12 Self-Taught DIY Projects That Are Worth the Savings

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Everything can be outsourced or ordered online these days. That’s why teaching yourself a skill feels like a mini rebellion. There’s something incredibly satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and tackling a can of paint, some spackle, and a hammer.

You will save a few bucks, but you will also enjoy the thrill of creating something with your own hands, even if it takes you a few hundred tutorials and trials. Things may not always turn out exactly like the Pinterest tutorial you were following, but that’s part of the adventure.

Here are some self-taught DIYs for your next project that’ll give you both pride and savings

1. Painting Your Own Walls

Painting looks easy, and it can be if you know what you’re doing and prepare well. With a bit of patience, practice, and the proper paint color, you can handle this job yourself.

All you need are a few quality brushes, some painter’s tape, and a free weekend. The key is prepping the space—remove wall fixtures, tape off edges, and make sure the surface is smooth. You will have your long-awaited accent wall at a fraction of the price.

2. Installing Shelves

When you’re running out of storage space, shelves are a lifesaver. But instead of buying pre-made ones or paying for installation, why not learn how to install them yourself?

It’s a straightforward project that only requires some basic tools: a level, drill, and wall anchors. You can even get creative with the shelf design and make something completely unique to your space.

3. Building Raised Garden Beds

If you’ve been eyeing those Instagram-worthy garden beds but don’t want to splurge, this is the DIY project for you. Building raised garden beds is a simple woodworking project that can be tackled even by beginners.

With just a few planks of wood, screws, and some soil, you’ll have a beautiful garden area ready for planting. Aside from the savings, raised beds give you control over soil quality and make gardening more accessible (no more sore knees from kneeling down!).

4. Refinishing Old Furniture

Instead of dropping cash on a new dresser or table, give your old furniture a second life. Refinishing is a DIY project that involves sanding down the old finish, applying a new stain or paint, and sealing it for protection.

Refinishing furniture is a low-cost way to completely change the look of a piece while maintaining the quality of solid wood furniture. It’s also incredibly rewarding. You take something old, possibly a little dinged up, and turn it into a piece that perfectly fits your current style.

5. Installing a Backsplash

A backsplash can add serious style points to your kitchen, but paying someone to install one can cost as much as the materials themselves (or more). Tiling may seem intimidating at first, but with a little research and practice, it’s a skill you can master.

Pick a design that matches your kitchen’s vibe, and you’ll be amazed at how much a backsplash can enhance the look of the room.

6. Replacing Light Fixtures

Changing bulbs is one of the skills you need to learn before you ever move into your own house. Swapping out outdated light fixtures for modern ones is an impactful home upgrade.

It may sound a bit electrifying if you’ve never touched anything electrical, and not in a good way. Turn off the power before starting, and follow all instructions carefully.

7. Reupholstering Chairs

That worn-out chair doesn’t need to go to the curb just yet. Reupholstering is a handy DIY skill that can give old furniture new life. It’s all about learning how to remove the old fabric, adding fresh padding if needed, and stapling the new fabric in place.

You can pick any pattern or color to fit your decor perfectly. Reupholstering saves money and also helps you customize pieces to match your style.

8. Creating a Gallery Wall

Art doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does the process of displaying it. A gallery wall is a perfect way to add character to a room, and you definitely don’t need a professional to create one. Gather your favorite photos, prints, or even handmade art, and arrange them on your wall using affordable frames.

Designing and hanging a gallery wall yourself saves money and allows you to curate something that truly speaks to you. You get to choose every detail, from the frame style to the arrangement.

9. Laying Laminate Flooring

When it’s time to replace that old carpet, laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option you can install yourself. It’s a click-and-lock system, which means no glue or nails are required, making it beginner-friendly.

With the right tools and a bit of time, you can have sleek new floors without the hefty labor cost. Laminate flooring is easy to install, durable, and low maintenance.

10. Crafting Your Own Headboard

Headboards are getting more expensive and fancier, but why buy a pricey headboard when you can make one yourself? There’s no shortage of DIY headboard ideas, from simple upholstered versions to reclaimed wood designs.

With basic tools and a few materials, you can create a unique piece that makes your bedroom look professionally styled. You can choose to make it rustic, modern, or anywhere in between.

11. Installing New Faucets

A leaky or outdated faucet can be an eyesore, but calling in a plumber isn’t always necessary. Installing a faucet is one of those DIY tasks that seems more complicated than it actually is.

With a few tools, some patience, and maybe some spare towels in case something goes awry, you can swap out your old faucet for a shiny new one in no time. You will save on labor costs, and this skill can come in handy in the future.

12. Making Custom Curtains

Curtains cost a little more than a car engine today, and knowing how to create your own can be a big source of savings. Even if you’re new to sewing, curtains are one of the easiest projects to start with. All you need is fabric, a sewing machine, and a bit of patience.

Custom-made curtains allow you to pick the exact fabric and length that works for your space without the limitations of store-bought options. You will have unique window treatments that perfectly match your decor.

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