3 sunny DIY projects to get stuck into this Spring

Ready to get stuck into some DIY? Here’s what you need to know about building beautiful planters and inviting fire pits to enhance your outdoor space!

There’s nothing better on a sunny day than a bit of DIY in the garden. Sometimes, even the smallest additions can have a big impact on your space and help give it a new lease on life. With the longer days and warmer weather finally making an appearance, it’s safe to say summer is just around the corner. So, now is the perfect time to start getting your garden in shape for summer, so when the time for that first all-important BBQ comes around, you’re ready and waiting.

If the one thing stopping you from setting off on your next DIY journey is the amount of tools and equipment you’ll need to get the job done, you’re in luck, because that’s exactly where we can help! At Smiths Hire, we’ve been the reliable choice for tool hire in the UK for over 50 years and we’re still going strong, so if you’re looking for tools for your next project, you’re in the right place. However, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next project, we’ve got a few simple suggestions for you!

A simple gardening bench

Chances are if you love spending time in your garden and DIY, you probably also love a bit of gardening, which is why our first suggestion for a project is a gardening bench. This project is a low-cost, beginner-friendly job to take on that can yield some beautiful results in a matter of hours. As long as you have the know-how and the confidence to use some common tools like a saw and a tape measure, you’re sorted.

Here’s what tools and materials you’re going to need:

The techniques used in this build are all beginner-friendly. Just be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment you are using at the time to ensure you have all the correct safety gear and know what precautions to take. The process will vary based on the size and style you want, so feel free to search for different designs. You can make it as rustic or elaborate as you like. Once it’s finished, you can paint it however you want. A helpful tip is to seal it, so you can continue using it for years to come!

A DIY garden planter

Now that you’ve got a new garden bench to sow your seeds from, you’re going to need somewhere to put those seeds when they’re ready to be planted, and that’s where a garden planter comes in. This DIY project uses many of the same tools as the gardening bench but should be easier to put together structurally. You’re essentially building a box without a lid. You can make your planter as large or small as you need to fit into your garden space.

Here’s what tools and materials you’re going to need:

This DIY should be slightly more straightforward than the garden bench, if you’re looking for something on the easier side. As we touched on above, be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment you are using at the time to ensure you have all the correct safety gear and know what precautions to take.

A cosy fire pit

If you like relaxing in the garden until the sun goes down, then a fire pit should definitely be on your spring DIY checklist! It’s the perfect spot to gather with your family and friends, have a drink or even roast marshmallows! It’s not as complicated as you’d think to build a firepit, and once you have the right tools and materials to hand, you’re already halfway there.

  • Shovel
  • Level
  • Landscape fabric
  • Gravel
  • Stone blocks (concrete blocks work well)
  • Rubber mallet
  • Tape measure
  • Tamper

To build your fire pit, start by marking out the size and digging a shallow circular hole. Fill the base with gravel for drainage and use landscape fabric to prevent weed growth. Arrange blocks or stones in a circle, stack the layers, and fill the gaps with gravel or decorative stone. Always check your local council website and obtain any necessary permits before starting!

These DIY projects should keep you busy and help you add a little extra oomph into your garden just in time for summer. And if you need tools to get the job done, we’re ready and waiting to hear from you!

For over half a century we’ve been providing quality equipment and tool hire to our customers all over the country. We currently have 16 depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. If you need some assistance, give our friendly team a ring on 0333 323 2100 and our experts will be happy to advise you!