Find your next DIY upcycle project at the ReStore
from Habitat International.
Checklist for selecting furniture for a DIY upcycle project:
Is the furniture piece solid?
Does it need any reinforcement?
Is it the right size for the area you have available?
Does the piece feature dovetail joints, which are generally the strongest wood joints?
What are the estimated costs of improvements?
Is your skill level up to the task?
Now that we’ve factored in what to look for in a furniture find, here’s what to do after you get it home.
Steps for completing your next DIY furniture makeover:
Head back to Pinterest to get redesign ideas specific to the piece you’ve chosen.
Bring out the drill, saw, nails, staple gun – whatever’s in your arsenal.
Strip down the piece, removing trim or features you don’t want.
Build up the features you do want: add a shelf, permanently remove doors, swap out legs – anything that fits your new vision for the piece.
Reinforce any features that need regluing or tacking.
Sand and prime, if necessary.
Consider upgrading the hardware. This little effort can provide a lot of return.
Paint.
If you are using chalk paint (like in our example below) or want to give surfaces extra protection, finish with a water-based polyurethane.
