One of the most fun and frugal activities when it comes to DIY for the home is upcycling furniture, and there are a ton of great reasons why you should give it a go.
It’s good for the environment as it prevents waste going to landfill, it allows you to kit your home out really cheaply and you get pieces that are custom to you. Not to mention, it’s fun and allows you to get creative! If you’ve been hoping to get into upcycling but aren’t sure where to start, here\s what you need to know.
Invest in the right tools
If you plan on making upcycling a regular hobby, it’s worth investing in some basic tools so that you’re able to take the hard work out of certain tedious jobs. For example, if you know you’ll be working with a lot of wooden furniture then an electric sander will be much more practical than sandpaper. If you need to be able to cut wood, things like electric saws can come in useful. Be aware of the dangers of these things, while a faulty device leading to an accident will need an attorney for injury claim, in many cases with power tools people hurt themselves because they don’t have the skills or know how. Do your research, watch videos to teach yourself the proper use and follow health and safety guidelines. Things like masks to prevent inhalation and protective eye wear might be needed if you’re using certain tools.
Don’t skimp on the prep
When you’re excited about your project, it’s so tempting to want to drive straight into your start doing the fun things like painting and adding creative touches. But the finished result you get really will depend on the prep. Cleaning, sanding, taking certain pieces of furniture apart first will all mean you have the very best blank canvas. Once you’re done, things like waxing and varnishing can help you to seal everything in and ensure your hard work stays looking its best.
Finding the best projects
One of the trickiest things about upcycling is usually being able to find right pieces to start with. You need to have an eye for this, to be able to spot potential. Something that looks hideous now can be made beautiful with the right techniques, but you’ll want to avoid things with signs of rot or water damage for example. Check out junk shops, yard sales, Facebook marketplace- even recycling centres for old furniture and pieces that you can bring a new lease of life to. The more projects that you do, the more you’ll recognise what makes a good piece to work on.
Know that the small details make all the difference
When you think you’ve finished your project, look again. Often, it’s the smaller details that can make all the difference and could be things you didnt initially think of. For example, some pretty drawer liners in the drawers which are sealed with varnish will make an project look that bit more custom and ‘finished.’
