We bet a lot of DIY social media accounts and sites make you oooooo, ahhhhh, and dream of transforming your space (“as easy as 1, 2, 3!”). Your eyes light up--maybe you get a couple of butterflies imagining the satisfaction you’d feel--and then it happens: 

You recall your aversion to failure. You reminisce about all the good times you’ve shared with your appendages. You remember all the projects that went so, so wrong. 

And you think to yourself, “Nahhhh…. you make that. Imma go make a sandwich.” 

But here’s the thing: there are plenty of DIY home improvement projects you can pull off yourself with a little research, preparation, and care. Plus, making DIY improvements to your home or even just building a simple piece of furniture can be insanely satisfying. (Plus, if you choose the right projects, DIYing can save you a heap of cash to boot!) 

Basic Tips for Success

Start small.

If you’ve never pounded nails or used sandpaper, do not (NOT) go straight for the kitchen cabinet demolition or start sawing away on a (pricey) stretch of walnut. Instead, get a feel for your tools and materials through small practice projects. Then, when you’re ready to release your inner Joanna Gaines or Brian Baeumler, start in a lesser-used space like a spare bedroom, half bath, laundry room, or on a simple entry bench or end table. You’ll thank us.

Do your research.

Devour tutorials and how-to videos. Don’t just find out what to do; run searches for what not to do. It’ll save you time, energy, and money (and save your dog wondering what all the yelling is about).

Don’t skimp on quality.

When it comes to tools and materials, expensive doesn’t equal best, but ultra-cheap almost certainly equals worst. Invest in the best supplies and tools you can reasonably afford without paying for a lot of features you don’t need. Check consumer and pro reviews and recommendations on several sites before buying (or renting!).

Safety first, kids.

Seriously. There isn’t a person anywhere chatting it up in the ER like, “Took that wood shard right in the eye, exactly as planned. Good thing I didn’t wear those hideous goggles...” Do not be the first. Eye protection, skin protection, hearing protection--all recommended. 

Go easy on yourself.

None of the people featured below were born masters of DIY. Like you, they just started -- and they kept going. Sure, this stuff looks easy in the hands of a seasoned pro, but then, so does tying shoes and coaxing the seal off the damn salsa container. 

(Notice we didn’t say “opening the cereal bag without it exploding.” We’ll put humans on Mars and not one of them will want to be the first to dig into that new box of Wheat Chex.) 

Everything is practice for something else. Have reasonable expectations going in -- including the expectation that you’ll make mistakes and maybe even have to start over. You’ll be following in the footsteps of every DIY expert you admire.


Time for Shi...plap to Get Real 

Ready to stop dreaming of all those home improvements and start making them a reality? With advice for choosing and using all those new-to-you tools and plenty of skill-building projects to complete, the DIY experts below offer practical, real-world instruction and tips that’ll make you a circular saw sorcerer. 
Bookmark this post and these resources, and you’ll be confidently swimming in the DIY deep end in no time!

Woodworking (and a lot more)

The DIY Huntress
If you’d like to try your hand at building things like a desk, a headboard, or even a simple step stool (and a handsome stool it is), Sam Raimondi has the projects to keep you busy for a long time. If you’re feeling crafty, Raimondi also offers tutorials on imaginative wood (and other) craft that’ll scratch that itch. Extra credit: “Tool School” articles that give you the detailed low-down on common power tools. Sam, we love that about you.

Find more of The DIY Huntress on IG and YouTube.


Anika’s DIY Life
Anika Gandhi’s mission is “to inspire, empower, and encourage everyone to fill their lives with DIY -- no matter their experience level!” Awww! She loves all of us! 
Anika has you covered, from a “Woodworking 101” section for true beginners (get thee some of that) to tool recommendations and tutorials--and, for email subscribers, even project plans. Check out her YouTube account for a mad rush of creativity: her video library is blowing up with simple wood projects, craft tutorials, and even tips for things like cleaning grout and cutting glass. How’s that for well-rounded?

Find more of Anika’s DIY Life on IG and YouTube.

 Anika's DIY Life

Photo: Anika's DIY Life

Toolbox Divas

If your inner Tim the Toolman Taylor is threatened by pastels and bunnies, you may be tempted to click and run from Toolbox Divas. Do it and you’ll miss out on a veritable playground of practical and imaginative woodworking projects, from modern farmhouse shelves, desks, and covered garden beds, to all sorts of wood crafts like a serving tray, multi-tier hanging planter, and this easy-to-make wall clock concocted with scrap wood and a hint of colored epoxy. 

Timisha also educates beginner woodworkers and home improvement newbs about some basic tools in her Tools 101 series. Knowledge is power, people. (OK, we’re starting to see a theme here.)

Find more on Toolbox Divas on IG  and YouTube

 

A Hacking We Will Go (with IKEA furniture, that is)

IKEA Hackers Limited to all things IKEA, IKEA Hackers shares curated content showing you how to modify IKEA furniture in unique ways--“repurposing, reassembly, upgrade, update, personalisation, or the creation of something totally new.” (After you’ve managed to put it together, that is. We bid you nerves of steel.)

Find them on IG and YouTube as well. 

 

Home Improvement and Maintenance

Now that you have a few resources to keep you busy with projects into the next millenia, let’s talk home improvement and maintenance. This is the stuff that can increase your house’s value and keep it in excellent shape. Like us. <flexes tremendous bicep>

This Old House and Family Handyman have been in the home improvement and maintenance game since the first hipsters judged your grandparents and disco was queen (1951 and 1979, respectively). Think that makes those resources so last everything? Think again.

With all-you-can-read tips on everything from cutting in paint to repairing a screen, or building a workbench and painting your house, these sites offer comprehensive help with… well, pretty much everything. (In return, we’d like to help Family Handyman find a new name. Because 2021 y’all. 2-0-2-1.) 

Special mention: This Old House’s DIY Smarts  section and Family Handyman’s DIY University. Bookmark This Old House’s long-time host and DIY OG Bob Vila while you’re at it! 

This Old House on IG and YouTube
Family Handyman on IG  and YouTube
Bob Vila on IG and YouTube

For the Seriously Serious

Finish Carpentry TV
Pardon us while we fan… person. For those who want to learn to do finish carpentry like a pro, we give you master finish carpenter Richard McMurra. His epic skills, clear teaching, and casual approach will help take your skills to the next level. 

Sure, there’s probably some stuff here that you will notttt be doing for a while, but the more you watch McMurray get down to business (he takes us to job sites with him - no cute HGTV stuff here), the more you’ll start to think, “Well damn, I actually get this.” 

Note: We were not swayed by McMurray’s reference on IG to his daughter teaching cursive to the family dog. (Were not.)

Find Finish Carpentry TV’s website here. 

 

Sticker shock got you down? 

We feel you. For the tools you need for your project but just aren’t ready to spring for yet, we give you the Sparetoolz app. Connect with your neighbors, get tools, and still pay your electricity bill. (See? You really can have it all.)


Latest Blog Posts

A picture of wood pallets, which can be used for a lot of upcycling ideas. How to Repurpose Trash into Treasure
Want a more creative, and useful, solution for dealing with old stuff? We got you: Upcycling. Here are some ideas to get you started on repurposing seemingly unusable items!
A man feeding a giraffe during one of the amazing Airbnb experiences available. Our Favorite AirBnb Experiences of 2022
We love us some adventure every once in awhile. That's why we've put together this list of awesome Airbnb Experiences for 2022!
An example of an apartment toolkit. The Essential Apartment Toolkit
Apartment-dwellers are often low on space. Ain't nobody got room to store a whole garage worth of tools! Here, we're paring it down to just the top 9 essential tools every renter should have.
A tenant responsible fore repairs changing his light bulb. How to Know When a Repair Is a Renter's Responsibility (Plus, How to Get Them Done)
Tenants aren't responsible for most repairs, but there are a select few to be aware of. Let's review them and show you how to get 'em done!
A picture showing how plants and mirrors can elevate apartments. How To Elevate Your Apartment (Without Breaching Your Lease)
Wanna elevate your apartment? This guide's got a few (really) good ideas, and they're all super simple and cheap!
How to Revitalize Reclaimed Wood How to Revitalize Reclaimed Wood
Breathe new life into old timber with these 8 DIY project ideas using reclaimed wood!
Old tools ready to learn some new tricks for new uses. Teach Your Old Tools Some New Tricks
Your old tools can do more than you may think, you just have to be creative! Let's look at some novel ways you can put your gear to work.
5 Multifunctional Pieces of Furniture for Small Spaces 5 Multifunctional Pieces of Furniture for Small Spaces
Living in a small space can present some unique challenges. Using multifunctional furniture is one way to retain all the room for activities -- and your sanity.
5 DIY Ideas For Pets With Limitations 5 DIY Ideas For Pets With Limitations
Your home is your pet's home, too! Here's how to keep things comfy as your furry friend ages or develops physical challenges.
Cool old chairs and a table showing the benefits of secondhand furniture. The Benefits of Secondhand Furniture for Your Home
From DIY refresh opportunities to environmental impact — here are all the benefits of showing pre-loved furniture some...new love.
A family that co-creates on group projects. 4 Ways Collaborative Projects Can Strengthen Relationships
Whether you call it co-creating or working on a group project, the fact is it's all quality time — and it can bring you closer to the ones you care about most. In this article we cover how building things also builds bonds.
A couple considering their potential home design aesthetics. What Your Home's Aesthetic Says About You
Your home design philosophy is something that's deeply personal. It's a reflection of who you are! In this article we take a look at what that reflection might be. So buckle up, things might get lulzy.
A couple feeling the reward of self improvement through home improvement. How Home Improvement Can Build Confidence
The new year’s getting a little less…new, which makes this a great time to check in on your resolutions and see how you feel!
Man building the home goods he needs himself. How To: Build The Home Goods You Need
This how to guide isn't like other how to guides — this is about building simple and essential home goods you actually need. So get ready to learn how to build that thing you've always wanted. It's not as hard as you may think!
A woman using peer-to-peer platforms. The Coolest Peer-To-Peer Platforms of 2022
The sharing economy has BOOMED over the last decade, and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Peer-to-peer platforms have revolutionized the way we look for products and services.
5 Easy-To-Keep New Year’s Resolutions For Your Home 5 Easy-To-Keep New Year’s Resolutions For Your Home
Your home is likely where you spend most of your time — especially these days. That being the case, the way it looks and feels has a huge impact on your overall well-being.
DIY Projects To Make Your Home A Winter Wonderland DIY Projects To Make Your Home A Winter Wonderland
The winter months are finally here, and now is a perfect time to start making your home feel a little bit cozier--and festive! (If that's your thing.)
7 Ways To Optimize Your Home To Hold Heat 7 Ways To Optimize Your Home To Hold Heat
It's that time of year! ⛄️ Suffering from energy inefficiency? Read on for a handful of easy-to-apply tips that'll keep the cozy in, all winter long (no fire required).
How To Win Holiday Hosting How To Win Holiday Hosting
The holidays are fast approaching, and for many people, (now that we can carefully reconvene with friends and family!) that means a social calendar brimming with holiday parties.
DIY YouTube Accounts You Should Follow Right Now DIY YouTube Accounts You Should Follow Right Now

If you’re looking for some DIY inspiration, YouTube is a great place to start. Not only is it a Nirvana...

7 Celebrity Homes To Get Design Inspo Flowing 7 Celebrity Homes To Get Design Inspo Flowing
Feel like you’re stuck in a bit of an interior design rut? Looking at celebrity homes is a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
Purrfect DIY Ideas: Projects Your Pets Will Appreciate Purrfect DIY Ideas: Projects Your Pets Will Appreciate
There’s nothing like having a pet at home. They bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. (Well...OK, maybe cats have some conditions.)
The DOs and DON’Ts of Tiling The DOs and DON’Ts of Tiling
Tiling is a DIY project anyone can do to spice up a kitchen or bathroom!
10 Spooktacular Ideas for Halloween Home Decor 10 Spooktacular Ideas for Halloween Home Decor
When you were a trick-or-treating youngster, chances are one of your favorite parts about Halloween--besides rocking a wicked costume and stuffing your face with sugar--was checking out all the spooky decorations your neighbors tricked out (sorry) their homes with. Now that you’re--ahem--an adult, Halloween might look a little different (or maybe not...we don’t judge) but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be fun.
6 Tips for Creating the Perfect Work From Home Space 6 Tips for Creating the Perfect Work From Home Space
Working remotely sounds like hitting the work jackpot. PJ’s all day, no long commute, and no unnecessary small talk. But it can be hard to stay productive when the fridge and Netflix keep calling your name. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips on how to create the perfect WFH space for optimal productivity.
Tools for Generations: Baby Boomers Through Gen Z Tools for Generations: Baby Boomers Through Gen Z
No matter the size of the project or skill level required, there are tools available for every generation to succeed.
5 Basic Home Repairs Everyone Should Know 5 Basic Home Repairs Everyone Should Know
It would be awesome if houses and apartments never needed any maintenance. Until someone figures out how to build self-repairing homes (looking at you, Elon), we should all have a little DIY maintenance know-how.
6 Unique Ways to Connect With Your Community 6 Unique Ways to Connect With Your Community
Beyond unpacking boxes, picking out curtains, and buying an unnecessary number of succulents, one of the best ways to truly feel settled into a new home is to connect with your neighbors. For those of us who are a little green to networking, here are 6 unique ideas to help you start building meaningful relationships in your community.
7 Ways to Divide a Room (Without Building a Wall) 7 Ways to Divide a Room (Without Building a Wall)
Open floor plans have received a lot of love in the last several years, but what’s one to do when the space is...too open?
Tik Tok's Most Celebrated DIY Trends Right Now Tik Tok's Most Celebrated DIY Trends Right Now
Many people are still bound (or, rather, re-bound) to their homes and growing tired of their pandemic-necessitated hobbies. 
8 Ways to Make Your Rental Feel like Home 8 Ways to Make Your Rental Feel like Home
Buying a home may be the easiest way to feel like you have a place that’s truly yours (since, in that case, it...literally is) but you don’t need to be a homeowner to make a place your home. 
5 Great Apps and Services for Finding Your New Apartment 5 Great Apps and Services for Finding Your New Apartment
Welcome to the Internet: effortlessly soar through cyberspace at lightning speed to find exactly what you need, right now.
6 IKEA Hacks You Should Try Right Now 6 IKEA Hacks You Should Try Right Now
IKEA is known for its affordable prices, maze-like stores, and...equally maze-like assembly instructions.
How to: Build & Fill a Garden Box How to: Build & Fill a Garden Box
If you’ve never grown your own food, just imagine it for a minute:
How to Keep Cool Without A/C How to Keep Cool Without A/C
It’s too damn hot.
How To: Make a Home In Your Home For Your Pets How To: Make a Home In Your Home For Your Pets
Once upon a time, if the family dog wasn’t banished alone to a dark, doorless dog house, he slept on an unforgiving floor in the house -- with not so much as a comfy memory foam bed with removable faux fur cover, matching bolsters, and built-in aromatherapy to ease his humiliation.
Best Practices for Organizing Small Spaces (Yes, That Small) Best Practices for Organizing Small Spaces (Yes, That Small)
Want the secret to mastering small spaces?
Your Lawn is Useless (But It Doesn't Have to Be) Your Lawn is Useless (But It Doesn't Have to Be)
At its best, your lawn is a beautifully dense, vibrantly green...um, patch of grass.
Drywall Repair Tips for Beginners Who Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way Drywall Repair Tips for Beginners Who Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way
There are a lot -- and we mean a lot -- of drywall repair tutorials available on the Internet, and we know you’ll find your favorites.
Is Renting More Sustainable Than Buying? Is Renting More Sustainable Than Buying?
With the idea of environmental responsibility taking up more mental real estate in the past few years, we’ve all been looking for ways to minimize our impact and give Mother Nature a little breather.
Everything You Need to Know About Side Hustles Everything You Need to Know About Side Hustles
The pandemic has, over the past year, left many people with more time and less cash. Whether walking dogs, turning professional skills into a freelance gig, checking off someone’s shopping list, or any of dozens of other options, folks have taken advantage of technology to get the bills paid.
12 Tools Every Millennial Should Have (and Why) 12 Tools Every Millennial Should Have (and Why)
From avocado toast and Instagram to 3D-printed custom prostheses (Disney characters or tattoos, anyone?) and Uber, Millennials are famous for innovation. Allergic to the status quo, we’re built for “figuring it out” and finding unique ways to do things. 
DIY TikTok Tile Table Sparetoolz How To: Build TikTok's Tile Table
This 80s-flavored decor trend is taking the internet by storm. Here's how to bring it home for yourself.
How to Keep Plants Alive Here’s How To Keep Plants Alive In Your Home, Even If You Kill Everything
If you've convinced yourself that you're a perilous threat to all floral life and so are destined for a plant-less existence...we have good news.
Here Are Some of the Best Airbnbs in Each State Here Are Some of the Best Airbnbs in Each State
Despite Airbnb’s bizarrely humble beginning (and some pretty intense hurdles--legislative and logistical), nothing has been able to squelch its meteoric rise to multi-billion-dollar company. Turns out millions of people find it perfectly acceptable to sleep in a stranger’s bed. Who knew?
Trendy pink lettered neon sign on brick wall Taking Out the Trash: Interior Design Trends That Should Stay in 2020
We’re all ready to throw 2020 down the garbage chute. Here are some home design trends that should be tossed out with it.
Green and blue botanical wallpaper applied behind gold bathtub How to Apply Wallpaper (And What Not to Do)
Yes, we know, wallpaper is infamous for being a nightmare. Just hear us out.
Parents hang picture on wall as child stands nearby to help with project 5 Home Improvement Projects Kids Can Help With
Including kids in "grown-up" projects doesn't just present opportunities for memory-making; it also shows them that they are capable little humans, who will grow into self-sufficient big humans.
Modern living room painted white and featuring honey-colored wood floors and accents, a large gas fireplace and textured grey sofa 25 Things You Need to Know About Maintaining a House
Maintaining a house requires effort, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Here are 25 tips to get you well on your way to a happy home.