10 Beginner DIY Home Improvement Projects
How was your weekend? We spent the majority of ours working on the shed, and it’s looking SO good. Lately, I’ve noticed a trend on my Instagram channel… the projects that seem to be the most loved these days have been quick, easy, and budget-friendly DIY projects. I thought to kick off the week, it might be helpful to roundup 10 beginner DIY home improvement projects we’ve shared in the past. If you’re interested in taking the DIY route, but are just dipping your toes into tackling home improvement projects, these 10 cosmetic tutorials are a great place to begin and hopefully will prove to be helpful in building your confidence (plus- none of them require knocking down walls)! A few things to keep in mind… everybody starts somewhere, most projects aren’t difficult but require time, energy, patience, and a good attitude or willingness to learn. You’ve got this! From simple tasks like painting doors and swapping hardware to installing tile, it’s fun to complete a project and feel a major sense of accomplishment, all while creating a home you enjoy living in.
#1 // How to Paint a Door
This was a highly requested tutorial. My preferred door painting method involves a good quality paint, a nice brush, and a high density foam roller. If you’re interested in updating the doors throughout your home with paint, this is a great tutorial to check out for smooth, fresh doors (with no visible brushstrokes).
→ check it out ←
#2 // How to Install Floor Tile
I’m not going to lie- tile installation used to seriously intimidate me. From the loud wet saw to the fear of messing up, it wasn’t a project I thought I was capable of. It turns out, something that really used to stress me out, has since become my favorite DIY task to tackle. These days, tile installation does the opposite for me… I find it calming and the most rewarding home project. This tutorial covers how to install large format floor tile. I promise it’s easy!
→ check it out ←
#3 // How to Install Grasscloth (or Any Wallpaper) On The Back of Built-Ins
Another project I find relaxing that delivers instant gratification is wallpaper installation. I’ve always installed my own wallpaper and it just takes some patience. I love the look of installing wallpaper on the backside of shelving or built-ins for an elevated, textural look. This tutorial breaks down how to achieve that aesthetic with grasscloth.
→ check it out ←
#4 // How to Refinish Hardwood Floors
In our first home, we paid a LOT of money to have the floors throughout our entire home refinished. In our second home, we decided we could definitely attempt this ourselves to save some major room in the budget. It turns out- refinishing floors is very easy… it’s just time consuming. Curious what that process looks like? Click through and check it out, if your floors could use an update!
→ check it out ←
#5 // How to Replace a Stair Runner
My amazing friend (and previous RFT editor) Jacqueline shared this awesome tutorial for replacing a stair runner. Much like carpet elsewhere in your home, stair runners wear out, age, or can look dated as time passes. This easy project makes a huge impact in the aesthetic of your staircase.
→ check it out ←
#6 // How to Install Panel Moulding
This recent tutorial has been receiving a lot of love lately. It turns out, you all love panel moulding just as much as Emmett and myself! It instantly adds architectural interest, depth, and turns a boring room into something special. This quick and easy tutorial is perfect for beginners who are new to power tools- specifically the miter saw and nail gun.
→ check it out ←
#7 // How to Paint Exterior Brick
Painting exterior brick is an easy, yet calculated process. You can easily ruin your brick exterior by using the wrong technique or product… which could lead to structural damage. It sounds scary, but as long as you’re taking the appropriate steps, it can totally change the way your home exterior, fireplace, or other brick structures look.
→ check it out ←
#8 // How to Install a Ceiling Medallion
This is another tutorial that is relatively new on the blog. I’ve been a fan of ceiling medallions for quite some time, as they can really dress up a light fixture. Our preferred method is to use caulk instead of construction adhesive, to ensure it perfectly aligns (giving you wiggle room). Click through to read all about it.
→ check it out ←
#9 // How to Install Mosaic Tile
I’ve got another tile tutorial for you, because as I mentioned- it’s my favorite renovation task to complete. I absolutely love tiling! Mosaic tiles are easy to install and the project goes pretty quickly. The end result always looks impressive. The key is to precisely align each sheet of tile carefully.
→ check it out ←
#10 // How to Install a Paver Patio
Last, but not least.. since we’re at the end of the summer season, there is still time to install your dream paver patio to enjoy this fall. This was another easy project that ended up being very beautiful and functional in our previous backyard. We’ll definitely be installing more paver areas at our current home in the future.
→ check it out ←
I hope these DIY posts from the past are helpful, if you’re new to home improvement projects. I’ll also link some of our favorite basic tools below, if you’re just beginning to build your collection. We’ve used these for years and they come in handy for multiple projects! I hope you all have a great week. Tomorrow, I’m sharing side table and coffee table combinations- plus, how to pair them like a designer.
