DIY Projects Ranked by Difficulty: From Easy Wins to Bigger Challenges
If you’ve ever thought about tackling a DIY project but stopped because it felt “too hard,” you’re not alone. Honestly, the hardest part for me isn’t the tools or the steps—it’s just getting out of my own head. I spend more time making excuses than actually starting. And every single time I finally do, I realize I’m more capable than I gave myself credit for.
So today, I’m ranking some of the projects I’ve tackled in my home—from easiest to most involved. My hope is that this helps you see what’s possible (and maybe inspires you to start with something small).
1/10 Kids’ Bathroom
The easiest project I’ve done so far! A great confidence booster and proof that not everything has to be complicated to make a big difference.
2/10 Swapping Mirros
I lucked out that my builder-grade mirrors weren’t glued down. They came off without breaking, and a few neighbors even picked them up for their garages. Easy, affordable, and such a satisfying upgrade.
4/10 Painting Slider
Not hard, but that sliding rail tested me. After a few failed attempts, a $13 roll of tape saved the day and gave me the clean finish I wanted.
3/10 Trim (Doors + Windows)
Much easier than expected! Once I got the hang of measuring, I was trimming doors and windows left and right.
3/10 Pantry
The design was the trickiest part, since I was working with a budget. But once I decided, the install was smooth. The peel-and-stick backsplash is still my favorite part—it looks great and has held up on textured walls.
1/10 Swapping Door Handles and Hinges
This was my very first project before I even learned to use power tools. Affordable hardware made a huge difference, and two years later they’re still holding strong (even with my rough-and-tumble boys).
5/10 – Kitchen Island
Evening out the cabinet sides and extending the outlets seemed daunting at first. Luckily, I was able to use a 2×2 to even things out, and extending the outlets to fit flush against the paneling turned out to be surprisingly easy.
6/10 Mudroom / Drop Zone
Learning the Kreg Jig was the biggest hurdle. Once I got the hang of it, the rest of the build came together smoothly—and now I want to build everything.
6/10 Half Bathroom
Not technically hard, but tedious. I should have painted the panels before attaching them instead of painstakingly brushing between each one. Lesson learned!
6/10 – Fireplace
The build was simple, but my lack of the right saw made cutting wood slow. Thankfully, the peel-and-stick marble backsplash made finishing quick and painless.
Most Involved – Laundry Room
This one required backup. I hired a handyman for the shelves, an electrician for the light, and my husband taught me the plumbing. My part—painting, shelving, and hardware—was actually easy. But if I had done the whole thing myself, it would’ve been much harder.
Every project—no matter the difficulty—taught me something new. And the truth is, the hardest part isn’t the skill level, the tools, or even the time. It’s just getting started. Once you take that first step, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can create.
✨ So tell me: do you ever feel like starting is the hardest part of a project?
✨ Follow along for more DIY projects and home details over at @latticeandluxe!
