The Home and Garden DIY Report 2025

Back garden on a sunny day

Rising house prices and social media trends have led to a boom in home improvement projects in the UK, with many Brits taking on tasks they previously wouldn’t have.

To uncover the extent of the UK’s home improvement revolution, we’ve delved into the DIY details of homeowner habits, revealing everything from the most procrastinated jobs to the source of their DIY knowledge - be it human or technology.

And the digging doesn’t stop there. As the name suggests, DIY is about doing it yourself however, even with the greatest of intentions, sometimes it’s best to call in the experts.

We’ve unearthed where in the UK is searching to outsource their DIY the most, using both Google Search and survey data to highlight what Brits are doing themselves, and what they would prefer to leave in the hands of the professionals.

A NATION OF DIY-DODGERS

According to the findings, the UK tends to put off DIY jobs. Whether it's dabbling in DIY or contacting a professional to sort the problem, we're always waiting for the 'perfect’ time to tackle these tasks.

BRITS DELAY DIY BY EIGHT MONTHS
(ON AVERAGE)

Modern life moves at a fast pace, so jobs around the home can often get postponed.

Our report shows that, on average, the longest duration UK homeowners have put off starting a DIY project is 260 days - or eight and a half months.

For men, this average is slightly lower at 230 days, while the longest women have put off a home improvement task is 289 days. A quarter (24%) of UK homeowners have procrastinated starting a DIY task for more than a year, while for one in ten of us (9%) it took over three years to finally tick it off the to-do list.

OUTDOOR PROJECTS ARE THE MOST AVOIDED

We’ve also identified which jobs Brits are avoiding tackling the most.

It comes as no surprise that it’s our outdoor spaces that as a nation, we’re neglecting the most. After all, 2024 saw 164 rainy days, and if there’s one thing outdoor DIY doesn’t mix well with, it’s the British weather. Outdoor cleaning jobs, followed by neglecting greenery and fence repair and maintenance are all seemingly the tasks Brits least want to deal with in a timely manner.

1
Cleaning garden paving / decking
35%
2
Gutter cleaning
31%
3
Lawn treatments and planting
22%
4
Repairing /replacing fences
21%
5
Outdoor wood treating / painting
19%
6
Indoor wall / ceiling painting
14%
7
Outdoor masonry painting
9%
7
Indoor woodwork painting
9%
7
Plastering or wall / ceiling repairs
9%
8
Small plumbing tasks (fixing small leaks etc)
8%

THE NATION'S GARDENS

We all know there’s only a small window of time in which outdoor DIY is possible in the UK, and the spring season marks the beginning of this timeframe, with the best odds of a dry day. But which jobs are at the top of everyone’s to-do lists? We delved into the state of the nation's back gardens to find out.

THE GARDEN DIY CALENDAR

Now that we’ve come to terms with the fact that we’re a nation of procrastinators, we can dig into when it is Brits are getting around to tackling garden DIY tasks. Spoiler alert, the majority are waiting for a specific day or time.

Men and women’s garden DIY schedules are mostly the same, except for when it comes to saving it for fairer weather. Only a fifth of men are waiting to until the spring/summer months versus a third of women.

Garden DIY Task Scheduling

Garden DIY Task Scheduling

1
Complete as and when the need arises
34%
2
Spring / summer months
22%
3
Weekends
21%
4
When someone is around to help
13%
5
Bank holiday weekends
12%
6
Next day off work
11%

AN EXPERT'S GUIDE TO CLEANING DECKING AND PAVING

Jimmy Englezos

Our resident DIY expert, Jimmy Englezos, shares his advice on the UK’s most avoided home DIY task - cleaning decking and paving.

How to clean decking

Cleaning your decking or paving is a straightforward job that shouldn’t take very long. To get your decking looking brand new, opt for a decking stripper, which will remove any existing stains, paints and oils. If you want to give your decking some TLC and remove lighter dirt or algae spots, then Ronseal decking cleaner and reviver is the best option.

1
Check the label
When using a decking cleaner, check the label before use.
2
Pour the solution and scrub
If you’re using Ronseal decking cleaner and reviver, pour it over the entire area and immediately scrub into the surface, then leave it for 15 minutes.
3
Clean the decking
To finish, thoroughly clean your decking using a pressure washer or hose.

If you’re using Ronseal decking stripper, put on gloves, shake the product well and apply a thick layer to your decking with a large outdoor brush. Typically, it will take around 30 minutes to work, but if the weather is hot, patches may dry out quicker and will need reapplying.

Test a small patch with a paint scraper to check it has worked before scrubbing the entire surface to remove all stains. Then, scrub again with warm water before rinsing with the hose.

How to clean paving with a pressure washer

Paving stones can be cleaned with a dedicated patio or garden cleaner or with a pressure washer.

1
Tackle mould first
If there is mould on your paving, tackle this before pressure washing to avoid spreading the mould spores.
2
Move slowly in straight lines
When using a pressure washer, make sure to check the instructions on the device and slowly move in a straight line to ensure all slabs have been reached.

On The Fence

Garden fences are essential to ensure privacy and to maintain clear property boundaries. However, keeping them in good condition requires care and attention, which is often made more difficult to navigate when it comes to your neighbour’s fence that borders your garden.

Less than a quarter (23%) of homeowners consider their fence to be in good condition, while two fifths (40%) have admitted theirs requires cosmetic repair, but is structurally sound. It’s a slightly more serious state of affairs for a third of the country, as 27% said their fence needs structural work, while 5% said theirs needs completely replacing.

23%
Very good condition - needs no work
40%
Good condition - structurally sound but needs cosmetic repair
27%
Okay condition - needs a little structural work but is mostly still standing
5%
Poor condition - needs completely replacing

THE BEST AND WORST-KEPT FENCES

Our research has revealed the top locations where fences need some TLC.

Gloucester has the most broken fences, with 21% of homeowners saying their fence needs completely replacing.

In second place is Cambridge, where 16% of homeowners' fences are due for an upgrade. Newport in Wales takes third place, with 14% of homeowners admitting their fence is in poor condition.

Good condition
Structurally sound but needs cosmetic repair
1
Lisburn
100%
2
Wolverhampton
71%
3
Sunderland
67%
4
Chelmsford
59%
5
Swansea
58%
6
Walsall
57%
7
Newport
57%
8
Dundee
56%
9
Birmingham
54%
10
Dudley
54%
Poor condition
Needs completely replacing
1
Gloucester
21%
2
Cambridge
16%
3
Newport
14%
4
Aberdeen
13%
5
York
13%
6
St Albans
13%
7
Carlisle
11%
8
Bristol
11%
9
Glasgow
11%
10
Coventry
10%

YOUR FENCE OR MINE?

Fence maintenance can sometimes prove to be a point of contention between neighbours, and the concern is growing, with UK Google searches for ‘fence responsibility’ 14% higher in 2025 than last spring.

Our research found that the UK is self-critical about the state of its fences. 14% of Brits think their fence needs some cosmetic TLC, but only 4% said the same about their neighbours’ fences. A further 15% said their fence needs replacing, while only 11% feel this way about their neighbours’ fencing.

Fence in need of cosmetic repairs
Your fence
14%
Neighbour’s fence
4%
All fences need maintenance
8%
Fence in need of structural repair
Your fence
9%
Neighbour’s fence
7%
All fences need maintenance
5%
Fence in need of replacement
Your fence
15%
Neighbour’s fence
11%
All fences need maintenance
8%

18 MILLION LITRES OF FENCE PAINT SOLD

Bucket of One Coat paint Bucket of Fence Life Plus paint

A well-kept fence is important to UK homeowners. In 2024, 18.1 million litres of Ronseal fence paint was purchased in the UK, equivalent to 109,000 km² of paint coverage. This would see an area roughly the same size as Bulgaria covered in one coat of fence paint.

AN EXPERT’S GUIDE TO FENCE REPLACEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

Jimmy Englezos

Choosing the right fence

If your fence is beyond repair and you need to invest in installing a new one, Jimmy has some advice about different types of fencing:

“Before purchasing a new fence, you’ll need to work out how many panels you need, the size of the panels and the type of post.

1
Closeboard fencing
Made up of vertical overlapping boards and is the strongest but often the most expensive type.
2
Overlap fencing
Consists of overlapping horizontal boards making it good value but less robust.
3
Palisade/ picket fencing
Contains small gaps between panels and is largely decorative, perfect for marking out a boundary without extensive privacy.

But if your fence only needs a fresh lick of paint to look brand new, follow these seven easy steps:
1
Check the weather forecast
Your fence needs to be completely dry before painting, so choose a dry day to ensure the wood absorbs the paint. Don’t paint when it’s too hot, as the paint might flake off.
2
Clean your fence
Cleaning your fence before painting helps ensure an even finish. If the fence is covered in dirt or mould, use a diluted general-purpose cleaner to remove it, or a stiff wire brush for lighter dirt.
3
Remove old paint
Sand any existing flaky paint using a power sander or sandpaper.
4
Lay down dust sheets
To protect the rest of your garden, lay down dust sheets on any nearby plants or furniture.
5
Stir the paint
Thoroughly stir your fence paint with a paintbrush or wooden tool to ensure a consistent colour.
6
Choose the right tools
Painting a fence with a paintbrush is slow but will ensure the most precise application, especially for latticing and intricate details. It’s quicker to use a roller, which can also help you achieve an even finish. A paint sprayer is the fastest option, but careful application is required to avoid overspray.
7
Begin painting
Once you’ve chosen the best application for your project, it's time to start painting.

For more detailed instructions on building and painting fences, check out our helpful guide: How to Build and Paint a Fence.

DIY COMPANIONS

We don’t believe there’s any such thing as a natural DIY-er. DIY skills take time, research, practice, patience and sometimes a little help from those around us. We’ve delved into exactly who, or what, is teaching Britain DIY skills, from family to online resources such as Reddit and Google.

COUPLES WHO DIY TOGETHER…

DIY makes the heart grow fonder for over half the nation, with 56% of homeowners leaning on their partner to help with DIY tasks. A fifth of us (21%) prefer to do DIY alone, while 14% would rather ask for help from their housemate, neighbour or friends. Only 13% would enlist their parents, while 8% would get their siblings to help.

1
Partner
56%
2
N/A I DIY alone
21%
3
Housemate, neighbour or friend
14%
4
Dad
13%
5
Sibling
8%
6
Your children
7%
7
Mum
6%
8
Other relative
3%

WHO TAUGHT YOU DIY?

Social media has a wealth of DIY information, helping new homeowners tackle ambitious DIY projects or even full renovations with confidence, but this can be a little less accessible for older generations.

To uncover where both ends of the generational homeowner spectrum learned their DIY skills, we asked homeowners aged 18-24 and those over 65.

A quarter (26%) of homeowners aged 18-24 identified social media as the biggest source of their DIY knowledge. In contrast, half of homeowners over 65 taught themselves DIY.

THE ROLE OF REDDIT

Reddit is one of the biggest sources of public discourse, and over the last year, thousands of homeowners have turned to the platform to discuss their DIY projects.

The most discussed project on Reddit in the past 12 months was bathroom renovations, with 131,732 upvotes. Next was shelving and bookcase inspiration with 122,128 upvotes, followed by advice on painting and drywall, with 68,968 upvotes.

Other jobs on the top 10 list include building custom furniture, plumbing and garage conversions.

1
131,732
Bathroom renovation
2
122,128
Shelving & nookcases
3
68,968
Painting & drywall
4
56,346
Full home renovation
5
53,284
Garage conversion
6
43,458
Kitchen renovation
7
35,985
Outdoor decking & patios
8
29,898
Building bespoke furniture
9
26,606
Shed & garden structures
10
21,702
Plumbing projects

A FRESH LICK OF PAINT

A fresh lick of paint is an easy way to refresh any space. Our report reveals the areas of the home and garden that have been shown the most love, as well as which shades have been brushed, rolled and sprayed in homes the most over the last 12 months.

A YEAR OF PAINTING OUR HOMEs AND GARDENS

Our research found that the majority (85%) of UK homeowners have been busy painting in the past 12 months.

Two thirds (41%) of Brits painted an indoor wall or ceiling, while 23% painted interior woodwork. Painting kitchen cabinets has been a huge trend on social media in the last year and was tried by 14% of UK homeowners last year.

In the garden, a quarter (25%) opted to paint their exterior floors while 13% painted stone or brickwork whilst one in ten (11%) refreshed their existing outdoor furniture with a lick of paint.

Indoor Painting

Painting interior walls / ceilings
41%
Painting interior woodwork
23%
Painting kitchen cabinets
14%
Painting indoor furniture
13%
Painting interior floors
11%

Outdoor Painting

Painting exterior floors
25%
Outdoor masonry painting
13%
Painting outdoor furniture
11%
Decking painting
8%
Fence painting
7%
Shed painting
7%
Pergola painting
4%

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK THE PROFESSIONALS

Although social media has made DIY resources more available than ever, some home improvement projects are best left to the experts. Our report explores the jobs Brits don’t trust or have enough confidence in themselves to do.

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Despite having the best intentions, DIY projects don’t always go to plan.

The average cost of a UK homeowner's worst DIY fails was £492. For women, the average cost was £442, compared to £539 for men.

Those aged 18-24 suffered the highest financial burden caused by unsuccessful DIY projects, spending £809 on average. The lowest cost was for those aged 55-64, whose DIY failures cost them just £202 on average.

The UK region with the highest price to pay for DIY fails was London, with homeowners spending £703 on average, while the Southeast had the lowest expenditure on failed DIY, with an average cost of just £288.

The average cost of failed DIY projects
Women - £442. Men - £539. UK average - £492.
18-24
£809
25-34
£664
35-44
£522
45-54
£390
55-64
£202
65+
£267
Map of the UK Map of the UK
1.
London
£703
2.
West Midlands
£598
3.
East Midlands
£536
4.
North East
£510
5.
Eastern England
£496
6.
North West
£496
7.
Northern Ireland
£473
8.
Yorkshire & Humberside
£471
9.
Scotland
£349
10.
South West
£324
11.
Wales
£301
12.
South East
£288

THE MOST SEARCHED DIY QUERIES

When in doubt, Google is a great source of information and can help match you with the best person to tackle house and garden issues or projects.

According to UK Google searches, the most in-demand trade over the past 12 months was gardeners, with 66,820 average monthly searches.

Next was carpet and flooring tradespeople, with 19,420 average monthly searches. The top query for this trade was ‘how to install carpet’.

With 17,230 average monthly searches, plumbers are the third most searched for trade in the UK and the most popular plumbing query was ‘how to repair a leaky tap’.

Trade Avg. monthly searches
Most searched query
Avg. monthly searches
Gardener
 66,820
how to install artificial grass
12,100
Carpet and floorer
 19,420
how to install carpet
1,900
Plumber
 17,230
how to repair a leaky tap
210
Electrician
 8,560
how to replace a light fixture
1,900
Tiler
 6,670
how to repair a chipped tile
170

THE TASKS BRITS LEAVE TO TRADESPEOPLE

Many tasks require a professional to ensure the job gets done to the highest standard. Our research has found that 28% of UK homeowners would rather outsource garden building work to a trained professional.

For a third of Brits, (27%) DIY-ing at a height is not something we’re prepared to do, as roof tiling was the second most outsourced task, while a fear of water damage is front of mind for a quarter of us as 26% would outsource basic plumbing issues.

1
Garden building work
28%
2
Roof tiling
27%
3
Basic plumbing tasks
26%
3
Basic electrical tasks
26%
4
Flooring installation
24%
5
Kitchen cabinet fitting
21%
6
Outdoor painting tasks
17%

Conclusion

That’s a wrap on the UK’s DIY habits over the last year. If you’re about to embark on a home improvement project, check out our online inspiration and how-to guides. You'll find practical tips on a range of topics from choosing the right type of paint to creating an eco-friendly garden.

Methodology

We conducted a nationally representative survey of 1500 UK homeowners in March 2025, aged 18+, respondents were asked various questions about their DIY skills, home improvement projects and the state of their garden.

We gathered search demand data for skilled trades across major UK cities using Google Keyword Planner. For each trade and query the average monthly searches is the typical volume of searches over the past 12 months.

To analyse DIY project discussions on Reddit, we followed a structured data processing and categorisation pipeline using a combination of machine learning and Python-based tools.

First, Reddit comments and posts related to DIY projects over the past 12 months were collected and enriched with metadata, including sentiment scores and upvote counts. Next, to categorise these DIY jobs into clear and consistent project types, we used K-means clustering to group similar Reddit post descriptions based on textual patterns and keywords. These clusters were then matched to a predefined set of DIY categories such as Bathroom Renovation, Painting & Drywall, Garage Conversion, etc. After categorisation, we cleaned the data to retain only entries with valid upvotes and category labels. We then grouped the data by category to calculate total upvotes.