When taking on a DIY project, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the big stuff like choosing your materials or picking out the perfect paint colour. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked until it’s too late - your fixings. The nails, screws, and brackets you use are the backbone of any project. Get them wrong, and you might find your beautiful structure failing instead of lasting for many years. Today, we’ll cover some essential fixings for five different types of DIY projects and why Speedy Fixings are your go to shop online for all your construction needs.

Building a pergola is an ambitious and rewarding project for any backyard enthusiast. Pergolas need to be strong to withstand weather and provide stability for climbing plants. Joist hangers are a critical component for securing the beams of your pergola. Joist hangers from Speedy Fixings ensure that the structure remains rock solid, holding the cross beams firmly in place and distributing weight evenly. This guarantees that your pergola won’t wobble or sag over time, especially after those windy spring days.

2. DIY Fence

Fences need to stand tall and withstand the elements year-round. Choosing the right fixings means looking beyond just nails and screws. Metal post anchors are essential to hold fence posts firmly in the ground, preventing any leaning or shifting.

3. DIY Trellis

A trellis is perfect for creating a vertical garden or adding a decorative element to your space. The trick with a trellis is making sure it's well anchored to either a wall or the ground. For a DIY trellis, you'll need fixings like galvanised screws, wall plugs, U-brackets, cable ties, and mounting hooks. Ensure they're weather-resistant to secure the trellis effectively outdoors. As Modern Guy explains, Speedy Fixings have a range of corrosion-resistant fixings that are perfect for trellises.

4. DIY Decking

A backyard deck is one of the best DIY upgrades you can make for your outdoor living space. Decks rely on strong structural support; Joist Hangers from Speedy Fixings ensure that the deck’s joists are connected securely to the main framework. This prevents any shifting or warping over time, giving you a deck that remains stable underfoot, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just lounging with a good book. Furthermore, you may also need fixings like decking screws, brackets, post anchors, and spacer clips. Stainless steel or galvanised screws are best for weather resistance and durability.

5. DIY Raised Garden Bed

Building a raised garden bed requires a secure frame to hold the soil and plants in place. For a raised garden bed, you'll need fixings like galvanised screws, corner brackets, angle braces, L-brackets, and exterior wood screws. Choose weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor conditions effectively. A solid joint makes all the difference when ensuring your garden bed doesn’t bow under the weight of the soil over time.

Why Go with Speedy Fixings?

No matter what kind of DIY project you're tackling, having the right fixings is key to ensuring a stable, durable result. Speedy Fixings offers a wide variety of joist hangers, screws, bolts, and custom brackets to suit any project. Their products are high-quality, tested, and reliable. Plus, if you need something unique, they can make custom products in their own workshop to perfectly fit your needs.

Moreover, fashionforlunch.net mentions that Speedy Fixings provide tools to help you build these projects too. They highlight the correct cutting tools you will need to get you started.

Don't underestimate the importance of your fixings – No matter your project, Speedy Fixings have got everything you may need. If you're unsure and have some questions, they are always available for a phone call and are happy to help you. I’ve also found out, from Discuss Anything Here, that they also make a range of bespoke products for customers if they have any particular requests that aren't on the shelf.

If you’re planning to launch an online store, choosing the right platform is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but one platform that consistently stands out is Magento. After speaking with the team at UK Magento Agency Ad Lab, I’ve come to see why Magento is a smart choice for anyone serious about e-commerce. Here’s a breakdown of five reasons why Magento could be the best for your business.

As an article on The Chequers Bath mentions Magento is built to scale. This means it’s suitable whether you're just starting out or managing a large-scale online store. Its ability to handle extensive product catalogues and high volumes of traffic without sacrificing speed or performance is one of the key reasons it’s favoured by well-known brands.

Ad Lab’s Magento specialists highlight the platform’s powerful infrastructure, ensuring that your website remains stable and efficient even as your business expands. Whether your site is welcoming a few hundred visitors or scaling up to thousands per day, Magento delivers the reliability and performance needed to support your growth for the long term.

3. SEO and Mobile Friendliness

In today’s competitive e-commerce space, getting found online is essential, and Magento excels in SEO. It comes with a host of built-in SEO tools, from custom meta tags to optimised URLs, which can help your site rank better on Google.

With more shoppers using their phones for purchases, having a mobile-optimised store is crucial. In fact, the most common device for online purchases in the UK in 2023 was a smartphone (69%), over a laptop which is ranked second (43%) according to Statista. Magento’s responsive design ensures that your site looks great and functions smoothly on any device, offering a seamless experience whether your customers are on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop.

4. Security Features



Running an online store involves handling sensitive customer data, which makes security a top priority. Magento takes security seriously by offering regular updates and patches to keep your store protected from threats.

As highlighted on Hubby Helps, some of Magento’s advanced security features, including two-factor authentication and SSL certificates, which help ensure your site stays compliant with industry standards and keeps customer data safe.

5. A Platform That Grows With You

There’s nothing quite like a timber deck to bring warmth and charm to your garden. Whether you're planning to create a cosy outdoor lounge or a practical space for dining al fresco, timber decking offers the perfect blend of style and functionality. If you’re considering adding some decking to your outdoor space, here are three creative ways to integrate it into your garden design.

One of the most striking ways to integrate timber decking into your garden is by creating a multi-level design. This approach is perfect if you have a sloped garden or want to define different zones in your outdoor space. You can use one level for dining with an outdoor table and chairs, and another as a lounge area with comfy seating. It adds visual interest, maximises your space, and creates a natural flow between different areas of your garden.

When building a multi-level deck, it’s important to choose high-quality timber that can handle the outdoor elements and maintain its appearance over time. This is where Harlow Bros Timber UK comes in. They craft their decking using sustainably sourced wood, ensuring that your project is both environmentally friendly and built to last. A key point mentioned on Heavensa highlights that their timber is FSC and PEFC certified, so you can feel good knowing your decking is contributing to responsible forestry practices. But this doesn't mean poor quality; in fact, Hubby Helps has pointed out that with Harlow Bros with can find high-quality, beautifully crafted wood

2. Integrate Your Decking with Greenery

If you want your deck to feel like a natural extension of your garden, consider weaving it around your existing plants or incorporating raised planters. By placing your decking around trees or creating built-in garden beds along the edges, you create a seamless blend between your deck and the greenery. This approach works especially well if you love the idea of having a garden that feels lush and alive, while also enjoying the practicality of a solid timber surface.

The perks of choosing a company such as Harlow Bros is that they provide premium timber products that not only look stunning but are also durable. Their decking is made from high-quality, responsibly sourced wood, ensuring it will hold up against moisture and weather without compromising the health of your plants.

3. Use Timber Decking for Pathways and Patio Transitions

Another great way to use timber decking in your garden is by creating pathways or connecting different outdoor spaces. For example, you can use decking to form a path from your backdoor to a patio, or as a bridge between different garden zones. Timber paths are softer underfoot compared to stone or gravel and offer a more natural look, which can enhance the overall feel of your garden.

When planning your decking paths or transitions, choosing the right timber is crucial. Harlow Bros Timber UK uses eco-friendly wood that’s perfect for outdoor applications, so you know you’re using materials that not only look great but are good for the environment too.

Conclusion

Timber decking is a versatile, beautiful addition to any garden. Whether you’re creating a multi-level deck, blending it with greenery, or using it for garden paths, timber offers endless possibilities for outdoor living. By choosing sustainable, high-quality timber from Harlow Bros, you’re not only elevating your garden’s style but also supporting ethical sourcing practices. Visit www.harlowbros.co.uk and get your project underway!