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.

Sliding Wardrobe Doors / Stanley Sliding Wardrobes

We are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new website SlidingWardrobesUK.co.uk to coincide with a new home delivery service we are able provide for Sliding Wardrobe Doors throughout the UK mainland.

Sliding Wardrobes by PagesDIY is the sister site to PagesDIY.com the online DIY store of Page's DIY Ltd.

We have been selling sliding wardrobe doors in our Port Talbot store since 1990 and have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the product. The manufacturer of the doors started out as Acmetrack in England in 1975. The business was later acquired by The Stanley Works, Inc in 1987 and sold under the 'Stanley Sliding Wardrobe Doors' name. It was subsequently sold in 2004, at which time it was renamed Home Décor Innovations. Home Décor is now a licensee of The Stanley Works and holds exclusive rights to the Stanley brand in this product category in EMEA.

Home Decor now manufactures the sliding wardrobes in Sheffield under the 'Ispace' name and the doors are still manufactured using stanley hardware for the sliding wardrobe door rollers.

All the sliding wardrobes doors found on our new site are available for home delivery within the UK mainland meaning that we can now deliver sliding wardrobes to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh etc.! We will of course still deliver sliding wardrobes throughout South Wales too to Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Cardiff etc. however local deliveries are more likely to be by our own delivery van. Free home delivery is available for any sliding wardrobe doors ordered over £500 in value.

Our site now boasts a huge range of sliding wardrobe doors from both the standard range and made to measure range.

The standard range comes in set sizes which suits an opening height of 2260mm (89") and varying opening widths as follows: 1193mm (47"), 1498mm (59"), 1778mm (70"), 1803mm (71"), 2235mm (88"), 2387mm (94"), 2692 (106"), 2946mm (116"), 2997mm (118"), 3556mm (140"), 3607mm (142"). Available in a range of styles and finishes including classic white and alder panel doors and mirrored sliding wardrobe doors. There is also a range of contemporary style sliding wardrobe doors including wideline, fineline and mirror & glass style doors. With such a large range of styles available there is bound to be something to suit the look and style you wish to achieve.

If would prefer full height sliding wardrobe doors or a more bespoke look then you need to consider our made to measure range sliding wardrobe range. Available in the 5 designer styles of ellipse, minimalist, shaker, linear and MTM Classic you are bound to find a sliding wardrobe door system to not only fit the opening size you have but also the look you want to create. With a huge range of panel colours and frame options to choose from the made to measure sliding wardrobe doors are designed by you and made for you allowing you to create a truly bespoke look unique to your room. The made to measure range suits opening heights between 1200mm - 2450mm and any widths between 1195mm - 4555mm.

For the wardrobe interior we have a range of storage solutions available which can be used as both wardrobe interior storage solutions and modular furniture systems in their own right. Both the relax modular furniture system and aura storage system look that good that they will complement any room setting as furniture as well as making highly desirable storage systems for use inside your sliding wardrobe.

For further information please visit our new site Sliding Wardrobes by PagesDIY or call our Sliding Wardrobes department on 01639 898177 (24hrs answerphone service available).

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.