Snow and Ice

So we've been treated to a fair bit of snow and ice over the past week. Our store has managed to stay open right through pretty much keeping to its normal opening hours.

We did close early last Friday (18th January) though. The heavy snow fall the previous night meant a lot of people hadn't made it to work and our shop was very quiet so we made the unusual decision to close up shop at 14.00. One of our staff decided to take advantage of the early finish and build a snow bear with his sister!

We have good stocks of de-icer, paraffin and rock salt in our store on Talbot Road, Port Talbot so please call in if you need to stock up. We can also deliver should you require it.

 

 

Don't forget our online stores www.pagesdiy.com and www.slidingwardrobesuk.co.uk continue to trade 24/7 in all weathers!!

Last Orders For Christmas

Well the festive time is almost upon us and people have been getting excited to have seen the Coca Cola advert as I keep getting reminded in various social media feeds! For me Christmas arrives when McDonalds festive menu arrives. I noticed for the first time it was available yesterday and now I'm pretty excited and can't wait for my first festive treat at the golden arches!

A large number of companies close down for Christmas and things pretty come to a hault. Pages DIY will be open during the period for all your DIY needs. Our brick and mortar store in Port Talbot www.pagesdiy.co.uk will be open for selected days but operating with slightly reduced opening hours.

As for our online stores they will be fully open for business 24/7 throughout the holiday season. The only issue will be some delay on processing orders and shipments. In fact depending on when an order is placed some orders may not be shipped until the new year.

For our online DIY store www.pagesdiy.com last order date for delivery before Christmas will be around 16th December but we'll confirm closer to the date.

If you want to complete the look in your bedroom with a stylish sliding wardrobe in time for Christmas your order must be placed with www.slidingwardrobesuk.co.uk by 30th November 2012. Orders placed after this date are likely to be delivered in 2013.

ALM Gardening Accessories

With spring now well and truly here we expect you're out in your garden cutting the lawn and sorting it out ready for the season ahead.

If you need chainsaw accessories or trimmer / strimmer or mower parts and accessories you'll find a huge range available from our online store PagesDIY.com.

The site has a huge range of chainsaw chains in various different styles meaning there is bound to be one to suit your chainsaw. The chains are of good quality manufactured by ALM. The three main types are listed on our site along with a handy guide to help you select the correct one for your chainsaw.

You also find a huge range of trimmer / strimmer spools, line, parts and accessories. These are again manufactured by ALM offering good quality replacement parts to keep you cutting the grass! At PagesDIY.com you'll find trimmer / strimmer reels and accessories suitable for most popular manufacturers including Black and Decker, Bosch & Qualcast, Flymo, Homelite, Ryobi as well as other makes and ALM replacement trimmer / strimmer line.

Our site also stocks a large range of replacement metal and plastic blades suitable for mowers meaning that you can fit a new blade for the forthcoming season allowing you to keep your lawn in pristine condition.

If you're greenhouse is looking tired you could consider giving it a full makeover. To allow you to do that we can supply a full range of replacement greenhouse parts manufactured by ALM. The parts range includes glazing clips, lap clips, nuts and bolts, sliding door wheel kits etc.

As well as the ALM accessories you'll find a huge range of gardening tools, watering tools and other gardening accessories in the gardening section of PagesDIY.com.

Abus Locks at Pages DIY

You don’t become a brand with expertise in preventive security technology overnight. But when August Bremicker und Söhne KG (ABUS for short) started making traditional padlocks in 1924, they were already setting standards. The founders’ strategy was simple and timeless: ‘Security calls for quality!’ It is that principle that successive generations have carried on and developed.

A family-owned firm for over 80 years, ABUS has grown with its skilled, friendly staff and consistent customer orientation into a strong, independent, globally operating group of companies. Characterised by a Christian corporate structure, its image today is one of modernity and innovation – ‘Spirit of ABUS’ a good basis for a secure future.

At Page's DIY Ltd. we have been stocking the ABUS security range for years. The ABUS is also available online from our internet store PagesDIY.com where we offer UK home delivery on the ABUS range.  ABUS have a padlock for pretty much anything as you can see from the extensive range available on our online store. Padlocks are available at every level from low security up to high security requirements.

The range features some innovative padlocks like the diskus padlock displayed on the right. This padlock offers the highest level of protection restricting the usual method of manipulation. There is also a large range of combination padlocks available meaning that you don't need to worry about keys. The combination padlocks are not just restricted to the type you'd normally use on your suitcase. ABUS produce ones with a medium to high security rating.

If you need multiple locks all operating with the same key this is available for most of the ABUS range. If you're looking to purchase additional ABUS Padlocks to match existing keys then this is available too from both our website and instore. In fact on the site you can find the ABUS keyed alike padlocks listed by reference number so you can easily find a lock that matches your existing ABUS key reference.

As well as the vast Abus Padlock range they produce a range of other security products as well. One example is the high security wall anchors - great for providing a point to secure high value items like personal watercraft, motorbikes, push bikes or lawn mowers etc. For push bikes and motorcycles there is a range of specific bike locks available from ABUS too. These are available to suit a range of security requirement levels and come with either keyed locks or combinations locks. Abus security chains can be used in combination with the high security anchors to ensure that your high value items don't get stolen from your garage!

If you're concerned about tools left in a van or garage you should think about fitting the ABUS integral van lock. This is a must for all Tradesman if carrying tools or machinery in a van or just keeping them in a garage or double door shed. This Abus VANLOCK is suitable for vans, trucks, garages, sheds or any other outward opening double doors.

If you've got UPVC doors ABUS produce euro profile cylinders meaning that with ABUS you really can take care of your entire home security needs.

Whether it's a bike lock, padlock for your garage or shed or front door lock you need, ABUS have pretty much got your entire security needs sorted, all available for home delivery from our online store: PagesDIY.com and our high street store located in Talbot Road, Port Talbot.

Rustins Varnishes

Continuing with the Rustins theme from previous weeks this post with focus on the range of varnishes available from the Rustins brand. Again these are products available from both our Port Talbot store and online store.

If you're looking for a quality clear varnish Rustins produce a range of clear polyurethane varnishes in gloss, satin and matt finishes. These are a tough durable finish resistant to oil, water and many chemicals for all woodwork and cork. You need to apply 2-3 coats for the perfect finish and re-coating time is 2-8 hours. These varnishes can also be applied over Rustin’s Wood Dyes to give a fantastic finish in a range of colours.

If you want to achieve a coloured finish and varnish in one go you should consider one of the Rustins Quick Drying Coloured Varnishes. These are available in gloss, satin and matt finishes in a wide range of colours. A quick drying, hard wearing coating for all interior woodwork. Low odour, non-toxic and touch dry in 20 minutes, re-coatable in 2 hours. Low odour non toxic and touch dry in 20 mins, re-coatable in 2 hours.

There's also a wide range of exterior varnishes available from Rustins.  One such product is the Rustins quick drying exterior varnish. This varnish is quick-drying, durable, clear coating available in Gloss and Satin. Gives long lasting protection to all external wood, and is touch dry in 30 minutes, re-coatable in 4 hours. If you're looking for a more specialist product that has flexible qualities Rustins Flexterior should meet your needs. A flexible exterior satin wood finish with ultraviolet and fungicide protection. Available in mahogany, dark oak, teak and clear. Ideal for use on all new, planed and sawn soft and hard woods. Flexterior with its special properties will not peel, crack or blister when correctly applied.

For a highly durable varnish for use outdoors you need Rustins Yacht Varnish. Specially formulated on Tung Oil to give maximum protection and durability to marine and other external woodwork. Has excellent adhesion and will not flake or peel when correctly applied. Ideal for exterior doors, window frames, cladding as well as marine woodwork. Good resistance to rain, sunlight, frost, salt and chemically polluted atmospheres may it ideal for outdoor demanding environments. 3 coats are recommended allowing at least 12 hours between coats. It can be applied over exitsing coatings as long as these are in good condition and rubbed down to provide a key.

Rustins Danish Oil

In the blog we posted yesterday we focussed on the Rustins brand which is available from PagesDIY.com and our brick and mortar store in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Today we're continuing with the Rustins theme and looking more specifically at one of the products from the Rustins range.

Rustins Danish Oil is one of the most famous and popular products in the range. In fact Rustins was the first to manufacture Danish Oil. Danish Oil is an easy wipe-on low lustre finish for all types of wood. On all interior and exterior wooden surfaces including...doors, dressers, cladding, garden and indoor furniture, window frames, turned woodwork etc. Apply liberally with a clean rag or brush and wipe off the surplus oil after a few minutes for a natural low lustre finish.

Danish Oil is a special formulation developed by Rustins Ltd. based on Tung Oil, also known as Chinese Wood Oil. The oil is extracted from nuts, similar in size to a Brazil nut, growing on species of trees found mainly in China and some areas of South America. After processing the oil is blended with synthetic resins to improve hardness, and other vegetable oils. Driers and solvents are added to improve the performance and application properties, so that Danish Oil may be applied with a rag or brush.

The special ingredients used in the manufacture of Danish Oil penetrate deep into all types of timber, drying to a hard, durable and water resistant seal. Unlike varnishes it does not leave a thick film on the surface which may peel, chip or craze on ageing. The oil dries quickly in 4 to 6 hours, depending on ambient temperature and humidity, producing a non tacky surface. It does not, therefore pick up dust as will wood treated with linseed oil. As it is a hard drying oil, it may be used as a primer or sealer on bare wood before applying other finishes, if required. Danish Oil may be used on interior and exterior woodwork and can be over-coated with a varnish or paint at any time, if it is desired to alter the appearance.

 It's so easy to use

• Apply liberally with a clean rag or brush and wipe off the surplus oil after a few minutes.
• Allow to dry and repeat. New wood generally requires 3 applications.

Absolutely no skill is required for application, as even when the oil is applied with a brush, it does not have to be brushed out in the same way as a varnish. The brush is merely used to spread the oil liberally over the surface. For an outstanding finish the last coat of Danish Oil may be applied by rubbing over the surface with fine steel wool 000 grade, or a scouring pad, such as Scotchbrite. Then wiping off the surplus with a soft cloth. This will remove any "nibs" on the surface and leave the surface with a silky-smooth finish.

Danish Oil will bring out the beauty of all timbers and give a natural open-grained soft lustrous finish. The natural colour of the wood may be altered by staining with Rustin's Wood Dye before applying Danish Oil. The Wood Dye can also be added to Danish Oil to make a tinted oil.

Danish Oil may be applied to surfaces that have been treated with other oils, provided the surfaces are clean. Surfaces that have been wax polished however, must be cleaned first with steel wool, white spirit and clean rag.

The finish is easily maintained by re-oiling as required once the surface has been cleaned with a mild detergent solution, rinsed and dried. Alternatively, the surface may be cleaned with steel wool, white spirit and clean rag. Exterior woodwork,will require re-oiling annually or more frequently. For instance, oily hardwoods tend to be more resistant than softwoods and oak which may need more attention. The durability on exterior woodwork can be improved by diluting Danish Oil with equal parts of White Spirit for the first application. This will improve the penetration. Three undiluted coats should then be applied. When applied to previously oiled, or varnished surfaces, or after repeated oiling of new wood, the surface may develop a slight gloss. This can be removed by rubbing with the grain with 00 or 000 steel wool and wax polish, finishing off with a soft cloth.

Rustin's Danish Oil is used extensively by woodturners worldwide to obtain a superb satin finish.

You'll find Rustin's Danish Oil both in our store in Port Talbot and at PagesDIY.com.

Rustins Products

You'll find a huge range of Rustins Products available from our online store PagesDIY.com and our physical store in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Rustins produce a massive range of quality products starting out as a small shop in London in 1924. Sidney Rustin opened his first shop in London's Shoreditch district where he sold wood finishing products to local residents and trades people.

Sidney's father was a cabinetmaker and his mother funded the business venture with £50. During the second world war the first night raid destroyed the original 1932 factory and the business moved to its present location in Cricklewood, London.

Ronnie Rustin, Sidney's son, took over the business and ran it until his death in 2008. He drove the growth of Rustin's to be one of the best brands in the industry with focus on wood finishing products, speciality paints and decorating sundries. Rustin's products sell throughout the UK to home DIY enthusiasts and professionals who want quality and innovative products.

Rustins also exports to more than 20 countries.

Rustins formulated its Strypit paint remover in 1947 and demand remains high. Rustins was the first manufacturer of Danish Oil which remains a famous and popular product.

In 2004 a fire from a nearby warehouse spread out of control and destroyed the Rustin's warehouse and six other properties. Production ceased briefly while a new warehouse was rented. A new state-of-the-art warehouse was built adjacent to the manufacturing site. During this time the passion and commitment of employees for Rustin's shined through as stocks were replenished to service customers.

Today Rustins continues its research and development efforts on its core markets of wood finishing, speciality paint and decorating. Rustins produce a huge range of products available to order online at PagesDIY.com. The product range includes: decking products; floorcare products; garden furniture oils; paints; polishes; primers and undercoats; teak, danish, tung and linseed oils; varnishes; wax; wood dyes and woodcare renovators.

Why buy from Page's DIY?

We thought we'd just do a brief post since our very first blog post which gave a bit of our company history and background and use it to answer the question in the title.

Basically as our very first blog post makes clear we are a family business with a long history. We're not an internet business run by a 14 year old boy from his dad's garage. In fact our ecommerce division which includes our online DIY store PagesDIY.com has been trading online since 2007 and was set up and is run by Chris Page (The 4th generation of the family to be involved with the business since it was founded in 1918). Our online store has continued in the long standing tradition of our business in providing excellent customer service as the online reviews we're getting shows.

When you buy from Page's DIY Ltd. either from our online DIY store or our brick and mortar store in Port Talbot you can be reassured that you are buying from a long running independent family business now in it's 4th generation of the same family.

The picture to the left shows where the business began in 1918 in metal roofed workshops to the rear of 5 Grove Place. You can also see our first DIY / ironmongery and hardware shop where the blue car is parked outside which opened in 1960.

Today the business has grown and in 1990 moved to larger premises in Talbot Road, Port Talbot where we're still based today. If you want to take a look around our physical store you can take a 360 degree look around here.

So when you buy from us you can be rest assured that you're buying from a business that is almost 100 years old, safe in the knowledge that we have an excellent reputation both locally and now nationally though our ecommerce division.

Dale Designer Door Lever Handles

There's a brand new range of door handles on PagesDIY.com of Dale Designer Door Handles. With 22 handles in the range you're sure to find a handle that suits your project.

The handles feature varying different styles and finishes and unique combinations. For example the Arc designer handle (right) combines satin nickel and polished chrome finishes.

The orbit designer handle (left) combines polished electro brass and polished chrome plate finishes.

The dale range includes handles with a scroll type handle like the venus designer levers (right). The venus comes in both polished chrome plated and satin chrome plated finishes allowing you to choose the finish to match your room.

As well as scroll design handles there are handles with a slight curve and contemporary type design handles which are completely straight in design like the sultan designer levers (left).

With 22 designs to choose from at PagesDIY.com you are sure to find a style and finish to suit your room. All the handles featured in the dale designer lever handle section on PagesDIY.com are also available from our high street store in Talbot Road, Port Talbot.

Well travelled Gainsborough Door Knobs

We had an enquiry last week from a customer who lived in Melbourne Australia. He was looking for some Gainsborough Door Knobs that were listed on our online store PagesDIY.com.

Conscious of the cost to the customer I initially advised him to contact Gainsborough directly as the HQ of Gainsborough Door Knobs is in Melbourne Australia. However it seems the specific version of the knobs in ebony with bright chrome backplate were no longer available in Australia, hence his request asking if we could supply them.

We were more than happy to oblige. We've previously shipped Gainsborough Door Knobs to the United States but this was the first time we'd sent a large order to Australia! It seemed a bit bizzare that these knobs were manufactured in Melbourne, had travelled to the UK by ship and were now heading back to Melbourne in an aeroplane and to a customer who lived not far from Gainsborough HQ!

So the door knobs were packaged up and sent last Thursday by Fedex. The service provided was fantastic and were delivered to the customer on Monday safe and sound.

We received confirmation from the customer that they were pleased with the service and the speed they had been delivered.

We were delighted we were able to help this customer out as they already had these knobs within their home and needed to match them up.

For those not familiar with the Gainsborough range they are a high quality door knob range available in passage, privacy, wardrobe and cupboard door functions. They come in a wide variety of finishes including ceramic / porcelain, brass, chrome, satin chrome and crystal glass effect. Please browse the pages on our site PagesDIY.com to find out more about Gainsborough Door Knobs and the styles available.

Home Security in Hot Weather

The summer is a time when you seem to get far more opportunist thefts from homes. It's often because people leave windows open or unlocked particularly when asleep at night or if they pop out in the daytime. Please take extra care at this time of year so you don't become another statistic.

Modern cars have become so sophisticated that it's only really possible to steal a vehicle with the car keys. Think about where you keep your keys - anywhere around the front door particularly where a long stick or similar could reach them through the letterbox is never a good idea! Close to open windows is an open invitation too. If you have windows you want to keep open for ventilation think about fitting some sort of device to limit how wide the window can be opened.

You'll find a large range of security products available at PagesDIY.com to protect your home. In fact you'll probably find that PagesDIY.com covers all your security needs with products from all the leading security brands including; Yale, Union, ERA, Abus, Henry Squire etc. If you can't find what your looking for please contact us on 01639 884076 as there is a good chance we can source what you're looking for. In our locks, padlocks and security section you'll find a large range of door and window locks & secondary security products, digital push button locks, garage door security products, hasp and staples, padlocks, safes, key safes etc., security chains and security alarms.

The secondary security products we keep are great for adding additional security to your windows and doors. We have a large range of locks and fittings for wooden windows, locks and fittings for metal windows and locks and fittings for UPVC windows.

To restrict the window opening on a wooden window you could consider a securistay or ventilation lock. These restrict how far the window can be opened and can only be disconnected when the window is in a closed position.

A great way to improve security on a UPVC window or door is with our Sash Jammer Kits.
These are face fixed additional security device for UPVC windows and doors. Suitable for inward or outward opening doors and windows. This sash jammer is supplied with a lock which may be optionally used. Should you prefer not to use the lock the sash jammer can be used without it.

Supplied complete with all instructions and a choice of fixings. It can either be fitted with the supplied self tappers or the supplied bolts and jacknuts. You can view a video here showing how these are fitted.

Other secondary security products it could be worth considering is a rack bolt style door bolt, security chains and even door viewers.

The most important thing is that you don't become lapse when the weather is hot. Try not to leave downstairs windows open overnight or during the day time whilst you are out. Where possible add additional security to your windows and doors and good quality padlocks and hasp and staples to your sheds. Thieves know there are often high value lawn mowers and garden equipment kept in sheds and expensive bikes etc. in garages. So make sure that your shed and garage are all well protected too. For outward opening garage doors consider a garage door defender as an additional security measure against thieves.

By making your home more difficult for thieves to gain access with a range of security products from PagesDIY.com you are helping in the fight against crime and you will hopefully not become another statistic this summer.

Garden Watering Tools

Apparently the forecast for Sunday is pretty good across the country. There is also the chance of some decent weather next week too. Good news for all those people who've headed to Glastonbury this weekend! Although from what we've heard it's pretty muddy down there on site at the moment and there is heavy rain forecast for later today / this evening!

If you haven't left for Glastonbury already then why not call into our Port Talbot store to pick up some wellington boots on your way! Our wellington boots sold in store have safety steel toe caps so would be great if people are jumping up and down and happen to land on your feet! We managed to sell some wellington boots to festival goers this time last year! We also sell wellington boots on our internet store PagesDIY.com you can view them at this page although we're sorry we can't get them to you in time for this years Glastonbury festival!

Okay we've digressed a little there, so lets get back on topic. So with the good weather we're sure a few of you are going to be looking to get out into the garden and possibly be looking to water your flowers. As you'd expect from a DIY retailer with over 13,000 products on their internet store we've got a large range of watering tools, hosepipes and fittings from brands like hozelock, faithfull etc.

In the hose fitting and connectors section you'll find fittings to connect your hose to a range of different taps as well as a wide range of hose end fittings including ones that will stop the water flow when you remove the hose gun, sprinkler etc. that is fitted to the end of your hose.

Other products in our range of watering tools, hosepipes and fittings include a range of car wash brushes. We're sure a lot of you will be taking advantage of the sunny weather to give the car a quick wash. You'll also find a big range of hose guns, garden sprayers and telescopic lances. The telescopic lance is great for watering hanging baskets! What use would all these fittings be without the actual hose pipe? In the hose pipe section we have standard garden hose pipe and heavy duty hose pipe which helps prevent kinks occuring. We've also got sprinkler hose and soaker hose which will let you water your garden and flower beds with minimal effort. You'll also find a large range of hose reels and hose storage systems and garden sprinklers. For those of you going on holiday this summer to escape the British summer why not consider seeting up a controlled watering system. Hozelock do a range of controlled watering timer systems which can completely take care of watering you flower beds, hanging baskets etc. while you relax on a sun bed in a sunnier location!

As is so typical of British summer we have to make the most of it whenever the sun comes out. So make sure you're prepared for it. Shop effortlessly online from your own home now at PagesDIY.com to make sure you have all the hose fittings, hose pipe etc. you need, so you can relax and enjoy your garden when the sun finally shines!

Get your decking ready for when we get some decent weather

It was the longest day of the year yesterday and July is quickly approaching. We should all be out enjoying the blazing sunshine but as is so typical of Wimbledon fortnight and the British Summer over the past few years, the weather isn't all that good at the moment.

Although we might not be basking in mid 20 degree heat at least it is dry enough for long enough for you to get out in the garden and get it looking great for when we do finally get some decent weather so you can sit back and enjoy it.

You're probably going to want to make sure your decking is looking good and we have a range of products available from manufacturers like Cuprinol, Liberon, Ronseal and Rustins specifically for outdoor decking. Browse through the products in our paints, varnishes & woodcare section.

The first thing you are going to want to do is clean and restore the decking as I'm sure it's looking a bit grubby. Cuprinol do a decking cleaner that is specifically designed to remove dirt and grease and kill algae and mould. Liberon also do a decking cleaner which can be found at the bottom of this page. The Liberon product again is designed to remove dirt, mildew and grime and inparticular helps remove black spotting caused by mould and lichen. Ronseal decking cleaner comes in a sachet that is dissolved in water. It kills moss, mould and algae to prepare the surface prior to coating. Ronseal also manufacture a decking restorer which is a quick and easy way to safely restore grey or weathered decking back to its natural appearance with the minimum of effort and fuss. The unique non-acidic, gel formulation brightens and revives dull and weathered timbers to leave your deck looking clean, newly restored and transformed to its original colour. Rustins also manufacture a decking cleaner for cleaning and reviving weathered garden decking. It can also be used to clean cladding, fences, window frames and other exterior woodwork.

Once you've got the decking cleaned and prepared you're ready to coat it. All the manufacturers mentioned above produce products for coating and treating decking. With so many on offer you're going to need to browse through PagesDIY.com to choose the most suitable product: Cuprinol decking products, Liberon decking products, Ronseal decking products, Rustins decking products.

Once you've coated your decking why not consider an anti slip coating? Liberon produce an anti-slip coating suitable for use on decking as well as other areas such as patios, concrete areas, paving, stone and wood. It can be used around swimming pools etc. and makes surfaces non-slip even when wet.

Now is the time to get your decking looking great so that when we do finally get some decent weather, you can relax, BBQ and enjoy the weather and your garden!