DIY is a great way to save money, learn new skills, and create something unique. But there are a lot of myths out there that hold people back. Maybe you’ve heard that DIY is always cheaper, or that you need a fully stocked workshop to get started.
The truth? Many of these common beliefs are completely wrong. Let’s bust five of the biggest DIY myths so you can take on your next project with confidence.
1. “DIY is always cheaper than buying pre-made.”
Sure, DIY can save money, but that’s not always the case. Between buying materials, tools, and making mistakes along the way, you might end up spending more than if you had just bought a finished product.
What to do instead:
• Calculate the full cost before starting. Include tools, extra materials, and time.
• Weigh the benefits. Sometimes, the real value of DIY isn’t saving money—it’s the ability to customize, learn, or just enjoy the process.
• Look for secondhand materials. Thrift stores, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace can help cut costs.
2. “You need expensive tools to do good work.”
It’s easy to think that high-quality DIY work requires top-of-the-line tools, but that’s not true. Skill matters far more than the price tag of your tools. In fact, many budget-friendly tools work just fine, especially for beginners.
What to do instead:
• Start small. Borrow or rent tools before investing in expensive ones.
• Buy used. Many great tools are available secondhand at a fraction of the cost.
• Focus on technique. A skilled DIYer with cheap tools will always outperform a beginner with expensive ones.
3. “You have to be naturally handy to be good at DIY.”
Some people believe DIY skills are something you’re either born with or not. That’s completely false. Every DIY expert started somewhere—usually by making mistakes and learning from them.
What to do instead:
• Start with simple projects. Pick easy wins like wall shelves, cable organizers, or small repairs.
• Use free resources. YouTube, DIY blogs, and forums are full of step-by-step guides.
• Accept mistakes as part of learning. Even pros mess up sometimes!
4. “DIY projects always take less time than hiring a pro.”
It’s tempting to think DIY is always faster, but that’s rarely the case. Professionals have years of experience and the right tools to get jobs done quickly. If you’re learning as you go, expect things to take longer.
What to do instead:
• Be realistic. Double the estimated time for any new project—you’ll likely need it.
• Plan ahead. Gather materials, watch tutorials, and prepare your workspace beforehand.
• Enjoy the process. Part of the fun of DIY is learning along the way, not just finishing fast.
5. “If a project doesn’t look perfect, it’s a failure.”
One of the biggest reasons people give up on DIY is because their project doesn’t look exactly like the tutorial or Pinterest example. But here’s the truth: imperfections are normal.
What to do instead:
• Focus on function over looks. If it works, it’s a success!
• Learn from mistakes. Every project teaches you something new.
• Embrace imperfections. A little flaw makes it unique—and it usually doesn’t affect usability.
Final Thoughts
DIY is about learning, creating, and problem-solving—not perfection. Don’t let these myths stop you from trying something new.
What’s a DIY myth you used to believe? Let me know in the comments!