XTEND GARDEN BUILDING AFTERCARE
3. Adding Interior Finishes (and Electrics)
Once you have completed the exterior treatment, you can begin to adapt the interior to suit you and your
working environment. Once constructed, the Xtend interior is as follows: walls and roof with a beaded profile
and attractive olive-green finish; unpainted natural timber roof trims and window frames; and an OSB-topped
floor. It is completely up to you in which order you choose to apply your internal finishes and which materials
you intend to use. Our recommendations are listed below as a guide:
Electrics
Before starting any of your decorating, we recommend that you install any lighting and electrics that you want
in your building. We have supplied screws for installing your beaded panels. These allow ease of access to any
wall or roof lighting that you will need to possibly fix, adjust or change in the future. The 45 x 45mm battens
provided for your roof create the space for recessed downlights if desired. Although the roof trims are nailed
into place, extra nails are supplied in case you need to remove the panels to access any electrics and reapply
the roof trims.
Always use a fully certified electrician to install any electrics.
Laminate / Wood Flooring
A simple underlayment of foam sheeting or breathable membrane is usually sufficient as a base for laminate
flooring. In the unlikely event tof damage or unevenness of the floor from the build process, you will need to
lay down a rigid underlayment of thin plywood before applying the membrane and laminate flooring. Providing
underlayment for laminate flooring is essential for stability, support, additional insulation and an overall sturdy
floor.
For wood flooring, use a spirit level to ensure that your subfloor is flat and level. If it is not, you will need to
either line your subfloor with plywood (for a wooden subfloor), or use a self-levelling compound (for a concrete
subfloor). Install your wooden flooring, using any floor instructions you have been provided. When fitting any
type of wooden flooring, you must leave an expansion gap at least 10mm around the edge of the room.
Floor Trim
The type and size of floor trim is entirely up to you. You can purchase any simple floor trims from many DIY
stores, such as B&Q, Wickes and Screwfix. When applying your floor trim, ensure that the ends are at 45-degree
angles to meet up at each corner. This can be achieved with a mitre or hand saw. Fix the trims around your
edges with a construction adhesive, such as Unibond, No Nonsense or Polyurethane Wood Glue. These can be
found in the same DIY stores along with your floor trim of choice.
Decorators Caulk
As part of your final preparation, it is essential to use a flexible filler in the gaps around the door and window
frames; along floor trims and skirting boards; and along roof and wall panels to provide a robust seal. Apply
the filler, preferably with a gun for ease of use and to allow quick drying prior to painting. When you purchase
decorator’s caulk from the DIY store, ensure the brand allows for the caulk to be painted over; this will make
any interior painting easier and provide a better finish.
Painting
The beaded wall and roof panels are already primed so do not require treatment before painting.
Ensure
you fill any gaps beforehand and protect any areas you do not want painted. Additionally, you can fill each
screw hole and sand down before painting for a smooth finish. Preferably, apply paint with a roller and paint
tray for a smooth application and to avoid brush marks.
Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines.
Add your choice of wall colour and
floor covering.
Add your choice of furniture and
accessories.
Add your choice of lighting.
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