When you get into DIY as a hobby, you don’t always start out with a lot of materials, tools, and know-how. It is something that comes with time. Choosing materials at first will mean you select cheaper materials as you learn – and then, over time, you will opt for better ones.
But choosing the right materials is a skill that happens over time.
Photo by Jasmin Schreiber on Unsplash
Experts
You can take to the internet and places like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to take a look at what hobby experts or paid professionals are using.
Often branded social media channels can be very helpful too! Different stores specialize in different hobbies and DIY, like Rockywoods – in some cases, the people who are working behind the counter will be able to give you all of the details you’ll need.
Costs
When you start your hobby, you are typically better off using slightly less good materials. Often when you start a hobby and DIY projects, you might not get them right, meaning cheaper materials can be a better option.
As you get better in terms of skills, higher-cost materials are usually a better option because the quality of what you can produce is higher.
And if you are considering selling your goods, look at each unit’s cost.
Environment
Where will you be working on the projects, where will the materials be stored, and where will you store the final products? The environment that everything is kept in will impact it over time.
Another consideration is where the final product would be stored – anything that might be outside will need extra protection to be weatherproof. Will it be around children? Make sure you know where it is going.
Purpose
This might be one of the most important parts of any DIY or hobby project. What will it be used for? Where will it be used? Are there any special measures you need to take into consideration?
For example, there would be a difference between making a wooden chair for people to use and one just for decoration. The one for decoration wouldn’t need to be as sturdy as the one for use.
The item’s purpose would impact the materials you will need to use.
Safety
Sometimes the reason a material is cheaper than another is that it isn’t ranked as safe as others are. Consider if all of the materials are suitable for the project. Are there size requirements? Does the item you make have a weight limit? Are there any small choking hazards?
You need to ensure that the item you create is safe and fit for purpose – if not, you open yourself up to legal issues, which could be dangerous.
Making something yourself and learning new skills are some of the most enjoyable ways to spend time. And the better you get, the more likely it is that you will want to upgrade your materials! Not sure what type of hobby you’ll take up? Try this one: Lazy Hobbies Anyone Can Take Up This Summer.
