Time to DIY: Build projects to try at home

by Barbara Rybicki 01/13/2025

Some of the best home DIY projects are as useful as they are satisfying to build. Projects requiring power tools might seem intimidating, but they're really just like cooking: once you have all the materials, just follow the recipe! If you’re a home DIY enthusiast, new project ideas can be super beneficial, stretch your DIY skills and provide useful additions to your home.

Polished concrete tabletop

Concrete is an incredibly versatile and affordable alternative to materials like natural stone. To put this concept into practice, consider making a polished concrete table. Using treated lumber, construct a simple base and table legs sturdy enough to hold the weight of concrete.

Measure and build a form for your tabletop, and mix the concrete according to the instructions. Once it's set and cured, you can put the pieces together and have an elegant yet practical table.

Build a shoe storage booster stool

What could be better than hidden storage space built into another useful furnishing? A combination shoe storage and step-stool makes a helpful addition to a mudroom, entryway or closet. Using wood glue and nails, you can make a rectangular box out of your choice of lumber and add smaller compartments, which are perfect for shoe storage.

Tile-top table

A Tuscan-style tile top table offers an excellent combination of traditional woodwork and tiling techniques. You can even upcycle an existing table by adding a custom tile design. Lay your choice of tiles onto the surface using grout and finish it off with simple wood trim molding around the edges.

This particular project can take several days, but your time and effort will be well-rewarded with a beautiful and unique table. Try it with matching tile or a mixture of bold colors for a funky aesthetic.

Build a raised garden bed

Growing fruits, vegetables and other plants outside is much simpler with a raised garden bed. Rather than deal with the ground soil, you can custom-build your ideal planting environment in whatever size or shape you desire.

First, select a location and calculate the size and footprint of your raised bed. If you're using wood for this building project, measure carefully to ensure you cut the correct lengths. If you opt for galvanized metal for your garden, have it professionally cut to size unless you have experience with the right tools.

These are only a few easy DIY home projects to consider. Using basic tools and techniques, you can accomplish these crafting projects and more.



About the Author
Author

Barbara Rybicki

I am originally from Poland but have been a Grafton resident for almost thirty years.

I come from the Hospitality Business. I used to work in 5 Star Marriott Hotel Management. That experience taught me how to provide excellent customer service. That "Marriott" way of doing business instilled in me over the years helps me tremendously to succeed as a local real estate broker.

Nothing is more exciting to me than gratifying feeling I get from helping people reach their real estate needs and dreams. You can count on me to always do what is in your best interest. I will be there for you throughout the entire transaction making sure you understand each step of the buying or selling process. I will guide you with great communication skills  and hard work ethic. 

I have not only passion for my job but also extensive real estate expertise. Whether it is preparing and staging your home to sell for top dollar or helping you purchase a perfect home, feel free to reach out to me so we can start this process together.

I specialize in marketing and selling residential real estate in Grafton, Upton, Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Milford, Hopkinton and Metro West area.

I can not wait to meet you!

Awards and Designations:

Realtor Designation since 2005

Licensed MA Broker since 2009

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)

Accredited Staging Professional (ASP)

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® since 2005

National Association of Realtors (NAR) since 2005

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Remax Executive 100% Club 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

Remax Platinum Club 2015

Remax Hall of Fame Club 2017