February 1 - 28, 2025: Issue 639

 

A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre in their Mona Vale store

School leavers may be currently be considering what options they wish to explore as not everyone wants to go to university. With this in mind we'll alternate DIY Projects in the DIY Idea pages with information on what's out there and what help you can get to set yourself up in a career that interests you. You won't have to get your haircut BUT you will secure a real job in an industry that interests you and on getting your ticket will have autonomy for life. All you have to do is follow through and complete the study and work entailed. 

Worth noting is the NSW Government is investing in fee free courses in the Construction and other Industries. This means you may be eligible for a fee free traineeship or apprenticeship.

You will need to provide evidence that you are a registered apprentice or a new entrant trainee.

There are also a range of other help, support and incentives for those who want to do this through a traineeship for those over 21 with fee caps there too.

To start off with, one for those who like working with wood.

CERTIFICATE III IN CARPENTRY

Become a highly sought-after carpenter when you undertake the nationally accredited Certificate III in Carpentry. Study as an apprentice or get recognised for your industry experience in this practical, hands-on course. Carpenters and joiners are in high demand in a skills shortage industry.

TAFE NSW working with wood course options: 

Entry Requirements

When you study with TAFE NSW, they want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow them to make sure that you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification. You will need to provide evidence that you meet the requirements listed in this section.

TRAINING PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS

If you are enrolling as an apprentice, you will need to provide evidence of the following:

  • Your employment as an apprentice carpenter
  • A completed training contract signed by your employer

Achievement of the general induction training program (commonly known as a White Card). The unit CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry covers this requirement as specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2007). You will need this before you can enter a construction worksite

TAFE NSW REQUIREMENTS

TAFE NSW offers the Certificate III in Carpentry as an apprenticeship or non-apprenticeship course so you can nail the career you want. Depending on your unique circumstances - and the campus you choose to study at - you will need to provide evidence that you meet any relevant entry criteria.

Apprenticeship

To be eligible for this course, you must:

  • Be employed as an apprentice carpenter
  • Submit your training plan proposal (TPP) with your application
  • Complete your formal training with TAFE NSW and your informal, on-the-job training with your employer

Non-apprenticeship

You will need to:

  • Be over 21 years of age
  • Provide evidence of significant (3 years plus) and current industry experience. Your workplace evidence will be reviewed prior to course entry to make sure your skills and knowledge meet course requirements

If your workplace evidence does not meet all units of competency, you will need to organise an approved workplace or simulated workplace for practical assessments.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

With 130 locations across the state, TAFE NSW tailors qualifications to meet the needs of the local community and specific student groups (like apprentices, fast-tracked and online students). To make sure this course is the right fit for you, we will need you to demonstrate that you can meet the additional requirements below.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

This is a licensed occupation. When you successfully complete the Certificate III in Carpentry you can apply for licensing with NSW Fair Trading. Fair Trading NSW is the licensing and regulatory authority for trades and contractor authorities in NSW. Further information can be found on their website.

BE PREPARED

To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:

  • A strong work ethic
  • A good understanding of mathematics is preferable
  • An interest in working in a variety of environments, indoors and outdoors
  • An interest in working on building and construction projects

If you need support in preparation for study, contact TAFE about your options.

To be enrolled in this course, you need to be able to provide evidence that you are:

  • an apprentice (you will work in industry and study at the same time)
  • employed full time
  • signed up with an Apprentice Network Provider and have a Training Plan Proposal
  • seeking to gain skills and knowledge to become a qualified Carpenter after successful completion

Achievement of unit CPCCWHS1001 covers the requirement for the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (ASCC 2007), commonly known as White Card.

To successfully complete this course, you will need:

  • Successfully complete all of the units of competency including providing evidence from your employer to support the achievement of competency against every unit.
  • Work evidence is required to be collected by the apprentice to support the teaching and assessment and determination of competency for each unit in this course.

Construction and Building Trades

  • Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying 
  • Certificate III in Carpentry 
  • Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery 
  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Furniture) 
  • Certificate III in Cabinet Making (Kitchens and Bathrooms) 
  • Certificate III in Painting and Decorating 
  • Certificate III in Plumbing 
  • Certificate III in Roof Plumbing 

What Is An Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer you the best of work and study. You train on the job, study and earn an income all while working towards becoming a qualified tradesperson.

What is a traineeship?

Traineeships are similar to apprenticeships but they concentrate on vocational or job areas such as office administration, information technology or hospitality.

How long does it take?

An apprenticeship normally takes three to four years in traditional trade areas like carpentry, electrical, hairdressing and plumbing. Three to four years may seem like a long time, but remember you're working towards become fully qualified and getting hands-on experience, and you get paid for it. How long does it take?

A traineeship lasts one to two years. You'll learn, work and earn and when you successfully complete you will receive (at a minimum) a Certificate II qualification.

Who can become an Apprentice?

  • Apprenticeships are open to anyone of working age i.e. 14 years and 9 months.
  • You don't need a school certificate or any other qualification.
  • Year 10, 11 and 12 students, school leavers, people re-entering the workforce or professionals.

Who can become a Trainee?

  • Traineeships are open to anyone of working age i.e. 14 years and 9 months.
  • You don't need a school certificate or any other qualification.
  • Year 10, 11 and 12 students, school leavers, people re-entering the workforce or professionals.

What's in it for you?

  • Paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement.
  • A training agreement between the employer and apprentice or trainee, which is registered with the NSW Department of industry.
  • Structured on-the-job training delivered by TAFE NSW.
  • A nationally recognised qualification.
  • Get a head start in your chosen career.
  • Study full-time or part-time or while still at school.

What is a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

School based apprenticeships and traineeships combine paid work, training and school. They are available to all Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students and you can work towards a nationally recognised qualification as part of your HSC and in some cases they could count towards your ATAR.

What's in it for you?

  • You'll get hands on industry experience, a qualification from TAFE NSW and your HSC.
  • You'll be paid while you learn.
  • Once you've completed a school based apprenticeship you can potentially commence in the second year of an apprenticeship when you leave school.

Pre-Apprenticeship courses

TAFE NSW offers a range of pre-apprenticeship courses in skills shortage areas, such as carpentry and automotive trades. These courses help you get into an apprenticeship faster and when you complete you’ll be able to finish your Certificate III apprenticeship qualification in less time.

TAFE can also teach you basic skills to help you get a traineeship. For example, they offer a range of computer courses to help equip you with the basic computer skills that employers expect.

How To Become A Carpenter

For many who work in Building and Construction, the goal is to become fully qualified carpenters. 

  • Enrol and complete a Certificate III in Carpentry
  • Find an employer to complete your apprenticeship with
  • Complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Building and Construction
  • Apply for your Builders Registration/Licence through your state regulation body

Put simply, a carpentry apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with a skilled professional, alongside structured learning with a registered provider – such as TAFE NSW. To become an apprentice carpenter, you’ll need to undertake a course such as the CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry. This certificate will lay the foundations for your career, giving you the knowledge, carpentry skills, and technical training needed to carry out everyday carpentry tasks and processes, while teaching you how to use a range of industry standard tools and equipment.

Careers In Construction

When you become an apprentice carpenter, you’re setting yourself up for a solid career in the building and construction industry. The workforce is constantly evolving, with new opportunities opening up all the time across a range of areas.

In New South Wales alone, more than 40,000 homes are built each year - while overall throughout Australia around 500 thousand people move into a new home. This means the demand for qualified carpenters is strong and isn't going away. Looking ahead, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply your carpentry skills and make a real impact on society.

In terms of your career progression, where you go is in your hands. You might continue working for your employer, tackling bigger and better projects. Or, you might decide to take a leap and start your own small business.

When it comes to furthering your education, carpenter apprentices should start looking into other building and construction courses. As a graduate of the CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry, you’ll be eligible to enrol in the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building).

Armed with this qualification, you’ll have the carpentry skills and knowledge needed to become a licensed builder, start your own business, or work towards employment in more supervisory roles.

From here, you can take it up a level and enrol in the CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building). With a diploma under your belt, you could pursue a career as a project supervisor, building manager, job site supervisor, estimator, project manager or foreperson.

What Do Carpenter Apprentices Do?

The Carpenter Apprentice position is the most common and productive way for a person to become a carpenter. Carpenter Apprentices work very closely with carpenters to develop and master their craft until they can call themselves a carpenter as opposed to apprentice. 

The specifications for a Carpenter Apprentice varies. When and where they work depends on whom they are working with and learning from. A major industry in which they are employed is construction. However, there are other industries in which carpentry plays a role. An apprentice may work and learn from one sole individual, or they may do it in a corporate environment. He or she spend a lot of time in shops, but they may also spend a lot of time outside doing things such as construction. Some Carpenter Apprentices learn to build buildings, others learn to build things such as furniture. The apprentice's work hours vary, but it tends to range between times that it is light out. 

Carpenter Apprentice Tasks

  • Assist with and observe carpenters to learn how to start, check, and finish carpentry projects.
  • Frame and set up for large-scale projects, including scaffolding and mixing and pouring cement.
  • Read blueprints and determine materials needs, checking inventory for supplies.
  • Measure, cut, sand, paint, and finish wood.

The more you learn the more you earn in this industry. Skills in Tools, Problem Solving and Residential are correlated to pay that is above average. Visit: https://www.payscale.com/research/AU/Job=Carpenter_Apprentice/Hourly_Rate

Tools For The Job

Starting out an apprenticeship means you will want to invest in some basic tools you will need. You don't need to buy them all at once and many of those you do need can be applied as Tax Concessions, along with items such as your required clothing (proper steel-capped boots for example) - even sunscreen can be claimed - so keep those receipts and look out for end of financial year sales such as the Tax Time Tool Blitz at Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 and buy those needs on sale!

We'd also advise investing in quality tools - although there are a lot of cheaper alternatives, and these may suffice in the meantime - if you buy the best you can afford and look after them then you will not need to replace them. It's best to discuss with whom you work for which tools and which brands they would suggest you get. 

Many employers will also be able to provide a tool subsidy under Apprenticeship and Trainee schemes, so have a look at what's available there as well.

Here is the list for basics that will help you through the first year:

1: Tape Measure: The motto in carpentry is 'measure thrice, check twice and cut once' - so you will need one of these. Buy one somewhere in the range of 5 to 10 metres for the building industry.

2: Spirit Level: Levels must be perfect in the building trade, so an accurate spirit level is a must. Spend a little extra and purchase an extra rugged model to withstand life around the worksite- tools get dropped all the time so you need one that will go the distance.

3: Utility Knife and Blades: Cutting open packets and boxes, trimming soft materials, marking and scoring - you’ll need this for everything.

4: Screwdriver Set: Invest in a good selection of Philips and flat head sizes, because there’ll always be a screw that needs adjusting somewhere.

5: Marking Pencils and Chalk: Create marks that won’t ruin the end project and are easy to remove if necessary. You’ll also need to mark straight lines for all sorts of jobs, which leads to the next item.

6: Builders Square: This L shaped tool helps you get everything perfectly square, gives you a straight edge to mark with, and includes measurements along its length. Invest in a large and a small one to cover every task

7: Claw Hammer: Hammering on one side, and pulling nails on the other. The first hammer a carpenter should have, and very useful for any trade.

8: Linesman Pliers: A solid pair of linesman pliers is great for gripping, pulling, twisting, and cutting wire or small nails. 

9: Power Drill: New battery powered drills will go all day. Make sure you purchase an extra battery and have one charged at all times - although many of these have packages where you will get those extra batteries. If it’s likely you’ll drill concrete or masonry; purchase a drill with a hammer action or attachment.

10: Tool Box or Bag: You need somewhere to store all of this. For this basic kit, a small toolbox or carry bag is ideal if you want all your tools handy by your side. Over time you will add plenty of tools to this list; but we guarantee you’ll reach for these essential tools every day you’re on the job.

Making Them Last: How To Look After Your Tools

Cleaning Your Tools

If you allow dust and other contaminants to build up in your tools then over time they may impact the moving parts and cause failure. Tools are expensive and you want them to last more than a few years. A bit of regular maintenance and proper storage will ensure yours 'go the distance'. It's also important to hold on to your sales dockets and warranties so that if it breaks you can get a replacement. But yourself a folder and keep all those slips of paper there.

To clean your tools:

  • Wipe off any oil or grease that gets onto your tools at the end of every job and before storage.
  • Periodically clean out any vents, exhausts or other little crevices with a cotton bud on power tools, when you start buying those.
  • Use a compressor and air gun, or a can of compressed air to blow out dirt and dust from inside your tools.
  • For tools with integrated filters, be sure to replace them as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Check Your Tools For Damage And Wear

It pays to periodically check your tools for damage and wear to prevent injury or further damage.

  • Pay attention to the power cords, and if you see that they are cut, frayed or have exposed wires then do not use the tool until you have had the cord repaired.
  • Check the prongs on your plugs to ensure that they are straight, and free from corrosion.
  • Check that your tools don’t emit any smoke or excess heat when using them
  • Be sure to stop using a tool if it starts to give off an odd smell.

Store Your Tools Properly

Keep your tools protected from dust, moisture and other adverse conditions by storing them properly after use.

Keep them in their original cases if possible, or tuck them away in storage drawers or tool chests, preferably in a garage or basement with a moderately controlled climate. This not only protects them, it also keeps them organised so you can easily find the tool you need when you need it.

Keep a moisture absorbing sachet in your toolbox with your power tools.

Remember to keep instruction manuals for all of your tools. They are provided to you by the manufacturer so that you can safely and competently operate your tools. They’ll also have valuable information on how to care for the tool, find replacement parts and other important pieces of information. Store manuals either in a toolbox drawer or a cabinet in your workspace/storage area so that they are readily available.

We hope these lists of a few simple things you can do to ensure that your career in Carpentry tools last for many years to come.

 

Starter Tools from Johnson brothers mitre 10


1: Tape Measure: Stanley Tylon Tape Measure Metric 8m: $15.00

This 8m Stanley tape blade is coated in Tylon which gives better wear resistance than the usual lacquer and has a matte finish to reduce glare. 

Features:

  • Belt clip
  • Class II accuracy
  • Compact and ergonomic
  • 3-rivet tru-zero hook reduces the risk of breakage
  • The tru-zero end hook moves to compensate for inside and outside measurements

2: Spirit Level: Stabila Type 70 Spirit Level Lightweight Box Frame 2 Vials 1200mm: $71.95

Countless professional builders have used the Type 70 as their level of choice. They are light, reliable and very accurate. Because of the large range of sizes, you have the ability to level across spaces from 30 cm up to 200 cm. As with all Stabila levels, the vial is precisely aligned with the measuring surface and then locked together ensuring long-life accuracy.

  • Light spirit level with aluminium rectangular profile
  • Coated measuring surface protects delicate surfaces
  • Easy to clean thanks to the smooth sides and electrostatic powder coating
  • Plastic end caps protect the profile against impact
  • Stabila installation technology ensures long-term accuracy – measuring accuracy in a normal position of ± 0.5 mm/m
  • Equipment is 1 horizontal vial, 1 vertical vial, 1 coated measuring surface

3: Utility Knife and Blades: Stanley Classic Retractable Knife - 2 Pack: $18.45

Stanley's original retractable utility knife since 1952. If flexibility is what you need, the 99E Retractable Blade Utility Knife delivers. It has a three-position retractable blade that can handle all types of professional and lighter jobs. This pack includes 2x Classic 99 Retractable Knives for more added value and convenience.

  • Includes 2x Retractable Knives
  • 5 blade positions allow wider usage for variety of cutting applications
  • Blade storage inside the handle
  • Interlock nose locking system for greater safety during cutting
  • Each Knife supplied with 3 blades
  • Precision die cast zinc body both strong and lightweight
  • The one and only original Stanley retractable knife

4: Screwdriver Set: Stanley Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set - 16 Piece: $42.00

Made from high-quality steels, selected to give the longest life to each type of screwdriver. Features a wide range of cushion grip handled screwdrivers in Phillips & flat tips & includes 6 piece precision set. This tool is great for both home and professional use.

  • Includes storage case
  • Soft grip handle provides excellent torque and comfort
  • The smooth domed end for fast spinning action speed and comfort Large diameter handle offers greater torque needed for driving wood screws
  • A chrome-plated and high-grade steel blade is corrosion resistance
  • Magnetized tips for improved usability
  • Tip identification icons on the handle


5: Marking Pencils and Chalk: Staedtler Carpenters Pencil Hard: $2.00

The Staedtler Hard Carpenters Pencil is ideal for marking concrete, brickwork and underlay etc. With a premium Graphite Core and super-bonded lead, it is break resistant. Made from long-lasting, lead-free pencils, this set features both ends left to cut for easy sharpening. The oval-hexagonal design makes it multi-purpose and the wood used to make these pencils has been sourced from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests.

  • Pencils not sharpened, both ends left to cut for easy sharpening
  • Oval-hexagonal pencil design
  • 175 mm length
  • Wood from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests

6: Builders Square: Stanley Dual Color Quick Square 305mm: $32.50

Combination squares are an essential part of the on-site carpenters’ tool kit. This Stanley Combination square incorporates a range of functions in one tool: square, mitre square, depth and height gauge, level, steel rule and built inscriber.

  • Moulded-in contrasting colour graduations for readability
  • Wrapping graduations for accuracy
  • Extra thick ABS plastic body holds up to heavy-duty use
  • The large base provides a strong grip on materials
  • Versatile tool – thick body ideal for use as saw guide
  • Graduation: 1/8

7: Claw Hammer: Stanley Hercules Steel Claw Hammer 20oz/565g: $41.50

This Stanley wood claw hammer with a curved claw is ideal for pulling nails. This hammer is great when you require more force or have a tougher nail to drive.

  • Chip resistant chamfered poll
  • Dual tempered head rims and claw reduces chipping & cracking
  • Fiberglass shaft absorbs shock and vibration
  • One piece forged steel handle
  • Textured rubber comfort grip

8: Linesman Pliers: Medalist Professional Linesman Pliers 200mm: $18.95

These Professional Linesman Pliers are great for straightening, cutting, gripping, twisting, pushing, and pulling wires. These are also used to cut and bend light gauge metal and pull staples and nails. This pliers’ material is made from drop forged steel that is built with a better grain pattern that improves the strength of the metal, meaning that you don’t need to worry about the durability & reliability of the tool during heavy-duty situations. It is Chrome Nickel Plated that gives it a clean look as well as providing protection against rust. These pliers are equipped with better grips to suit a professional linesman’s needs, providing a more comfortable and ergonomic grip and protection better than conventional linesman pliers. The jaws of these pliers also offer more functions against conventional pliers.

  • Drop Forged
  • Professional Cushion Grip Handles
  • Chrome Nickel Plated
  • More function than conventional linesman pliers


9: Power Drill: Stanley Fatmax V20 18V 2.0Ah Drill Driver Kit: $159.00

This Stanley Fatmax V20 Drill Driver Kit has an improved battery technology, no memory effect and minimal self discharge, its V20 lithium ion battery pack is ready to go to work whenever you are and wherever the job takes you - and it will last longer too. It has an integral battery state of charge indicator for convenient monitoring of battery charge levels.

Its powerful motor also provides up to 1,500 RPM and 50Nm of torque for efficient drilling and screwdriving into wood, metal and plastic. This kit includes two 18V STANLEY® FATMAX® V20 Cordless System 2.0Ah batteries, a 1.25A charger, and soft storage bag included. Part of the new 18V STANLEY® FATMAX® V20 Cordless System - power all your V20 tools with a common new and improved 18V lithium ion battery to let you power through work with ease.

Specifications

  • Storage: Soft bag
  • Voltage (V): 18
  • Battery Capacity (Ah): 2.0
  • No Load Speed (rpm): 1,500
  • Max. Torque (Nm): 50

  • V20 lithium ion battery pack
  • 1,500 RPM and 50Nm of torque
  • 24 clutch settings to control the depth of the fastener you’re driving
  • 2-Speed gearbox with speeds of 0-350/0-1,500 RPM for greater control over the job
  • Integral LED worklight for improved visibility in all working conditions
  • Keyless chuck for easy bit changes

10: Tool Box or Bag: Makita Gate Mouth Tote Carry Bag 510mm: $41.90

Constructed with industrial fabric for use in harsh job site conditions, the Makita Gate Mouth Tote Carry Bag 510mm is designed to hold Makita brushless tools up to 510mm in length. The high-quality zipper for easy operation and increased durability and reinforced handles for added durability make it a perfect fit for your job site needs. This unit also includes 8 exterior pockets for storage of smaller items, a shoulder strap with heavy-duty clasps for added convenience, and also features industrial grade foam padding for maximum tool protection.

  • Makita Gate Mouth Tote Carry Bag 510mm
  • Constructed with industrial fabric for use in harsh job site conditions
  • High-quality zipper for easy operation and increased durability
  • Engineered with reinforced handles for added durability 8 exterior pockets for storage of smaller items
  • Includes shoulder strap with heavy-duty clasps for added convenience

 

Johnson Brothers Mona Vale E-Waste Recycle Program

Johnson Brothers have become a FREE e-waste recycling collection point at our Mona Vale store.

The bins for disposal are at the start of the parking for our Trade customers, but it’s free for all to use (during business hours).

From December 4th 2023, you can drop off any unwanted electrical items at Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale for recycling by our e-waste management partner, Sircel

E-waste is anything with an electrical plug or battery. This includes electric power tools, household appliances, computers and mobile phones.

We cannot accept gas, petrol or diesel appliances.

When you bring your stockpile of old power tools, tablets and TVs to our e-waste collection bins, what happens then?

Our recycling partner, Sircel, collects the waste each week and transports it to a facility in Western Sydney. There, Sircel deploys their world-leading and proprietary refining solution to: 

  • Triage all electronics that may have a future useful life, such as TVs and computers
  • Securely data-erase all electronics to remove all information in preparation for reuse
  • For products with no viable future use, Sircel safely removes any batteries and sends them downstream to a dedicated, authorised battery recycling partner
  • All e-waste is then mechanically destroyed
  • Individual commodities are recovered and returned to the circular economy for re-use as regenerated resources.

Give your old power tools, household appliances and computers a new life in the circular economy. 

Plastic tool casings could become bench seats, copper cabling could become a new copper pipe, and the gold, silver and palladium in your old phone could be transformed into fuel cells in your car.

Together, we can make finite resources infinite.

Johnson Brothers Family

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10: Serving Our Community Since 1955

The Independent Hardware Group has awarded Johnson Bros Mona Vale the best in state Store of the Year at the IHG state awards again in 2023.

Johnson Brothers say; ''Thank you to all of our amazing staff and customers for being awesome!''

IHG is Australia’s largest home improvement wholesaler supplying more than 1,500 stores nationwide. These stores cater to a broad range of Trade and DIY customers and range from large format warehouses to convenience operations and Trade centres, as well as frame and truss sites in two States. 

Under the IHG network, there is a clear mandate to support the growth of Independents within the hardware sector in Australia by helping them to be ‘The Best Store in Town’.

The culture of IHG is built on being a low cost and transparent business partner to members, with an unwavering commitment to protect and grow a sustainable independent hardware sector for the long term.

Greenlife garden centre at Johnson Brothers Mona Vale - for all your gardening needs.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre at Mona Vale - everything you need under one roof.

JBH Design Centre 

JBH Design Centre is a tool for builders and DIY'ers to assist in the fit out of houses. It has displays of kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors and Storage as well as knowledgeable staff to assist in making house fit out painless.

Visit: http://jbhdc.com.au/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/design.centre.jbh/



Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Store
73 Bassett Street
Mona Vale - Online Store: Jbhmv.Com.Au

Products advice is available from the trained friendly staff at Narrabeen, Mona Vale and Avalon Johnson Brothers Mitre 10. 

Click on logo to visit Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 website

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Avalon            (02) 9918 3315

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Mona Vale     (02) 9999 3340

JBH Timber & Building Supplies          (02) 9999 0333

JBH Fencing & Landscape Supplies    (02) 9970 6333

www.johnsonbros.com.au Online store: jbhmv.com.au

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Decking Timbers  Caring For Your Deck Decking Finishes  Privacy Screens I Privacy Screens II  Privacy Screening Hardwoods  Autumn Paths and Lawns  Insulation Batts Plasterboard  Ventilation - Edmond's Ecofan Blackboards for Children and Home Spring Lawn Care  Shade Sails & Watering  Basic DIY Tools DIY Tools - Power Drills Recycle Your Trampoline into An Air Bed  How to Build Your Own Backyard Cricket Pitch Christmas Lights Displays around House and Garden Summer Mildew - Refresh, Renew How to Fix Things That Drip and Bump in the Night Time To Plant Winter Vegetables in  a Raised Garden Beds Layout Organsing Your Tool Shed  Make Your Own Weathervane Installing A Garden Watering System  Decking Oils  How To Make Garden Compost  How To Winter proof Your Lawn  How to create Shabby Chic effect on Timber Furniture How to Build Your Own Raised Garden Bed  Growing Your Own Winter Vegies  Winter Heating Guide  Prepare Your Yard For Winter Eradicating Noxious Weeds From Your Yard How to Fix Furniture Finishes Part I  How to Repair Scratches, Dings, and Dents of Furniture Surfaces - Part II Winter Draughts Fix  Classic Wooden Tool Carrier Spring Garden Checklist Part I  Install Your Own Skylight  Retaining Walls for Saving Soil and New Spring Garden Beds  Summer Salad Garden  Native Plant Garden for A Fairy Arbour Renewing Short Flight of Exterior Stairs Deck Maintenance DIY Summer Tasks You Can Do In Time to Get to the Beach  Garden Ponds for Attracting Birdlife, Dragonflies and for the Soothing Sounds of Water  Salt Air: Maintenance and Protection Creating an Outdoor Dining Arbour, Gazebo or Patio - Part I Creating an Outdor Dining Arbour, Gazebo or Patio Part II  Autumn Garden Tasks  Autumn DIY Jobs: Waterproof Your Home Checklist  Dealing With Dampness Inside the Home  Fixing Your Fence  Repairing and Replacing Damaged Decking boards  DIY Toy Box and Snow Globes: School Holidays Fun - Winter 2015  DIY Wooden Toy Cars and Perfect Painted Flowerpots: School Holiday Fun - Winter 2015  Shoring Up an Under House Earth Bank – Installing a Basic Retaining Wall  DIY One Shelf Sideboard  Early Spring 2015 Garden Care Salad Garden For Children  Keeping Your Garden and Home Cool in Hot Weather  Classic Beach Garden and Camping Chairs 3 Portable Versions Anyone Can Make DIY Outdoor Furniture Mark I: Park Benches for Your Garden Make Your Own Scooter or Skateboard: Summer 2016 Fun  How to Install a Solid Core Door and Door Furniture  Summer Garden Jobs: Pruning A Hedge  How to Make A Swing Chair - With A Frame for Garden Setting  Garden Jobs for March to Make A Beautiful and Healthy Spring  Keeping Outdoor Nooks Warm During Cooler Months  Children’s Step Stool with Storage  Stop Winter Rain Lawn Loss and Soil Erosion on Slopes  DIY Garden Shed: Part 1 of 4 - Base  DIY Garden Shed: Part 2 - Framing Walls  DIY Garden Shed: Part 2b - Gable Roof Framing  Garden Shed Part 3: Roof Installation  DIY Garden Shed: Weather- boards - Door And Window Installation And Paint Finish DIY Coffee Table With Chessboard Inlay  Spring Gardening: Feeding Your Soil And Plants - What Works For Each Plant  DIY Sandstone Flagging Parking Area - Platform  DIY Pre-Summer Checklist For A Safe Home   Summer Spruce Up: Interior Paint Tips and Three easy steps to rejuvenate your timber deck The Perfect BBQ Garden Setting DIY Water Wise Garden   DIY Side Gates  DIY Storm Preparation And Home Protection  One To Two Day DIY Weekend Spruce Ups  Vegepods For Autumn Planting + Easy To Make Lego Table Or Student Desk That Can Be Dismantled + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Online Store   Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Great New Mona Vale Store: Still In Bassett Street - number 73  Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Mona Vale Store: The Greenlife Garden Centre  Go Outside And Play: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature DIY Plasterboard Repair DIY Dolls House Or Garage Or Boatshed  DIY Child's Waggon - or use as a large planter mover DIY Bathroom Refresh: Zing For Spring  Tips for Growing a Native Garden FireCrunch, Australian Developed Fire-proof, Sustainable, Durable and Reliable Building Board Now Available at Johnson Bros. at Mona Vale and Narrabeen School Holidays DIY Ideas for Children: Little Vegetables Garden, Swing, Windchimes Bushfire Season Preparation 2017: Home and Outdoor Areas  Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre at Mona Vale + Issue No 1 of Mitre 10’s inSITE Magazine for Tradies and Handymen  Preparing Al Fresco Areas for Christmas Get-Togethers and Summer Visitors  Summer De-bug; Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and ants - how to keep the outdoors insects where they belong DIY Summer Projects: Install A Fountain Or Water Feature  Late Summer and Early Autumn Projects: A Shed For All Storage Solutions + Garden Tasks + Keeping Our Waterways Clean     Autumn Plantings for Winter Harvests   2018   Paintback Collection Event: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Saturday, April 7  Reducing Ticks in Your Garden: Garden care, Plants that Repel, What to Wear Outdoors Attracting Insectivore Birds to Your Garden: DIY Natural Tick Control  Mother's Day 2018: DIY Rose Garden Winter Mould & Mildew Inside Your home: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier DIY Traditional Rocking Horse  Johnson Brothers Trade Day 2018 DIY Mushrooms and Vege Kits: School Holidays Fun Winter 2018 for Curious Kids  Woodworking Projects for Beginners: School Holidays Fun Winter 2018 - Simple Storage Box + Wood Tool Box Spring Garden Prep: Soil Care  Spring into Spring + JBH August 2018 Trifecta   DIY Backyard Doggie Paradise  Garden Care for Heavy Rain Days + Non-Toxic Snail and Slug Debug Ideas  Garden Design and Plant Management to Minimise Tick Attacks and Infestations - insights from an essay by Bill Conroy BSc. (Agr) (Syd) + a Tribute to Wilfred Lawrence Conroy CBE by Keith Jackson, PNG and others  Make Your Own BBQ Kitchen Garden: Gifts That Grow Past That Giving Day  Christmas Lights 2018: Light Up the Night  How to Keep Your House Cool During a Heatwave Without Using an Air-Conditioner Mid-Summer Garden Care  2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale! + End Of Summer Garden To Do List  DIY Fruits of Your Garden: Growing Figs  Fruits Of Your Garden: Growing Passionfruit - Autumn Is Also The Time To Plant Strawberries For Spring  How To Water Your Plants When Away On Holidays + Some April 2019 School Holidays Fun For Outdoors; A Skateboard Swing Or Indoors; Grow Or Make Pot Plant People Dealing With Autumn Dampness Inside The Home + Mums Day Gifts For 2019 Winter Heating Guide + Get Ready For Winter Specials  Keeping Your Garden Dewful During Times Of Water Restrictions and Drought  Installing Leaf Stopper Gutter Guard + Trade Day 2019  JBH Mitre 10 Trade Day Guests 2019  An Artfull Garden - for Winter School Holidays 2019 DIY Deck Refurbishment: Turning Wood Into Open Tiled Spaces - Groundworks  Father's Day Wish List 2019 + How to Re-stain your Deck timbers and posts for Summer  Installing Posts For Decks and Verandahs With Heavier Loads + Installing Membranes For Tiled Decks National Garden Week's 2019 Focus Is On Children(Oct 13-19): Spring School Holiday 2019 Garden Ideas (to get started on)  Replacing Balustrades Handrails  DIY Tiling Your Verandah: and Choosing Your Simple Or Complex Tile Pattern  Reduce Bushfire Risk To Older Homes + Preparing Your Yard For Bushfires  Time to Put Up those Christmas Lights and Deck your Gum Trees with rows of Jolly!  NSW RFS Bushfire Survival Plan 2020 + Reduce Bushfire Risk To Homes + Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Great Water Saving Ideas during Level 2 water restrictions + some  'Don't Sweat Summer'  Specials  The Inaugural Sydney Edible Garden Trail - Learn how to help your garden survive the heat, drought, and water restrictions  DIY Flyscreens  DIY Privacy Screen In 2 Hours  Family Hardware Store Wins Best In Australia  Autumn DIY Jobs: Exterior Jobs to Keep Everything Dry and Cosy Inside the Home  Autumn Vegepod Garden: Plant Now to Stay Healthy: JBH Response to COVID-19 Restrictions - We're Adapting!  Autumn Holidays Projects: Let's Go Fly A Kite + Some handy Painting Tips for Interiors and Sprucing up that Outside Deck - Easter Hours 2020  Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors and Pull Them Out and Replace With Native Plants  Blooming Lovely: Late Autumn Planting For Gardens Full Of Colour, Cheer + Great Food For The Table  Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home - June 2020  DIY A Job For Life: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List  Winter School Holidays 2020: Easy To Do Garden Mosaic Pavers Little Hands Can Create + Home DIYer: Simple Concrete Slab  DIY - A Job For Life: Landscape Gardener Apprenticeship DIY Fathers' Day ideas for 2020 + August Garden Jobs  DIY Job for Life: Plumber's Apprenticeship Early Spring Garden Care Spring 2020 + Salad Garden For Children  A Job For Life: Certificate III In Electrotechnology - From Apprentice To A Business Owner; Jay Turns Up The Voltage On His Career + Spring Garden Specials - seedlings time!  Spring is here and wattles are out in bloom: a love letter to our iconic flowers  Perfect Tomatoes, Capsicums and Spring Onions - Summer Salad Staples + what to plant now  BBQ Season: some tips to keep your New or Old BBQ Clean  Christmas Lights Time 2020: Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly!  Johnson Brothers Avalon Store Renovations & Mona Vale Store: Everything You Need This Summer In Stock  How To Keep Your Home Cool During A Heatwave Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home: The Wet Summer Of 2020/2021 +Nothing By Halves, Johnson Bros. Mitre 10, great new video By Community Requests Autumn/February 2021 re-run: Garden Design and Plant Management to Minimise Tick Attacks and Infestations  The Bees Knees: what you can plant now to help your garden grow and help the bees  Dealing with Storm Events: Flooding inside and around the home - how to Be Prepared  Fun Project Ideas for Autumn School Holidays  10 Ways to keep your home warm and save money this Autumn and Winter  Mother's Day 2021 Ideas: Grow Her Some Lemons Or Avocadoes Or Get A Pink Step Ladder So She Can Safely Reach The Top Shelf Indoors + JBH Celebrates Upgrade Of Avalon Beach Store  These 3 Tips Will Help You Create A Thriving Pollinator-Friendly Garden This Winter  'Generation Restoration' Is The UN's World Environment Day 2021 Theme: How You Can Help Out At Home  The Johnson Brothers Trade Day Is Back: Thursday June 17th + How To Build A Nesting Box For Our Local Possums and Birds  Winter School Holidays 2021: Fun Projects You Can Do Around The Home - Something For The Young and Even Younger  Winter DIY Ideas: Painting A Feature Wall + Outdoor Heating Options For Your Home + Declutter/Organise That Tool Shed Science Week 2021 Food Theme: A Salad Garden For Children  Early Spring Chores For Great A Summer Outdoors: Clean and Reseal Your Wooden Deck Area  Early Spring Chores For Great A Summer Outdoors: Soil Preparation For Vegetables + Salads + A Few Other Tips To Make Your Garden Ready To Plant Out  Spring School Holidays Projects 2021: A Swing Chair and Dolls' House or Toy Garage  The Beer Ledge: Done In An Afternoon Projects For The Garden  October- November Garden Jobs: Let's Get Busy Planting Out Now + Mow For Your Bros. This Movember   Mow For Your Bros. This Movember: Some Lawn Care Tips To Keep Your Grass Greener This Summer - Aerate, Worm Up!, Fertilise, Watering, Mowing Basics  Christmas-New Years 2021 Checklists: Preparing The Garden & Home - Entertaining - Gift Ideas For Every Budget  DIY Backyard Cricket Pitch DIY Surfboard Rack: Vertical and Horizontal Options  Late Summer - Early Autumn Garden Tips: BOM Forecasts Warm Autumn 2022 With Above Average Rainfall  Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home March 2022  Maintenance Of Your Home's Outside Areas After Storm Events: Paths, Walls & Windows, Dampness Under The House, Dying Lawns And Plants - The DIY Checklist  Fun Project Ideas for Youngsters for Autumn School Holidays: wooden cars, blackboards, bright painted herb pots, grow your own food, make a chessboard   Mother's Day 2022: Promise Her An Ever Blooming Native Flowering Plants Garden  Retaining Walls Save Your Garden's Soil: DIY  Winter Draught Stops To Lessen Your Power Bill   Johnson Brothers Trade Day 2022: June 16 At Mona Vale + Winter Garden Jobs For A Flowering Fruitful Spring  Winter School Holidays Projects For Youngsters On Rainy Days Dealing With Dampness Inside The Home: Black Mould July 2022  Stop Winter Rain Soil Erosion In Your Garden - Especially On Sloping Blocks Increases In Building Materials Costs Adds Pressure To Fixed Price Contracts - Construction Industry  Father's Day 2022 - Some Gift Ideas To Make Dad Feel Special; Some For Those Without A Single Dollar + Some For Those Who Get Pocket Money! Spring 2022: Time To Get In The Garden! What Can Be Done In September - For Youngsters + Oldsters  Spring School Holidays 2022: Handmade Toys - For Youngsters + Oldsters Who Want To Lend A Hand  Spring Lawn Care: During Mow For Your Bro Month - Movember 2022  Preparing Your Garden and Home For Bushfires 2022 - The Rains Will Cease; Now Is A Good Time To Clean Out Your Gutters + Prep. The Home  Preparing Outdoor Areas For Christmas Get-Togethers and Summer Visitors: Wooden Decks, Tiles, Pavers, Outdoor  Furniture, Putting Up The Christmas Lights, Garden Spruce Up   Summer Garden-House Care: when to water, mow, when and how to harvest that crop, how to keep the ants, ticks and mozzies at bay this season + Christmas Gifts for all budgets and everyone + Johnson Brothers Christmas - New Years Trading Hours  End Of Summer Garden To Do List For A Bountiful Indian Summer This Autumn  End Of Summer Garden To Do List For The Lawn: How To Combat Armyworm + Small Jobs Boost Winter Resilience - Aerate, Weed, Feed, Patch Bare Spots  A Dry Autumn Forecast: How To Look After Your Garden During Low Rain Seasons + What Plants Thrive In Dry Conditions  Autumn School Holidays 2023: DIY Project Ideas For Youngsters, Older Youngsters & The Young At Heart: Lava Lamp (60th year of this invention), Wood Building Blocks for Toddlers and Older, Let's go Fly a Kite, Basic Wood Bookshelf, Sundial, Make a rope and wood swing, Making Your Own Windchimes + more  It's starting to get Cold: 11 Ways to keep your home warm, safe and save money this Autumn and Winter - what to look for in a heater; the list!  Mother's Day 2023 DIY Idea: A Basic Bookshelf You Can Make For All Mum's Books  Mould set to rise Inside Your home this Winter: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier  A Job For Life as HSC Trial Exams commence: Apprentice Carpenter + Commencement Tool List  Pittwater's Noxious Weeds: A Great Time To Get Outdoors, Pull Them Out - Replace With Native Plants  DIY Worm Farm: Spring 2023 Garden Prep. + Father's Day 2023 Gift Ideas   DIY Father's Day 2023 Gift Ideas: Some For Little Hands + Those Now Grown + The Best Gifts For The Best Dads From JBH Dry Warm Spring Forecast: Time To Prepare Your Home For Bushfire Season - The RFS's List + 6 Easy To Do Extras You Can Do In The Garden + Home To Be Prepared, Get Ready Weekend 2023 Dry Warm Spring Forecast: Put In Drought Tolerant Native Plants + Spring School Holiday Spring Gardening Ideas For Youngsters Because They Like 'Growing Stuff' Too  Johnson Brothers' Mona Vale Outlet Wins Store Of The Year Again In 2023: Tradies Breakfast Every Friday - Recycling Of Batteries Available + Spring Garden Care For Your Lawn  How To Save Water This Spring-Summer  How To Save Water This Spring-Summer: Retaining Water On A Sloping Site + Best Coastal Plants To Retain Soil  Christmas Lights Time: Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Pittwater MP - Leader Of Opposition Visit Mona Vale Johnson Brothers Store  Christmas-New Years-Summer Prep.: Outdoor Areas For Summer Celebrations + How To Keep Your Home Cool During A Heatwave Without An Air-Conditioner + DIY Your Own BBQ Kitchen Garden For Gifts That Grow Past That Giving Day  Johnson Brothers Hardware Mona Vale launches e-Waste Recycle Program Summer De-Bug: How to Keep Flies, Ants, Mozzies and Cockroaches where they belong - In the Garden  Humid Summer + Above Median Rainfall Predicted For Autumn 2024 Means Mould In The Home: Some Tips To Keep The Family Safer & Healthier  Go Outside & Play!: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature This Autumn  Fun Project Ideas for Autumn School Holidays: ideas for those who like making things out of wood, growing things, painting things, storing things and one project for really big kids! Mother's Day 2024: A Few Handmade Options + Gift Ideas  Mould Inside Your home after all that rain?: How to Keep Air and Surfaces Healthier  Winter Draught Stops To Lessen Your Power Bill and Keep The Home Warm + JBH EOFY Catalogue  Winter School Holiday Ideas 2024: Woodworking Projects For Beginners, An Artfull Garden, Vegepods For Little Hands, Easy To Make Lego Table Or Student Desk That Can Be Dismantled   One Winter Weekend Projects: DIY Carport   Father's Day 2024: a Few DIY 'thank you dad' Ideas for little hands + get the garden ready for Spring  Johnson Brothers partner with Total Tools: Mona Vale Store Now Open - At: 77 Bassett street, Mona Vale  Spring Lawn Care + How to Renew an area with New Turf - Also Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Concrete Store at Mona Vale is now open   Get Ready Weekend 2024: A Warm Spring Forecast: Time To Prepare Your Home For Bushfire Season - The RFS's List + 6 Easy To Do Extras You Can Do In The Garden + Home To Be Prepared - Plus: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Wins Retail Store of the Year  Go Outside and Play: Creating Garden Spaces To Connect Children With Nature this spring holidays  Spring Garden Care + A Salad Garden For Children: Inspire them to Grow what they will Eat this Summer   Christmas Cheer 2024: Time to Deck Your Home With Rows Of Jolly! + Keeping Mozzies away - Ticks at Bay This Summer   Christmas-New Years Checklist: Preparing the Garden & Home For Visitors + Entertaining + Gift Ideas For Every Budget  DIY A Summer-Autumn Salad Garden for a Balcony or at Waist-height

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John and Bob Johnson - The Johnson Brothers Profile  John William Alfred Johnson - The Eulogies for those who could not attend Mass

Australia's Prime Minister Visits Mackellar - Informal Afternoon Tea with Hon. Malcolm Turnbull October 2016

JBH Win Awards August 2018 Trifecta - 2018 Free Trade Day supporters, Mitre 10 Heritage Advert features JBH Mona Vale Store, Hardware Australia’s 2018 NSW Hardware Store of the Year over 2500sqm.

Front Page Issue 294: 2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale !!!

National Garden Week's 2019 Focus Is On Children(Oct 13-19): School Holiday Garden Ideas (to get started on) & Congratulations Award Winning Johnson Brothers Mitre10 At Mona Vale - 2019 NSW Store Of the Year, 2019 NSW Trade Centre Of the Year and 2019 Village Garden Centre of the Year

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 were awarded as the best Trade Store in the country: February 2020

Family Hardware Store Wins Best In Australia: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Crowned ‘National Trade Store Of The Year’ - Celebrating 65th Year in 2020

Johnson Brothers' Mona Vale Outlet Wins Store Of The Year Again In 2023: Tradies Breakfast Every Friday - Recycling Of Batteries Available 

Anzac Day In Pittwater 2020: Candles, Crosses and Online Commemorative Services: Johnson Brothers Family Donates 20 Thousand Candles to Community Light Up The Dawn Initiative 

Front Page Issue 447: ANZAC DAY 2020

Front Page Issue 478: Johnson Brothers Avalon Store Renovations & Mona Vale Store: Everything You Need This Summer In Stock

Front Page Issue 492:  JBH Celebrates Upgrade Of Avalon Beach Store


Bob, John and Robert Johnson, 2013 - photo by A J G.
Important 
All information and tips in this publication are of a general nature only and neither Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 or Pittwater Online News does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information and tips in this publication. This publication is not intended to be a substitute for expert advice. Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 advises you to always consult an experienced and qualified person when undertaking jobs of this kind (including consulting a qualified tradesperson such as an electrician or plumber where relevant expert services are required). 

You should also consider any safety precautions that may be necessary when undertaking the work described in this publication (including wearing any necessary safety equipment such as safety glasses, goggles or ear protectors or hard hats). The information and tips in this publication are provided on the basis that Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 and Pittwater Online News excludes all liability for any loss or damage which is suffered or incurred (including, but not limited to, indirect and consequential loss or damage and whether or not such loss or damage could have been foreseen) for any personal injury or damage to property whatsoever resulting from the use of the information and tips in this publication. 

Pittwater Online News and Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 also advises there may be laws, regulations or by-laws with which you must comply when undertaking the work described in this publication. You should obtain all necessary permissions and permits from council and/or any other relevant statutory body or authority before carrying out any work. Major projects published in this publication always list these and/orlinks to where you may research what your own project requires to meet regulations.