Addition a DIY home project is an effective way to give your house an original touch, yet learning how to hang drywall or redoing your patio may present more of a challenge than anticipated.
Are You New to DIY Projects? If you are just getting into DIY, here are a few easy DIY projects designed for beginners.
1. Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets
Makeover your kitchen’s appearance with new paint is an inexpensive DIY project that delivers instantaneous satisfaction, and one of the easier projects for beginners to master.
No matter if you choose to remove or leave on your cabinet doors, start by painting their face frames and other exposed surfaces first. Use a brush for tight spots and corners while rolling large areas. Be sure to use stain-blocking primer if your cabinets contain knots that might bleed through top coats of paint.
To speed up application, consider using a paint sprayer. Be sure to back-brush any sprayed paint so it is smooth and even, and for an authentic touch add crackling glazes for added rustic charm.
2. Hang a Pot Rack
Hanging a pot rack in your kitchen is an ideal way to free up cabinet space while adding elegance. While this project might appear intimidating at first, it’s easier than it appears!
Use a stud finder to locate and mark your ceiling joists before installing robe hooks into the board on which your pot rack will rest.
Test-fit the rack on your ceiling by passing a pencil through each of its screw holes to lightly mark their positions, before using a stud finder to locate wall studs that correspond with those marked by pencil. Use wood screws or heavyweight drywall anchors when screwing it down onto its respective studs.
3. Paint a Chalkboard Wall
Chalkboard walls are an increasingly popular paint trend that provides functional design – great for kids’ rooms or home offices! Additionally, chalkboards provide the opportunity to keep a chores chart or to-do list visible for everyone in the family to view.
This DIY project is one of the easiest, but you must ensure you start off on a wall that’s smooth, even, and free from textures. Once found, prepare the surface by cleaning with a cloth before applying primer or lightly sanding it to ensure maximum adhesion and success.
Once the primer has dried, apply a coat of chalkboard paint to the wall by stirring thoroughly before applying in order to prevent lumps. Allow this process to dry for at least two days and hang a piece of wood trim (using a level as necessary) as a border to complete your project!
4. Upgrade Your Ceiling Fan
While learning the art of drywalling or paver a backyard patio might take more time and energy than you have available to invest, there are still home improvement projects you can complete on your own. The key to successful home improvement for beginners is starting off small so as to gain confidence before taking on more complex tasks.
Add an eye-catching fabric lampshade to your ceiling fan for an entirely different look by switching off its power before starting this DIY project. For even greater change, try upgrading with remote controls that eliminate pull chains altogether; this is an excellent way to reduce energy usage! This project makes for an engaging DIY activity and reduces electricity consumption at the same time!
5. Add Solar Lights
Though it can be tempting to rush right in and replace cabinets or paint an entire room, starting small projects that hone your skills is the most effective way of learning them. Refinishing furniture is a rewarding DIY project. Simply start by cleaning off any dirt or grime before applying chemical strippers or sandpaper to strip any old finishes away, exposing raw wood underneath.
If your cords are becoming disorganized, one of the easiest DIY projects for newcomers to tackle is adding paintable baseboard cord channels to conceal them. No one will even notice, plus this strategy doesn’t increase your electric bill! Plus you can customize them to match any decor.