DIY
Home Projects
Absolutely Anyone Can Do
Peel-and-stick wallpapers make DIY décor easier to apply. Measure the height and width of each wall and multiply those numbers to calculate the square footage you'll need. Subtract 10 square feet for each door and large window.
Composting diverts materials from the waste stream, decreasing trash in landfills while also improving soil: a win-win. It’s a simple habit to pick up, just be sure to learn what can and can't be composted
Backsplashes have a practical side in protecting your walls, but they also have a decorative side, with a wealth of colors, sizes, and shapes of tiles from which to choose. A laser level will help ensure each row of tile is centered and level.
Vinyl flooring comes in many iterations that are easy for DIY installation: by the roll, in “tiles,” and in plank form. Any version makes a great floor surface, particularly in rooms where high moisture levels occur, such as bathrooms.
Choose a spot and plot out the size and footprint of your raised bed; 3 feet wide typically enables gardeners to easily reach across. Most are between 12 and 20 inches tall. Use water-resistant material, such as concrete blocks or rot-resistant exterior wood like cedar.
Add a cheerful welcome to your “projects house” with a painted front door. Ideally, you should remove the door from its hinges, sand, wash, and dry the surface as part of the prep. Remove hardware and cover any glass panes.
A DIY project that adds oxygen to a room involves hanging plants from the ceiling. Choose a location that gets the required amount of light for your plant. Locate a stud or beam to attach a swag bolt to, or use a toggle bolt to secure to drywall.
Old furniture often has great “bones” or nice detail, but the upholstery might be worn or simply dated. Re-upholstering furniture can give it a second life.
Whether your current faucet has sprung a leak or you’d simply like to update the look to match your décor, you can replace it yourself with a few simple tools.
It’s best if you can attach shelf supports to a wall stud, but drywall anchors may work if the shelf isn't too heavy. For longer shelves or heavier loads, consider adding brackets for extra support.
Growing fruits and vegetables provides fresh food at your fingertips. It’s a great learning experience for children and often results in tastier produce than you can buy at a store.
You can have a luxe mirror for less by making your own frame. Measure the piece of unframed mirror, and purchase an appropriate amount of any framing material. You’ll also need to cut a dado in each piece—a slot for the mirror to slide into.
Reduce your heating and air conditioning bills by sealing drafty windows and doors. Latex caulk is often used for this application because it expands more than silicone caulk.
Add some color to your kitchen by painting the cabinets. Whatever color you choose, select a semi-gloss or gloss paint because it is easier to clean and stands up to wear and tear better than a matte paint.
For wall-mounted TVs, you can run the cords through a cord cover like the SimpleCord Cable Concealer Kit available on Amazon. For ultra-invisibility, paint the cord covers the same color as your walls.
One of the easiest DIY home projects is adding solar lights to your yard or along a sidewalk or driveway. Available in a wide range of sizes, styles, brightness, and even color of light, solar lights require no wiring and don’t add to your electric bill.
A nook or closet will work, but if you can commandeer an entire room, consider swapping a hollow core door for a solid door to reduce sound from the rest of the house. Upholstered furniture, rugs, and wall hangings will also muffle sound.
Gain usable space by decluttering your home. First, sort through your stuff to determine what you really use and what you wouldn’t miss. Donate items you no longer need to a school, a homeless center, an animal shelter, your church, or your favorite charity.
Fabric liners are washable for long-term use. Plastic liners work best on open wire shelves. Foam liners provide extra cushion for breakable items. Vinyl liners are the least expensive and are available in the widest array of styles, but adhesive-backed liners leave a sticky residue when removed.
Pretty up your patio with a bouquet of flowering plants in a decorative container. Create bright color combinations that will attract pollinators for an added bonus.