Backyard sheds and garages are brimming with hardware and gardening supplies like never before as the DIY revolution defies the general retail gloom. And it's not just toys for the boys.
Housing Industry Association chief economist Harley Dale said a more "thrifty" attitude meant more people were attempting minor renovations rather than hiring a tradesperson, even though there were more tradies available and at reduced rates.
"It might be just deciding that instead of completely renovating your bathroom people might instead keep the existing plumbing and put in new cabinetry around the existing sink," he said.
"It's not as male dominated as some people think. My wife spends more time at Bunnings than I do."
The latest retail figures show spending on hardware, building and gardening supplies up 3.5 per cent in July, the biggest percentage increase and defying a 0.8 per cent fall in total spending.
Sales in department stores fell 10.2 per cent.Spending on hardware is up 7.4 per cent over the year, more than double total retail sales growth of 3.5 per cent.CommSec chief economist Craig James said the rise of destination "superstores", such as Bunnings and Masters, had changed weekend shopping habits, while reality TV was also having an effect.
"I certainly think the renovation shows have helped, as people believe that they can do the simple jobs," he said.
A stagnant property market is also having an impact.
"As people decide they're going to stay put, their minds turn to doing some small jobs around the house," he said.
And unlike grandpa's tools which lasted for generations, today's DIY enthusiasts have access to cheaper tools.
"If you want to find a cheap hand saw and use it once and maybe it doesn't last more than a year, you can do that."
Hand tools are much cheaper in cost and they are still needed for those smaller jobs. They do come in handy if there is no power and your batteries have totally run down without a place to charge them. These tools are very important if you still want to stick to the more authentic woodworking and get back to the simple life. It takes a lot more effort and time to work with these tools but you can come up with the same professional results.
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