’T contain an upcycled piece or one of Claire’s hand-sewn fabric designs. Just look at that patchwork denim throw above and the padded stags head below – fantastic stuff!

I love the way Claire uses denim to create fabric projects, including this storage pocket wall hanging below. Denim is such a durable material and we all have old jeans that are ripe for upcycling – it just goes to show that you should never throw a pair away!

I’ve long admired Claire’s use of maps in her decoupage projects – if you’ve seen my Map Geek category on my own blog, you’ll know how much of a map fan I am. So, you can imagine how exciting it is for me to log onto Claire’s blog and see another upcycling project featuring vintage maps.

I especially love the way that Claire uses colour in her home. Although the walls are kept fairly neutral, the wallpaper designs, patterned textiles and vibrant colours she uses in her upcycling projects inject an eye-catching dash of colour.

Decorating an interior in neutral hues and then changing the furnishings to create a new colour theme is one of my favourite money-saving decor tips. I love to completely update the look of my white rooms with a change of sofa cushions or the addition of a colourful lampshade.

Another idea to be inspired by is using a bright primary colour when upcycling furniture. There’s no need to restore something old to its ‘original’ look when you can give it a modern makeover with a bright pop of cherry red!

What do you think of Claire’s vibrant home? It’s such a lovely idea to personalise your interior with your favourite colours, patterns and textures – it makes for a much more interesting interior, that’s for sure!

One last project to mention is this pineapple side table below. It was featured in Reloved magazine and it’s one of my favourite upcycling projects that Claire’s competed, I love the traditional-meets-tropical look!

For more inspiration for unique sewing and upcycling projects be sure to check out Claire’s blog Pillar Box Blue and follow her on Instagram for regular updates @pillarboxblue.

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Even if your wooden garden furniture is wobbly, worn and weathered, don’t worry – it can still be salvaged!

I thought my old Adirondack chairs were beyond repair when I started work on them. But, with a tightening of the bolts and a quick sanding down, they were ready to be revamped with a splash of paint.

All you need to do is set aside a bit of time to paint them to give your garden an upgrade. Here’s what you’ll need for the project:

• Sandpaper or sanding block
• Screws or bolts and screwdriver to fix any loose parts
• White undercoat
• White Weathershild top coat
• Tester pots of paint in your choice of colours
• A clear weatherproof varnish

I found that the first coat of white paint took me about 45 minutes to do (it’s amazing how many angles there are!) and then each subsequent coat was about 20 minutes.

I did two layers of undercoat to get good white coverage and then added the colourful stripes. These were tester pots from the time that I was trying to choose a colour for my kitchen.

I then finished the white parts with a topcoat of Weathershield paint and added a protective clear layer over the blue stripes. Keep hold of any unused paint so that you can refresh the paintwork next year if the wintery weather causes any trouble.

The chairs now coordinate with my little vintage caravan perfectly – what do you think of the colours I’ve chosen? You could do rainbow stripes for a fun look or match the colours to your existing garden furniture – or go for muted green hues for a natural feel.

Here’s the full step-by-step video that I’ve shared with the Harris Brushes account on Instagram – I hope you like it! The vid makes it look so easy but actually, it WAS really a fun makeover to do!

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Let me know if you have a go at revamping your old wooden garden chairs or benches in the comments below – I’d love to hear your tips for painting outdoor furniture. Plus, please tag me @Cassiefairy in your photos on Instagram so I can see your upcycling projects!

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I wanted to create some storage that would coordinate with my dark blue bathroom tiles and gold accessories. I chose a Moorish-inspired pattern to create a spa-like Turkish Bath feeling at home.

This method of adding pattern using self-adhesive vinyl can be used on a variety of furniture items and you can use any pattern you like to add colour to wooden, melamine, glass or metal surfaces.

You will need

Self-adhesive matt vinyl from www.vinylwarehouse.co.uk – I used these shades:

• Turquoise 366

• Sky blue 358

• Cobalt blue 359

• Mid blue 354

• Metallic gold 391

• Lint-free cloth

• Brother ScanNCut CM900

• Middle-tack adhesive mat 12” x 12”

Step 1

Turn on the ScanNCut and press the ‘Home’ button to auto-connect to the WiFi network. Choose a shape or pattern from the built-in collection in the ‘Pattern’ section or search for a free downloadable pattern online. I used a pattern from freesvgs.blogspot.co.uk. Make sure that you’re using a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) file as this can be resized without causing pixilation around the edges, ensuring a smooth cut.

Step 2

Import the SVG file into the ScanNCutCanvas Workspace program. Adjust the size if needed and, when you’re happy with the pattern, click ‘download’ to transfer the pattern to the ScanNCut via your WiFi connection. Click ‘ScanNCut Transfer’ and on the ScanNCut screen, click the cloud ‘Transfer’ button to retrieve the pattern from ScanNCutCanvas workspace.

Step 3

Cut a piece of vinyl to fit onto the cutting mat. Peel the protective film cover on a middle tack adhesive cutting mat and press the vinyl onto the tacky surface. Use the spatula tool to smooth out any bubbles under the vinyl. Load the mat into the ScanNCut by pressing the ‘Mat’ button. Click scan.

Step 4

The scanned piece of vinyl will show on the ScanNCut screen and you can use the stylus to drag and reposition the pattern to make sure it’s within the piece of vinyl. Check the blade depth and speed settings for cutting vinyl and click the ‘tools’ button to adjust the settings to suit the vinyl you’re using. Press ‘Cut’, then ‘Start’ and the blade will begin cutting the pattern from the vinyl.

Step 5

When the pattern cutting is complete, use the spatula tool to remove the vinyl from the middle tack adhesive cutting mat and put the protective film back onto the cutting mat. When you’re ready to begin decorating the cabinet, use the spatula tool to remove each self-adhesive vinyl shape from the backing paper.

Step 6

Clean the bathroom cabinet with soap and water and allow to dry thoroughly. If you’re decorating a new cabinet, give it a wipe-over with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust from the packaging. When the cabinet is clean and dry, you can begin applying the adhesive vinyl shapes.

Step 7

Start at one corner and work your way along the edges of the cabinet, alternating colours as you go. Be sure to leave a small gap between the shapes, so that the white frame and mirror show through and create an ‘outline’ of the pattern.

Step 8

When you reach a join at the edge of the mirror, place the shape into the pattern as usual and fold over the edge of the mirror, onto the inside of the cabinet. With the door closed, create the second half of the pattern on the frame by lining up a shape in the same colour on top and sticking down the edge that meets the frame, not attaching the part of the shape that overlaps the mirror. Open the door and stick the rest of the shape to the inside of the frame.

Step 9

Continue adding to the pattern until you are happy with the spread of the design. I added a few extra shapes to break up the straight edges and make the finish around the mirror look more random.

Also, you don’t need to leave a gap between the vinyl shapes if you want to completely cover up the cabinet. Choose a pattern that tessellates perfectly and stick the vinyl shapes beside each other.

I hope this technique will help you to add extra colour and pattern to your own furniture pieces in the future. Let me know what upcycling projects you’re working on at the moment in the comments below and please feel free to tag me in your photo on Instagram so I can see your progress!

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If you want to make the most of your outdoor space this summer and invite guests to your garden for dinner or drinks, today’s upcycling project may give you some ideas for creating a kitchen/dining area.

Lovely Instagrammer @Jillerose emailed me to share her garden furniture upcycling projects after following the step-by-step guide to build my original pallet bar.

I’ve previously shared Jill’s own DIY Spanish Taverna-style pallet bar on my blog to inspire you and now I’ve been given a sneak peek at Jill’s latest addition to her deck – a pallet board buffet for serving up alfresco drinks.

Jill took this old red buffet cabinet and gave it a complete revamp to coordinate with her drop-down pallet bar in the garden. The unit is almost unrecognisable since Jill’s makeover – here’s what she said about it:

‘As you can see I started out with the red cabinet. I decided to add a pallet board buffet to my deck. It was a lot of work but worth it in the end. It’s 55 degrees here this morning and I’m on my deck having my morning coffee.’ 

And here’s the finished buffet, complete with fresh aqua paint to match Jill’s pallet bar and lots of upcycled pallet wood. I love the parquet-style way that Jill has arranged the offcuts of pallet wood to add extra texture to the back of the unit.

I think it’s a great idea to make your outdoor space a part of your home so that you can go outside and enjoy it all year round. Whether you’re enjoying a hot coffee or sipping on a refreshing spritzer on a sunny day, just being out in the fresh air will be so beneficial for you.

I hope this project has inspired you to get out in the garden this summer and create a fun space for entertaining your family and friends – all from upcycled furniture and old pallet wood from a skip!

If you want more ideas for reusing pallets, you can find all of my DIY pallet projects here and be sure to check out @Jillerose on Instagram for more incredible furniture upcycling projects.  

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I’ve been working on a DIY project to turn my exterior porch into an enclosed space – thereby creating another room in the house. I’m hoping the space will be an ideal storage area for coats and boots, keeping any muddy allotment wellies out of the kitchen.

If you’re interested to know what we’ve done so far, here’s my blog post about repairing an old door to enclose the space, and another article on how to paint brickwork without spending loads of cash on paint.

Since then, I’ve laid some parquet-style flooring, with insulation beneath it, which was left over from fitting the kitchen floor. I love the Scandi-style pale wood and wanted the two spaces to coordinate to create a bit of a flow between the new porch and the kitchen.

Plus, we’ve fitted some IKEA wardrobes across the back of the ‘boot room’. These fit in perfectly with millimetres to spare (I’m very careful when measuring!) and they provide plenty of space for all our outdoor bits and pieces, including jackets, shoes, hats, scarves, gloves, backpacks, umbrellas, shopping bags and even picnic blankets.

It’s wonderful to have everything stored in one area so I no longer have to hunt around the house if I need a pair of sunglasses or a canvas bag.

With just a few more trims, some skirting board and a doormat, the porch was complete and we were ready to start using it. Which is when I realised that we would need somewhere to sit when taking off our muddy boots.

I’ll admit that I did search for a brand new bench but I ran into difficulties while trying to buy something ‘off the peg’. The benches I found were all too big or the wrong dimensions for the space.

I had a certain depth and length to stick to so that it would sit against the wall but not get in the way of the opening wardrobe doors. And all the new benches I found just wouldn’t fit. Plus, they are so expensive – I had no idea that furniture had gone up in price so much over the years.

So, I had a look in the shed to see what we could upcycle. We’ve had these old kitchen stools for nearly twenty years and had never used them since moving into our house in more than five years ago. They were a little worse for wear with lots of scuffs and flaking paint, but they were sturdy enough to be reused.

I set to work cutting them down and sanding them back before painting the legs in Rust-Oluem’s Pure Aqua to coordinate with my kitchen. I also upcycled a piece of scaffold board from a skip to use as the top of the bench.

If you would like to see the full step-by-step guide to make a bench like this for yourself, I’ve shared my photos of each stage of my DIY project on the Do It With Cans website.

The bench completed the room and has proven very useful – not least because it’s a handy place to dump bags when you come in from a day out! That said, the amount of storage we’ve got lets me keep the room really tidy and I love having everything organised.

Overall, I’m really chuffed that we decided to tackle the unused outdoor porch space and incorporate it into our home. It’s such a handy decompression space between indoors and outdoors, and I would definitely recommend doing something similar if you have an outdoor porch space like this too.

Let me know what you think of my upcycled bench in the comments below and I’d love to see your own version if you have a go at making the bench project for yourself, so please tag me in your photos on Instagram @cassiefairy.

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Today, I’m looking at all the uses of plywood – from DIY projects around your home to building materials. In this article, I’ll hopefully answer the age-old question of ‘What is Plywood used for?’ and give you some inspiration to start DIYing some projects of your own.

Let’s get started! 

What Is Plywood?

Plywood is manufactured wood made from thin sheets, or “plies,” of wood veneer that are glued together. It’s an engineered product and not a natural material like solid wood. 

The plywood layers can be arranged in cross-grained patterns for strength and stability or in alternating grain patterns for flexibility. Plywood can come in various thicknesses, making it useful for many applications.

Its lightweight yet strong properties make it ideal for use in cabinetry and other home improvement projects, such as shelving units and storage units. And, due to its affordability and versatility, it’s also one of the most common materials used to construct DIY projects.

I’ve previously used plywood to DIY storage furniture and even for flooring, so the projects you can use it for are varied. Here are five ways that you could make use of plywood in your own home…

1. Home Improvement Projects

Plywood is a highly versatile material used in many home improvement projects as it’s durable, affordable and easy to use for all skill levels. Let’s face it, if I find it easy to use it in a project, anyone can! Plywood’s versatility makes it ideal for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and countertops.

Choosing the right grade of plywood, depending on the application, is important when using plywood. For instance, if you want to install hardwood floors over an existing concrete slab or subfloor, you should use a higher grade of plywood such as CDX or OSB (oriented strand board). These grades have better wear resistance than lower grades like BCX and ACX which may not be suitable for heavy traffic areas.

When crafting cabinets or furniture with plywood, select the type of wood based on its weight-bearing capacity. This will help ensure your project lasts longer and looks great too! I used a piece of plywood to replace the top of an old coffee table and, with the addition of some foam and upholstery, turn it into a footstool.

2. Decorative Uses

Plywood is often used for decorative purposes due to its affordability. It can be cut, painted and stained to create various looks that fit in with almost any space. Keeping the wood unpainted adds a scandi vibe to walls and cabinets – I personally love the natural warm colours of the wood grain.

Here are some popular decorative uses for plywood:

• Wall panelling
• Table tops
• Headboards

It’s important to note that the type of finish you choose will determine how durable your project will be. A clear coat or sealer should be applied if using plywood outdoors, while indoor projects may require additional coats of paint or stain to protect them from scuffs and make them easier to clean. 

Plywood can also be laminated to give it a unique look and added protection from wear and tear. I love the look of plywood kitchens with solid colour door fronts and the scandi-style wooden edges peeking out. With all these options available, there’s no limit to what you can make from plywood. 

3. Furniture Making

Moving on from decorative uses, plywood is also commonly used for making furniture. It’s a popular material for indoor and outdoor use due to its strength and durability. 

Plywood can be cut into any shape or size, allowing it to fit perfectly in the desired piece of furniture, so it’s great for adding shelves inside vintage wardrobes. The layers of veneer that make it up give the wood an attractive natural finish while providing structural stability. 

Additionally, many types of plywood are waterproof or water-resistant, making them suitable for humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens. I’ve previously built a bathroom cabinet (below) using pallet wood for the rustic driftwood-style front and used marine ply for the back and interior.

Plywood is easy to paint and stain, so you can customise your design to match your home decor – making DIY furniture projects fast and hassle-free!

4. Flooring Applications

Plywood is widely used for flooring because the lower price (compared to real wood) makes it an attractive option for those of us who are decorating on a budget. It’s handy for creating both the subfloor and finished floors in homes.

When used as a subfloor, plywood helps stabilise the floor above it while offering insulation against cold temperatures and moisture. I used marine ply in my bathroom over the floorboards and beneath the tiled floor. I also used it for boxing-in around the pipework before tiling, and it has been ideal for that purpose. 

Many people install carpets directly over plywood, which gives a smoother finish than when carpeting over floorboards. Also, if you like that Scandi vibe, you can seal the plywood and keep the natural wood finish for your flooring.  

5. Exterior Uses

Moving on from flooring, plywood is also a great material for exterior projects. If you choose the right grade of plywood, it can be durable and strong enough to withstand the elements of nature, such as rain, snow, wind and sun. 

Therefore, plywood can be used in many ways outside including lining sheds or garages, making roofs and shed floors, and even constructing outdoor furniture like benches or chairs.

Plywood is an economical choice compared to other construction materials and its ability to stand up against harsh weather conditions makes it ideal for any outdoor project that requires strength and durability. I used marine ply to build a parcel box (below) and it’s still in great condition after 3 years in the garden.

Its low maintenance requirements make it easy to keep looking good over time without much upkeep. With proper care and protection, plywood can last long outdoors while maintaining its original shape and structure.

I hope this article has given you some inspiration for using plywood in your next project and answered your question of ‘what is plywood used for?’. Let me if you’ve successfully used plywood in your own home DIY makeover in the comments below – I’d love to hear your suggestions for ways that plywood can be used in an interior.

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