Deirdre O Meara 
A couple from Cheshire, known as @thecheshiregreyhome_ on TikTok, have recently shared how they transformed their garden with a DIY project that saved them thousands of pounds. Stephanie and her partner decided to give their fence a budget makeover by creating their own on-trend panelling to sit in front of it. Stephanie shared the entire process on TikTok, where she regularly shares interior design and DIY tips with her 9,300 followers.
The 33-second video shows Stephanie explaining how they used C16 treated timber 2 x 4” panels, measuring 4.8m, to create the panelling. They added 7-foot 4 x 4 posts into each anchor and created a rebate for the corner post. They used two spacers to create 20mm gaps and marked each piece of wood for cutting with a set square. Finally, they used a nail gun attachment on a compressor to secure the panels in place.
Stephanie and her partner finished off the budget makeover by adding some white and cream coloured pebbles around the base of their DIY fence, as well as some green plants and small trees. The entire project was done during lockdown and the couple admitted that it would have been easier with a chop saw, but they had to make do with what they had.
Similar timber planks can be purchased from various retailers, including Wickes, with prices starting from as little as £3. Fans of the couple’s DIY project loved the idea, with their step-by-step guide gaining more than 1,100 likes and 98,100 views. In the comments, TikTok users shared their reactions, with one person applauding the couple for using real grass and another suggesting that they paint the fence in the background black so that it doesn’t show through the slits in the new fence.
Stephanie and her partner’s DIY project is a great example of how you can transform your garden on a budget. With a little creativity and some basic DIY skills, you can create a stylish and functional space that you’ll love spending time in. It’s also a reminder that you don’t always need the latest tools and equipment to get the job done – sometimes you just need to make do with what you have.
Overall, Stephanie and her partner’s DIY project is an inspiration to anyone looking to spruce up their garden without breaking the bank. By using simple materials and basic DIY skills, they were able to create a stylish and functional space that they can enjoy for years to come.
