20 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Weekend

Are you prepared to transform your living area? There’s no need for an expensive or time-consuming home renovation, even if you want to transform your home truly. On a budget or just looking for a fun weekend project, there are plenty of options for DIY home improvement that loom large.

From curb appeal to interiors, here are 20 fun and affordable home improvement projects you can do in a single weekend!

What are Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Projects?

DIY home improvement projects are, by definition, do-it-yourself tasks that homeowners complete to improve, maintain, or upgrade their living spaces rather than enlisting a professional contractor. These can be as simple as painting a room or replacing hardware, or as complex as building your own furniture or accent walls. The mission is to enhance the overall look, function, and value of your home and save money by avoiding hiring someone to do it for you. With the right tools and resources and a little creativity, DIY home renovation projects enable you to give your home a personal touch and turn it into a space that embodies your unique style.

• PAINT THE FRONT DOOR

Your front door is the first impression that people get of your home when they arrive. Sometimes, a fresh paint job is all that’s needed for a significant upgrade. Opt for a vibrant colour, such as red, blue, or, for a more cozy and inviting feel, consider a yellow hue. Be sure to use a step-by-step guide for a flawless, professional finish.

• INSTALL MAGNETIC CARRIAGE DOOR HARDWARE

Carriage house garage doors are a desirable feature, but they can be costly. For a small fraction of the price, magnetic carriage door hardware can be a great budget alternative. For only $20, you can add faux handles and hinges to your garage door to simulate a carriage-style door without the hefty price tag.

• CREATE A SHIPLAP ACCENT WALL

If you love shiplap’s classic New England appeal but would prefer not to splurge, you can even make your own. Plywood, a saw, construction adhesive, and nails are all it takes to pump up boring walls with an affordable accent. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to bring a warm, farmhouse feel to any space.

• STRING LIGHTS TO SYNCHRONIZE THE SWAY

String lights are a simple way to add ambiance to your outdoor areas. Whether around a garden, on the patio, balcony, porch, around or in between trees, or indoors, they add the perfect touch of relaxation to any situation. A pergola is an excellent way to add to your living space, especially during the summer when spending time outdoors is inevitable.

• INSTALL GLASS CABINET INSERTS

Add some light to your kitchen by going with glass instead of wood on just the cabinet door front. It’s a simple way to show off your beautiful dishware or glassware, as well as give your kitchen a modern look. This is an excellent project for cabinets next to your stove or near where you make your coffee.

• STENCIL YOUR PATIO

If your concrete patio is not in the fabulous condition you’re looking for, it might be time to freshen up this type of surface. With some concrete stain and a stencil, you can easily fake a custom tile design and add a fresh update to your outdoor living area. This project is deceptively simple and can be tackled in a few hours.

• FAKE THE LOOK OF MARBLE

Marble countertops or a marble coffee table can indeed cost thousands, but you don’t have to spend that much to have marble in your home. With paint, epoxy, and a fair bit of patience, you can mimic the glossy wow factor of polished marble with a faux treatment on a dining table, coffee table, or even a kitchen centerpiece like an island.

• UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM MIRROR

Exchange your old, builder-grade bathroom mirror for a framed model. With just a few simple tools and a pre-cut frame, you can add a beautiful custom element to your mirror at 10% of the cost of a new mirror.

• REFINISH WOOD FURNITURE

Revive old furniture by refinishing it. Whether it’s a wooden chair, table, or dresser, A new coat of paint or stain is an easy way to completely transform the feel and look of your furniture, no matter how old it gets.

• INSTALL FLOATING SHELVES

Make the most of your space with floating shelves. They also have a modern and slim appearance, and can store books, pot plants, or small ornaments. Floating shelves are so simple to hang that you could stand one up and hammer in the support braces during a commercial break from your favorite TV show.

• INSTALL PEEL-AND-STICK BACKSPLASH TILES

Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are a low-commitment way to live out your wildest tile dreams without committing to the chaotic and financial undertaking of actually tiling something. These tiles are available in several styles, including subway, marble, and mosaic, and can be installed in under a couple of hours.

• CREATE A FAUX BRICK WALL

If you’re a fan of exposed brick, it’s not too tricky to get the exact look (without the cost) with peel-and-stick faux brick panels. They are affordable, easy to hang, and will give your space an urban-chic aesthetic without forking over the price of real brick.

• IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR STAIRCASE WITH A NEW RAILING

If your stair railing is old, dated, ugly, or you simply don’t like it, it doesn’t have to be that way! You can select a style that features modern metal, traditional wood, or a snazzy piece of glass for a contemporary feel.

• REORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET

A messy closet is a barrier to getting a look put together in the morning. Make room by investing in some extra shelving, drawer organizers, or hanging racks to add some additional efficiency into the mix.

• INSTALL A NEW LIGHT FIXTURE

Simply changing your light fixture can renew the energy throughout your room. Whether you want a bold chandelier, pendant lights, or sleek sconces, a new fixture can help make your space feel more polished and current.

• CONSTRUCT A FIRE PIT IN YOUR LAWN

Bring friends and family to huddle around a DIY fire pit. A few bricks — or stones, if you have a sufficient number lying around on your property — and you can easily construct a cozy spot outdoors to gather on chilly nights. It’s a nice little addition to any backyard and the perfect place for s’mores and scary stories to come alive.

• PUT A WINDOW BOX ON YOUR EXTERIOR

Add a warm, charming ambiance to your home with a window box. You can plant flowers, herbs, or even small shrubs to add color and life to your windows, no green thumb required! It’s quick and cheap and improves your curb appeal.

• REVIVE YOUR ENTRYWAY WITH A CONSOLE TABLE

Freshen up your entryway with a chic console table. This basic piece of furniture can serve as a place for decorations, keys, or mail, and it can change the feel of your entryway or the first greeting you offer your guests.

• CREATE A CUSTOMIZED GALLERY WALL

Display your family photos, art prints, and cherished memories with a personalized gallery wall. It’s a simple way to customize your environment and help it feel a bit more like home.

• INSTALL A NEW FAUCET

Swapping out an old faucet can make a dramatic change in any kitchen or bathroom. Pick a sleek, contemporary faucet that will serve as a focal point in the bathroom, and one you can install yourself with a minimum of tools.

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to cut costs, feel like you want to work productively, or just prefer to have a hand in home projects, DIY home improvements are a great choice. Embracing do-it-yourself tasks empowers you to work on and complete home projects within your budget, develop your sense of accomplishment in home repairs and improvement, and allows you to customize your home. Make sure to select projects that are within your ability, and where you are in doubt, hire a professional to help with the more difficult jobs. In the end, when done correctly, DIY projects are a satisfying way to breathe fresh life into a crib at a minimal cost.

FAQs

• What is the cost to paint a front door?

You’re looking at no more than $20 when you have all the tools around your house, and all you need is paint.

• How do I put up a shiplap accent wall?

You can install shiplap by cutting plywood into planks and securing it to the wall with construction adhesive and nails. Top off with paint for a crisp finish.

• How can I update my kitchen to make it look modern without doing a complete renovation?

Yes! By adding glass inserts, swapping out light fixtures, and installing a new backsplash, you can give your kitchen a much-needed update without breaking the bank.

• What’s the simplest way to upgrade my outdoor space?

A string of lights or fire pit — yes, even a few pieces of simple outdoor furniture — can make a massive difference to your patio or backyard. They’re simple to do and the perfect way to spend a weekend.