February 18 - 24, 2018: Issue 348

DIY Summer and Early Autumn Projects: A Shed For All Storage Solutions + Garden Tasks + Keeping Our Waterways Clean

Autumn is the time when we do a few jobs around the garden to ensure healthy plant growth in Spring. It's also the time when we can do a bit of sorting out and tidying up. For that you can select an easy to assemble shed to put your lawnmower and tools out of the rain and keep them from deteriorating in between use. Tools are expensive and will need replacing if not kept in good condition. 

One recently purchased here took an hour or so to assemble and didn't break the bank either, some costing less than a few hundred dollars. Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 stock a range of Absco Sheds in widths and heights that allow you to move. 

Absco Sheds are made in Australia, so if you need any advice or help it's only a phone call away. 
They also manufacture Aviaries, if you want to keep your chooks safe, Garages and Carports.
As Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 frequently have these on sale, pop in and talk to their trained friendly staff about which one will suit what you want in size and use. They can even arrange delivery for you, so you don't need a truck or trailer to bring it home.



ABSCO 2.26M X 2.26M X 2.00M PREMIER SHED WOODLAND GREY: $329.00
Gable roof. Double door. Easy SNAPTiTE assembly. 30 Year warranty. Colour: Woodland Grey. Dimensions: 2.00 (H) x 2.26 (W) x 2.26 (D)m.


ABSCO 1.52M X 0.78M X 1.50M ECO-NOMY SINGLE DOOR SHED ZINC: $179.00
1.50(W) x 0.78(D) x 1.5(H)m. Zinc. 




SNAPTiTE is an innovative patented design that dramatically reduces the time and effort required to assemble the range of Absco Sheds. Absco Sheds assemble up to 80% faster than competitors’ sheds.

Most components are marked with part numbers which are also clearly identified throughout the three dimensional drawings displayed in the assembly instruction booklets. Reduces screws by 75%! SNAPTiTE permanently locks all perimeter channels to all roof and wall sheets without the need for tools and fasteners. Most other connection points have been fully pre-punched to maximise the ease of assembly.

About Absco Sheds: 
From its manufacturing facility in Brisbane, Absco Sheds distributes an extensive range of outdoor storage products throughout Australia and the world. Absco Sheds Industries has been the major supplier of these products to the hardware and outdoor building industries for over 30 years. Absco Sheds is the market leader, certainly in Australia, if not the world, for its innovative designs and range of garden sheds that incorporate the patented SNAPTiTE “Easy to Assemble System”. The reputation of quality that has resulted has seen Absco Sheds export its products to Canada, USA, Europe, UK, South Africa, Pacific and South America.

Below are two videos that show you how easy it will be to install a shed the right size for you - and one that shows you how to install a slab floor to keep anything you store in your shed out of the path of rising damp.

The Absco Frequently Asked Questions:

WHERE ARE ABSCO PRODUCTS MADE?
Absco products are manufactured in Australia using hi-tensile, chromium free steel.

HOW HARD IS IT TO PUT TOGETHER AN ABSCO SHED?
Absco sheds use the patented SNAPTiTE assembly system. SNAPTiTE is the world’s fastest assembly system as it uses up to 75% less screws than competitor sheds. With the SNAPTiTE Assembly System & pre drilled holes, Absco Sheds assemble up to 80% faster than competitor sheds.

WHAT IS THE WARRANTY OF ABSCO SHEDS?
Absco Sheds come with a 30 year written warranty.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL AN ABSCO SHED?
Depending on the level of experience that the installer has an Absco 10ft x 10ft shed will take 1 – 2days. This is an estimate only and should be used only as a guideline.

ARE ABSCO SHEDS SUITED TO HIGH WIND AREAS?
Most Absco sheds are rated W41C (C1) to withstand winds up to 91mi/hr. Cyclone Kits are available for some models that when fitted. When installed the product is rated to W50 (C2) & can withstand up to 111mi/hr.

THE PREDRILLED HOLES DO NOT ALIGN?
In some cases the pre drilled holes may not align up on your shed panels. To rectify this, use the screws provided and insert the screw at an angle and tighten. This will re-align the holes and allow the panels to screw together as instructed.

WHAT IS THE INSTALLATION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREMIER & REGENT RIDGE BEAM?
When installing the ridge beam to Regent and Premier Sheds, please note that both screw holes in the ridge beam aren’t required. The Regent Shed uses the inner most holes, whereas the Premier uses the outermost holes. When it comes time to fit the gable pieces onto your Regent and Premier sheds it is important to note two different approaches. For a Regent Shed the gable piece screws directly into the ridge beam, whereas the Premier Shed gable screws through the peak brace.

HOW DO I INSTALL THE GABLE BRACE?
Firstly, install the gable brace to the wall then install to the ridge beam. Please be aware if there is no hole present – pre drilling is required for this component.

ARE ABSCO SHEDS COMPLETELY WATERPROOF?
Absco Sheds are designed to be weatherproof for normal conditions. In the event of extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and high wind gusts, some water may enter through the sheeting joins of the shed.

WHAT CAN I STORE IN MY ABSCO SHED?
Absco Sheds can be used for storage of garden equipment such as lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, garden tools etc. Storage items that may be adversely affected by high winds or water should be stored with additional protection

DOES MY SHED COME WITH A FLOOR?
No, your shed doesn’t come with a floor. We recommend all sheds be bolted to a concrete slab that is rebated. An alternative to a concrete slab is our timber flooring kit.

DOES MY SHED COME WITH FIXTURES TO BOLT TO A CONCRETE SLAB?
No, Anchorset is an optional accessory which includes bolts and nuts to secure your shed to the concrete slab.

DO I NEED TO BOLT MY SHED TO THE GROUND?
Yes, all sheds need to be secured to a concrete slab, timber floor or some solid structure.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY SHED WATER PROOF?
Extreme weather conditions make it difficult to keep water from entering the shed through gaps, doorways and entries. Best way to prevent this from happening is to rebate your concrete slab and use rubber seals which can be purchased from your local hardware store. The use of silicon around the base of the shed and in the channel system may increase the chances of water being trapped inside your shed.

WHAT TOOLS WILL I NEED TO ERECT MY SHED?
The majority of the shed will require a Drill/ Drill bits (3mm/4mm) /screw driver/ ladder/ pop rivet gun. Gloves, eye protection, boots and work stools if possible to make construction easier.


MAKITA 18V 3 PIECE COMBO: $399.00
18V. 3.0Ah. Includes: 18V Hammer Driver Drill, 18V Impact Driver, 18V Blower, 2 x 3.0Ah Batteries, Fast Charger and Tool Bag.

DOES MY SHED REQUIRE COUNCIL APPROVAL?
Most sheds 10ft squared and above, do require council approval. Best to check with your local council before purchasing.

IF I HAVE A MISSING OR DAMAGED PART, WHAT DO I DO?
Contact the Customer Support Centre on 800-305-4436 and we can send out a replacement.

CAN I DISASSEMBLE MY SHED IF I NEED TO MOVE?
Absco sheds can be disassembled. Simply unscrew and slid off all channeling. It can be disassembled back to panel or further to kit form. Then simply re assemble when needed. If you lose your instruction manual we will be happy to email you a copy.


GEELONG 1240MM X 630MM X 1830MM FIVE SHELF UNIT: $139.00
1830(H) x 1240(W) x 630(D)mm. 225kg load capacity per shelf. Powder coated steel. Ready to assemble.

Absco Sheds Getting Started


Full range of Instruction videos HERE 

Absco Smart Slab

Autumn garden tasks that will keep your garden flourishing.


Prepare for the new
Make new plants from cuttings. Take 10cm cuttings from hardwood herbs such as rosemary and bay or natives such as banksias, grevillea and coastal rosemary. Remove the lower leaves, dip cuttings into hormone powder and pot in small containers of premium potting mix. Keep just moist and shelter from strong wind and sun.

Time for a trim
Trim hedges before the onset of winter to keep them compact and bushy from ground level. Trimming plants such as these before it gets too cold also stops them from being damaged by too cold a wind or too hot a sun.

Lawn Care
Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and scatter lime lightly over it. This sweetens the soil after many years of lawn food application. Rejuvenate tired lawns with an autumn feeding to ready them for the onset of cool winter weather. 
When mowing your lawn remember that grass clippings make excellent compost and feed for your soil and other plants. Clippings are a rich source of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and contain lesser amounts of other plant nutrients. As the clippings are rapidly broken down into these nutrients they’ll be returned to the lawn, eliminating the need for expensive fertilisers that can harm soil organisms or wildlife. Clippings should be as small as possible so they break down quickly and don’t add to the ‘thatch’ layer. This is achieved through regular mowing. Lawn clippings can also be used as mulch around annual flowers and vegetable crops - just water them in after spreading to prevent them adding heat to other plant roots. 


BULL ANT 118CC LAWN MOWER: $199.00
3.5hp 4-stroke engine. Compact & lightweight design, featuring large 200mm rear bearing wheels & 7 position height adjustment. 
NB: Out of Stock Online - check your local store

Check your Trees
Check for borer damage on all deciduous trees, paying attention to the trunk at soil level. It‘s easier to check when trees are dormant and bare. Autumn is also a good time to check your larger eucalypts and see if there's any 'deadwood' that needs trimming so it doesn't get blown down in the first Autumn or Winter storms, damaging roof tiles or cars. Regularly ensuring dead branches are removed from your trees keeps them healthy.

Leaf Sweep
Transfer the leaves that fall on your garden and lawn to the compost bin on a regular basis, otherwise they will smother your plants and grass. Eucalyptus trees can shed leaves year round, so cleaning them from paths will eliminate slipperiness as we head into the damp season and cleaning them from gutters and installing a leaf guard will stop overflow and water running back inside the wall frames of your home.

Plant Care
If you have cymbidium orchids, they should be placed in full sunshine to encourage good flower spikes during winter and spring.
Divide evergreen perennials. Lift them from the soil, divide at the root and re-plant into well-conditioned soil.



POPE 7.5M SOAKER HOSE: $11.00 - 7.5m

Water Watch
Late Summer and Early Autumn can mean we're out doing some cleaning and watering or other tasks that involve the use of water. Below is an overview of how to keep our waterways clean - essential for a coastal community:

Keeping Our Waterways Clean

In your Garden

  • Put leaves and grass clippings into compost or onto garden as mulch
  • Cover piles of soil, sand or mulch
  • Build barriers around your garden beds to contain the soil
  • Use organic fertilisers
  • Have your sewer checked
  • Install rainwater tanks and/or systems to divert roof water directly to gardens.

When you Maintain your Car

  • Use a service station car washing bay or a car wash that recycles water
  • Wash your car on lawn and pour any leftover soapy water onto the lawn
  • Regularly service your car

When you Paint and Renovate

  • When you use water-based paint, clean up over soil
  • Keep oil-based paint, turps and solvents clear of gutters and drains
  • Reuse turps once paint has settled
  • Allow unwanted paint to dry out, then take tins to a chemical cleanup event or licensed landfill
  • Don’t hose sand or gravel, or wash out cement mixers or barrows, so waste flows into street gutters
  • Don’t leave piles of sand or gravel uncovered where it can wash or blow into gutters

Industrial Sites

  • Clean up wind-blown litter
  • Store and dispose of oil and waste water correctly
  • Clean out your grease trap regularly

Construction Sites

  • When building, landscaping or renovating, always use appropriate sediment and erosion
  • Store chemicals in a properly maintained and operated bunded and covered storage area
  • Keep adequately stocked spill kits on hand and make sure staff know how to use them
  • Never, ever hose chemical spills down the drain


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

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.

Previous DIY Pages:

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  

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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