The Tool Desk
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOutbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
These 30 DIY home projects cover decorating, gardening, organization, maintenance, and light renovation. They are approachable starting points, not a promise that every task is effortless or risk-free: refinishing furniture demands patience and skill, while a ceiling-mounted pot rack is specifically a poor first project. Choose according to your space, tools, expected load, and comfort with measuring, cutting, drilling, plumbing, or electrical work. The roundup behind these ideas was updated July 13, 2022, so follow the current instructions on the specific products you buy and check local requirements before starting.
Choose a project that matches your space and skill
Start with the result you want rather than the most impressive-looking project. A cosmetic change such as painting a door can be completed with basic preparation, while a shelf, ceiling plant, or pot rack depends on framing and load-rated hardware. Gardening projects hinge on sunlight, drainage, climate, and watering needs. Flooring, wallpaper, liners, and cord covers are less about advanced technique than accurate measurements and a good material fit.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Low-tool cosmetic work: a front door, chalkboard wall, stair treatment, drawer liners, cord concealment, or solar path lights.
- Measuring and cutting: wallpaper, backsplash tile, vinyl planks, a mirror frame, shelves, and upholstery.
- Load-bearing or service work: shelves, hanging plants, pot racks, faucets, and anything attached to framing or a water line.
- Living projects: compost, raised beds, food gardens, container gardens, mailbox landscaping, and repotting.
Gather the right protective equipment, protect nearby surfaces, and test a small area whenever a finish or cleaner could change the material.
Refresh walls, floors, doors, and stairs
1. Wallpaper one wall
Prepasted wallpaper removes the need to mix paste and can make a feature wall manageable for a first attempt. Measure the wall height and width to estimate its area, then account for pattern matching and waste. Patterned paper may require extra rolls, and rolls should come from the same dye lot so color stays consistent. Smooth the paper carefully as you work and keep a clean edge at corners, outlets, and trim.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
2. Tile a backsplash
Plan the layout before spreading adhesive. Mark a level starting line, position full tiles where they will be most visible, and reserve cut pieces for less prominent edges. Tile mastic and spacers help keep rows aligned. Measure and cut around outlets rather than forcing a tile into place; after the mastic has set, apply grout and clean the tile faces according to the grout directions.
3. Install vinyl flooring
Vinyl comes as sheet, tile, or plank flooring. For planks, measure the room, check that the subfloor is level, remove trim where necessary, and plan the staggered end joints before cutting. A utility knife is useful for fitting planks around floor ducts and door frames; make controlled scoring cuts and protect the surface beneath. Follow the flooring manufacturer’s expansion, underlayment, and acclimation requirements rather than assuming every product installs the same way.
4. Paint the front door
Remove the handle, lock hardware, and other fittings. Sand dull or peeling areas, wash away dirt, and let the door dry fully. Mask or cover glass, then apply a suitable primer or a paint-and-primer product. Use thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry before recoating and reinstalling the hardware. Keeping the door open or securing it safely while it dries prevents sticking against the frame.
5. Paint kitchen cabinets
Label doors and drawers as you remove them so each piece returns to its original position. Degrease the surfaces, remove hardware, prime, lightly sand between coats, and apply the cabinet paint with steady strokes. Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are favored here because they are easier to clean and better able to withstand wear. Let the finish dry before rehanging doors or loading shelves; a surface that feels dry may still be curing.
6. Paint a chalkboard wall
Sand and prime the wall before applying chalkboard paint. Compare products by ingredients, application method, drying and curing time, coverage area, and environmental impact; low-VOC paint may suit a lower-emission preference. Respect the full cure time before writing on the surface, and protect adjacent trim and floors from the dense, dark coating.
7. Add style to stairs
Painting or staining, decorative tile, adhesive stair decals, stencils, wallpaper, and non-slip treads can all change a stairway’s appearance. Measure each tread and riser because dimensions can vary within one flight. Keep traction and edge visibility ahead of decoration: a covering that curls, becomes slick, or hides the nose of a step creates a fall hazard.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Grow, plant, and improve outdoor spaces
8. Make compost
A simple compost mix can use fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, and shredded newspaper. Keep roughly three parts brown material, such as dry leaves or paper, to one part green material, such as fresh scraps or clippings. Do not add meat or dairy. Maintain the pile as directed by your chosen method, balancing moisture and airflow so it breaks down instead of becoming a wet, smelly mass.
9. Build a raised garden bed
Plan a bed narrow enough to reach across without stepping into it. Kits, concrete blocks, landscape timber, and rot-resistant wood are possible construction choices; select materials intended for outdoor contact. Fill the bed with suitable raised-bed soil rather than ordinary dirt dug from a yard. Above-ground beds can dry faster than in-ground soil, so check moisture more often, especially during hot weather.
10. Grow food
Choose a site with at least eight hours of sun, prepare the soil, and plant at the spacing and depth on each seed packet or plant label. Water consistently, remove competing weeds, and protect young plants from the pests or weather conditions common in your area. Grouping crops by similar needs makes routine care easier than trying to maintain one watering schedule for every plant.
11. Create a container garden
Select containers with drainage holes and fill them with potting soil. Combine plants only when their light, water, mature size, and climate requirements are compatible. A sun-loving herb and a shade plant, for example, should not share a pot simply because their colors look good together. Elevate containers if drainage could stain a surface, and monitor them closely because pots dry faster than garden beds.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →12. Landscape the mailbox
Plants and landscape materials can turn a bare mailbox area into a defined entry point. Keep the mailbox door and flag completely accessible for the carrier, and leave enough clearance for opening, walking, and seasonal maintenance. Choose plants that tolerate the site’s sun, wind, salt, and available moisture rather than relying only on appearance at planting time.
13. Hang plants from the ceiling
Locate a ceiling joist or beam for a swag bolt. If no framing is available at the desired position, use a toggle bolt rated for the load and installed exactly as directed. Include the wet weight of the pot, soil, plant, and hanger when checking the hardware rating. Do not use a plastic anchor for a ceiling-hung plant; moisture and leverage can turn a small load into a dangerous failure.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
14. Repot indoor plants
Roots emerging through the drain hole or soil that dries unusually quickly are signs that a plant may need a larger home. Move up only about one pot size so the new soil does not stay wet around a small root ball. Use fresh potting mix and a container with drainage. Withhold fertilizer for at least six weeks after repotting while the plant re-establishes.
15. Add outdoor solar lights
Stake-in solar path lights require no wiring and can define a walkway quickly. Place them about six to eight feet apart for an even path, spacing them closer when you want brighter or more continuous illumination. Install the panels where they receive adequate sun, keep the light path clear of plants, and test the nighttime result before permanently compacting the soil.
16. Power-wash small items
Power-washing can clean outdoor furniture, tools, bins, and other small items. Start with a broad, lower-pressure spray and increase force only when the material tolerates it. Keep the nozzle moving and avoid blasting paint so aggressively that it chips or flakes. Allow items to dry fully before storing, repainting, or bringing them indoors.
Build useful storage and update furnishings
17. Reupholster a secondhand chair seat
Remove the seat and measure the cushion, adding enough fabric to wrap underneath on every side. Center the pattern, pull the fabric taut, and staple it to the underside while working around the perimeter. Trim excess material without cutting into the new staples, then reinstall the seat. Inspect the foam and webbing first; a new cover cannot compensate for a failing structure.
18. Build a shelf
Fasten supports to a wall stud whenever possible. Choose brackets and anchors based on the shelf length, wall type, and expected load rather than appearance alone. Install the shelf level, tighten every fastener, and test stability with gradually increasing weight before placing breakable objects on it. A long shelf may need more than two supports to prevent sagging.
19. Frame a mirror
This is a more tool-intensive project than a simple wall decoration. It can involve a table saw or router, accurate miter cuts, wood glue, clamps, and suitable hanging hardware. Measure the mirror and frame stock twice, dry-fit all corners, and verify that the finished assembly and hardware can support the mirror’s weight before mounting it.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
20. Conceal cords
Match the method to the cord route and how visible it is.
| Method | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive clips | Short, visible runs that need quick positioning | May release from dusty, textured, or damp surfaces |
| Furniture storage | Power strips and excess cable behind a desk or console | Works only where furniture can hide the route |
| Wall cord covers | A cable crossing open wall space | More visible, but many covers can be painted |
| Paintable baseboard channels | Long runs along the perimeter of a room | Requires careful fitting at corners and transitions |
Keep cables accessible for replacement and avoid pinching them under furniture or doors.
21. Declutter and donate
Sort by actual use rather than by guilt or hypothetical future projects. Donate usable items through a suitable local channel, recycle what your area accepts, and store infrequently used belongings where they do not consume daily working surfaces. Finish one category or room before starting another so the project produces visible space instead of a house-wide pile.
22. Line drawers
Choose the liner for the drawer’s job.
| Liner type | Useful characteristic | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Washable and reusable | Needs to stay flat and dry between uses |
| Plastic | Good coverage for wire shelving and easy cleaning | Can shift if it lacks grip |
| Foam | Cushioning for delicate items | May compress or tear under heavy contents |
| Vinyl | Low cost and available in many colors | Check that the finish does not react with the drawer surface |
Adhesive liners can leave residue, so test a hidden area and cut the liner accurately around corners and hardware.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall23. Reimagine bookshelves
Rearrange existing shelves, add a unit, or build storage into a corner or under-stairs space. More involved designs require careful measuring and secure attachment; a lighter refresh can come from grouping books by color, size, or subject and leaving deliberate space for display objects. Keep heavy items low and anchor tall units where tipping is possible.
24. Refinish old wood furniture
Clean the piece, fill holes, and remove the old finish according to the stripper or remover’s directions. Lightly sand, apply stain if desired, and protect the surface with a compatible clear coat. This work takes patience and skill: hidden veneer, uneven absorption, dust, and drying conditions can change the result. Test the complete finish schedule on an inconspicuous area before committing to the whole piece.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
25. Install a hanging pot rack
This is not the best beginner project. Locate ceiling joists with a stud finder and use hardware rated for the rack plus every pan and utensil that will hang from it. A rack must be anchored to structural framing, not merely to ceiling finish. If you cannot verify the joist location, load rating, and installation method, choose a wall-mounted or freestanding storage solution instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Handle plumbing, drafts, sound, lighting, and a home office
26. Replace a faucet
Shut off the water supply before disconnecting the old faucet and keep a container nearby for residual water. A replacement with the same hole layout is simplest. When changing configurations, an escutcheon plate can cover unused holes. Connect supply lines according to the faucet instructions, restore water slowly, and inspect every joint for leaks before closing the cabinet.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →27. Seal drafty windows and doors
Remove failing caulk, clean the joint, and let it dry. Apply a suitable caulk with a caulk gun, tooling the bead for continuous contact without blocking drainage paths. The roundup states 24 hours as a drying interval, but the specific product directions govern; temperature, humidity, and bead size can change cure time. Do not paint or expose the joint to water until the label permits it.
28. Carve out a home office
A nook or closet can become a functional workstation if you plan lighting, storage, seating, and the household traffic around it. Keep frequently used supplies within reach, route cords safely, and preserve enough clearance to sit and stand comfortably. Rugs and upholstered items can soften sound in a hard, echoing room, while a door or curtain can visually separate work from living space.
29. Dampen sound through a wall
Mass-loaded vinyl and heavy curtains are options for reducing sound transmission at a surface. Mass-loaded vinyl is heavy and needs appropriate support. Installing it between drywall layers is generally more effective when a wall is already open during construction than adding a thin treatment over a finished wall. These measures can dampen noise; they do not promise full soundproofing.
30. Improve interior lighting
Plan lighting by function: task lighting helps you see detailed work, general lighting illuminates the room, and accent lighting highlights features. LED strips and under-cabinet lights can add task or accent illumination without taking floor space. Place switches and controls where they are reachable, hide wiring safely, and check the fixture’s rating for the location before installation.
Recommended Free Tools
Before you start: a practical safety and fit checklist
- Read the current label or installation manual for paint, caulk, flooring, hardware, cleaners, and plant products.
- Measure twice, including pattern repeats, door swings, outlet positions, pot dimensions, and shelf loads.
- Find studs, joists, or other suitable framing before mounting anything overhead or load-bearing.
- Use eye, hand, and respiratory protection appropriate to sanding, stripping, cutting, spraying, and pressure-washing.
- Keep water shut off for faucet work and let painted, caulked, stained, and glued surfaces dry or cure for the stated time.
- Stop and get experienced help when a project involves uncertain structural support, hidden wiring or plumbing, or a load you cannot calculate confidently.
Pick one project that fits your current tools and available time, complete the preparation before buying materials, and treat product-specific directions as the final authority. The strongest beginner project is the one whose measurements, mounting method, and finish requirements you can verify before the first cut or coat of paint.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
