Bunnings Trade Magazine November 2025

THE BLOCK UNLOCKED

TRADIES TAKE US BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE HIT TV SERIES

TRIED TESTED &

LAWN LEGENDS

The top power garden tools saving you time without cutting corners

HIT THE DECKS

The ins and outs of composite decking + why it’s fast becoming a material of choice for builders and their clients

BENCH MARK

Kitchen trends you need to know about

Editor Erin McWhirter

Art director Katie Smith

Chief subeditor Leigh Livingstone

Editorial and styling assistant Anna Zielinski Campaign manager Ellisa Kimura

National advertising manager

Vanessa Hanlan

Advertising enquiries

info@hammermedia.com.au

General magazine enquiries

trademag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

Managing director Nick Smith

General manager: operations and partnerships Teagan Barr

Head of content: health, home & lifestyle

Gemma Sutherland

Published by Medium Rare Content

Agency Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 879 921, Level 1, 83 Bowman Street, Pyrmont, NSW, 2009, Australia for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC, 3121, Australia. ©2025. All rights reserved. For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC, 3121, Australia.

When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Bunnings Trade magazine runs third-party advertisements. Bunnings does not endorse, evaluate or take responsibility for the products or claims in these advertisements. This publication is not for sale.

Product is available to buy online only at bunnings.com.au and is sold by Bunnings Marketplace. Not all items are available in all states and territories. Delivery charges may apply.

TRADIE TALK

Your need-to-know industry info and latest highlights.

The low-maintenance timber alternative making waves.

Those in the know test the top decking tools for your kit.

A builder shares the tips to his business success.

Get across popular wall colours and finishes.

Discover what’s coming in kitchens, direct from the pros.

Meet the mature apprentices loving (later) life on the job.

Keep homes and sites secure with a futuristic upgrade.

The Fazzari family test out the latest in garden power tools.

70 “IT’S WORK, EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT... I LOVE IT!”

Working on The Block is a trial by fire for two apprentices.

72 SPOTTED ONSITE

THE BLOCK SPECIAL

How the Biax system can help you build sturdy foundations.

Shoot the breeze in summer with these must-have fans.

DECK RULES

The dos and don’ts of working with wider timber boards.

Small but mighty tiny homes are shaking up the market.

Landscape designers take us through The Block’s showstopping yards.

56 “WHAT CAN GO WRONG, WILL GO WRONG!”

The Cursio brothers share what it’s like tiling on national TV.

60 MISSION... POSSIBLE!

What really happens behind the scenes of The Block ?

62 TOP OF THE BLOCK

The secrets of some of this season’s best rooms revealed.

68 THE BLOCK BY NUMBERS

This series needs a mindblowing amount of supplies.

The hardworking tradies making The Block magic happen day in and day out.

TRADE TIPS

76 POWERPASS: WHAT THE TRADIES SAY

All the ways PowerPass can save you time and money.

80 NOISE WORKS

Safe Work Australia tips for protecting your hearing onsite.

82 CHECK OUT MY RIG

An old ATM became the on-the-go solution Tiler Daniel Gordillo needed.

86 ELECTRIC SWITCH-UP

Can EV deliver the performance a tradie needs on the road?

88 TRADIE PROFILE

AFLW legend Kiara ‘Turbo’ Bowers on tradie life.

HACKS HUB

92 CAMPING HACKS

TIACS co-founders share the tools you need for camping.

94 THE CRACK UP

Headscratchers and funnies.

97 MEET THE REAL BOSSES

They’re the ones in charge.

98 YOU HAD ONE JOB! What could go wrong?

G’DAY, WELCOME!

With technological advancements, the choice of materials available for builds has expanded considerably, leaving plenty of new ways of working to learn – but also a much broader and attractive offering for clients.

While there’s nothing quite like the natural look and feel of timber, the challenges of installing it in differing environments means we sometimes look to alternatives, and composite is fast becoming a preference where traditional supplies aren’t the best fit.

As landscaping season continues, chippy Glenn Gambrell, director of All Decked Out in South Australia, shares how his company embraces the use of composite materials, and how it changed the way they work – for the better. From using Ekodeck’s decking ranges to their castellated panelling, Glenn shares why more and more of his clients request composite products (page 12). Ekodeck’s extensive range, including their Shiplap cladding, is available through Bunnings Trade. Not to be overlooked, we also explore the old faithful timber decking options and how you can support their longevity from install (page 42).

Switching gears, how do you reckon you’d hold up on The Block? The building crews working behind the scenes give us the lowdown on what it’s really like to do their job on national TV. If you’ve ever sceptically thought: “Yeah, right, sure they do all that in just a week!” you’ll want to read what the onsite tradies, their apprentices and the contestants have to say about the high-pressure experience in our 25-page The Block special (from page 47).

With power garden tool reviews (page 34), tips from mature-aged apprentices (page 26), and tradies sharing how to get the most out of your PowerPass membership (page 76), it’s a jam-packed issue!

The Bunnings Trade magazine team

Bunnings respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Elders of this Country and recognises their values, beliefs and continuing connection to land, waters, cultures and communities. May the stories, knowledge and wisdom shared on this land unite us as one people in the true spirit of Reconciliation for today, tomorrow and for our future generations.

TEAM TRADE

With more than 35 years under his belt as a furniture maker, Col knows a thing or two about the building game.

Accepting changes in the trade sector (and the world around us) is something Trade Specialist Col takes a lot of pride in. He says having a yarn with a tradie while imparting his knowledge, and also learning from them, is one of the perks of working with the Bunnings Trade team for more than 15 years. Here, he shares his story.

Q: You’ve been a furniture maker for more than three decades. Tell us about that.

A: Looking back, I fondly remember the joy and satisfaction of completing a custom build. On the flipside, I remember the long days and nights I used to put in for little financial gain. The two sides to the coin. I have always thought of my trade as an extension of myself. What you see in front of you is honest and solid.

Q: What appealed to you about working in the Bunnings Trade team?

A: I was drawn to the Trade team because building is in many respects an art form. We have a great crop of young builders coming though now, who are creating buildings that are sensational, bringing to life their clients’ dreams. I thrive on being a part of the team that helps them. Each day is different, with many challenges in the job leading to satisfying results. Our customers are great people, they appreciate all we do for them. We need them and they need us. I feel my work is important as I contribute to making good builds possible.

Q: What’s your tip for tradies starting out today?

A: Nobody has an easy life, and running a small business is hard. It’s a long list: cash flow; finding the right team; balancing a family life. Talking to new builders, these issues are real in their lives. My advice is to be good at what you do, but make time for your loved ones. Also watch and learn, make mental notes so you can improve your craft.

Q: Give us a ‘day-in-the-life’ snapshot of Col.

A: I work with a great team of people who care about our customers. We deliver an increasing amount of specialised products to the building industry and take the time to learn about what we provide, so the right info is given. My focus is cladding, James Hardie and Weathertex, so I field questions in relation to them.

A great finish on your deck goes back to the start. And when you start with Specrite Merbau Timber, it comes pre-oiled and ready for a finishing coat.

Plus, it’s easy to install for a premium, natural look that lasts.

MAKING A MATURE MOVE

“[A trade] was never something that was presented to me at school as an opportunity,” Renee says “I think that’s why I thought I had to go into nursing No-one ever said to me, ‘Why don’t you try a trade?’ I think schools should definitely open that opportunity up to girls more ”

TRADIE TALK NEWS UPDATES

ALWAYS LEARNING

“[My apprenticeship is] different every day I know that sounds like a cliché, but it really is,” former nursing student and now first-year electrical apprentice Renee Evans says “I watch my colleagues question things and ask each other for advice I love that humility and not having answers to everything ” Turn to page 26 for more on the life of a mature-aged apprentice

NEWS & UPDATES

SPORTS ON TAP

We tradies love our sport and our tools, so the launch of new radio show Bunnings Tradio is a match made in heaven.

Backing our favourite sporting team is the pride and pasttime of many of us, so why not tune in for a quick snapshot into the latest sports updates with Bunnings Tradio?

Led by resident sports guru and SEN 1116AM (Melbourne) host Matthew ‘Cocksy’ Cocks (pictured above), Bunnings Tradio is live weekdays 5am to 6am right in that sweet spot when you’re driving to work, giving you a round up of all things NRL, AFL, Supercars and beyond. You’ll be up to speed by the time you hit the jobsite. Charles Goodsir of SEN Sydney is a regular, sharing his insights on NRL, while Tradie Trivia will test just how well you know your sports with questions like: “Oscar Piastri was the first Aussie to win the Belgium Grand Prix since Daniel Ricciardo in which year?”. Reckon you have what it takes to win a round or two? Tune in (also available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts) and call 1300 736 736 to take part. You can also text 0433 981 116 during the show.

NEW PASLODE NAILER

Introducing the Paslode FrameMaster NightWolf^ (I/N: 0920714), a new breed in precision framing. It’s the ultimate framing tool for professionals who demand performance, reliability and value onsite. With improved engine lubrication and fuel recipe, the NightWolf shoots like a new tool for much longer. It’s light, better balanced and designed to move with you, so you can fire all day without feeling it the next morning. With 1500 shots per fuel cell, you’ll get more done between refuels – that means more frames going up with fewer interruptions. Pounce on it and stand out from the pack.

MARK IT UP

When you’re on the job, having heavy duty line marking paint that’s fast drying and highly visible helps you finish the job quicker. Dulux Spray’s Survey Marker (I/N: 0782678) and Line Marker (I/N: 0782695) deliver clean, sharp markings. The Survey Marker range features 360-degree valves for vertical or horizontal application and mileage of up to 120m per can, and comes in new colours purple and red. The Line Marker range has also added new colours – red, black and blue – making your lines more visible in low-light environments.

TITAN TRAIN

It’s time to jump aboard Titan’s range of framing nails, batten screws and decking accessories.

We want reliable, durable building products and Titan’s innovative range of fasteners, decking accessories and products deliver. Engineered for strength and offering great value without compromising performance, the range of window packers and shims, decking screws, batten screws and collated nails are worth a look.

FRAMING NAILS

The product: Titan 75mm x 3.06mm Bright Steel Collated Framing Nails – 3000 Box, I/N: 0571385

These collated framing nails are designed for timber construction, specifically for framing walls, building roof trusses, fixing studs and installing beams. They feature a 34-degree angle and flat head for a clean, flush finish. The diamond point and glue coating ensure smooth driving and a secure hold. Made from bright steel, they are designed for indoor use, with galvanised versions available for outdoor applications.

Key features:

• 34-degree paper collated nails

• Compatible with popular 34-degree framing nailers

• Smooth shank with a bright finish

• Long strip, 40 nails per strip

• 3000 nails per box

• Suits all leading brands of pneumatic and cordless tools

BATTEN SCREWS

The product: Titan 14G x 75mm CL3 Gal Bugle Batten Screw – 500 Pack, I/N: 0579087

Ideal for structural framework, fixing roof battens and retaining walls, the Titan Bugle Batten is a heavy-duty, 14g (7mm) thick fastener, available in lengths of 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm and 150mm.

Key features:

• Galvanised Class 3: Suitable for external use

• Bugle head ensures a flush surface finish

• 5mm hexagonal drive head and T17 drill point designed for high-torque fastening

• Knurling reduces timber splitting and reduces the torque required to drive the screw into timber

• Under head rib design drives efficiency and countersinking into timber

Also available: Titan 14G x 100mm CL3 Gal Bugle Batten Screw – 500 Pack, I/N: 0579093

*Terms and conditions apply. Take Off Service not available in all states, call Trade Assist to find out more

OWNER-BUILDER EDUCATION

Be on top of your owner-builder build with support from Bunnings Trade and Absolute Education.

As an owner-builder, you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, reaching out for support from those in the know can help streamline your project Specialist teams at Bunnings Trade and the training courses on offer through Absolute Education are on hand to make your build a smooth one These services will keep you on track without the headaches

ABSOLUTE EDUCATION

As an owner-builder, you need to comply with regulatory requirements for your state, including land ownership, intended land usage and how you will approach building There’s a lot to be across and that’s where owner-builder education provider Absolute Education, with open-book, accelerated learning methods and online modules, can train you up so there are no surprises

From those with little-to-no experience in the building game to professionals who want a refresher, Absolute Education courses put you on track with safety, budget and tradie relationship management

“I am a licensed carpenter, but this training was useful to give me a refresh on the basics and help with time management and planning,” carpenter Adam Stonier says

For more information call 1800 427 407 (toll-free 7am to midnight, seven days a week) or visit abed.com.au.

TAKE OFF SERVICE*

Overwhelmed by which materials and products you need to get the job done? Book a time to speak with the expert Bunnings Trade Assist team 134 TRADE (134 872), send through your plans and we’ll send an itemised list and quote for all the products we can supply. Your fee is redeemable towards Bunnings Trade products, including frame and truss

FROM FOUNDATIONS TO FINISHING

The 134 TRADE (134 872) teams can assist with anything from quotes to pricing, orders and deliveries, from foundations and footings to frames and trusses, windows, doors, cladding, roofing, flooring, custom joinery and beyond. Take running around out of your hands and put it in ours

MAKING THE SWITCH TO LEAD-FREE

The time is now to prepare for new limits applied to lead content in plumbing products, coming 2026.

The best water to drink is safe water. Which is why, in less than seven months, it will become mandatory to ensure that any brass plumbing products you install for intended use in contact with drinking water stay within lead limits (no more than a weighted average lead content of 0.25 per cent). With the new Plumbing Code of Australia standards deadline of May 1, 2026 fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to prepare.

To help you along, we quizzed industry experts on how you can make a smooth transition.

1. WHAT LEAD LIMITS MEAN FOR YOU

If you’re a design, building or plumbing practitioner who specifies, procures or installs any plumbing products, it’s essential for you to get up to speed with Clause A5G4 in Volume Three of the National Construction Code (also known as the Plumbing Code of Australia).

As Peter Zagorski, Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Director of Technical Services for Victoria and Tasmania, shares: “After April 30th, if you’re installing a lead product where there’s potable water or drinking water, then I’m assuming the regulator’s going to hit you pretty hard.”

2. KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

Clause A5G4 clearly explains your compliance requirements in a couple of pages – allow yourself about 30 to 60 minutes of careful reading to brush up on all of the information.

Some key things to keep in mind: Products made from brass can’t exceed a weighted average lead content of 0.25 per cent; the Australian Building Codes Board’s WaterMark Certification Scheme certifies the suitability of plumbing and drainage products; suitable products will feature one of the below updated WaterMark trademarks (with ‘Lead Free’ or abbreviation ‘LF’).

3. EASE INTO THE SWITCH

While existing stock is available until May, you can begin using lead-free products with the required WaterMark certification right now.

“Starting now helps to avoid supply chain surprises and rushed decisions later,” Peter says.

4. KNOW THE WATERMARK SYSTEM

The WaterMark website (watermark.abcb.gov.au) has everything you need to know about the

LEAD-FREE SYMBOLS

Look out for one of these four on products and packaging.

JUMP ONBOARD

There is a wide range of lead-free products available, including these beauties.

WaterMark system – whether it’s products that need to be certified, installation matters, or searching through the product database.

Ensure you are familiar with and can recognise the WaterMark label well, too.

“We’ve got information on our website that shows what the WaterMark label looks like,” Peter says.

5. USE INDUSTRY INFORMATION

Master Plumbers’ Chief Technical Advisor Gary Bath adds it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for new information shared by leading industry bodies.

“The Australian Building Codes Board and local Master Plumbers Associations will have information and resources to assist plumbers in understanding and complying with the new requirements,” he says.

Plumber’s shower guide

Maintaining, upgrading and replacing shower systems doesn’t need to be hard. In fact, change is easy with the Flexispray Havana and Splash ranges of shower products.

SCAN HERE

to explore more quality

Flexispray products available at Bunnings Trade.

MODERN UPGRADE

Flexispray WELS

Save valuable time by choosing a trusted commercial and residential solution for bathroom installations or replacements with Flexispray’s Havana and Splash shower ranges, backed by tradies.

“Flexispray understands the importance of functional design,” Zane Leviston, Director of Trend Plumbing and Home Solutions, says. “Their products are thoughtfully engineered to provide maximum comfort and usability.”

Durable, versatile and easy to install, the Havana and Splash ranges make change easy with user-friendly innovations, including multiple spray functions, rub-clean nozzles (to prevent limescale build-up) and adjustable components ideal for user customisation.

Backed by a 25-year warranty to give you and your customers peace of mind, the Havana and Splash ranges are at the forefront of water-saving technologies, designed for plumbers and offering quality you can trust.

Take a look at some of the top products in the Havana and Splash ranges – ready for easy install at your next new build or retrofit – available at Bunnings Trade.

MULTI-USE SHOWER

Flexispray WELS 3 Star

3 Star 9L/min Chrome

Havana Short Twin System, I/N: 0307305

With easy installation, and available with matching tapware to complete the look, this system gives customers a dream shower experience while being on-trend, too. With two heads – one rain, one hand – it has an inbuilt diverter that smoothly transitions between them both. The handset also has three different spray settings and a durable 1.5m double wound metal hose.

9L/min 3 Function

Havana Rail Shower – Chrome, I/N: 0215956

This system is fully adjustable to cater for all of your customers’ needs. The handset position can be moved along the rail with an easy push-button slider, so it can be used while standing or sitting on a shower chair or simply adjusted to different heights. The shower rail is 680mm in length and the head has three spray functions.

EASY INSTALLATION

Flexispray Chrome Havana

Shower Handset WELS 3 Star 9L/min, I/N: 0215958

The installation of the Havana Shower Handset is the definition of easy – it’s screwed on so it’s perfect for basic maintenance upgrades where the shower rose is the only part that needs replacing. The shower head has three spray settings and, like all Flexispray shower products, the handset comes with a 25-year replacement warranty warranty.

ACCESSIBLE CHOICE

Flexispray WELS 3 Star 9L 9L/min Chrome Splash

Hand Shower 5 Function, I/N: 0737596

This is the pick for clients with higher accessibility needs. With needs five nozzle settings and a 100mm s shower head diameter, the Splash 5 Function Hand Shower has the added c convenience of being wall mounted, which makes it easy to retrofit ma when upgrading from a like-for-like product

SIMPLE RETROFIT

Flexispray WELS 3 Star 9L/ pray min Chrome Splash Hi Rise hrome

Adjustable Wall Shower stable 5 Function, I/N: 0737581 unction,

Change really is easy with this shower solution – it fixes to w the wall, so it’s great for customers looking to update older models. The brass system has a chrome finish, five spray functions and 100mm shower head diameter. The best part for customers, though, is the rub-clean technology that prevents limescale and calcium build-up.

QUICK FIX

Flexispray WELS 3 Star

9L/min Chrome Splash Rail

Shower 5 Function, I/N: 0737580

Look to the Splash 5 Function Rail Sho Shower for a quality – and easy – update that saves you time and gives your customers a durable solution. The shower head is a luxuriou luxuriously wide 142mm diameter and features fiv five spray functions.

COMPOSITE CALLING

osite mat s a und one a or j n

Composite materials have undergone a major makeover, not just in the public perception of the materials, but also for the durability and versatility of the many ways it can be used on a wide range of projects.

BY JOHN BURFITT

If you had asked outdoor specialist and All Decked Out owner and builder Glenn Gambrell a few years ago what he thought of composite materials, his response would have been blunt.

“I used to hear people describe composites as looking artificial or like plastic, and I never argued,” South Australia-based Glenn says “When I show clients today just how far composites have come, it’s always great to see them get excited by the style, feel and quality of the materials Not too many clients need convincing now, as many know about what composites offer As a builder on a project, it’s more about directing them ”

All Decked Out has been working with the Ekodeck® composite ranges, exclusively available through Bunnings, for four years Estimates from Ekodeck claim the sales of their materials have more than tripled in the past five years

Glenn, who has been in the building trade for more than 25 years, calls himself “a composite decking specialist”, as 90 per cent of All Decked Out projects use composite materials, with the other 10 per cent using traditional timber

“There are many good things about composites, like the durability, resistance to weather and it’s easy

to work with,” he says. “Composites – be it used for decking or panelling – also require minimal maintenance compared to timber.”

The All Decked Out team recently completed a project in Balhannah in the Adelaide Hills, replacing a 240sqm outdoor entertaining deck at the back of an existing house, which was linked to an indoor pool and spa.

The project required the removal of the existing worn timber deck, as well as reinforcement of the under-structure and the addition of a new top deck, installed in a picture-frame style with breaker boards. The space also incorporates a barbecue area, pizza oven and planter boxes.

Ekodeck Designer series boards in Ironwood colour were used throughout, and the project took a team of two All Decked Out workers a total of four weeks to complete.

“Invest time in the homework so you know the extent of what’s available [in the product range] and then what you can do with it,” Glenn advises.

The builder also shares the lessons he’s learned about working with composites for decking, panelling and cladding projects – and how he (and you) can get it all through Bunnings Trade.

FASTER INSTALL TIMES MEANS LOWER LABOUR COSTS WHEN IT COMES TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS

BE AWARE OF SITE MOISTURE LEVELS

Made from a combination of recycled timber and plastics bonded together using additives, Ekodeck’s composite materials are strong and durable, suitable for many applications. For the Balhannah house, Glenn says the composite decking proved ideal.

“The old timber deck had been in place for years, but failed as there was too much moisture,” he says. But that isn’t an issue for composite materials. “Even though the owners were all for it, further explaining the durability with moisture sealed the deal.”

CONSIDER THE LOOK AND FEEL

Design choices with composites have come a long way over recent decades. Ekodeck first opened its doors in 2009 with the textured Classic series leading the charge. Today, the other choices in the range include the wide boards of the Summit Series and Maxiboard, for hard-wearing commercial spaces. But the Designer series remains Glenn’s favourite.

“Composites in the old days could resemble the bags they were delivered in,” Glenn jokes. “Now, they have subtle variances, some of which mimic timber, but look like its own product – a good looking one.”

IS TIMBER OR COMPOSITE RIGHT?

When it comes to choosing decking, Glenn says the only limitations come down to the style of the house.

“[Composite decking] perfectly suits most houses as there is a wide range of designs, shapes and colours. For the Balhannah project, it gave the back of the house such a lift,” he says.

With older houses, such as those in a classic Federation style, Glenn believes timber might be a better choice. “In those cases, it comes down to what the client wants, but I always like to discuss composites in case that works best.”

COMPOSITE IS GREAT IN WET AREAS

The Balhannah house owner made it clear he wanted a deck that would link the back of the house to the garden and could withstand the conditions of the pool and spa.

“The old hardwood deck had taken a beating from the chlorine and chemicals used in the wet areas, but that’s not something you have to worry about with composites,” Glenn says. As Ekodeck is non-porous, it’s not impacted by chemical absorption and won’t leach or stain from poolside run-off. “All that made it a good fit for the site.”

AIM FOR LOWER MAINTENANCE

Composite materials are resistant to rotting and warping, and don’t require regular staining, sealing, or painting. Being UV stabilised, they resist fading and maintain the integrity of their shape and colour.

“I often explain to owners who want a timber deck to expect to spend up to $750 every year on maintenance, but composites need minor upkeep and even clean themselves when it rains,” he says.

The All Decked Out team is sometimes called out after a timber deck job for repairs, but Glenn says that rarely happens after composite jobs. “It can be soul-destroying to return to a timber deck six months after we installed it and see how it has already worn, but we are never called back to composite jobs,” he says. “They look exactly the same as the day the team finished the job.”

I often explain to owners who want a timber deck to expect to spend up to $750 every year on maintenance, but composites need minor upkeep.

GLENN GAMBRELL, ALL DECKED OUT OWNER

EASIER AND FASTER INSTALL IS BEST

“Everyone in our team prefers jobs using composites as it’s a more streamlined installation,” Glenn says.

While composite boards may be heavier, the installation is completed in a faster time. “There are no imperfections, so it’s a matter of laying the boards, trimming some to fit and clicking it all in place.”

ALLOW FOR MOVEMENT AND HEAT

It’s a case of role reversal when comparing the expansion and contraction of composites to timber.

“Composites expand and contract in length, but not width, whereas timber swells in width, but not length,” Glenn explains. There’s also a difference

when accommodating spacing between the boards. “Ekodeck requires gaps of either 3mm or 6mm between boards, while timber needs a minimum of 5mm.” And while composite boards can be hotter underfoot than timber, Glenn says any materials will be hot to walk on in a more than 30 degree day.

THINK OF THE COST BENEFITS

Composite materials are generally more expensive upfront than using other materials for decking, panelling and cladding jobs, but the higher initial cost is usually offset by cheaper labour costs, due to the overall installation being faster.

“That’s a conversation about costs I have early,” Glenn says. “But once clients see how quickly it all comes together and that the labour charge was lower, it makes the point.”

CASTELLATED PANELS ARE WORTH IT

While the Balhannah deck project involved Ekodeck Designer series boards, Glenn shares that castellated panels are proving to be a popular choice for fencing and privacy screens on other projects.

“We’ve had a demand for privacy screens around decks and pools, sometimes as a feature on outside walls and as fencing between properties,” he says.

Like decking, the difference in installation time for panelling, such as with fencing, can be significant. “And it really adds to the impact,” Glenn says.

DON’T FORGET COMPOSITE CLADDING

Another of the Ekodeck range Glenn rates highly is Shiplap cladding for how it has emerged as one of the most popular style choices in recent years.

“The first time I saw a sheet of Shiplap, I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed. But once I saw it fitted, I stood back and went, ‘Okay, I get it!’” Glenn says.

“It’s easy-to-use and is a thick board, so it can make a big difference to a range of spaces both inside and outside – and it can easily be painted.”

THE WORLD OF COMPOSITE

Builder Glenn Gambrell shares the benefits of different composite materials, as well as what to keep in mind when recommending.

DECKING

Glenn’s company, All Decked Out, has completed more than 250 composite decking jobs in the past four years. While they’ve met the odd challenge while using the materials, the time they’re saving on jobs is well worth it. Why they love it: Composite decking is eco-friendly, suitable for most projects and it’s easy to install.

Something to consider: Understanding the way it expands and contracts requires expert know-how. “While Ekodeck is easy to install, understanding the finer details is essential.”

Final verdict: The wide selection of designs in the Ekodeck range means it’s ideal for applications, like outdoor decks, barbecue and pool areas.

CASTELLATED PANELLING

Utilising Ekodeck panelling for privacy screens or fencing continues to account for a significant number of jobs completed by All Decked Out. Why they love it: Installation is easy and the durability in a range of spaces, plus the dramatic transformation, is undeniable.

Something to consider: Explaining the cost difference compared to timber to clients can require some patience. “Once they understand the long-term benefit, most are fine with it,” Glenn says.

Final verdict: Durable and low-maintenance Ekodeck cladding can make a major aesthetic statement to a project.

SHIPLAP CLADDING

Current client demand for Shiplap cladding reveals it is the contemporary design trend that can’t be ignored.

Why they love it: The panel width means more can be accomplished in less time than with regular panels, and the textured finish adds tactile appeal. “We all look forward to the Shiplap projects, as the finished look is always impressive,” Glenn shares.

Final verdict: This is a building material to get excited about for its evolution – not just as a product, but also for the way it is used.

SUPPORT IS JUST A CALL AWAY

Glenn shares that when he began researching the ways Ekodeck could be applied, he contacted the company directly to ask questions. For all his ordering ever since, he relies on Bunnings Trade.

I have a Trade Account Manager, and I also have a Trade rep at my local Bunnings store, and they understand what I do and always help me to get the job done easily,” Glenn says.

In addition to the various Ekodeck materials, All Decked Out also turns to Bunnings Trade for such items as fixings, brackets, screws and bolts. “It usually only takes a phone call and it’s all ready.”

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

We asked the All Decked Out team to give us their verdict on some of the top tools used in the decking industry.

When you’ve been in the building game for a while, you know which tools are the best ones for the job – there’s no time to muck around because time is money.

“You want tools that are reliable, sturdy and can help you get the job done without fuss,” Colin Kerr, a veteran of the construction industry and All Decked Out team member, says.

“I’ve used a lot of different brands over the years, but Makita is one I’ve stuck with, they’ve never let me down. It’s good to test what else is out there.”

Along with carpenter Jordan Houlahan and All Decked Out apprentice Daniel Conroy, Colin gives us his verdict on decking tools from some of the biggest brands they couldn’t do without.

CIRCULAR SAW

AEG 18V Fusion 165mm Circular Saw (Skin Only), I/N: 0349888

Generating a maximum speed of 5000rpm, AEG’s 18V Fusion 165mm circular saw is perfect for small jobs, like cutting stacked boards, sheet and trim.

“This one I would use for detailed work – smaller jobs like skirtings – as it cuts really well, has a nice feel and is quite accurate,” Colin says. “You’re not going to use this if you’re using a big bit of pine or framing because it doesn’t have the battery or motor, but it works well on those smaller jobs.”

AEG 18V Fusion 165mm Circular Saw (Skin Only), I/N: 0349888

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Makita 18V 165mm Brushless Circular Saw (Skin Only), I/N: 6240314

IMPACT

DRIVER AND HAMMER DRILL

Makita 18V Mobile Brushless 4-Mode Impact Driver (Skin Only), I/N: 8901067

Makita 18V Brushless Heavy Duty Hammer Driver Drill (Skin Only), I/N: 0293207

A lightweight impact driver is essential for installing any deck. The Makita 4-Mode, with its electric 3-stage impact power selection and the T-Mode function, is great for tightening self-driving screws.

“The build quality of Makita has always been good, I’ve bought it from as far back as 25 years ago when I first started out,” Colin says. “The tools have a good feel and, in my opinion, the impact driver is a great one to use for carpenters. I use my impact driver daily, especially when doing door hinges and screws – any of those fine motor skill jobs. It’s got a good variable trigger, it’s soft and doesn’t rip out screw heads. It’s good when you’re doing the clips on an Ekodeck because you don’t have to drive them in too far. You can set your tensions with your soft and hard.”

Meanwhile, the Makita heavy duty hammer drill is powerful, compact (178mm) and comfortable to use.

“It’s a good weight, with a two-speed gear box. It’s a really great drill,” Jordan says, with Colin adding: “I’ve had four drills in 25 years and the first is still going, but you buy new ones to upgrade the technology. They will keep going forever and are great bang for your buck.”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Makita 18V Brushless 2 Piece Combo Kit, I/N: 0090871

RECIPROCATING SAW

AEG 18V Fusion Reciprocating Saw (Skin Only), I/N: 0298402

The tool blade change on the AEG 18V Fusion recipro is a beauty and has the edge over others in its class, according to the All Decked Out crew.

“With another one I have in a different brand, you have to twist the coupling and put your fingers in there. This one has a coupling that lifts out and you can drop your new blade in and clip it back in, so it saves you getting your fingers in there,” Daniel says. “It’s also got good power to it.”

WRENCH

DeWALT 18V Cordless Brushless 1/2” Detent Pin Torque Wrench (Bare Unit), I/N: 0382987

Using one of these in confined spaces is when the DeWALT Pin Torque Wrench comes into its own. With 1152 breakaway torque (813 Nm of fastening torque) it removes the tightest of bolts.

“The battery on this one is light and when you pull the trigger, it’s got a bit of power to it,” Daniel says. “The weight of it makes it easy to use. With a bigger battery, you’d get better weight distribution during use. It’s up there with them all and comfortable.”

PAIR IT WITH

DeWALT 18V XR Brushless D-Handle Rotary Hammer Drill (Skin Only), I/N: 6260431

MULTI-TOOL

DeWALT 18V XR Li-Ion 3 Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool (Skin Only), I/N: 0138926

We all want quick blade changes without cutting up our hands, and DeWALT’s 18V Oscillating Multi-Tool delivers on both counts.

“The weight of this is good and it’s got a nice feel to it in the hand,” Colin says. “There’s a quick-release coupling on it, which goes in and bites really well. Plus, the battery is super easy to get in and out. Of everything I’ve used, it cuts really well and is as good as you’ll get in its class.”

Jordan adds: “It feels light, which makes it nice to use, and you can change your blades over quickly, which helps on the job. It doesn’t really feel like it’s going when it’s on, which is a good thing.”

PAIR IT WITH

DeWALT 18V 125mm

Brushless XR Random

Orbital Sander (Skin Only), I/N: 0106575

NAIL FRAMER

DeWALT 18V XR 33 Degree 90mm Framing Nailer (Bare Unit), I/N: 0692850

Best for heavy-duty applications, this latest nailer from DeWALT offers quite a few advancements over the previous models.

Requiring minimal maintenance, the 18V framing nailer is cordless and battery operated – that’s right, no gas required. Along with its improved driver blade, that is more robust and sturdy than the older version, the magnesium magazine is lighter in weight and a lot stronger when it comes to firing (the nailer has retained its previous bump and sequential nailing features). There are also a few innovative user-driven additions, including:

• The option to remove the standard magazine for an extra-length magazine to help save on time (allowing for two lengths of nails);

• A rafter hook added due to popular demand, enhancing its utility on jobsites; and

• An angled contact tip to allow for easier usage when nailing on angles.

BLUETOOTH EAR MUFFS

Citeco Bluetooth Ear Muffs, I/N: 0856314

With a waterproof IPX3 and Bluetooth ‘press-tolisten’ function, these Citeco Ear Muffs (with new and improved design) block out the jobsite noise, but also allow you to connect to your favourite audio.

“I’ve been wearing these during the shoot, listening to the radio, and they really block out the noise around you,” Jordan says. “The cuffs over ears are comfortable, and you can’t hear anything other than the radio. You can also connect them to your Bluetooth and listen to some podcasts or anything else you want, which is really cool. They’ve got a nice bit of cushioning on the top, so it doesn’t rub on your head either.”

ON THE DECK

Check out these other tools and products to help get the job done.

TOP DECK

When it comes to choosing materials, these decking options will keep clients happy.

LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED…

After almost four decades in the building game, Stephen Thompson knows firsthand what it takes to run a thriving trade business.

BY ANGELA TUFVESSON

Ayoung Stephen Thompson had no plans to become a professional builder or to take over Allworth Homes, the successful contract building business his father, Peter, co-founded in Sydney in 1978. But following the sudden death of Peter’s business partner, 21-year-old Stephen joined the family company as a mature-aged apprentice – and never left.

Almost 40 years later, Stephen is managing director of Allworth Homes, a role he’s held for two decades. Today, he employs 60 staff and builds homes along the NSW coast.

Stephen has weathered the ups and downs of running a trade business and learned more than a few lessons along the way. In his own words, he shares his tips for longevity.

DECIDE ON A NICHE

“What we’ve found is if you stick to your specialty and try to be the very best at it, then you come up trumps,” Stephen says. “We operate out of display homes and we exclusively build homes for mums and dads who have a block of land or want to knock down the house they’re in. That’s what we’ve been solely doing since the company started way back when. It’s sometimes easier to say what we don’t do – we don’t do speculating, turnkey packaging, townhouses or medium density housing. I liken us to a shoe business. We only make shoes, not pants or shirts, because I don’t have the people to do that, and I don’t have the expertise to do that.”

DELIVER ON TIME AND TO BUDGET

“Our point of difference is that we build homes on time and absolutely on budget,” Stephen says. “We’ve got very good systems in place to manage the construction process, and we never bite off more than we can chew – we gauge our workload with the availability of trades and supply so that we don’t end up with too much on and unable to complete.”

EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY

“About five years ago, we switched to Bunnings [Trade] for all our frame and truss work across our entire build area,” Stephen says. “Before that we had two suppliers, one in the north of NSW and one in the south. One supplier ended up having financial issues and that’s when we first started working with Bunnings [Trade]. Then the other supplier sold the business and the new owners put the prices up dramatically. At that time, Bunnings was building and about to open a large, much more automated frame and truss manufacturing service in the south

of Sydney. The timing was right, the faster install times were appealing and the price was competitive. So, we decided to go with Bunnings for the lot.”

BUILD A STRONG REPUTATION

“We do very little advertising and marketing, but we seem to be able to punch above our weight,” Stephen says. “A little while ago, supplier costs increased pretty much on the spot because of the level of work that was out there. Normally you get some time to adjust your sell price, but suppliers were saying the increases would be from the next order. We copped it and didn’t pass on any of those increases to our customers. Our bottom line took a hit, but our reputation stayed intact.”

MANAGE LONG-TERM RISK

“Our financial structure is such that we have zero debt and we own everything, so we can ride out any storm,” Stephen says. “It’s part of the reason we’re able to stick to our niche. It’s really my dad’s legacy, as he’d worked in businesses that were highly geared. If you have cash flow issues, you don’t sleep at night. We have a structure that passes the pillow test.”

WHY USE BUNNINGS TRADE’S PREFAB FRAMES

AND TRUSSES?

For custom-made solutions. Experienced estimators and designers create products that meet specifications. Fast and efficient, ready for installation. Delivered direct to site. Lower your labour costs. Reduces the need for tradies to spend a lot of time constructing onsite. They are created with advanced Pryda Australia manufacturing software, which has exceptional versatility.

Easy and high-tech assembly. A smartphone scan of the barcode on each frame reveals the whole layout in 3D to show exactly how it fits together. For flexible fulfilment. Deliveries are aligned to your build schedule and a crane truck delivery service can be provided, where required.

SCAN HERE to learn more about how Bunnings Trade’s Frame and Truss Specialists can help you with your frame and truss needs.

PAINT ON

Get a sneak peek at the wall paint colours and finishes your clients will be asking for next, according to two experts.

BY GEORGIA MADDEN

Being on top of the latest painting trends as the weather heats up should be part of your game plan – no matter what trade you’re in.

According to colour experts at Dulux and British Paints, there’s a shift coming from earthy neutrals toward playful pastels and bolder pairings that bring more warmth, light and personality into homes. Finishes are getting smarter, applications more creative and homeowners are craving schemes that feel fresh and uplifting.

If you’ve got painting jobs on the agenda, here’s what’s coming up and how to bring the trends to site.

COLOURS WILL BE WARMER

Say goodbye to those cool whites and sage greens of winter, it’s all about creating a cosy vibe.

“We’re seeing warmer tones trending,” Rachel Ryan, Senior Brand Manager at British Paints, says. That means richer hues, including terracotta, burgundy and coral, plus creamy whites and greige (a grey-beige) replacing icy tones. Even classic greys are warming up, shifting into greige territory. For something punchier, full-bodied shades, such as plum, are also gaining momentum – it’s rich, but still bright enough to energise a space.

CREAMY WHITES ARE IN

Colour might be having a moment, but plenty of clients will still lean neutral and that’s not changing anytime soon. What is changing is the kind of white they’re looking to see.

“We’re seeing whites with creamy undertones,” Rachel says. Think raw linen, chalk and soft clay, rather than fridge-door white. These warmer whites add softness, and they’re far easier to live with than cold, clinical shades. They’re a top pick for Hamptons-style, mid-century and country homes.

IT’S ALL ABOUT BOLD CONTRAST

“We’re seeing a rise in soft, pastel-inspired tones paired with deeper colours,” Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour and Communications Manager, says. Think pale greens, peaches and light blues teamed with rich hues, like burgundy, mustard or charcoal. The soft shades bring calm and lightness, while the darker ones add depth and cosiness. Together, they create interiors that feel both vibrant and inviting – ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or anywhere you want atmosphere and balance.

PAINT THE CEILING (YES, REALLY)

Don’t overlook the fifth wall. Painting the ceiling is back and it’s a quick way to make a room stand out.

“Adding a splash of colour to the ceiling, while keeping walls neutral, makes a room feel fresh and unexpected,” Andrea says. It works best when the ceiling contrasts with light walls. Try sky blue, warm terracotta or charcoal overhead for a moody edge. It’s a simple upsell that gives any room a custom feel, especially in teen bedrooms, powder rooms or entryways. Ceiling colour is set to become one of the more adventurous wall paint trends this spring.

NEW KITCHEN TRENDS

Be across the latest in kitchen colours and special features with insights from those in the know.

BY GEORGIA MADDEN

New kitchen looks are coming – and if you’re across them early, it will give you the edge. From colours and cabinetry to sustainability and smarter appliances, the kitchens of 2026 are shaping up to be calmer, cleaner and more connected than ever.

The just-launched Trends Range from Kaboodle Kitchen sets the tone for what’s ahead, with six beautiful cabinetry colours (see opposite) inspired by nature. They tap into the shift for earthy, grounded palettes and give a versatile, ready-to-install solution.

According to the design experts we spoke to, it’s all about muted greens and beiges, multifunctional layouts, sustainable upgrades and smart technology.

Tim Allen, a carpenter with Kaboodle Kitchen who has installed numerous kitchens throughout the past few years, agrees.

Even before working for Kaboodle, Tim says the manufacturer of modular joinery solutions became his top choice for one simple reason: it works.

“If you’re not using Kaboodle, you’re missing out on affordable, reliable options that give you real control over timing and budget,” he says. “I could install a full kitchen in just a few days without waiting on custom joinery. It’s easy to work with and the quality stacks up.”

Tim and our design experts, Claire Richardson and Monique Sartor, share the six new kitchen trends you’ll want to be on top of for your clients.

1.

CLAIRE RICHARDSON

GROUNDED COLOURS

SARTOR

Say farewell to the all-white kitchen because that safe bet is on the way out. These days, homeowners want more warmth and depth – think sage, pistachio, beige and natural greys.

“These muted, earthy tones foster a sense of calm. We’re designing kitchens to feel more like living spaces, and these colours are the key to creating that grounded, mindful feel,” Claire, Principal Interior Designer at Revel Design, says. “And they pair beautifully with timber and bronze,” adds Monique, founder of Sartorial Interiors

2.

MULTITASKING ISLANDS

Kitchen islands are no longer just for meal prep – they’re doubling as dining tables,

complete cooking stations, storage zones and integrated appliance hubs.

“Homeowners want that all-in-one location where they can cook, chat, help with homework and entertain,” Monique says. “We’re designing more islands with integrated storage, pull-out bins, power points and seating.”

The modular cabinetry of Kaboodle Kitchen makes it easy to build and personalise these highly functional centrepieces for the kitchens, even in small or oddly shaped spaces.

“The ability to customise cabinet and benchtop widths means you can create a tailored, designerlook island without blowing out the client’s budget,” Tim says. “It also gives you the flexibility to work with almost any footprint – and the result always looks well-finished.”

LATEST COLOURS

Kaboodle Kitchen has revealed the six new hues in its Trends Range.

PISTACHIO: A soft, modern green that pairs beautifully with timber and crisp whites. Clean and calming.

SALTBUSH: A deeper green that’s great for a rich contrast. For a high-end look, pair it with brass or bronze hardware.

CANNELLINI: A warm, versatile neutral that’s easy to build a kitchen around. Perfect for clients who want flexibility.

TRUFFLE OAK: You get that real woodgrain feel – use this colour to warm up a space or as a feature panel.

OYSTER: A gorgeous, cool-toned grey with a bit of depth. Refined and understated, it looks sharp with black tapware.

JUNIPER: This deep, misty blue sets a serene, airy tone. Use it in a butler’s pantry or for contrast on a kitchen island.

TEXTURED FINISHES

Visual warmth has been big and will continue as a focal point for design and execution.

“It’s not just about colour, texture is what brings a kitchen to life,” Claire says. She points to V-groove panelling, timber-look cabinetry and even seating nooks as ways to soften hard surfaces and make a kitchen feel more comfortable and lived-in.

Finishes like Kaboodle Kitchen’s new Truffle Oak and Oyster pair beautifully with stone or concrete, giving you the flexibility to mix materials while keeping the overall palette cohesive.

3. 4.

SUSTAINABILITY

Today’s homeowners are more eco-conscious and they want a kitchen that

reflects it. Energy efficiency, durable materials and water-saving tech are all important parts of the brief to consider.

Lead-free tapware, which avoids harmful heavy metals, is a small change with big impact. Induction cooktops, FSC-certified timbers and low-VOC finishes are also becoming the norm.

5.

NO-FUSS LINES

Simplicity is still king. From flat-front cabinetry to push-to-open drawers and curved tapware, another focus is on creating clean, open spaces that feel easy to live in.

“Handle-free cabinets are big – people love the seamless look,” Monique says. “It’s all about keeping things relaxed and clutter-free.”

6.

SMARTER KITCHENS

Technology in the kitchen isn’t about gimmicks, it’s about making a busy life easier.

Voice-controlled lighting, ovens that auto-adjust, fridges with internal cameras and taps that deliver boiling water on demand are all becoming more accessible and easier to work into kitchens.

“Clients want the tech, but they don’t want to see it,” Monique says. “It needs to be intuitive, not intrusive – think integrated charging stations, layouts that hide cables and seamless storage for smart appliances.”

SCAN HERE to find out about the Kaboodle Kitchen range and for more kitchen inspiration.

LIGHT BULB MOMENT

Financial strain and other challenges can put people off starting a trade apprenticeship as an adult. But, as two mature-aged apprentices attest, the rewards can far outweigh any negatives.

BY JULIE LEE

For mum-of-four and former nursing student Renee Evans, watching an electrician work on her home as she rested two injured and plastered arms spurred a major turning point in her life. As she observed what he was doing, she was inspired, and the 33-year-old did a career-180 to take up an electrical apprenticeship.

“I was programmed at school to believe you have to go to uni... no-one said to me, ‘Why don’t you try a trade?’” Renee says.

A first-year apprentice at Braden Hotker Electrical in Victoria, Renee was one of 10 female apprentices to win the Bunnings Trade Women In Apprenticeships Award this year. “I made the decision to be true to who I am and I landed in this trade. I’m proud that

I’m doing exactly what I want to do. It’s been a wild and tiring time, but it’s also been liberating.”

Mature-aged apprentices are on the rise, with almost 30 per cent of Australian apprentices aged 25 and up. Earlier this year, the Federal government announced a $10,000 incentive to support those apprentices finishing their trade in the residential housing sector and to help with the country’s construction skills shortage.

In March this year, after 12 months of planning, Renee took the plunge and began her apprenticeship.

“My experience in the trade so far has been exhilarating and challenging,” she says. “Crawling through roof spaces and under buildings is the easy part. Learning different wiring requirements,

intricate switchboards and troubleshooting problems are much more challenging. It really gives me perspective and respect for a trade that not just anyone can do.”

Off the back of her Women in Apprenticeships Award win, we chat to Renee about making the career switch and backing herself.

Q: How did you come to be working as a mature-aged apprentice?

A: When the kids were younger, I was a stay-athome mum, but once they were all in school I could be much more career-focused. I was studying for my Bachelor of Nursing, but I’d done that for quite a few years and started to realise I didn’t want

to work in healthcare anymore. I was done with it, but I also had no interest in jumping from job to job, so I waited for a sign to help me figure out where I wanted to go in my career.

Q: Did you get that sign?

A: Yes, last year. I was breaking all the rules and rollerskating in the house when I tripped over my daughter and dog and ended up with both of my arms in plaster casts. I was stuck at home; I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t work. In that time, we had a sparky come to move some power points and that’s when all of a sudden my eyes were opened – why had I never looked at a trade?

Q: What was the response when you told people you wanted to go into a trade?

A: I told my husband first. I thought about it for a couple of weeks before I got brave enough to tell him and he said, ‘But you don’t like numbers?’ I said: ‘I can figure it out, I did nursing.’ The real test for me though was when I called my dad, who’s a carpenter. He knows my personality and what a building site is like. His response was: ‘Go for it, you can do that!’

Q: Why did you feel that you were suited to working in a trade?

A: I prefer being active and being an electrician really challenges me mentally, which is what drew me to it. As soon as I got clearance from my surgeon, I immediately went for it.

Q: How did you make the move?

A: I spent 12 months diligently preparing every aspect of my life to support my career change from a clinical environment to the electrical trade as an apprentice. I had no career background that would entice someone in trades to hire me, so I did everything to show I could work really hard. I had two jobs – working in pathology during the day

and at a supermarket at night – I also started a pre-apprenticeship course to have that on my resume and I did a lot of cold calling. I ended up getting hired by the first person that I did work experience with.

Q: What does winning the Bunnings Trade Women In Apprenticeships Award mean?

A: I was so astronomically proud – enough to bring me to tears, literally. At first it meant I could be relieved of the huge cost burden of tools I need for my apprenticeship, allowing me to focus on supporting my family. But since winning, I’ve embraced that I am part of a far greater cause – female representation in trades.

Q: How did winning help you in your career?

A: It inspired me to work harder than ever to achieve a healthy, successful career as a tradeswoman.

Plus, being kitted out [with a prize package of tools and gift vouchers] will drastically reduce financial stress and enhance my work performance, as I now have all the tools needed to get the job done.

Q: What do you enjoy about the work?

A: I like doing the domestic stuff, it’s very different and you learn lots of everyday skills that you use all the time. I also enjoy the designer aspect and seeing how people design their homes and emphasise features using lighting.

Q: Has the change of direction been fulfilling?

A: Absolutely. I wish I’d thought of it 10 years ago. It was never something that was presented to me at school as an opportunity, even though I was a farm kid and on the farm the girls had to do the same work as the boys. I think schools should definitely open that opportunity up to girls more.

Q: What do you hope your children learn from your career change?

A: I think they’ve really seen me thrive in this new environment. I like them to know that they can do whatever they want, and I also like to teach my son that, whatever career he goes into, there’s always space for women as well.

Q: What would you say to bosses considering hiring female apprentices?

A: That women are extremely capable, but they also offer a really nice presence in a workforce that is very male dominated.

TIPS FROM AN ADULT APPRENTICE

A mature-aged chippy shares his top insights for starting an apprenticeship later in life.

BY ANGELA TUFVESSON

Mark Tuigamala has big plans once he finishes his mature-aged carpentry apprenticeship: get his builder’s license, start a business and, eventually, take on his son as an apprentice.

“I want to start him at a young age where I should have started,” the 29-year-old says.

If you ask Mark, he reckons he’s almost always the oldest tradie onsite while undertaking his Certificate III in carpentry with Brisbane’s Ideal Group Australia – but he doesn’t mind.

“I’m doing it because I love it,” the first-year apprentice says. “I’ve always loved building and it’s always been a dream job for me.”

If you’re thinking about doing a mature-aged apprenticeship, Mark has these top tips.

#1 GET USED TO A YOUNGER BOSS

“I’m doing commercial and residential work and it’s been good. A lot of the boys are young, and it’s often their job to tell me what to do. We’ve got a good bunch and I’ve learned a lot from them. I don’t look at their age – I’m there to work.”

#2 DO YOUR BEST EVERY DAY

“I do my best at whatever I have to do, whether it’s a small or big task. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look back and know I did a good job.”

#3 USE PAST EXPERIENCES

“Four years ago, I was doing my apprenticeship with another company, but then I stopped because I was going through some stuff. I’ve always wanted to get back into it, so I finally made up my mind and contacted Ideal Group. I’ve been working for them ever since. My mindset is stronger now and I’m happy to be back on the tools.”

#4 HAVE A LONG-TERM APPROACH

“The money is not all that great when you’re an apprentice, but I’m thinking of the long-term

and the plans for my son. That’s my drive right now. Even though I have a wife and two kids, I can still get by.”

#5 KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

“Mature-aged apprentices have a lot to offer. I can pick up new skills faster and I reckon my maturity has a lot to do with that, as I’ve done it before.”

#6 BE PATIENT

“We do four weeks a year at TAFE. I wish that as mature-aged apprentices we could push through the modules quickly, but you’ve got to wait, as they space everything out over the four years. Books aren’t my strong side; I learn better by seeing.”

#7 BUDGET FOR TOOLS

“The hardest part about being an apprentice is saving for tools, especially when you’ve got kids and bills to pay. The wage we’re on means you’ve got to save half of your pay for a couple of weeks just to get your combo kit.”

MARK’S TOP TOOL PICK

“My Estwing hammer is the one tool I have on every job. Lots of people are getting titanium hammers, but I still like iron.”

Estwing 20oz/565g Vinyl Grip Claw Hammer, I/N: 5560192

Power Jack

From powering tools onsite to camping, RV life, emergencies and home back-up, a Jackery portable power station can make you a true jack of all trades.

Remember that last power outage on a jobsite or at home that had you seeing red? Or the time you went off-grid for a well-deserved break, but the nearest power point was across the campground? That’s when you needed a Jackery portable power station to hand, full of juice.

A global leader in the industry with more than five million units sold over 13 years*, Jackery’s range of portable power stations are rechargeable via solar, 12V and mains power, and are perfect for work, home and beyond.

“That’s the bottom line,” Joel Gibson, carpenter and director at Oztech Constructions, says. And he should know, he uses Jackery in a variety of situations, from outdoor adventure to powering up his tools.

“If you need power, Jackery brings it,” he says of the easy-to-use range, before taking us through some of the ways Jackery portable power stations deliver.

SCENARIO: RUNNING THE WORKSITE

Jackery 2000 Plus Black Explorer Portable Power Station, I/N: 0537656^

Forget a noisy generator, the Jackery 2000 Plus – the biggest and most powerful of the range with a 3000W output – is more than enough to charge batteries, run lights, and power the onsite fridge and microwave. It even juices power-hungry tools like a nine-inch grinder, Joel says. And it’ll recharge in less than two hours each night.

Joel’s take: “We don’t even get temporary power set up at the start of a build anymore, the Jackery keeps us running until the mains can be connected.”

SCENARIO: GETTING POWER ON TAP WHEN MOST NEEDED

Jackery 2000W Black 1000 Plus Portable Power Station, I/N: 0649095

Physically smaller than the Jackery 2000 Plus, but still packing a punch, the 1000 Plus is perfect for an off-grid holiday home, as an emergency back-up supply, in case of any power failures or as that extra outlet onsite. At work or for play, this is an essential kit to keep loaded into the back of the ute.

Joel’s take: “If you have a power failure at home, this will keep the essentials like your fridge or aircon going, plus it’s perfect to take on a picnic!”

SCENARIO: HAVING A RELIABLE POWER BACK-UP WHILE CAMPING

Jackery 600W Black 600 Plus Portable Power Station, I/N: 0649097^

Whether you’re fishing, chilling or just spending time away, going camping doesn’t mean going without. The Jackery 600 Plus will run the lights, fridge, stereo and recharge phones and more for days, no matter how far you are from a power outlet. The ultimate accessory for going off-grid.

Joel’s take: “I used to have a big set-up with batteries, inverters and more, now I just take one unit and it powers the whole campsite – including the pod coffee machine!”

SCENARIO: FREE POWER? YES PLEASE!

Jackery Saga 100 Black Solar Panel, I/N: 0537657

What’s better than portable power wherever you are? Free power! With the lightweight and efficient (23.7 per cent efficiency) Jackery Saga 100 Solar Panel, you can charge your devices on-the-go and, even better, top up your Jackery portable power station with clean, reliable power to give extra time away from the mains, for free.

Joel’s take: “If you just need to charge a few items, or top up the power station, the solar panel is ideal. You don’t need hot days, just some sunlight.”

SCAN HERE for more about Jackery’s portable power station range, available through Bunnings Trade.

PALM LOCK SECURITY

Door security as we know it is changing, with palm/ vein recognition the latest must-know development.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

Technological advancements in door security are moving rapidly, with clients seeking easier – but still secure – ways to access their properties without a set of keys.

Evolving from voice activation, fingerprints and eye scanning for opening locks, the latest innovation when it comes to security is palm/vein recognition. But, with more than 217,000 house break-ins per year in Australia*, just how good is the new tech?

Switching to the safest technology is a no-brainer, says security and smart locks expert Sab Esati.

NO MORE SEARCHING FOR KEYS

“The main advantage of smart locks is they’re just so convenient,” Sab, of AU Smart Locks in Melbourne, says. “If you’re using a biometric entry, which can be a fingerprint, facial or palm scan, you’re not fumbling around for keys, losing your keys or having to hide spare keys everywhere. You just use your face or your hand, and you’re in.”

WHY THE HAND IS HANDIER

By scanning the unique pattern of veins visible through the skin of your palm, these locks know immediately if the hand reaching for the door handle is allowed to turn it.

“With palm/vein recognition, once you’re about half a metre from the door and reaching out for it, the lock will read your palm. It will only unlock if you have been granted access,” Sab explains. “[The lock] actually scans the palm as you’re extending for the doorknob, so it’s open by the time your hand hits it.”

PROTECTING YOUR CLIENT’S SECURITY

“Smart locks have to pass all the required Australian security testing and minimum regulations,” Sab says. “Biometric information is only stored on the device, not in the cloud, and they have anti-tamper tech to alert you about break-ins. And, if you’ve scanned your right palm for access, using your left won’t open.”

LOCK IT UP

These palm locks are leading the way when it comes to security.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

One key feature Sab says is good for business owners is being able to set palm locks to ‘Passage’ mode. This means the doors can be unlocked for foot traffic during operating hours, but switches to palm recognition outside of these hours. It’s also a good security measure for those in the holiday rentals business, doing away with the need for keys and outside storage boxes. Guests can manually lock the door while the property is in use with their own print or passcode.

“You can set access for three to four days, for example, which is perfect for someone staying in a holiday rental,” he says.

IT’S

THE SECURITY OF THE FUTURE

Sab says many of his customers are enquiring about how they can use smart home automation technology to secure their properties.

“A lot of people are looking to have smart homes now, with voice-activated lights, curtains or the lot, so smart locks are the next logical step,” Sab says. “Of course, I’ve also got one on the front door to my own house.”

Hard-working truck, machinery & equipment cover, built for tradies

AEG 18V 8Ah Fusion Stealth

Jet Blower Kit, I/N: 0565658

You’ll find a couple of sturdy AEG blowers in the back of Frank The Lawn Mower Man’s van. Frank Fazzari, who owns the business and works alongside his two sons, Salvatore and Christian, says: “I like the trigger lock for ease during long jobs and the turbo boost adds extra power in damp areas.”

ON THE TOOLS IDEAS SOLUTIONS

The latest information on new-release products, reviews and topical trend forecasts.

Honda 25cc 4 Stroke Bent Shaft

Line Trimmer, I/N: 0135543

There’ll always be a place for the added grunt of petrol-powered tools in yard maintenance, if you ask Salvatore Fazzari. “For jobs that require a bit more power, we use our petrol-powered machines,” he says. “The four-stroke engine in this line trimmer means we use the same petrol as our mowers, so it’s efficient and simple to maintain.”

Turn for more power garden tool picks...

POWER TRIO

Frank Fazzari and his sons, Salvatore and Christian, blend old-school hard work with modern tools and social media know-how to grow their thriving mowing and gardening business.

BY ANGELA TUFVESSON

Small family-run businesses are a familiar story across our wide land, and Frank The Lawn Mower Man is no exception. After 20 years in an office job, Frank Fazzari (pictured far right with sons Salvatore and Christian, from left) began cutting lawns in Adelaide in 2014 and gradually built up a solid roster of clients.

Soon, Christian, 24, a qualified carpenter, asked to join the business. Not long after that, 26-year-old Salvatore, then working as a draftsperson, also came on board. Keeping everything in the family, matriarch Marina manages the books for the business.

“We decided as a family we were going to build a strong company – the rest is history,” Frank says.

“My clients tell me, ‘Every time your boys rock up here, they’re both very happy and willing to do anything.’ It gives me so much satisfaction to see my boys out there building our family business.”

Here, father and sons share their top tips on running a successful gardening service.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

While their business is grounded in traditional family values, embracing social media has brought a modern edge to how the Fazzaris connect with customers and grow their brand. They have a combined total of more than 50,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, with anywhere between four and 10 million views across their accounts every month.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bunnings Trade has a team of specialists on standby to offer end-to-end support with stock enquiries, quotes, deliveries and all things trade. Contact 134 TRADE (134 872) to take the pressure off and let us do the work for you!

“We create a lot of videos of edging and overgrown lawns, as well as slashing videos and cutting videos, which get tonnes of views. We’ve picked up a lot of big contracts and many people have found us through these kinds of videos,” Salvatore says.

The brothers post twice a day and hope to grow their online income. “Our plan is to eventually retire our parents and run the business,” Christian explains.

VARY YOUR OFFERING

Frank, Salvatore and Christian do everything from gardening and cutting lawns, to fertilising, weed control, landscaping and hedges. “The type of work we do is different every day. We’re not just cutting lawns,” Christian says.

“We do a lot of stratas – jobs where we blow down and clean up car parks. We’ve got big, robust lawn mowers where we cut ovals in schools and at soccer ovals. We also have a big contract with some home care packages, so we help the elderly out and clean their gardens for them.”

LEAN INTO LOCAL CONNECTIONS

The family’s strong community roots are something Frank knows their clients appreciate. “Our customers love that we are a local family business,” Frank says. “They like that Frank’s coming, and that his sons will be coming as well.”

The trio says they work well together, save for the occasional disagreement. “We all want to do the best job and sometimes we pick up on each other’s mistakes,” Salvatore laughs. “But we communicate pretty well and have a similar sense of humour.”

EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY

Christian says they are always looking for new power garden tools to get jobs done faster and to a higher standard. “The battery-powered tools have come a very long way since we first started, and in the future we would love to go fully battery operated.”

Frank says lightweight tools, like the DeWALT 36V (18V x 2) 5.0Ah XR Li-ion Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower Combo Kit (I/N: 0074486), are easy to look after because they require little maintenance. “It glides across the lawn smoothly and easily. And, because it’s battery operated, there’s no fumes.”

The boys also like battery-powered line trimmers, like the DeWALT 54V XR FLEXVOLT 380mm Split Shaft Line Trimmer Kit 6Ah (I/N: 0444032). “As soon as you put the trigger down, it’s instantaneous power,” Christian says.

We decided as a family we were going to build a strong company... Customers love that we are a local family business. They like that Frank is coming, and that his sons will be coming as well.

FRANK FAZZARI, FRANK THE LAWN MOWER MAN

TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY

Staying safe on the job takes on new meaning when you’re working with family, Frank says. “Especially on a new site, we always do a quick walkthrough to check what’s around,” he explains. Ear and eye protection, like the 3M Black Clear Flat Temple Safety Glasses (I/N: 0054513), are non-negotiable, even when the trio uses battery-operated tools. Protectivewear, like Bata Khaki Overboots (I/N: 3360739) keep grass and debris out of boots, and repel water. “We also wear gloves to protect our hands,” Frank adds.

CONSIDER INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Christian says when it comes to which tools they use when working, that’s up to their individual needs.

“I’m shorter than my brother and my dad, and the pole is long enough that I can cut a tree that I couldn’t even reach on my ladder,” he says of using the DeWALT 18V 5.0AH XR 20cm Cordless Pole Saw Kit (I/N: 0444030)

Taking a closer look at the DeWALT FLEXVOLT range, Christian says using tools that are easy to manoeuvre around a yard without fuss saves them time, money and headaches on the job.

“This range is very easy to use; light, but powerful,” he says. “You want to get in and do the best job possible for your clients – that’s what’s important to us. So having the right tools is a must.”

THE LAWN MOWER MAN VERDICT

We ask Frank, Salvatore and Christian Fazzari to test some top brand line trimmers, chainsaws and blowers and share how they fare during a big day on the tools.

LINE TRIMMERS

DEWALT 54V

XR FLEXVOLT

380MM SPLIT

SHAFT LINE TRIMMER KIT

6AH, I/N: 0444032

“As soon as you pull it out of the car, you can start working straight away,” Christian says. “It makes it easier on a cold morning, where others need warming up. This one is also a lot quieter [than a petrol operated tool]. Sometimes we’ve had noise complaints when we work late or start early, but there’s no dramas with this. We use it every day.”

HONDA 25CC

4 STROKE BENT SHAFT

LINE TRIMMER, I/N: 0135543

“This one is great because it has a four-stroke engine, so we can essentially use the same petrol that we would use in the mowers for the line trimmer,” Salvatore says. “The lines come out crisp and straight. It’s easy to start with just one pull. It’s also very light to hold and easy in the hands, which helps a lot, as you don’t want to have too many vibrations when you’re using these kinds of tools on a daily basis, especially all day long.”

CHAINSAWS BLOWERS

DEWALT 54V 45CM CHAINSAW CORDLESS KIT, I/N: 0444025

“It’s small, super light and has tonnes of power,” Salvatore says of this battery-powered chainsaw. “I can cut decent sized branches because it just glides through them. It’s also perfect for when you’re on a ladder – maybe not for the tallest tree in the world – but when you need to get into awkward places, it’s light enough and a good size to be able to do that.”

MAKITA 18V 10” 250MM BRUSHLESS CHAINSAW (SKIN ONLY), I/N: 0046097

“This chainsaw is so much faster than using my normal hand saw, especially when we’re pruning a lot of trees,” Christian says. “Once I’ve turned it on, I can use it in one hand. It’s lightweight, which is ideal for going up ladders or when I’m in a tree and cutting branches. It’s the perfect little chainsaw to use when you don’t want to get a big machine out, and there’s definitely a place for a smaller chainsaw in the work we carry out every day. It comes in very handy.”

DEWALT 54V XR FLEXVOLT BRUSHLESS BLOWER KIT, I/N: 0444033

“This has more power than many other electric blowers we’ve tried,” Salvatore says. “It compares well to petrol blowers in terms of performance and the clean finish it leaves after clearing leaves, dirt and grass. That’s a big positive for us, and having a blower saves us so much time. The sound level is low, too, so it’s great for those early mornings or late finishes.”

AEG 18V 8AH FUSION STEALTH JET BLOWER KIT, I/N: 0565658

“I really like that this has a trigger where we can just lock it into place; it saves your finger having to hold down the button for long periods of time,” Frank says. “The turbo on the end is also good, so we just push a button and there’s extra pressure for areas where it might be a little bit more moist or there’s a dampness on the ground. It’s a lightweight machine, and it’s a very durable and reliable blower that we’ve been using for many years.”

PERFORMS UNDER PRESSURE

Frank and the team at Frank The Lawn Mower Man have been using the DeWALT 3400 PSI Pressure Washer (I/N: 0671381) for months and say they can’t rate it highly enough.

“The power and ease of use of this product is amazing,” Salvatore says. “With any sort of surface that we’ve tried it on, it’s cleared all dirt and all grime in a matter of minutes. We get areas sparkling clean using only water. The five nozzles and seven-metre hose give lots of flexibility. It’s perfect for big driveways, muddy tools or grimy stairs.”

Time-saving to the max

Want to finish faster and knock off sooner? Put SharkBite Max™ to the test.

We all want to work smarter, not harder, and the faster install times of the new SharkBite Max™ push-to-connect fittings helps to do just that.

Backed by a 25-year warranty, these next-generation fittings are enabling our nation’s plumbers to tick off more jobs and knock off faster so they can get stuck into the good life sooner.

While SharkBite® has never stopped innovating to be the strongest, fastest and smartest connection, others simply imitate – and they don’t come close.

Read on for why the performance, ease and quality of SharkBite Max™ should be your number-one choice. But don’t just take our word for it, put it to the test yourself…

ENGINEERED TO PERFORM

In an industry where quality, reliability and speed are imperative, SharkBite Max™ performs under pressure. A game-changer for plumbers, site installers and repairers, SharkBite Max™ is made for tight spots, wet lines and real-world conditions.

Manufactured and certified to exceed AS/NZS plumbing standards – including thermal cycling, pressure pulsation and high-pressure bursts – these fittings can be installed behind walls or underground, even when wet. Designed with flexibility in mind, each fitting can be adjusted after install and is fully removable without cutting or reworking.

This next-generation push-to-connect innovation allows for faster installs to the highest standard, which means more jobs completed and more time to enjoy life.

EFFICIENT, TOOL-FREE INSTALLS

Delays on a job means time-wasting and money down the drain, and sourcing compatible plumbing fittings can certainly hold things up. But not when you use SharkBite Max™, which integrates seamlessly into existing plumbing

systems. Fittings can be easily rotated or demounted after installation, delivering immediate and long-term value for your business. There’s no expensive tools and no heat, glue or curing time required, so you can get in and get out without mess.

BUILT FOR HIGH-PRESSURE PERFORMANCE

Just like its mighty ocean dweller namesake, the bite ring of SharkBite Max™ is designed to lock on, stay on and grip under pressure, reinforced with a new stainless steel retainer which increases hold strength and alignment consistency. With double the burst pressure of firstgeneration SharkBite® fittings, SharkBite Max™ fittings have strength you can count on – every time.

RANGE OF OPTIONS

SharkBite Max™ connectors come in a range of sizes to suit all standard pipes in PEX or copper. Just check the diameter of your pipe and select the right SharkBite Max™ fitting (a single connection can be used to join PEX to copper, and they’re all colour coded: mustard is for PEX, black for copper) and you’re on your way.

DESIGNED FOR EASE

Have confidence when you use SharkBite Max™ thanks to its unique and helpful markings.

Lead Free, WaterMark and AS/NZ standards compliance marked.

Fitting type and size is clearly marked for faster onsite identification.

The distinctive SharkBite® logo and colour system helps distinguish SharkBite Max™ from other fittings at a glance.

Mustard cartridge is used to indicate PEX and black for copper.

Fittings align with safe seal indicator marks on SharkBite® PEX pipe.

for more information.

STRONG BASE

Builder Liam Worthington is constructing homes more efficiently with the lightweight, eco-friendly Biax foundation system.

BY ANGELA TUFVESSON

Liam Worthington prides himself on the standard his residential building company, Worthington Homes, delivers to clients across Sydney.

“We consider ourselves to be a high-quality builder and that’s not just in the finishes, but also the main structure,” Liam (pictured inset) says.

As a business, Worthington Homes is always open to new products that meet that goal, which is how they came to start using Biax, an innovative foundation system made from recycled plastic.

“About a year ago, we trialled Biax on a couple of smaller house slabs to see how it went together. We were really impressed,” Liam says. “Then we went straight to using it on a 40-lot subdivision, and we did 36 slabs in just over four weeks.”

Liam also credits his Bunnings Trade Account Manager, Leah, for streamlining the process of using Biax and other Bunnings-supplied products.

“Our Account Manager has done a great job of helping us get comfortable with the process

[of ordering Biax],” Liam says. “Once our engineers complete the engineering design, we then get the materials list, send it over to Bunnings [Trade], and they take care of the rest. It’s a seamless, straightforward process that fits really well with the way we operate.”

Here, Liam shares some of the reasons why Worthington Homes has replaced polystyrene waffle pods with the Biax system.

THEY ARE QUICK AND SIMPLE TO INSTALL

Biax pods fit together like LEGO and there’s no cutting to size, as with waffle pods.

The builder’s verdict: “Biax is efficient to roll out. The pods have a connecting system – you just pop them on the ground and they connect to each other. You can see how neat they look when they’re on the ground,” Liam says. “We get the designs done through our engineer, and then we shoot [the designs] off to Bunnings Trade and Biax. They will then organise everything and it arrives onsite when we want it.

Bunnings Trade’s ability to supply key items, including frame and truss and Biax, also helps us to meet delivery timeframes, and their account management makes the back-end process easy for us.”

COST EFFECTIVE FOUNDATION

Biax is a modular system designed to suit the requirements of each site that is quick to work with, and easy to transport and store.

The builder’s verdict: “There is less labour involved from the concreter,” Liam explains of the cost savings onsite. “On our projects, we buy the Biax system and the concreter supplies a rate to install them. Plus, Biax needs less space than traditional waffle pods, which means you can reduce the amount of site cutting. Looking at the system as a whole, you’re going to find efficiencies.”

THEY’RE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Entirely made from recycled plastic, Biax pods can be recycled at the end of the building’s life.

STURDIER ALTERNATIVE TO WAFFLE PODS

The builder’s verdict: “If you put polystyrene under a concrete slab, it will still be there in 50 years’ time. If the house is ever knocked down, then the whole slab becomes contaminated with a non-recyclable material. Biax is different to that because you can just pop it out and recycle the pods,” Liam explains.

THERE IS LESS MESS INVOLVED

Polystyrene is often seen floating around jobsites. With Biax, there’s no such hassle.

The builder’s verdict: “You don’t ever see a Biax pod blowing around anywhere. It’s nowhere near as messy as polystyrene,” Liam explains.

THEY ARE CONVENIENT TO TRANSPORT AND EASY TO STORE ONSITE

Each Biax pod weighs less than 2.5kg, and the ones used for an 180sqm home can be delivered stacked on a single-axle trailer, which is then neatly stored onsite.

BIAX CAN CUT INSTALL TIME SIGNIFICANTLY ON LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS

IS

TO HANDLE POD STORAGE IS NEAT, REQUIRING LESS SPACE

The builder’s verdict: “Because the pods stack inside themselves, we can stack enough to do 20 houses in the same area as what we could with just one house-load of traditional waffle pods. The Biax pods are easy and efficient to store,” Liam says.

THEY ARE SIMPLE TO USE AT SCALE

For new estates and subdivisions, the Biax system streamlines the construction process because the pods are light, stackable and easier to transport and store.

The builder’s verdict: “This is when the efficiencies really come to light,” Liam says. “When we’re tight on space onsite, or we’ve got a very narrow road that connects houses together, we can still move quickly.”

THEY ARE A CUSTOM SOLUTION

Based on its modular design and adjustable accessories there is no need to cut the pods, which helps to keep the site clean.

The builder’s verdict: “Unlike traditional waffle pods, where you’re cutting them and plugging pieces in here, there and everywhere, Biax is a fully designed system,” Liam says. “We know exactly how many pods and how many half-pods are required. They are packed onto a pallet or two and delivered.”

THEY’RE STRONGER THAN WAFFLE PODS

Because of the way they click together, the system locks into place.

The builder’s verdict: “I was noticing a lot of the traditional waffle pods were getting heavily damaged because they would get crushed and broken every time the concreters walked on them,” Liam explains. “This resulted in what I consider to be an inferior product delivered in the end. Biax is a lot stronger.”

PART OF THE BUSINESS

“Our Account Manager has honestly become like an extension of our business,” Liam says. “She’s proactive, and is always checking in to see how things are going and what she can do to help – often before we even need to ask. Whether it’s something big or small, she’s always on it. We really appreciate her support and the hard work she puts in to make our lives easier.” A

For Liam and his team, working with Bunnings Trade Account Manager Leah has taken a load off in many ways.

Cement Cementing

your bu builds

What matters the most when recommending exterior cladding to your customers? Is it durability? The right price? Easy installation? Fibre cement specialist Innova® can tick all the boxes.

WHAT IS FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING?

Innova® is the fibre cement specialist, distributing external cladding systems, interior lining and flooring substrate products across the nation.

Suitable for new builds and renovations alike, fibre cement withstands the Australian climate, and comes cured and ready to paint. It’s also tested and proven to be non-combustible.

For builders like David Young, owner of Elmwood Homes, fibre cement is a clear cladding choice.

“It looks good on composite constructions. From our point of view, it’s more economical and it’s certainly durable and long-lasting, and it also eases the pressure on the wet trades.”

SUPERIOR DURABILITY

David has been building residential homes in Sydney’s Illawarra region for more than 20 years, and says using high-quality products is a priority.

“With the materials we were using previously, there was always a bit of damage by the time the pallets got to site,” he says. “Innova® fibre cement has taken care with the packaging and made it a lot safer.”

David is also more than confident with the cladding’s performance over time.

“It’s long-lasting, alright,” David says. “It’s resilient to pests and termite attack. It will outlive you or I.”

EASY INSTALLATION

One of the challenges with cladding is the weight.

“Innova®’s products aren’t too heavy, like some panels can be,” David says. “And the installation process is simple. You apply your membrane and then the product gives you the angle.”

David also points out that, unlike a brick exterior built on a reactive ground, cladding requires less control joints.

“With cladding, you reduce the weight on the foundation, and you’re also using a material that doesn’t crack like brick, so it’s much better in that respect,” he says.

TIME AND MONEY SAVINGS

The speed of installation also gets a big tick.

“With brick, you get more delays from weather,” he says. “Cladding is much quicker – it might take a week and a half to brick a small cottage, but you can clad it in a matter of days.”

David has trained all of his carpenters to install fibre cement, so there’s no reliance on other trades.

A great finished product – delivered on time – is something David’s customers are loving.

“Our business runs mainly on word of mouth,” he says. “People see what we have done and that’s what convinces them to come to us.”

NEED FIBRE CEMENT?

To get more information, a quote, place an order or arrange delivery to site, contact Bunnings Trade’s expert team via 134 TRADE (134 872), or speak to your Account Manager or a Trade Specialist in-store.

Want to find out more about Innova®, your fibre cement specialists? Visit innovafibrecement.com.au

The Innova® range is available now at Bunnings Trade. SCAN THE QR CODE TO EXPLORE THE RANGE.

Ar Arlec 130cm White 4 Blade Grid

Co Connect Madrid ABS Smart Ceiling Fa Fan With Light, I/N: 0104210

Brilliant 132cm White Matt Grace 4

Blade DC Ceiling Fan With Remote And LED Light, I/N: 0332329

Bristol 750mm Industrial Pedestal Fan, I/N: 0126673

Dynab Dynabreeze

500m 500mm Industrial

Ceilin Ceiling Fan, I/N: 0 0713686

Arlec 130cm Black 4 Blade

Boston II DC Ceiling Fan With CCT Light And Remote, I/N: 0191702

LAT

EST

IN COOLING

Warm weather is upon us, so make sure you’re up to speed with these industrial and residential fan ranges for your worksite and clients. o

Blade AC Ceiling Fan With Light, de Cei I/N: 0299143 breez dus a e e t n, I/ : 42

r si e nd i nt

Arlec 120cm White Chicago 4

D b 450 Industrial Pedestal F I/N 4442106

Arlec 120cm White Matte AER atte 4 Blade DC Ceiling Fan With n LED Light, I/N: 0299146 46

Dynabreeze 450mm

Industrial al Floor Fan, an, I/N: 4447810 47810

Dynabreeze 450mm Industrial Wall Fan, I/N: 4441706

WIDE DECK RULES

Big boards can sometimes mean big headaches – unless you install them correctly. A structural landscaper shares what works.

BY GEORGIA MADDEN

Wider timber boards are on-trend. But if you’re not across the specific install needs they come with, you’re setting yourself – and your client – up for trouble. Anthony Antoun, a former structural engineer who runs NSW-based structural landscaping firm Mr and Ms Group with his partner, Laura, is laying more wide-board decks than ever. He knows what it takes to get them right.

“They create a seamless, modern look and make small backyards feel bigger and more premium,” he says. “But they’re not a straight swap for standard boards – you need to respect how they move and perform, or they’ll come back to bite you.”

Here, he takes us through eight watch-outs of wider decking to make sure your installation is right.

1.

PICK YOUR DAY

We all know moisture makes timber swell. The sun shrinks it back. Install on a rainy day and your 6mm gaps could be 10mm by morning.

“You need to choose your install day wisely,” Anthony says. “If the boards swell while you’re installing and then shrink, you’ll get blow-out gaps overnight.” Always check site conditions and the timber’s moisture content before starting.

2.

WIDEN THE GAPS

Wider boards move more. While 3-4mm spacing is fine for standard decking, Anthony goes 5-6mm on wide boards to allow for expansion.

“Otherwise, they’ll buckle, twist or cup – and the whole thing starts to fail,” he says. He also adjusts joist spacing accordingly. “I’ll often tighten the centres from 450mm to 400mm. Wider boards can bounce more, so tighter support makes a difference.”

SEAL THE CUTS

Every cut end needs sealing. Anthony uses penetrating oil on each of the cuts before laying.

“It’s one of those things people skip, but not doing it shortens the life of the board – and the whole deck,” he says. It also prevents water ingress at the most vulnerable part of the board. “Just a quick brush-on of oil at every cut makes a big difference to longevity.”

3. 4.

INSPECT THE CROWN

Grain direction really does matter.

“Always check the crown of the board and lay it the right way up. It helps the timber hold its shape longer and gives a better finish,” Anthony says. Boards should be installed crown-up to encourage water run-off. “It’s a simple habit, but saves a lot of grief long-term.”

PACKING A PUNCH

PROTECT IT

Anthony swears by two things: adhesive under boards and joist-protection tape. He applies glue to the bottom of boards when working with steel joists.

“It helps stop movement if the screws loosen,” he says. And he never skips the joist tape: “It’s a $100 job that protects the whole subframe.”

For fasteners, Anthony only uses star-head stainless-steel decking screws – like those from Titan – for strength and corrosion resistance.

Depending on the timber and fasteners, pre-drilling may or may not be required for the best outcome.

5. 6.

BE SPECIES-SAVVY

Spotted gum is one of Anthony’s go-tos for wide boards – it’s durable and less movement prone.

“They don’t soak up as much water, which means fewer dramas with swelling and cupping,” he says.

If you’re looking at species like blackbutt and merbau, ensure they are properly sealed to reduce tannin bleed. Bunnings Trade boards are pre-oiled, but Anthony says sealing cuts can be overlooked.

“Every cut you make with the timber needs to be oiled straight away. That’s one thing people miss.”

LET IT REST

Anthony lets the boards acclimatise onsite for at least a week before the install.

“Flat and in the shade. Not on a hill or a slant. That way, they stay straight and adjust to the site conditions,” he says. Longer is better, but he gets that’s not possible on every job. “Even just seven days makes a big difference in stability.”

Remember to avoid stacking boards tightly – allow airflow so they can breathe evenly.

8. 7.

VENTILATE ADEQUATELY

No airflow? No deal. Anthony won’t lay natural timber unless there’s at least 300mm clearance underneath for cross-ventilation.

“Otherwise, you’ll get mould, swelling, cupping – and a deck that could quickly rot out,” he says. “Natural timber needs cross-ventilation to stay dry underneath. Where that’s not possible, steer your clients in another direction, for example, timber-look composites like Ekodeck. The technology is getting better and a lot of clients love the variety of colours – especially if they’re after that Hamptons look with off-whites and light greys.”

Check out these decking materials and accessories to help you on the job.

GUIDE TO TINY HOMES

The tiny house movement is upending the way we design and build small houses. Even with the compact nature of these structures, the market continues to grow.

BY JOHN BURFITT

Considered something of a novelty a decade ago, the tiny house movement has surprised many by finding a firm place in the Australian housing market, as well as the building game.

Although most councils still treat tiny houses as temporary dwellings suitable for limited stays, they can offer a cost-effective solution to the issues of affordable housing and homelessness. Their small size means they can be built more quickly, and some councils are relaxing development legislation on a trial basis to test the feasibility of tiny homes as rentals.

Thiago Perrone, Managing Director of Aussie Tiny Houses, estimates his company, which began in 2017 and is based in Queensland’s Coolum Beach, has built more than 550 tiny houses to date. They are on track to complete another 100 this year.

“And that demand continues just as the range of houses we offer also grows,” Thiago says. “Today, we have 30 designs to suit the requests of clients, and we’re expanding some [of those offerings] so they can be adapted as granny flats.”

WHAT IS A TINY HOUSE?

In Australia, the definition of a tiny house is a mobile dwelling typically under 50m2 that complies with caravan regulations: under 4.3m high, 2.5m wide, and no more than 10m long, with a maximum weight of 4.5 tonnes. It can exist in a fixed location or be easily transportable by wheels.

HOW LONG DOES CONSTRUCTION TAKE?

For Thiago, building a tiny home – even with the weight and size restrictions – is easier than building a full-sized house on a slab, but it’s a challenge.

“You’re building a product that’s going to last and... this thing might travel around the country or it might stay put – and it needs to be suitable in both cases. You have to consider how can you make it all fit and stay within the dimensions and the restrictions.”

The construction of a tiny home from Thiago and his team happens in two stages. Stage one, which involves putting the frame and interior together from ground up, including joinery, plumbing and electrical, takes around 24 working days and is completed inside the factory premises. Then it’s on to stage two, which is the final finishing of the interiors and exteriors, and this usually takes an additional five days of work.

“Within six weeks, we can have a house completed and on its way to the client’s location,” Thiago says.

WHAT FIXTURES AND FITTINGS CAN AND CAN’T GO INSIDE A TINY HOUSE?

Even though Aussie Tiny Houses now works with an extensive range of designs, it did take some trial and error learning the best way to pare down traditional building methods to create the compact homes on wheels.

“We did a lot of work with the materials,” Thiago says. “In those [early] days, we used a different kind of trailer and framing was timber, whereas working with steel proved stronger. We also changed the cladding to Colorbond on the roof and walls.”

But some of the adjustments or specifications could not always be accommodated, he admits.

“We did have clients asking for bathtubs and skylights and, due to the weight and height limits, we had to learn to say no to certain requests.”

DOES WEIGHT REALLY MATTER?

The short answer is yes! Thiago sights Coogee, the largest in the Aussie Tiny Houses range, as a home that packs a punch at 10 metres and sleeps up to six people once the sofa bed is folded out, but all materials need to be weighed carefully.

“We had to measure every item in the build, like the joinery and flooring,” he says. “Even the screws we used were measured down to the gram.”

KEEPING STORAGE AT A PREMIUM

Maximising the space of a tiny home is high on clients’ priority list. While they might be downsizing, they still want a decent amount of storage.

In the Coogee offering, storage is in abundance: under the stairs, in a loft and in the bedroom built-in – even the kitchen cupboards are expansive.

“The kitchen is so well-appointed and it includes a good-sized fridge,” Thiago says.

Meanwhile, the Casuarina, a single-level tiny house designed with older clients in mind, offers a U-shaped kitchen with window dining space, a pull-out pantry and plenty of functionality.

“The bedroom is a big space and opens onto the bathroom and laundry in one, making the most of all the floor space,” Thiago says.

MAKE USE OF EVERY INCH OF SPACE, WHILE STILL CREATING A SENSE OF SPACIOUSNESS

TINY HOUSES ARE NO LONGER CRAMPED CARAVANS, BUT STYLISH SOLUTIONS FOR DOWNSIZERS

BAD WEATHER? NO WORRIES!

Unlike with outdoor construction, which can be delayed when there is a deluge of rain, because of the size of tiny homes they can be built entirely indoors – meaning work can continue all year round, with no issues due to inconvenient wet weather.

“It’s much easier for us than for your average builder because we’re constructing in a controlled environment,” Thiago admits. “At the factory, we build from the inside out because we don’t need to have it watertight – it definitely speeds up the construction process.”

USING STEEL FRAMING

Thiago says his company was one of the first to build their tiny houses with a steel frame, using a company in New Zealand as their benchmark.

“Steel can be preferable to work with because of the weight considerations,” he says. “Timber is obviously a lot heavier material and we did use timber in the early days. But there are upsides and downsides to using both. Steel is more unforgiving because it can’t be shaped or bent like timber, but for our purposes now, steel works best so that we can accommodate more of our clients’ requests elsewhere and keep it all within weight.”

TINY HOMES TOP TIPS

Considering moving into the tiny home space? Weigh these considerations up for size.

Regulatory challenges: When it comes to getting approvals for a tiny homes build it can vary significantly between states and territories, creating complexities in construction.

“Some councils are recognising the role tiny houses can play in addressing the housing shortage. It’s changing slowly, but surely,” Thiago says.

Construction techniques: Building tiny homes often requires different construction techniques compared to traditional homes. Builders need to be familiar with lightweight framing methods, modular construction and prefabrication techniques to efficiently construct tiny homes.

Innovative design: Having a knack for coming up with design solutions that maximise space and functionality within a limited footprint is a must.

SPECIALIST SUPPORT

Good quality products and service are front of mind for Thiago and his Aussie Tiny Houses crew.

Thiago (pictured) and his team turns to Bunnings Trade for support and almost all their supplies when building a new structure from the ground up.

“From timber and tools to drill bits and screws, we go to Bunnings,” he says.

The team also often seeks the advice of Bunnings bathroom and plumbing specialists about fittings.

“I really like the Mondella range of tapware as they offer good quality at a good price. With tiny houses, you have to offer affordability and quality, and the Mondella range has both.”

INSIDE THE BLOCK

The tradespeople slogging it out beside contestants on Australia’s favourite reno show take us behind the scenes of what goes in to building The Block. e tra esp o l ng t u b si e

HOUSE 1’S GARDEN BORROWED FROM THE AUSTRALIANA FEEL OF COUNTRY DAYLESFORD, VIC

LAND OF

DESIGN

We chat to three of the landscape designers behind the outdoor spaces on the latest season of The Block to find out where they drew inspiration for their showstopping final reveals.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

From the day they arrived at The Block site, this year’s contestants had one important message from host Scott Cam: remember landscaping.

Scott knows that as much as a beautiful and well-made house wins over the judges (and the buyers on auction day) it’s the first impression of a beautifully presented front and back yard that gets people to look inside in the first place. And that means finding the right landscape designer, as well as hard and soft landscapers, who can bring the dream to life.

This year, each landscape team on The Block had very different visions. We take a look at some.

HOUSE 1: INCORPORATE NATIVES WITH THE OVERALL OUTLOOK

“For me, it all started as I was driving into Daylesford [Victoria] to look at the site,” landscape designer Colin Hyett of Colin Hyett Design says. Colin and his team worked with Victorian couple Ben and Emma on House 1’s luxe native gardens.

“Taking in the rolling hills of the area and looking at the plants that were indigenous to the region,

THE BLOCK LANDSCAPING EXPERTS

Just a few of the landscapers behind this season’s breathtaking results.

I started to get a feel for what would work. Once I was on the site, that vision really came together.”

With a typical Aussie scene of rising hills (with kangaroos!), towering gums and traditional farmhouses, Colin blended that borrowed landscape into his plans.

“Given what was in the area was already so beautiful, I knew that I had to use similar colours

and incorporate that view or anything I did wouldn’t get a guernsey,” he says.

“I used 98 per cent native plants, 60 per cent endemic to the local area, and created a flowing series of spaces that reflected what was there.”

That also allowed him to create a flowing garden that would be low maintenance in upkeep and that,

in time, would become even more at home in the surrounding landscape.

“The two Banksia trees we planted are a great example,” Colin says. “They already frame the gum trees on the hill behind the property and they will grow to look like it’s part of the same scene.”

HOUSE 3: BRANCH FROM INSIDE TO OUT

With House 3 – built by West Australian couple Taz and Britt to embody the historic wellness reputation of Daylesford – landscape designer Troy Lovett of Love It Landscaping had a mission of extending the interior of the house seamlessly into the outside.

“They were certain this was the wellness house, so we needed to be mindful of that in the gardens,” Troy says.

“Also, inside there are four main areas that reflect [Taz and Britt’s] vision: places to relax, to get together, to exercise and to play, so my aim was to create outdoor rooms that took you on a journey throughout the whole property that would focus on wellness, too. Connected by pathways and arbours, the front and back yards feature an outdoor cinema, a reading nook, a pool area with sauna, ice bath and spa, and a dry creekbed where you can sit and be with nature.”

Again, it was predominately Australian plants that were incorporated to bring these spaces to life.

“We used a lot of plants that were native to Australia and endemic to the region because we knew they would grow well there, but added in some more traditional trees to create that cottage feel that is so prevalent in Daylesford,” Troy says.

“As they all grow it will look very organic, very calming, and like a serene space that’s been there for a long time.”

THE IDEAS OF WELLNESS AND TOGETHERNESS DROVE THE LANDSCAPING OF HOUSE 3

Taking in the rolling hills of the area and looking at the plants that were indigenous to the region, I started to get a feel for what would work.

Once I was on the site, that vision really came together.

COLIN HYETT, COLIN HYETT DESIGN OWNER

HOUSE 5: LET FORM FOLLOW FUNCTION

Robby and Mat’s House 5 was a challenge for Paal Grant of Paal Grant Designs in Landscaping because the yards needed to include some big-ticket items

and prizes the best mates from Adelaide had won or built throughout their time on The Block.

“The pool and cabana were already in place when I first saw the site,” Paal says, “and then there was the cellar, which changed the patio area; the outdoor fireplace, which was big; and a Pickleball court. The challenge then becomes how to incorporate those features without letting them take over.”

The answer, Paal knew from previous experience, is to incorporate curves into the plans, with twin curved paths leading from the deck to the pool area, more curves around the lawns and still more leading the eye from space to space.

“That’s something I’ve tried to develop in garden design over a long time because it creates a journey throughout a garden and [the winding paths] can bring a sense of surprise.”

With House 5’s garden once again heavily reliant on native plants, including statement mature bottle trees, the result holds a lot… a lot more than you might suspect at first glance.

“You always have to think about the balance between form and function,” Paal says. “There are so many things going on here, but we also tried to make it interesting and meaningful in the context of the Daylesford site.”

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

How Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialist Vic brings her knowledge to support customers.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

Even away from fast-paced life on The Block, completing a full house project is a pretty big challenge for any professional.

From the foundations to fixtures, flooring and more, there’s so much involved in getting a site to lock-up that one of the most obvious inclusions – landscaping – can get overlooked.

But if you take the time to think about it early on, says Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialist Vic, the difference to the end result can be staggering.

“It’s often the eleventh hour and a lot of the budget has been consumed by the time builders come to their clients asking, ‘What do you want to do with landscaping?’,” Vic says. “Have that discussion at the start, and put the funds aside.”

Vic brings a wealth of experience to her role with Bunnings Trade, moving into landscape design after considering a career as an architect and realising she loved the intricacies of getting a garden right. This led to her training as a landscape architect.

As the primary Bunnings Trade Landscape Advisor on The Block in Daylesford, Victoria, this season, she put that training to the test by advising contestants and their garden teams on everything from plant choices to equipment needed and so much more.

The Block 2025 site was a mammoth build, but Vic says the same three questions she asked the contestants during the course of the show should be applied to any build…

#1 WHAT IS THE CLIENT’S BUDGET?

“Budget is a huge part of dictating what can be done in terms of landscaping features,” Vic says. “That’s where you allow for the big-ticket items [like a pool,

SCAN HERE to learn how Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialists can support you with quotes, deliveries, stock enquiries and more.

sauna or sports spaces], but it’s also where you can make decisions that will allow you to get them.”

A trellis with star jasmine, for example, is much cheaper than hedging, and if a client doesn’t need the garden to be perfect straight away, huge savings can be made in the planning.

“A mature tree might start anywhere from $150, but if it’s your client’s forever home and they can wait for young trees to grow, they can get the same plant as tube stock for $5… that adds up.”

#2 WHAT IS THE CLIENT’S

STYLE?

“Is someone after a minimalist design or do they want to go plant-heavy?” Vic asks. “And will the look they want really work where the house is?”

Designing gardens in Daylesford meant coastal or tropical plants would most likely not thrive.

“Coastal plants would suffer in the cold and take a lot longer to mature… if they did at all,” she says. “Location and climate go hand in hand, so they need to be realistic choices.”

#3 IS YOUR CLIENT A GARDENER?

“The next big question is how much time someone is prepared to put into maintaining and growing their garden,” Vic says. “Most people will say they want low-to-no maintenance, but that garden doesn’t exist.

“Native plants are great, especially when endemic to the region as they flourish and take care of themselves more easily over time, but every garden needs help.

“Ask how long [the client] is willing to stand there watering their yard and that will dictate how much irrigation you need to build into the plan.”

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WATER WE DOING?

When it comes to irrigation, without the proper planning you’re going to have a whole lot of headaches later.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

Experienced landscapers know that choosing the right irrigation system is key to success.

Putting down drip tubes, sprinklers and drainage at the start of a landscaping project will make a world of difference to whether the plants take hold, how they’ll grow to cover the garden and, perhaps most importantly, how much effort it will take to maintain it all down the line.

“Irrigation definitely takes out the manual task of spending time watering the garden every week or fortnight, depending on what it needs,” Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialist Vic says.

“The right irrigation also helps because it ensures the plants and the lawn area is getting the needed amount of water, instead of guessing how many litres of water you are hosing down onto them. Best of all, there is almost no maintenance because everything is usually run by an irrigation system.”

So, what are the keys to effective irrigation?

VIC,

STARTING EARLY

No matter which system you choose, experts agree the time to get it in place is before anything goes in.

“Especially on a block that has quite a lot of infrastructure, like concrete driveways, paths and drainage. You’ve got to make sure you have the irrigation going where it needs to before you pour,” Colin Hyett says. The landscape designer of House 1 on The Block knows a thing or two about good prep because there’s no chance of tunneling under laid concrete or lifting turf later, and planning makes sure everything gets water when it’s most needed.

“When you’re putting in stock plants, they’re often coming out of a nursery where they have been watered three or four times a day,” Colin says. “So, especially at the start, they need to be looked after.”

CHOOSING WISELY

The type of irrigation an environment might need is something you should establish early.

“Bunnings has recently expanded their range to include quite a few commercial irrigation brands, from Holman to K-Rain, Toro, Pope and more,” Vic says.

“You can essentially get anything, but again, it’s quite subjective depending on what type of garden you have, so make sure you know what’s going in before you start work.”

A good rule of thumb, she says, is using drip irrigation for garden beds because it will get the water precisely where it needs to go. That also helps to reduce water waste – always important in Australia –and makes sure the plants are getting the consistent water that they need.

“As it’s embedded, drip irrigation is much more effective because the water goes straight down to the roots, instead of watering the leaves, which happens when you are using a hose.”

LAYING DOWN THE LAWN

The experts agree you should pay special attention to irrigation systems when it comes to lawns.

Colin, for example, chose an under-turf drip system for his Sir Walter Buffalo lawns on The Block this year, while Paal Grant, the landscape designer on House 5, chose small pop-up sprinklers for his TifTuf grass.

“The advantage is they were able to reach the plants on the edge of those lawn areas, so they’re feeling the benefit of the same system,” Paal says.

IN A HIGH-PRESSURE ENVIRONMENT LIKE THE BLOCK, IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET THE PREP RIGHT

Both choices have their advantages, Vic says, and it can depend on when you’re putting it all in.

“For a new lawn it’s probably better to go for a drip system under the lawn that waters from the roots up, which makes it very efficient, but pop-up sprinklers are better for established lawns.”

MONITORING THE SYSTEM

Keep in mind irrigation, especially when native plants are used, can be a case of less is more.

Most modern irrigation systems can be controlled by an app, so make sure it’s set up properly and before you hand over a garden, Colin says. Take a few minutes to explain to the new owners what they need to do and what to watch out for.

“The biggest killer of a garden is overwatering,” he explains. “People will leave the watering system on and the roots rot out quickly, so make sure they are aware and tell them to keep an eye on the plants.”

This is where automation can go a long way to help those clients who aren’t so garden-savvy.

“An automated system is definitely much more efficient because it will water plants and lawns with the required amount needed,” Vic says.

IRRIGATION SUPPLIES

Check out these irrigation must-haves.

LGROWING

TRENDS

Take your client’s garden to the next level with these Block-tested ideas.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

ike any sector of the building industry, landscaping is constantly evolving. From traditional European-style gardens to palms and pools, ‘rewilded’ jungles and more, new trends are constantly popping up to keep tradies on our toes.

And on The Block, it’s a challenge to stay one step ahead of the game with landscapers trying to find the “Next Big Thing” to wow the judges. What that next thing might be is a complicated question, says Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialist Vic. But there are certain points landscapers should be paying close attention to when creating and delivering a finished outdoor project to their clients.

SURVEY YOUR LOCAL AREA

The benefits of native plants are well known, but it’s even more important to stick to what works in your postcode, not just your country.

PLANTING NATIVES HELPED THE MODERN ELEMENTS OF HOUSE 5 BLEND NATURALLY

“Native plants are generally more adapted to the local climate, therefore using less water and nutrients, plus they support native wildlife and create healthier ecosystems,” Vic says.

“But as we know, Australia has quite a diverse climate. For example, Darwin is more arid, where Tasmania has a cool climate, so what would survive in one place might not do well in another.”

For The Block landscapers, that meant taking to the streets of Daylesford in Victoria – the location of this year’s homes – to see what the neighbours had growing in their yards and then incorporating those plants into the designs.

“Do a web search, check your council’s suggestions online, even ask ChatGPT or pop in and ask your local nursery,” Vic advises. “Your council will generally have a list of native plants to recommend for your area.”

This season’s teams planted a mix of tree, shrub and lawn species designed to grow with the spaces.

BE LESS STRUCTURED

Once you know what natives will work in your area, next take a look at what works in your design.

“People want to keep up with the Joneses and they often like structure in garden design, but that can be hard to maintain,” landscape designer Troy Lovett of Love It Landscaping says.

“But if you blend native species with feature plants from elsewhere – the more traditional European garden plants, for example – you can get that cottage look you want, but with lower maintenance.”

A great option, Vic says, is the Correa alba (or white correa), which is a native shrub that can be shaped to create the look of an English box hedge with far less maintenance.

“It’s not dissimilar in terms of the characteristics of a buxus, but it’s native,” she says. “You’ll still get that look of a formalised garden with some shaping.”

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Statement plants or surprising additions are another trend landscapers are jumping on, but that doesn’t always mean a huge established tree.

“One thing I have noticed more recently that keeps popping up everywhere is the use of ground covers instead of turf as lawn alternatives,” Vic says.

“Plants such as Dichondra repens – which is a native weed essentially – can be used in the place of the normal Kikuyu or buffalo turf. It’s a lot more low maintenance and, if you don’t want the upkeep of lawns, but still want a similar look, then that’s a good alternative.”

Other plants used in unexpected ways can have a similar effect, Vic says, such as the bottle trees

MAPLE MEETS ESTABLISHED TREES IN SONNY AND ALICIA’S HOUSE 4 FRONT YARD

LANDSCAPERS INSTALL

A PATHWAY TO CONTINUE HOUSE 2’S CURVES OUTSIDE

in Houses 1 and 5. Check with your local Bunnings Trade team to see what they can recommend and then get creative with inclusions.

LONG-TERM PLANS

Ironically, given the compressed timeframes of The Block, one trend Vic says we’re likely to see embraced is the end of the ‘instantaneous garden’.

“That’s when someone wants their garden to look perfect straight away,” she says. “The reality is that [style of garden] is something that never eventuates without a lot of work because the plants are living organisms. So a garden laid to look great now might be fine for the first month or so, but as plants grow they will compete for space – that makes the roots a bit weaker and ultimately the plants aren’t healthier so you’ll end up with an overgrown space with dead plants within a matter of months. We’re seeing landscapers think about what will grow in more.”

DESIGN WITH CURVES

A definite growing trend, and one that shows up in nearly every The Block garden this year, is curves.

“Something I’ve noticed a lot more globally is the use of curvature in landscapes,” Vic says. “Whether it’s a curved lawn or a circular pad used for the entertaining space, a fire pit area or just curved-edge garden beds, they can really soften a space and change the look.”

In The Block’s House 1, landscape designer Colin Hyett of Colin Hyett Design extended that to a huge circular Corten steel planter with a feature wattle tree inside.

Placed in the middle of the deck, it stopped the area feeling too rigid and square.

“Pathways have also become more curved, we’re seeing,” says Vic. “And it can definitely make a big difference to how the landscaping looks.”

“WHAT CAN GO WRONG, WILL GO WRONG!”

For the contestants of TheBlock, the Cursio Tiling team have been worth their weight in prosciutto gold since they arrived in 2019. But what’s it like working in front of more than a million people?

BY SCOTT ELLIS

If you watch The Block, you will have seen Gino, Anthony and Adrian Cursio on the job working with contestants to make sure their tiling areas are in mint condition before the judges arrive with their unforgiving appraisals.

The brothers, who own Cursio Tiling, a business that’s been operating in Melbourne for more than 50 years, take us back to where it all began and reveal why they keep returning year after year to the high-pressure job that is The Block

Q: Tell us about the origins of your business?

Adrian: Cursio Tiling was started in Puglia, Italy by our dad and is still going more than 50 years later with the same Australian number. Dad said: ‘Always be contactable’. No matter what time of day, a mobile phone is always mobile so there are no excuses.

Q: Why did you all decide to continue with the family legacy of tiling?

Adrian: We always knew from a very young age it was in our blood. On weekends and school holidays we would go help our dad with the family business. We loved it, so it never felt like work. Like they say, enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Q: What was it like starting out in the industry all those years ago?

Anthony: Life was different back when I did my apprenticeship. I worked with my dad and he was pretty strict – support during work looked a little bit different. It felt like we had no time to be thinking about our mental health. But that truly is one of the most important things for tradies, and it is great to see [mental health support] progressing.

Q: What is one thing you learned quickly while undertaking your apprenticeship?

Adrian: During my apprenticeship, I learned that your boss is always right. Watch and listen carefully – you may only be told once or twice, and it has to sink in as time moves quicker on a building site. Try to improve yourself every day, you are always learning new techniques.

Q: What are the dos and don’ts for apprentices or those thinking of starting in a trade?

Gino: What I would do is get into an apprenticeship where there is a demand for labour. Find a dying art that isn’t flooded, do your research, ask questions and make sure you know what field you’re getting into. Don’t waste your time doing an apprenticeship you know you won’t continue.

We would help our dad with the family business. We loved it, so it never felt like work. Like they say, enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.

ADRIAN CURSIO, CURSIO TILING CO-OWNER

Q: What was the first tool you bought when you started as an apprentice?

Adrian: The first was a DeWALT grinder with a switch at the back from Bunnings. I picked it because it’s a reputable brand and it was strong and the most comfortable grinder I had ever used in my life. Unfortunately they stopped making that particular one 20 years ago!

Q: You mentioned a lot has changed in the industry since you started – there’s more awareness around mental health in trades and blue-collar work, for example – what do you think of support services like TIACS and the workwear range TradeMutt?

Adrian: I think it’s great! Many blue-collar workers struggle to talk about their feelings and it’s

amazing to start the conversation through the work of groups like TIACS and TradeMutt. Most tradies think we’re too tough to talk about our feelings, so it’s great to have a platform to listen and be heard.

Q: How important do you feel it is to give tradies access to support for their physical and mental wellbeing?

Gino: It’s extremely important because it isn’t good to hold things in. It’s always better to express your feelings and to support other workers and colleagues.

Q: You were up and running in your careers for a while when you started working on The Block in 2019 – and you’ve returned to the gig ever since – how does that job compare to a regular build?

Adrian: There is no comparison because there aren’t over a million people watching you on a regular build and scrutinising every single thing you do. The time constraint is huge because on a regular build, if you don’t complete a room within two days, there is always another day. The Block, however, is judged every Sunday morning, so you have to be finished tiling no later than Friday to allow the other trades to get in Saturday and fit everything off.

yes, [once all pre-inspections have been signed off].’ We’ve mastered a technique of waterproofing and tiling directly on it, thanks to Bunnings and the great products they provide to us.

Q: How do you help steer a contestant if the type of tiles they’re picking isn’t right for where they want it to go?

Adrian: We can always give our opinion for what tile size may work in a particular room, in terms of colours and textures, but just like any other job, the customer is always right. Everyone has a personal preference and you should honour that.

Q: When you’re on The Block, how do you juggle the filming as well as your regular work?

You never know what’s going to happen on The Block. What can go wrong, almost certainly will go wrong. Always have plans A, B, C and D through Z. And if all else fails, call in another Cursio!

Q: How would you describe the workload to tradies who haven’t been on The Block worksite before?

Gino: It’s as real as you see it on TV. There is no magical fairy coming around to finish off things behind the scenes. But if you are well-organised and work hard, it’s achievable. You have to be very committed. Doing The Block isn’t for everybody and you have to be match-ready, so start training! Adrian: We’re often asked: ‘Do you really finish a bathroom in 24 hours?’ I respond: ‘100 per cent,

Adrian: It’s mayhem. Trying to explain to regular customers that we need to put their house on hold for 12 weeks is unheard of, so it becomes a juggling act of trying not to let anyone down. No matter how many days or nights we work, we can’t let anyone down.

Q: As a tradie, what do you think others can learn from watching a fast-paced reality series like The Block?

Adrian: Other tradespeople can learn how to be organised, efficient, and how to have the right tools and materials for the job. Always have a couple of people on standby, so if you need more hands on deck you can call on them. You never know what’s going to happen on The Block. What can go wrong, almost certainly will go wrong. Always have plans A, B, C and D through to Z. And if all else fails, call in another Cursio!

Q: Outside of The Block, your company has celebrated an incredible 50 years of success in Australia – what is the key to longevity?

Adrian: Always treat every customer with respect, kindness and work as if it were your own home. That extra five per cent always makes the difference between good and amazing. And finish every job with pride – it’s got your name on it!

Q: Finally, what is the one Bunnings product you could never live without?

Adrian: One essential product is a classic Bunnings bucket – if you don’t have that with you, you can’t get anything done. A Bunnings bucket is simply a need on any job. At The Block, buckets have wings and they disappear quite quickly, whether they are being used to mix glue or grout, or being filled with water for washing tools. You can never have enough of those Bunnings buckets.

FOREMAN DAN REILLY (LEFT) NEEDS TRADIES TO BE READY FOR ANYTHING ON THE THE BLOCK

ALL TILED UP

The Block tradies reveal which tiling trends you should be sharing with your clients.

With decades of experience between them, the Cursios have seen many changes, but the next big thing, they say, is exactly that: big!

LARGE TILES

“Tiling has progressed so much that we are now laying tiles as big as 1.2m x 2.4m,” Adrian says. “And that means tiling methods have needed to change, too. We are lucky to have the tools [to work with larger tiles], like bigger notch trowels, clip and wedge systems, and suction cup tile lifters for those kinds of products.”

Gino adds: “Trends are always changing so fast.”

TRY RockSalt Matt Grey Tile*

SMALL TILES

Gino says the popularity of large tiles has also led to new combinations with complementary smaller tiles – the finger or Kit Kat styles – to offset them. “Basically, you’ll find the biggest tiles alongside the smallest tiles for a feature wall. It’s a new design style and it works really well,” he says. “But it’s definitely the larger format tiles and finger tiles that are making inroads.”

TRY Home Kitkat Grape Emboss Gloss Tile*

PATTERNED TILES

Not exactly new, but making a comeback is bold feature pattern tiles. Big in the 1960s and 1970s, these were often the first thing to be removed in a makeover. They’re getting popular, Gino says.

“Visit a tile shop and you’ll see a lot of the pattern tiles on display. I reckon we’ll be putting them on the walls again soon!”

TRY Decor8 200mm x 200mm Gabana Kenitra Matt Floor Tile, I/N: 0289547

MISSION...

POSSIBLE!

The build goes up quickly on The Block – but is it filming trickery or legit? We ask a tradie who has worked on the series for more than a decade and a plumber contestant from this year’s Blockheads what really happens behind the scenes.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

If there’s one thing tradies hate, it’s when clients are handed a quote and a timeline and then say: “But they can do it in a week on The Block, can’t you?”

The standard answer is that TV magic lets builders take extra time once the cameras are off, or corners are cut to build a set rather than a functional room.

But that’s not true, says Aidan O’Shannessy, whose company, Nine In Six Builders, has overseen the builds for the past eight seasons of hit reality series The Block. Aidan himself has participated in 15 seasons overall.

You definitely can build (for example) a bathroom in a week, he says, but everything you think you know about time and resource management – and budget – has to go out the window.

“The second that the chippies finish framing up a room, the plumbers and sparkies have to be there roughing in with someone insulating, sheeting the walls and trowelling the skylight behind them,” Aidan explains.

TRADIE POWER

Look at the math of those man hours, he adds.

That hypothetical bathroom renovation would need about 30 hours of a chippy and an apprentice in full demolition mode, stripping down what was already

in place, reframing and getting it ready for the plumbers to rough in and then the plastering.

“That’s 60 hours of work in total,” Aidan says. “So the math will tell you if you put five chippies in there, you can smack it out in a day.”

That logic plays out across all trades, Aidan says.

“If you look at the actual spread of how many man hours you do in a normal bathroom versus how many hours you do in a Block bathroom, it’s not all that dissimilar,” he says.

“I’m not going to pretend any of us want to try to achieve a bathroom renovation in a week outside of The Block, but with good planning and good teamwork it can be done.”

SUPPLIES AND INSPECTION ON-THE-GO

Materials have to be spot-on too, Aidan reveals.

“That’s where Bunnings is amazing for us because I can call them and say, ‘Hey, I know this is a lot to ask, but I’ve just sent you a list of everything we need… and we need it by this afternoon’,” he says.

Another major timesaver is that the inspectors who make sure everything is done not only to code, but to high standards and safely, are standing by.

BUDGETS AND COSTS

Having everyone there waiting keeps things moving, but it can also mean a lot more people working on the job – a dozen or more in the space at once is not uncommon – which in turn means the labour costs are increased.

“Let’s be under no illusion, some of these bathrooms are bloody expensive!” Aidan says.

“Up to $70,000 can be spent, excluding tiles, fixtures and baths. The labour needed to meet results and the timeframe can be impressive.”

CONTESTANT TRADIES

One group of trades who knows how real The Block is? Those who join the program as contestants.

This year, that includes Queenslander Sonny, who had worked for 25 years as a plumber before joining The Block’s 2025 Daylesford build.

“The first question anyone asks, especially in the trade, is how they get it done in a week,” Sonny says. “Really, the only way is time management. Everything happens on The Block like in normal life, but unlike the outside world, I can have all my trades back-to-back. While someone does one thing, you’re doing something else, anything, to keep things moving forward.”

AIDAN O’SHANNESSY, OF NINE IN SIX BUILDERS, HAS BEEN ON THE BLOCK FOR YEARS

NON-STOP WORK

If the gyprockers haven’t finished yet, it’s time to pick up a paint brush and start the skirts outside so they’re ready to go in with one coat done.

“That’s where [contestants] go wrong, I guess, and don’t finish rooms,” Sonny says. “If there’s a disaster in one area, they possibly haven’t been able to pivot and choose what the next thing is that’ll keep them going.”

Everything happens on The Block like in normal life, but unlike the outside world, I can have all my trades back-to-back. While someone does one thing, you’re doing something else, anything, to keep things moving forward.

SONNY, PLUMBER AND HOUSE 4 CONTESTANT

STICKING TO THE GAMEPLAN

The biggest thing to remember, Aidan summarises – and the answer to that big client question – is that in building you have three competing objectives: getting things done well, getting them done quickly and getting them done at a reasonable cost.

“Common sense says you can only get two out of three of those on any build,” Aidan says.

“If you want speed and a high standard, that means the cost will go up. It’s that simple.”

TOP OF

THE BLO BLOCK

Wondering what turns a good room into a great room on The Block ? We chat to the tradies behind some of this season’s most memorable reveals to find out.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

From curved walls to hidden doors, tweaked floor plans and more, The Block contestants love to let their imaginations run wild. But it’s the trades who help make their dreams come true.

Here are six rooms that pushed the envelope with design… and pushed their teams even harder to come up with a way to make it happen (in one week!).

MAIN BEDROOM (HOUSE 3)

With the brief to be “as luxe as possible” in the main bedroom, WA couple Britt and Taz gave their chippy, Colby Brown of Sevenplyco Carpentry, a list with two priorities: feature timber walls and a fireplace to show the room was far from ordinary.

The first plan was to use individual Porta features, but that wasn’t going to work given the size of the bedroom they were working on and the timeframe.

“We figured out we would have been putting up 171. We ended up using the Easycraft panels, which are 1200mm by 600mm, so it cut right down on the time,” Colby says, “and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.”

And the fireplace? With the roof peak so far from the wall where the fireplace would sit, it would have meant a 3m flue sticking out.

“So, we decided on electric,” Colby says.

The result, the judges commented, was a room that was “elevated and sophisticated” and, even better, Colby says achievable within the timeframe.

“Organisation was the key,” he says. “That was I think the first week where we really dialled up our execution across all trades.”

QUICK-THINKING AND COMPROMISE DELIVERED THIS LUXE BEDROOM

SHOWSTOPPING FEATURES

These are just some of the statement inclusions brought to life by The Block tradies (read on for more).

Timber wall panelling (main bedroom, House 3)

Electric fireplace (main bedroom, House 3)

VJ boards on the ceiling

(living and dining room, House 5)

Resin bath on a raised platform (main ensuite, House 2)

Self-contained bathroom and kitchenette (guest suite, House 1)

Custom wall-to-ceiling cabinetry (rumpus room, House 4)

Circular, recessed shelf space with daybed/bench (kids’ rooms, House 1)

VJ BOARDS ON THE CEILING WERE A CHALLENGE, BUT WORTH THE END RESULT

LIVING AND DINING ROOM (HOUSE 5)

In any home, the living and dining room is usually where people spend most of their time, so Adelaide mates Robby and Mat wanted theirs to be as big as possible. That meant some changes, says their builder, Sam Winfield of Winstar Constructions.

“For a start, they wanted to move the fireplace, which meant engineering changes to transform a truss and the framework to relocate the fireplace from its original spot in the plans,” Sam says.

“That was already a challenge, but then the boys were keen to have a VJ board pattern, like flooring almost, on the ceiling, and there’s a lot of weight in that choice.”

Along with the site engineer and overseeing builders, Sam confirmed it would need to be double battened to meet compliance.

“We battened it to the trusses as standard, then due to the way they wanted the sheets to run, we had to batten the other way as well, to pick up the joins in the sheets,” he says. “There was a power of work in getting it up to scratch then sheeting it.”

And on top of all of that, the building team were tasked with re-sheeting it in one particular spot when the contestants decided they wanted to move their dining table and feature pendant.

“It was a lot,” Sam says. “But it looks pretty cool!”

A KITCHEN IN THE BEDROOM? NO PROBLEM!

HOUSE 2’S BATHROOM HAS WOW-FACTOR, BUT REQUIRED PRECISION TO PULL IT ALL OFF

MAIN ENSUITE (HOUSE 2)

With its statement resin bath and sinks, House 2’s main ensuite is certainly eye-catching, but it took a lot of work to create that look, reveals builder Ben Cinatl of Cinatl Constructions.

For a start, the contestants he was working for, Perth couple Han and Can, had decided to move the placement of the bath 90 degrees, so it would be the first thing anyone entering sees… but the floor waste was already in place.

“That means we had to build a raised platform for the bath to sit on in the new position that could run the plumbing through to the waste,” Ben says.

“And, of course, that meant a lot of checks to make sure it was up to taking the weight.”

Then there were the different tile sizes that had to be laid to make sure the eye was pulled to the main features and floor-to-ceiling glass for the impressive shower door.

“That glass was ordered and made before the floor and ceilings had even been put in, so we had to make sure everything was exactly right,” Ben says.

“In the timeframes we had, you couldn’t just send the glass back to be re-sized.”

GUEST SUITE (HOUSE 1)

Sometimes the ideas to switch things up come from the build team, like the decision to turn Ben and Emma’s guest suite into a self-contained space with its own bathroom and kitchenette.

“We looked at the original plan and saw it was a big area, so I suggested adding in a small kitchen,” builder Alan Ware of Ware Carpentry says.

The contestants loved the idea, so it was then up to Alan and his team to make some magic happen.

“There was originally a linen press in the plans, but we thought a kitchenette was better,” he says.

“We were lucky that we were on stumps so we could get under for the waste, and on the other side of the wall was already a wet area, so it actually turned out to be not as hard as I’d thought!”

It was the wet area, however, where things got a little tricky when it came time for the execution.

“We wanted a curved wall to match what the house had in the main ensuite, so we cut a piece of flooring as a top and bottom, then nailed studs pretty much next to each other to form the curve and put two layers of 6mm Villaboard on,” Alan says.

THE KIDS’ ROOMS (HOUSE 1)

Building and styling two kids’ bedrooms in a week is enough of a challenge, but in Victorian couple Ben and Emma’s dual kids’ spaces they decided to really push the limits of what could be done.

One room, they decided, would have straight lines and a softer feel, but the other would have a circular, recessed shelf space with a daybed/bench below.

And yes, Alan shares that was about as much fun to realise as it probably sounds.

“For a start, we had to get new frames for a wall built with that hole in it and, when it arrived, it had all straight edges on the interior of the circle, like a giant 50 cent piece,” he says.

“So I had to get a strip of MDF and put a heap of saw cuts in it so it would bend into a smooth circle.”

And by “a heap”, he’s not exaggerating.

“The cuts were every 20mm and the radius was 4m around, so there’s a few there,” he laughs.

Then there was the custom bench seat.

“Because it’s got like a half moon shape at the bottom, every cut on the Porta mould was a couple of degrees different.”

Was it all worth it though?

“Oh yeah!” Alan says. “It looks great.”

RUMPUS ROOM (HOUSE 4)

With Queensland couple Sonny and Alicia’s rumpus room, their brief to chippy Brodie Seymour from SS Building Group was a space away from the bustle of the house where someone could relax to watch a movie or read a book.

Ideally, they wanted custom cabinetry and shelving along one entire wall… all installed in a week.

“We tried a few cabinet makers thinking a CNC machine or panel saw would be the fastest way, but they couldn’t do it in the timeframe,” Brodie says.

“So I thought, ‘Why can’t we do it ourselves?’”

Picking up the MDF from Bunnings on the Monday, he and his business partner, Jake Spiteri, spent 16 hours cutting pieces with a track saw, assembling the units then transporting them – very carefully – to site.

“We had to install with a scallop cladding in between and leave a gap for the sparkies to run power to LED uplighting through it all, and it had to be done by Friday so it could be painted,” he says.

The shelving, walls and ceiling were all “colour drenched” with the same paint for a dramatic end result that was a lot to take on initially, Brodie adds, but the end result was a stand-out.

“The room looks incredible,” he says.

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THE BLOCK BY NUMBERS

It takes a lot (figuratively and literally!) to build TheBlock. In this season, they poured enough concrete to cover a footy field. Just imagine cruising into Bunnings and trying to load all of these supplies into the back of your ute...

22.5KM OF WIRING

was used by TheBlocksparkies during the Daylesford build. That’s equivalent to the length of almost 20 Harbour Bridges laid end to end.

9090.72M2 OF GYPROCK was put up across the entire project.

2000L OF PAINT

in 32 different colours (including the British Paints hues of Hot Jam, Golden Lamp, Hidden Grove and Mollusk Shell) adorns the walls and ceilings of five Blockhouses.

3543 BALES OF INSULATION are installed in the walls and roofs across the properties.

1200 SNAGS were thrown on the barbecue for hungry contestants and crew during filming.

67VELUX SKYLIGHTS were installed into the homes over the course of the build.

40,610 BUNNINGS TRANSACTIONS were made by contestants and builders throughout the hit show’s 21st season.

92 SWANN SECURITY CAMERAS are installed onsite to give future homeowners peace of mind over their purchase.

SEVEN

NBA basketball courts worth of turf is laid across all five homes, with the grand total sitting at 3026m2

37,217 LINEAR METRES OF STEEL is used in the framing across all of the structures onsite.

2631M2 of cladding, including ranges by James Hardie, was used to make façades and other projects stand out from the crowd.

1619M3 of concrete was poured for slabs, driveways, hardscaping and other areas at the site.

“IT’S

WORK, EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT… I LOVE IT!”

Apprentices describe working on TheBlock as accelerated learning. We talk to two about their experiences on this year’s Daylesford site.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

“You get to know what

you’re doing quickly.”

Ask any tradie who has ever worked on reno series The Block and they’ll admit it’s a lot.

The work is never-ending, timeframes are a fraction of what they would be on any regular job and everything you do is being watched by nervous contestants, a constant stream of inspectors and a million or so armchair experts at home.

But while that can be too much for some, for others – the apprentices onsite – it’s the chance of a lifetime.

In plumbing, electrical, carpentry, landscaping and other trades, the apprentices who find themselves on The Block builds say they do more and have learned

more in a few short months than most would in years. It can be tough, but it’s also a lot of fun.

Two apprentices share what it’s really like...

SINK OR SWIM TIME

“It’s crazy but it’s really good!” says fourth-year apprentice electrician Stanley Papachristos, who works for Summit Electrical, the sparkies who take care of The Block’s electrical needs. This is Stanley’s third stint on the reality series. “From day one, it’s just go, go, go and it doesn’t let up from that point until the end. You never get bored, that’s for sure.”

On an average day, Stanley says he can jump to a new job every couple of hours, practising his trade or learning new skills every time.

“I can start organising a plan with the contestants, troubleshoot a problem that’s holding things up, work on the switchboard and come back to rough in the wiring of the room being built around me and then get a whole new list for the next day,” Stanley laughs.

“But being thrown in the deep end like that is probably the best thing to happen to me. You get to learn and experience a whole lot of different fields that it would take years to do usually.”

EVERYTHING IS MULTIPLIED ACROSS FIVE HOUSES – AND NEEDED QUICKLY! There’s no time to waste when it comes to working on The Block, and that’s the fun, says Tom ‘Turbo’ Richardson, who started on the show as a labourer last year and returned this season as a first-year carpentry apprentice with the company that oversees The Block builds, Nine In Six Builders.

“It’s definitely a massive change of pace from other jobsites,” he says. “And yeah, it’s chaos, but it’s organised chaos where everyone has their roles, everyone knows what they need to do, and once you understand that, it makes things interesting.

The days go by so quickly, which is what I love.”

This year, Turbo began working with the concreters, building form work and assisting with the pours, then moved to installing modular fencing, before wrapping the completed homes and cladding the exteriors.

In between, there were countless other jobs. Whatever comes up, he’s on it, which makes it busy.

“Because you do all stages of the build on five separate houses, whatever process you are going through, you go through five times, so you get to know what you’re doing very quickly,” Turbo says.

“I’d do [The Block]

again, for sure!”

“Within three months you are taking five houses from slab to finish… it’s unreal.”

THERE ARE MANY NETWORKING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The chance to learn from multiple senior tradies on the job and their various supervisors, plus the inspectors and engineers who monitor the builds, makes the experience a valuable one.

“There are so many other trades onsite, so you’re not just learning from that one person for your whole apprenticeship,” Turbo says. “There are different sub-contractors, builders and tradies, and you’re working with them for months, so you get to learn a lot from a lot of different people very quickly.”

And it’s not just the tricks of their respective trades the apprentices are picking up.

“You learn life skills as well,” Stanley says. “When you’re working in the same space as other trades and someone needs to finish what they’re doing for you to move in, then you need to do your job so someone else can do theirs, you have to learn good communication and organisation as well.”

Trusting yourself and your work is also important.

“Everything you do is checked, of course,” Stanley says. “But often you’re working alone and if someone is standing there watching over you, then that gives you the option of asking what to do all the time. When they’re not there, however, you have to stand back, have a look, have a think for yourself, remember what you’ve been trained to do and then get on with it.”

WE’LL TAKE ANOTHER ROUND, PLEASE

Asked if they’d be keen to return for another season of The Block and all that entails, both apprentices say they would 100 per cent jump back into it.

GETTING VARIED EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN INVALUABLE FOR STANLEY PAPACHRISTOS

Being thrown in the deep end like that is probably the best thing to happen to me. You get to learn and experience a whole lot of different fields that it would take years to do usually.

STANLEY PAPACHRISTOS, FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN

“I would definitely recommend it,” Turbo says, who relocated the one and a half hours from Melbourne to rural Daylesford for filming and building, which took six months.

“It allowed me to move away from home, see new places, meet new people and do so much.”

Or, as Stanley sums it up: “I’d do it again for sure. It’s work, eat, sleep, repeat… and I love it!”

TOOL TIME

Having these on hand makes the job easier.

AEG 18V

SPOTTED

ONSITE

Without the trades behind the scenes and the grit of the contestants, The Block wouldn’t be the behemoth it is today. Meet the hardworking crew helping the magic happen throughout the latest season...

Building dreams

one Blockat a time...

POLICE OFFICER TAZ MAY BE USED TO GIVING ORDERS, BUT HE LEARNED A THING OR TWO AS A BLOCKHEAD

Cooking up a stunner

of a kitchen fit-out

Use your PowerPass app to scan barcodes in-store and pay through your app to save time on heading through the checkouts.

A REAL MONEY-SAVER

“The PowerPass membership gives me discounts on products I’m constantly buying, like treated pine, concrete mix and irrigation fittings,” Kayne says. “Since I order through my Account Manager regularly, those member-exclusive benefits add up over time and ease the pressure on the budget. It’s one of the little perks that pays off big.”

TRADE TIPS

EXPERTISE INSPIRATION

Expert knowledge and insights from industry specialists.

IT’S SUPER CONVENIENT

“I mostly use self checkout through the Bunnings app. It makes life easier by letting me grab what I need, then scan and go,” Kayne Hunter, owner of Ekka Landscaping in Victoria, says. “I can be in and out in minutes and back on the site with my crew.”

POWERPASS: WHAT THE TRADIES SAY…

We asked business owners how they use their Bunnings Trade PowerPass memberships to save time and money.

BY JULIE LEE

Having a Bunnings Trade PowerPass card in your wallet – and the app on your phone – is like having a personalised business centre in your pocket. It can save you time sourcing products, get you better prices and even have inventory delivered to your door, and that’s just for starters.

Every business has different needs, so we spoke with a landscaper, kitchen installer and holiday park owner to understand how they get the most from their PowerPass.

NAME

// KAYNE HUNTER BUSINESS // EKKA LANDSCAPING, VIC POWERPASS MEMBER // NINE YEARS

“IT’S LIKE I’M IN THE ‘BUNNINGS CLUB’” Before, I used to go around and take photos of everything. Now all I do is scan it on the [PowerPass] app and it’s straight in my cart... It’s so convenient.

Ekka Landscaping began after Kayne Hunter visited his hometown of Mildura in Victoria, where his grandmother suggested he start his own landscaping business. Within six months, Kayne had scaled up to having three full-time employees and was taking on big jobs, including laying the turf at a race course at Swan Hill. “We try to do what other landscapers can’t do,” he says.

Kayne – whose business is now nine years old – is a big fan of the ease and convenience his PowerPass membership offers. “I love how I can use it everywhere and it’s like I’m in the ‘Bunnings Club’.”

CONNECT YOUR SOFTWARE

Having streamlined systems is important to Kayne, which is why he has connected his PowerPass account to his business software.

“Everything we do goes through the PowerPass app – it’s so easy because it can all flow into Xero and [project management software] Jobber,” Kayne says. “I like to screenshot receipts, then set up an email in Xero called ‘Bills’ and email it to Bills. With Xero Projects, you can also press the scanner in the Xero app and it puts the receipt straight into Projects.”

GIVE CLIENTS VISIBILITY

Kayne likes his clients to have full visibility over their projects and having integrated systems within his business makes that easy to do.

KAYNE HUNTER, EKKA LANDSCAPING OWNER

“The clients love it because they can see the receipts and the purchases in real time [in Jobber], and they can see their discounts,” he says. “I’m transparent with the client and say, ‘These are the discounts I can get you because Bunnings supports me, and because I support them’.”

SUGGEST ADD-ONS AND PRODUCTS

A surprising way Kayne likes to use his PowerPass app is to track items that might interest his clients.

“I went into Bunnings today and I was walking down the garden section – there were these air conditioner protectors that I’d never seen before,” he says. “Before, I used to go around and take photos of everything. Now all I do is scan it on the app and it’s straight in my cart. When I click on it, I can look at the specs while I’m walking around.” Kayne is then able to suggest those products to the client. “It’s so convenient to go that extra mile.”

KEEPS RECEIPTS IN ONE PLACE

It’s part of doing business, sometimes you grab the wrong product or something isn’t the right fit. Before getting a PowerPass account, Kayne rarely wasted his time hunting for receipts and doing returns.

“Time is money for me. I would have gear here that I hadn’t returned just because I didn’t have time,” he says. “Now, I love when you do returns – they’re easy as. They say, ‘Do you have your receipt there?’ And it’s in the app.”

“MEMBERSHIP IS EASY AND CONVENIENT”

NAME // PAT McGUINNESS BUSINESS // PRECISION CABINETRY INSTALLATIONS, VIC POWERPASS MEMBER // 10 YEARS

Pat McGuinness installs Kaboodle kitchens right across Victoria. As a registered builder, he also does other house and bathroom renovations, so it’s fair to say he and his crew visit Bunnings a lot.

“Our shopping is day-to-day, so my guys will run around and pick up this or that, whatever we need,” Pat says. “The PowerPass membership is just very easy and convenient and Bunnings has everything you ever need.”

LEAN ON THE EXPERT TEAM

When Pat became a proud PowerPass member 10 years ago, he was offered the expert services of a Bunnings Trade Account Manger, and he jumped at the opportunity.

“I might only call my Account Manager, Kim, two or three times a month if I’m really stuck or if there’s something that’s a little bit out of the ordinary,” he says. “Other than that, I’ve got a good team at Carrum Downs Bunnings [that I can go to]. I ring them three or four times a day; I lean on them for what I need.”

SHOP AND SAVE

“The pricing is handy,” Pat says of how PowerPass can help him save on regular purchases. “It’s not

so much that you get a discount off everything in the store, it’s that I get a percentage off the cost of the things I buy the most, including timber, plasterboard and kitchen bits and pieces. I get a lot of good pricing!”

CHECK OUT QUICKLY

Busy builders don’t have time to go through checkouts, according to Pat’s team, which is why they love the PowerPass app.

“One of my guys is all about this stuff – he goes in-store and does everything on his app and then leaves and doesn’t even go to the counters,” Pat says. “I’ve used the online checkout half a dozen times when I’m super busy and need to get in and out of the door quickly, but I’ve always been a bit old-school and like the face-to-face at the counter.”

MAKE THE MOST OF SET PRICING

Installing kitchens takes Pat and his team everywhere from their base in Carrum Downs, just outside of Melbourne, to Echuca, on the Victorian border, and Mildura in the northwest.

“It’s quite handy to be able to walk in anywhere and transfer messages across from my home store,” Pat says. “I can contact my Trade Specialist and he can ring any store to make sure they’ve got what I need and get them to hold it for me. And because my pricing is set, it doesn’t matter which store I walk into – I just put my card down and my pricing is automatic.”

“OUR STAFF ALL HAVE POWERPASS CARDS”

NAME // LACHLAN FARQUHARSON BUSINESS // LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK, QLD

POWERPASS MEMBER // SIX YEARS

Lachlan Farquharson and his business partner, Shane Bettini (both pictured above from left) bought Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland in March of 2019.

“We just got everything in and spent a whole lot of money and then got shut down a year later, thanks to COVID,” Lachlan says.

Despite the initial setback, the team then went full-steam ahead, doing non-stop building to expand.

“We’ve now got 72 lifestyle village residents, 80 powered sites and 49 villas in the tourist accommodation,” Lachlan says. “We’ve been PowerPass members since the beginning [of our business] – we jumped on as soon as we possibly could and, because we’ve been building the whole time, we’ve been racking up sales through there.”

MONITOR CASH FLOW EASIER

A challenge Lachlan faces is keeping track of spending across builds, but the PowerPass app helps with that.

“One of the big advantages – especially when the staff loses receipts – is you can easily find them in

the PowerPass app,” Lachlan says. “My business partner looks after all the building side of things and I look after the back-end, running the business. So I personally find the app most useful when I’m trying to track down all the money they’ve spent and where they’ve spent it.”

POWERPASS BENEFITS AT A GLANCE

Get exclusive PowerPass pricing. Take advantage of discounts on your commonly bought items.

Project management. Keep lists of products needed for each job you’re working on. Make account keeping easier. Manage receipts, track project costs and link to your accounting software.

Save time in-store.

Easily research and find your products, map your way to the right aisle, check out in the app, make quicker returns and use the delivery service.

Flexible payment options

Pay on the spot or reconcile with a 30-day account.

Dedicated Trade Support team. Get a team of experts in-store or on the phone when you need help with any job.

Make clients happy.

I personally find the app most useful when I’m trying to track down all the money spent.

LACHLAN FARQUHARSON, LAKE TINAROO HOLIDAY PARK DIRECTOR

USE THE FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

Caravan parks need a lot of maintenance, so the crew is in and out of Bunnings all week, which makes managing cash flow an ongoing challenge. Lachlan takes advantage of the flexible payment options he has with his PowerPass membership, which allows him to grab what he needs and then settle it up monthly with his 30-day account.

Show clients exact products and pricing for their project.

“We order stuff regularly, but we don’t have to pay for that upfront; it goes onto our account and then I can pay for it at the end of the month. It makes it much easier to pay and track.”

GET ALL THE STAFF INVOLVED

Lachlan has equipped his team with cards under the business’s PowerPass membership. There’s no fiddling around trying to remember numbers.

“Our staff all have [PowerPass] swipe cards attached to our account which makes it easier – anyone from the team can use the PowerPass account when they need to,” he says.

NOISE WORKS

Job-related hearing loss can have a devastating personal impact. Safe Work Australia weighs in on how to protect one of your greatest assets.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

From nail guns to grinders, mobile plants and more, every workplace is filled with machines and tools that pump out noise pollution. While a lot of that is normal for a busy site, loud sounds – either in short bursts or over a long period of time – can damage your ears, leaving you with reduced hearing or, in extreme cases, none at all.

We’ve gathered some ear protection guidelines to help you and your team stay safe from noise.

WHEN IS NOISE POLLUTION TOO MUCH?

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) legislation, noise should be an average of less than 85dB (decibels) over an eight-hour period and a maximum (peak) of 140dB.

To put that in perspective, Worksafe Victoria says a jet engine at 30 metres will register about 140dB, with a rivet hammer not far behind at 130dB, a rock drill at 120dB, an angle grinder at about 110dB and a lawn mower (the petrol kind) is around 90dB. Once your ears have been exposed to that type of noise pollution, it doesn’t take long for damage to start.

A BUILDER’S STORY

As a young tradie, David Richard spent eight years building pole houses, working long days on a chainsaw and cutting slabs with no hearing protection. After that, he moved into more regular construction using nail guns in enclosed spaces, again with no hearing PPE. At the time, he thought he was fine, but the years of unchecked noise have taken a toll. After noticing his hearing wasn’t what it used to be – and with a persistent ringing in his ears – he had his hearing tested and found he has a 41 per cent hearing loss in his left ear and 43 per cent loss in his right.

At 67 years old, the Sydney builder is still working, but now with hearing aids. He wishes he’d worn ear protection over those many years.

“When I started out you didn’t wear ear muffs,” he says. “There was no mention of it when I was at TAFE, and it wasn’t the done thing on worksites. It was a bit of a macho thing, too… but I look back and wish I’d done things differently. I hear about half as well as other people now.”

HOW MUCH EXPOSURE TO HIGH DECIBEL SOUNDS DAMAGES YOUR HEARING?

That cumulative damage David has experienced is typical of being around noise pollution regularly over time. But it doesn’t have to be regular to cause harm.

“For every three-decibel increase in the noise level, the amount of time a worker can be exposed before hearing damage occurs halves,” explains Dr Rebecca Newton, Branch Manager of Hazard and Industries Policy at Safe Work Australia.

“For example, at an average noise level of 88dB, a worker can only be exposed for four hours. As a good rule of thumb, if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone about a metre away, you are likely being exposed to hazardous noise levels.”

WHAT ARE THE STATS?

Hearing Australia reports 11 per cent of Australians have experienced damage from workplace noise and almost 25 per cent know someone suffering from workplace-related hearing damage.

“Acoustic trauma is immediate and permanent hearing loss can occur when a person is exposed to noise at greater than 140dB,” Dr Newton says. “This is often the result of sudden bursts of noise, such as sledgehammering.”

SAFEWORK AUSTRALIA SAYS WORKERS MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO HEAR WARNING SIGNALS ABOVE OTHER NOISE, SO THE APPROPRIATE PPE IS CRUCIAL

WHAT EAR PROTECTION DO I NEED?

The first and most obvious step is to find the right hearing protection – ear muffs or plugs – and wear it.

“The hearing protection used must lower the level of noise entering the wearer’s ears to 85dB or lower, averaged over an eight-hour period,” Dr Newton says. “The level of hearing protection differs depending on the type chosen, and the most suitable type may vary depending on the task. For example, ear muffs may not be appropriate for workers wearing hard hats.”

There is, however, ear protection available in the form of detachable ear muffs for helmets.

Don’t always assume the highest protection level is automatically the best though – you also have to be able to communicate effectively with workmates and hear any warning signals or alarms.

COMPLETE A PROFESSIONAL NOISE ASSESSMENT

It’s also important to carry out an assessment during a typical day to see if there is any hazardous noise, what’s making it and the protective measures needed.

“Noise assessments are technical, and it’s recommended you get a competent person with the right qualifications to conduct one,” Dr Newton says. Remember, it’s not just workers who are at risk. Anyone on or near the site can be at risk and they need to be made aware of the hazards, she cautions.

“If a noisy task is likely to cause disruption to others – for example, people working or living next door – you can share with them details of the work,” Dr Newton says. “This will allow them to assess their own risk and take steps to protect their hearing.”

Hearing Australia reports that 11 per cent of Australians have experienced damage from workplace noise and almost 25 per cent of Aussies know someone suffering workplacerelated hearing damage.

FULL PROTECTION

Hearing protection, like ear muffs, must lower the level of noise entering the ears to 85dB or lower, averaged over an eight-hour period, to be deemed effective.

It’s not just your hearing you want to keep intact. There’s PPE available to ensure full body safety.

HEAD

Citeco Orange Vented Safety Helmet, I/N: 0479810

MOUTH AND NOSE

Citeco P2 Valved Respirator – 10 Pack, I/N: 0423462

EARS

Citeco Class 5 Ear Muffs, I/N: 0479799

HANDS

Mechanix Wear Large Landscape Classic Leather Rigger – Large, I/N: 0270068

EYES

Citeco Clear Anti Scratch Safety Glasses, I/N: 0479875

FEET

DeWALT Size 9 Sand Toner Safety Work Boot, I/N: 0215718

KNEES

ToughBuilt™ Waterproof Knee Pads, I/N: 5821004

ALL-ROUNDER

FastAid R2 Tradies Modular Red Soft Pack First Aid Kit, I/N: 0400978

The trailer’s roof cylinder

“This is perfect for storing trims or a long level; that way they’re kept separate from tools and any heavy items that could damage them,” Daniel says

The ute’s wheels

“It’s got 22-inch Walkies on lowered suspension with load spreaders at the rear, and it handles perfectly even with a heavy load onboard.”

The front toolbox

“That’s where my trowels, screwdrivers and hammers go, plus polyurethane sausages, and any chemicals and specialty grouts ”

The signage

“I designed the logo and got Uber Graphics in Warana [on the Sunshine Coast] to print that. And it’s good for business, I’ve had plenty of calls from people who have seen me out driving.”

Remote ute lid

“With hydraulic struts and an electric motor attached, the lid can be remotely raised, closed and locked hands-free.”

CHECK OUT MY RIG

When tiler Daniel Gordillo saw an old ATM trailer come up for sale, he knew it would be the perfect place to keep his tools safe.

BY SCOTT ELLIS

They may have been spitting money at us since 1969, but who knew an ATM could also help make bank as a functional way to get the job done? When tiler Daniel Gordillo was searching for a new work trailer, he was happily surprised to find something that would – with a bit of adjusting – be ideal for what he needed.

“I saw this trailer advertised and it used to be one of those mobile ATM points,” the director of Tilex Ceramics on the Sunshine Coast says. “Because of that, it’s solidly made, has large doors that open right up on both sides and is lockable.”

It would just need some work inside, a couple of additions outside and a new paint job to turn it into the perfect work trailer – Daniel’s shed on wheels.

Even better, it would free up his 2013 Holden SS V Redline ute for family activities… despite packing a 6L LS3 engine, Brembo brakes and factory upgrades, lowered with Walkinshaw 22-inch wheels and exhaust.

“I’ve had a lot of vans for work and they’re good, but if you ever want to use them for something like a camping trip, you have to unpack everything before

With double doors on one side and a single on the other, Daniel gets the most from his converted ATM trailer

you go, then repack it all again when you get back,” Daniel says. “This way I can just unhook the trailer and you’re ready to go.”

It took a couple of weeks to fit out the trailer properly, with Daniel adding in all the options he’d wanted from his past vehicles, but hadn’t yet nailed.

“Through the years I kept thinking: ‘Oh, I wish I had this’ or ‘I wish I had that’ and now it’s just what I need.”

It’s perfect, for now at least, as the car enthusiast loves his wheels. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Daniel has been a tiler since he left school more than 34 years ago. Along with his passion for tiling, comes his passion for cars.

“My wife asked me the other day: ‘Daniel, how many cars have we had since we’ve been married?’ and when I added it all up, it’s been 42 cars in 32 years,” he says.

“She’s fine with that because, before we got married, I told my wife if she married me she was marrying my cars, too. This ute and trailer is a great set-up right now for work and home. The converted ATM is doing the job at the moment.”

The shelving ing “I made all the shelves myself, which is great hich because it means they’re all exactly the right size for the tools and equipment I have to carry.”

UNi-PRO Professional No-Drip rofessional Heavy Duty Caulking Gun, I/N: 1670252 52

The large single door “This is where I store the rest here of my cordless power tools, my tile dless cutter and open bags of glue and buckets I need a lot of buckets!”

MINT CONDITION

While you’re grabbing trade supplies, make a dash to our automotive range to keep your vehicle looking schmick and performing its best.

The double doors

“Behind these, I keep the silicones, vacuum cleaner and other small tools. It’s all very easy to reach,” Daniel says.

The ute’s tray

“The flat slide tray upgrade in the back is so useful, I can access heavy bags of glue or boxes of tiles without having to lift them up over the side. It was worth adding on.”

ELECTRIC SWITCH-UP

Is there a place for electric vehicles in construction? We ask a tradie who recently upgraded to an EV and two experts in the automotive field.

BY STEPHEN DOWNIE

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s tradies love their utes. And with electric vehicles (EVs) now commonplace on Aussie roads, the market for EV is starting to sizzle like a snag on the barbie.

Several big brands are now offering plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), which are powered by both a battery and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). Plus, there are more electric utes on the horizon. But are tradies set to ditch the diesel and jump on the EV bandwagon? And if so, why? Let’s look at what you should know before buying an EV ute.

HOW MUCH ARE THEY?

The fully electric LDV eT60 dual cab ute, which has been on sale for around two years, will set you back $92,990*, plus on-road costs. The top-spec Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck will set you back more than $200,000*. That’s big money.

“As always, the upfront cost of a new vehicle will weigh on people’s minds and wallets,” Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) President Dr Chris Jones says. “Fully electric commercial vehicles are FBT (fringe benefit tax) exempt which is nice, but they do come at a bit of a premium.”

MID-RANGE COSTING EV

If you’ve noticed any EV ute on the road recently, it’s likely the popular BYD Shark 6. Chinese giant BYD’s Shark EV will set you back $57,900* before on-road costs. And when you factor in reduced running costs, the Shark starts to look like an attractive option.

“Long-term cost of ownership is always lower for electric,” Chris says. “Also, the ability to power equipment from the vehicle’s battery is a huge bonus for unpowered jobsites.”

For Scott McManus, Director of Sydney’s Blue Tongue Landscapes and Concreting, trading in his diesel ute for a BYD Shark 6 earlier this year has been a good business decision.

“Partly, [switching] was about helping the environment, but the driving factor for me was trying to reduce the overall costs of my fuel consumption,” he says. “I spend roughly $1500 a week on fuel across my fleet, so having the Shark reduced the cost that little bit.”

TO EV OR NOT TO EV?

TradieSpec chief executive Tim Cullen, whose company provides commercial vehicle rentals, says “requests for

an EV utility have been more noticeable”. But they would be less than one per cent of their enquiries.

“I don’t think tradies would switch to a full electric vehicle or hybrid for any work purposes,” he says. “EV after-market work-specific accessories, such as trays, toolboxes and roof racks, are not quite at fit-out production levels yet. And the after-market suppliers for vehicles like the BYD Shark are limited.”

But having an EV ute has its perks.

“I can now run a fridge in the back of my tray!” Scott says. “I have a microwave, too. My whole team can bring in frozen meals and eat them at lunch, so you don’t have guys leaving at lunchtime, [it means] I’m also saving on productivity.”

CONCERNS OVER INFRASTRUCTURE

There is no doubt driving range for electric vehicles is impacted by heavier loads. And while some US companies are offering bigger batteries to extend the range of an EV, the range fears persist. Tim says the top concern for tradies contemplating a switch to electric would be a lack of confidence in charging infrastructure. Are there enough public charging stations? Chris believes more is always

a good thing. “The AEVA is keen to see a lot more public chargers going in,” he says.

Bunnings is supporting EV uptake by installing chargers in some Bunnings Warehouse carparks, providing an easy way to top up the battery while grabbing what you need in-store.

MORE EV UTES ON THE WAY

Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on, it’s clear the big car manufacturers think the future is electric. There are several new fully electric models on the horizon, such as the Kia Tasman EV and the Isuzu D-Max EV, which are both expected in 2026. The latter even boasts a braked towing capacity of 3500kg^, which is good news, with Tim pointing out the BYD Shark’s braked towing capacity of 2500kg^ compared to the diesel market leaders Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, both of which have a braked towing capacity of 3500kg^. But with electric, you do get instant torque and acceleration. Tradies will need to weigh up what they really need.

“[The Shark 6] is not as good as my last car,” Scott admits when asked about towing capacity. “But I do have a few tool trailers and it tows them, particularly if it’s in electricity mode. It tows them so easily you wouldn’t even know they’re on the back.”

THE NVES COULD TURN THE TIDE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES – GOOD OR BAD

As of this year, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) means car manufacturers will need to adhere to strict new-vehicle emissions standards or face fines. Tim says if the NVES knock-on effect results in higher ute and van prices, “then it’s a bad thing”. But if prices stay the same, the NVES could be a good thing for tradies looking at electric vehicles. Clearly, Tim believes the NVES is already having an impact, saying larger construction, trade and mining companies are “already transitioning some of their fleets to EVs” – albeit in small volumes.

POWER UP YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE

These EV accessories will make life easier so you can hit the road.

TRADIE PROFILE

Dockers star Kiara ‘Turbo’ Bowers shares how an early setback strengthened her resolve and set up a new career, why she would give away “every medal” for an AFLW Premiership and why she lets her son go wild in Bunnings.

BY LUKE DODEMAIDE

NAME // KIARA BOWERS

TRADE // CARPENTER

LOCATION // FREMANTLE, WA

Kiara ‘Turbo’ Bowers is the driving force behind Fremantle’s midfield, making her name as one of the most tenacious and hardest-working players in the league. The four-time All-Australian player has also overcome significant adversity, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in late 2016 that delayed her AFLW debut by two years. Three years after that, she was crowned an MVP of the game, winning the AFL Women’s Best and Fairest award in 2021.

Still, the time away from the field had its silver lining, allowing Kiara the time to go from “never picking up a tool” in her life to finding her calling as a carpenter, giving her a new “love”. In return, she has opened the door for her tradie colleagues to experience women’s sport.

“It’s good to get those guys to follow the women’s league,” Kiara says. “Because they’re the people we want to get to watch, as well as the young girls.”

Q: Was it always your intention to end up in the carpentry game?

A: I kind of fell into it. I left my job as a sales rep and I had just done my knee through footy, and I needed a big change. I found this guy who was looking for a trade assistant [at Fleetwood Australia], and I loved it. He was the nicest guy ever. I’d never picked up a tool in my life. I didn’t even know what a pop rivet gun was. I ended up working with him for about six months as a trade assistant and then I actually got an apprenticeship through the company. I’m currently with Summit Homes, the modular division.

Q: You mentioned that ACL injury. Did you find that strengthened your resilience?

A: Yes, 100 per cent. Obviously, there’s only so much you can do sitting on the sidelines – and I’m not very good at sitting on the sidelines. I needed something to distract myself because it’s hard not being able

to play and help the girls out on the field So, that’s when I put my head [into a trade career]. I succeeded cceeded with that and wanted to keep pushing, and to have something I loved in my life I wanted that enjoyment joyment that I wasn’t able to get on the field That definitely initely became my work.

Q: What are some of the most telling ways you think the Dockers and the AFLW have evolved in the eight-plus years you’ve been in the league?

A: At the start, it was about getting our faces out there, giving young girls someone to look up to and almost pushing it to say, ‘Yes, young girls can do this’. Then, to where we are now, where young girls are wearing our gear, knowing they can dream of – and then achieve – a footy career, it’s pretty amazing. I find myself very grateful that I was able to be one of the first and able to start this whole journey. And, you know, to see where it’s grown and hopefully continue to see where it grows.

Q: You’re a four-time club Best and Fairest winner, an AFL Women’s Best and Fairest recipient and have four WA Derby medals, but is the hunt for a first AFLW Premiership what gets you up in the morning?

A: I’m sure that’s what every team wants. We already know – and I know it’s said every year – that we’ve got the team to do it, but I believe that. The girls are fit, our draftees coming in are always ready to go and I know I will push as hard as ever to get that team success. I want to do it with this group, and I’ve told the girls a couple of times that I’d give away every medal around my neck to get that Premiership. I’ll chase that until I can’t chase it anymore.

Q: Finally, what did your haul look like on your last visit to Bunnings?

A: I’m always in the tool section, obviously, for work. I’m finding things I didn’t know I needed every time I go. But the last time I went was for an off-centre thing. My boy [five-year-old Nate] always has pocket money and he likes to spend it at Bunnings. So, we bought a lantern for him because he gets to go wild and spend his money there.

KIARA’S TOP 3 TRADE AND FOOTY TIPS

#1 ON WORKING IN TEAMS

“How to speak to people and communicate shared goals is a big thing you take away from the footy field. I get that at work with all the boys, too, so it goes hand-in-hand. It takes patience and understanding to work with people. I feel like I can work well with others because I like being around people. I’ve learned that from my teammates and experiences playing sports.”

#2 FINDING PRESENCE OF MIND

“Our psychologist [at the Dockers] gave me some tools. When you’re at work, you’re at work, and give 100 per cent to that. When I’m at football, I’m thinking footy. When I’m working, I’m thinking about work. Then, when I’m being a mum, I’m being a mum. Otherwise, you can’t give 100 per cent because you’ve just got all your eggs in different baskets. You have to focus fully on where you are at that moment.”

#3 PROMOTING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION

“Ebony Antonio on our team is an electrician. More and more teammates are turning to trades. I remember that when I was doing my apprenticeship, I was the only female in the whole yard. It was strange being the only one. But now, at work, there are four or five girls down there. It’s just so good to see. It makes you feel like you’re not the only one anymore, which is always nice.”

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L3,

HARD YAKKA LARGE YELLOW NAVY HI VIS SHORT SLEEVE

POLO, I/N: 0147116

Wearing hi-vis on the job helps us be seen and safe, but heading away from the worksite doesn’t mean that it should stay in the cupboard. In fact, unless you’re playing hide and seek (and want to win), decking the family out in fluro is an easy way to stay safe under the stars and around a dark campground.

ESKY 10L HARD CHILLA COOLER, I/N: 3240442

How good is it when your work gear can double as camping accessories? Whether cracking open a cold one on holidays or chilling water on the job, you can’t go wrong with an esky. Turn for more camping hacks using tools from your kit

LIFESTYLE BANTER HACKS HUB

Life tips and some light relief after a long day.

CAMPING HACKS

With the holiday season fast approaching, dig into your toolbox and discover which tools can also double as great camping accessories!

BY LUKE DODEMAIDE

How good is it being able to enlist your tool batteries to power up a radio or a fan or a light while experiencing the great outdoors?

Buddies Dan Allen and Ed Ross (from left), co-founders of the blue collar counselling support service TIACS and funky workwear brand TradeMutt, are no strangers to a bush camp.

“The thing I love about camping is that you can disconnect and turn into your full caveman mode,” Dan says. “I’m talking bare feet, wearing the same clothes for days on end, and not caring about letting go of your personal hygiene standards.”

With summer upon us, Dan and Ed highlight a few essential items you can repurpose from the worksite or the toolshed when in holiday mode.

LIGHT IT UP WITH A HEAD TORCH

“You don’t realise how much you need lighting until you’re out in the wild with no street lights,” Ed says. “And if you don’t time your run and don’t have your hands on a torch by the time it gets dark, you can make your experience a little more complicated.”

Dan wholeheartedly agrees: “Yes, strapping a torch to your head is an absolute must. Two hands free at all times, for all camping activities.”

THE PICK: Kincrome Compact Headlamp, I/N: 0732142

CAFFEINE HIT

To perk you up on the jobsite or when waking with the birds while camping.

THE PICK: Makita 12V Max

– 18V Coffee Machine (Skin Only), I/N: 0076366

CORDLESS COMBO KIT

“We need to include cordless gear in this list for sure,” Dan says. “Cordless impact driver, cordless blower, cordless sabre saw... all are an absolute must for driving in big sand pegs or tent pegs, and whatever else you are using on the Christmas camp. You can use the sabre saw for cutting up firewood and the blower for starting your fire.”

Batteries from your power tools will also come in handy for powering up fans, radios or lights.

THE PICK: Makita 18V Brushless 5 Piece Combo Kit, I/N: 0760823

CAMP OVEN WITH FULL BORE KEVLAR WELDING GLOVES

“You have your cast iron camp oven, with a good set of welding gloves, for all your cooking needs and keeping your hands safe from the heat,” Dan says, with Ed adding: “You can cook a roast in it, or could be stew. You know what else? You can make damper in it.”

THE PICKS: Jumbuck 3.5L

Cast Iron Dutch Oven, I/N: 0443615; Full Boar 40cm Welding Glove, I/N: 0225352

GRILLING IRON

If you’ve got a hankering for a burger while away, this is an easy way to grill food over the campfire. Cool-touch rubber-wooden handles will make grilling a cinch and safe.

THE PICK: Jumbuck

Portable DBL Camp Fire

Burger Grill Iron*, I/N: 0932642

PORTABLE SHOWER

Next time you’re buying a garden pressure sprayer for weed whacking, purchase a back-up which can double as a portable shower when you’re really out in the sticks.

THE PICK: Aqua Systems 15L Backpack Garden Sprayer, I/N: 2970288

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL FIRE SERVICE ABOUT CREATING AN OPEN FIRE DURING RESTRICTIONS, SUCH AS FIRE BANS. KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS AWAY FROM OPEN FIRES AND PUT MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF CHILDREN’S REACH. BURN HARDWOOD. DO NOT USE CHEMICALLY TREATED WOOD (PAINTED, STAINED OR TREATED WITH PRESERVATIVE) AND DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR PLASTIC. WHEN USING POWER TOOLS, ALWAYS WEAR THE RECOMMENDED SAFETY GEAR

DUCT TAPE, CARABINERS AND CABLE TIES

“Carabiners, duct tape and zip ties [are essential] for hanging stuff,” Dan says. “For hanging lights or torches up on the gazebo or on trees. A few zip ties are perfect for securing things and any quick fixes that might come up.”

Ed adds: “And you need duct tape for everything! You might have a rope you need to secure down on your ute.”

THE PICKS:

3M 48mm x 18.2m

No Residue Duct Tape, I/N: 0531731; Taskmaster 8mm Snap Hook Carabiner – 10 Pack, I/N: 0022044; Crescent 370mm x 4.8mm Black Cable Ties – 100 Pack, I/N: 4431308

HOLIDAY SURVIVAL

The festive period isn’t always a sunny time. TIACS counsellor Kurt talks us through three tactics for coping with the stresses of the season.

#1 BE PROACTIVE IN THE LEAD-UP

“I know Dan [Allen] has compared this to a task like fencing. You don’t turn up on the day and go, ‘Oh, what do I need for this?’ You do all the planning and the lead-up so that when you start that activity, you’re ready to go. Similarly, with Christmas, which can be overwhelming or emotionally difficult for many, early preparation reduces on-the-day stress. Whether it is buying presents in October or organising events in November, planning ahead gives a sense of control.”

#2 SET FAIR BOUNDARIES AND DON’T ALWAYS SAY YES TO EVERYTHING

“One thing I’ve been thinking about is how important it is not to overcommit. For most people, Christmas is their big break, so if you fill it with non-stop social events, it won’t feel like a holiday. If you’ve got the energy, great, go for gold. However, it is important to consider the flow-on effect. If you say yes to everything, you may not feel fresh going into next year.”

#3 BE PRESENT AND ENJOY THE SMALLER MOMENTS

“After all the planning and reflection, the most important thing is to stay present. You’ve done the work, now enjoy the moment, whether it’s Christmas Day, New Year’s, or just having a coffee with your partner. We often miss these small, meaningful moments by thinking too far ahead. But those are the memories we carry with us, and missing them is a real loss.”

TIACS is a free counselling service supporting tradies, truckies, farmers and blue collar workers, and those who care about them. You can reach TIACS 8am-10pm (AEST) Monday to Friday by texting or calling 0488 846 988. Don’t know what to say? Simply text ‘Hi’ and the counsellor will take it from there.

DAVE SAYS THIS MARLIN HE CAUGHT AT EDEN IN NSW “ONLY TOOK ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO GET IN. SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS... EVERY FISH IS DIFFERENT.”

THE WHAT A RIPPER!

Life’s too short – have a laugh and get these funnies into ya.

UP

What do you get if you take a waterproofer fishing? Some epic catches, that’s what!

For a guy who makes his crust out of waterproofing, Dave Stockley can’t be kept away from the water. So it makes sense then that he loves chasing gnarly big fish. He’s had some epic catches, but none quite as stubborn as the one that grabbed his line last year in Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.

“It was heavy, I could feel that,” Dave says. “But it was a dead weight so I wondered what I’d hooked, maybe a big ray?” Reeling it in, he soon found something he’s more likely to come across on the job than while throwing a line in.

“It was a huge sheet of corrugated iron! Not exactly what we were chasing,” he shares.

Still, it was better than a day on the job, Dave says, offering his one tip to anyone wanting the perfect fishing expedition: “Don’t plan it. You’re much better off thinking, ‘Now’s perfect, let’s go!’” And maybe pack a nibbler or shears in case you haul in a sheet of something that won’t quite fit in the esky.

DAVE STOCKLEY WITH A GIANT TREVALLY CAUGHT OFF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF – AND HIS OTHER SURPRISE HAUL (LEFT)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Five things have been changed in the image on the right. Can you find them all?

TURNING IT ON ITS HEAD

Sometimes working on a complicated build with lots of other tradies at once can feel like you’re in a topsy turvy house with the chaos all around, but thank your lucky stars you weren’t trying to get this quirky design off the ground – or is that off the roof?

Taking five times longer to build than a regular house (due to disorientation of the builders), the ‘Upside Down House’ is part of the Centre for Education and Regional Promotion in Szymbark Park, Poland. The unique nature of the structure is meant to symbolise how communism in Poland turned life upside down. It is said that entering the house (via the windows, rather than the front door) requires “skills and courage” because while intriguing, this ar(t)itecture is designed to cause vertigo.

ACHEY TRADIE

You know you’re turning into that “old tradie” when…

• Your mullet is slowly becoming a comb-over.

• The most exciting thing about your new ute is the seat warmer.

• The orthotic inserts in your boots cost more than the boots.

• The site radio is set to the Golden Oldies station – no argument!

• Your favourite hammer is older than the new apprentice.

• You book a holiday away… and it’s not to Bali.

• The text size on your phone is at the max and you still can’t read it.

• The client asks for a receipt and you hand them a sheet of paper.

• Locating the portaloo is the most important part of every new job.

• Your signature fragrance is muscle inflammation cream.

VOLATILE LIQUIDS TAX

“Sorry mate, I didn’t think to make an extra cuppa for you.”

CONSULTANCY FEE

“I saw on YouTube you need a different screw for that.”

Cha-ching!

Little does the client know, these extra services will come at a cost. It’s time to get creative.

SANITATION ACCESS TRANSPORT

“There’s a Macca’s one suburb over, they have toilets you can use.”

LOCAL FAUNA CARE

“Can you mind the dogs while I’m at work? They don’t wander… much.”

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

“While you’re here, can you take a look at this window?”

I might be built tough,

but I’m a big softie

// NAME Billie, Staffordshire mix

// HUMAN ASSISTANT Malcolm (Adelaide, SA)

// TIME ONSITE More than a year after being rescued by Desert Flower Landscaping.

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Being the most loveable boss (don’t let Baggie, the original boss, hear that!), providing full lean-in cuddles, a friendly lick and a wagging tail. I love being part of the team.

// WHEN I AM OUTDOORS I AM… in my element. Give me a patch of sun and I’ll bask in it. Sniffing out new locations on a job always makes for a happy day.

// MY MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAIT IS… being obedient. From my first day with Malcolm I showed him a thing or two by jumping into the back of the ute with ease and sitting on demand.

// IF I VISIT A JOB THE FIRST THING I DO IS… have a good sniff and, of course, mark my territory.

// MY HUMAN ASSISTANT SAYS I AM… his girl.

// NAME Chief, Tamaruke

// HUMAN ASSISTANTS Mary and Sam (Sydney, NSW)

// TIME ONSITE Five years as a self-appointed strata manager to my human assistant’s abode.

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Greeting tradies and checking work boots for extra socks.

// WHEN IT COMES TO BEING SOCIAL I LIKE TO… swim at the dog park a few times a week and visit my assistant’s hairdresser.

// WHEN WE HIT THE ROAD I LIKE TO… bark and squeal when the reversing beeper goes off.

// MY HUMAN ASSISTANTS SAY I AM… the best.

// NAME Murphy (aka Murph dawwwwg), pure breed cocker spaniel

// HUMAN ASSISTANT Cyril (Aspendale Gardens, VIC)

// TIME ONSITE Nine years with Campbell Data & Electrical.

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Guarding the office while taking a nap under my human’s desk – there is an art to it!

// MY MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAIT IS… that I can finish my breakfast and dinner in under 30 seconds flat. You wouldn’t want to come up against me in an official eating contest.

// PROUDEST MOMENT When I mastered how to ride up front in the work van; leaning into the corners like a Formula 1 pro.

MEET THE REAL BOSSES

Sure, you might think you’re running the show,

but we all know who the real CEOs of the home and jobsite are...

// FOOD THAT GETS ME OUT OF BED IS… cheese.

// THE FUNNIEST THING I’VE EVER DONE IS… learn how to play dead.

// MY PROUDEST MOMENT IS… dressing as my favourite tradies Matt and Barry for Halloween.

// YOU’LL USUALLY FIND ME… stealing something out of your toolbox.

Safety

Lounge, footy and my favourite human… it’s on!

// I LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN… being attached to my human like a furry shadow – where he goes, I go.

// YOU’LL USUALLY FIND ME… lounging on the couch with my human, scoring snacks and enjoying 80 minutes of rugby.

// MY HUMAN ASSISTANTS SAY I AM… the best – pure and simple.

Mmm, doughnuts!

// NAME Eddie, American Staffordshire

// HUMAN ASSISTANTS Corey and Tania (Melbourne, VIC)

// TIME ONSITE Six happy years with CGC Plumbing Services.

// FAVOURITE RESPONSIBILITIES Eating Dad’s crumbs off the floor is definitely a key one, as is having words with the delivery driver and keeping pesky myna’s out of our backyard.

// YOU’LL USUALLY FIND ME… keeping Tania on her toes by making sure she’s working hard or, as Corey would say, hardly working!

// MY MOST IMPRESSIVE TRAIT IS… sniffing out a cinnamon doughnut from 10 metres away – don’t tempt me!

// I LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN… a good game of ball chasey. I also love swimming in any kind of weather, and I’m a fan of sleeping on the job. Plus, I love holidays in the caravan. I get post-vacation blues more than Tania.

YOU HAD JOB!

When you’re called to a site and what you find leaves you scratching your head...

“The middle of the block seems like a good spot for power. I’m sure that won’t be getting driven over any time soon!”

// ANONYMOUS, TOOWOOMBA, QLD

“This one is a pearler! Landlord sends his ‘handyman’ to attend to a leaky tap, resulting in the vanity being replaced with a heavy countertop basin held up by shelf brackets (weight rated for no more than 3kg). Oh, and no water connection.”

// BETH, HAWTHORN, VIC

“Because it’s just funny…”

// ANONYMOUS, PICTON, NSW

“When you rock up to a job after an SOS and notice something’s not quite right. Yep, the spa bath is on the other side of the wall. Wow! This would never happen on our watch.”

// DOWN RIVER BUILDING, CLARENCE VALLEY, NSW

Seen some headscratchers on a jobsite?

Email pictures to us, along with a caption of what the problem is, via trademag@bunnings.com.au