Intimidated by DIY? Start with these two projects, says a DIY expert

(Image credit: Liz Hartmann)

published 14 March 2021

“Where do I even begin?”

Without a doubt, the hardest part of DIY is just getting started. And like so many others out there, I began my DIY journey not knowing the answer to this very question. Now that I have my bearings a bit, though I still have so much to learn, I have a bit of insight into what a good starting point might be for someone looking to jump into the wonderful world of DIY.

For me, DIY has become a way to discover what I am capable of. “I can do hard things,” is a sentiment that I learned through project completion after project completion. Do I still question if I can do it? Of course. But “Yes, you can,” is an answer that I have found to be frequent. However, an attainable challenge is necessary in order to find continued success. I wouldn’t hear those words in my head if I attempted an expert DIY from the start, because I likely wouldn’t have the skills and knowledge to find success. And are mistakes still made? Absolutely. This is how we learn. So, again, “Where do I begin?”

Below, I've listed out two of my favorite DIY projects. They'll not only dramatically transform your home, but I promise they're beginner-friendly, too.

Board & batten wall

traditional entryway with board and batten wall

One of my first projects, and still one of my favorites is a batten wall. A batten wall is a feature wall that involves attaching wood pieces to your wall in order to add dimension and design to a space. Many may be familiar with “board and batten,” but just a “batten wall” makes this DIY a little bit easier. No boards, just batten. Board and batten walls come in a variety of sizes and styles, and their addition provides an easy way to elevate a space. A batten wall, in particular, is a project that can easily be completed in a day or so, especially in a small space.

To begin, a decision must be made about the specifications of the design. This involves desired width between the boards, desired width of the boards themselves, and color of the wall. I personally love a batten wall where the top part of the wall (or the part without the batten) is the same color as the feature itself. Once decisions are made, lumbar supply and cut lists can be made. A common example of boards to use would be to use 1x4 boards (I prefer select pine) along the top and bottom to run horizontally, and 1x3 boards to run vertically.

The actual process of the project will consist of:

Removal of existing base boards
Addition of cut boards (battens)
Wood filling/sanding of nail holes
Caulking of gaps between boards and wall
Painting

Tools for this project are minimal, which is another reason why it is a good project for beginners. A saw of some kind (but preferably a miter saw) will be needed to cut the boards, and a finish nail gun (though not entirely necessary) will make the process attainable for the most novice of DIYers. If a nail gun is not used, a hammer and finish nails can be used. Each nail would have to be hammered in and then a nail punch can be used to push each nail below the surface of the wood in order to provide a seamless look. In my humble opinion, the saving of all the effort is definitely worth the money that will be spent on renting our buying a nail gun.

This project is one that I have done many times, and one that has given me a lot more confidence to try more difficult projects. It is achievable for the beginner, and a great place to start.

Spray paint projects

Another one of my favorite projects that I always come back to is anything involving spray paint. The power of paint always amazes me, and the transformations to a piece through a change of color are always surprising.

Though it seems pretty easy, spray painting does take some practice, and having a few pointers up your sleeve will help. First and foremost- wear a mask or paint respirator. It might seem silly, but the chemicals in spray paint are not ones that should be inside our lungs, so I don a mask for these projects. I also usually wear disposable plastic gloves. Not a completely necessary addition, but it will make clean up a lot easier. The next step is crucial, and I apologize for yelling, but BACK UP! The number one problem that I see with spray painting is that the application is done too close to the object, which causes an uneven application and paint drips. For seamless coverage, I recommend holding the can about 10 inches from the object and moving your arm left and right as you spray. Staying in one spot for too long will also cause problems.

See also: How to spray paint furniture

I have also learned (again, from making my own mistakes) that overspray is a very real thing. I always try to spray outside whenever possible in order to protect surrounding items. That being said, spraying on windy days isn’t a great idea, and spray painting should also always be done in temperatures between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity in order to ensure a proper drying process.

Finally, it is important to remember that nearly every paint project imaginable will likely require more than one coat, so getting a clean look with no drips is much more important than covering everything the first time around. From light fixtures to vases, and from shelf hardware to thrifted books, there are a LOT of spray-painted items in our home. The fact of the matter is that styles change. Maybe you loved that black mirror a couple of years ago, but you lean more towards gold accents now. There is truly no need to go spend money on a brand-new item. Spray paint can definitely give your pieces a brand-new look for a fraction of the cost.

The feeling of accomplishment is a beautiful thing, and that exact feeling is why I keep learning, why I keep making mistakes, and why I keep trying. So, I encourage you to start small, but I encourage you to try. You might be surprised with what you can create.