Still, I can’t help but cringe when a “budget” project ends up costing more than a ready-made piece…
Yeah, that’s the part that gets me every time. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started an “easy” upcycle, thinking I’d save a few bucks, and then halfway through I’m knee-deep in sanding dust, realizing I could’ve just bought something new and been done with it. Last year, I tried turning an old dresser into a bathroom vanity. Looked simple enough on YouTube. But by the time I’d stripped the paint, fixed the drawers, reinforced the frame, and bought a sink that actually fit, I’d spent more than if I’d just picked up a new vanity at the store. Not to mention the hours—if I’d paid myself minimum wage, it would’ve been ridiculous.
That said, there’s something about making it work for your space that’s hard to put a price on. I needed a vanity that was exactly 33 inches wide to fit between two weird walls, and nothing off-the-shelf would do it. Building from scratch is usually my go-to for that reason. At least then I know what materials I’m working with, and I can plan every step. Upcycling is great when the bones are solid, but sometimes you’re just fighting someone else’s bad construction or weird materials.
If I had to break it down, I’d say:
1. If you want a custom fit and know exactly what you want, build from scratch.
2. If you find a piece with good structure and you’re okay with surprises, upcycle.
3. Either way, double your time and budget estimates. Seriously.
I get the appeal of saving something from the landfill, but sometimes it’s just not worth the headache. Still, when it works out, it’s pretty satisfying. Just don’t ask me to do another dresser vanity anytime soon...
Totally get where you’re coming from—those “budget” projects have a sneaky way of ballooning, don’t they? But honestly, finding a piece that actually fits your space is almost impossible with store-bought stuff. I think you nailed it: sometimes the satisfaction of making it work outweighs the cost, even if your wallet disagrees. Ever notice how YouTube never shows the part where you run to the hardware store three times in one afternoon?
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
Man, the hardware store run is basically my cardio at this point. I’m with you—custom always ends up pricier than you think, but there’s nothing like seeing a piece fit just right. I tried upcycling an old dresser last month, thinking it’d be a quick weekend thing... three weekends later, it finally looked halfway decent. Store-bought doesn’t even come close to that weird sense of pride, though.
I tried upcycling an old dresser last month, thinking it’d be a quick weekend thing... three weekends later, it finally looked halfway decent.
That’s pretty much the story every time I try to “just” refinish something. The amount of prep work old furniture needs always surprises me—sanding, fixing wobbly legs, sometimes even dealing with weird old hardware that doesn’t fit anything modern. Still, there’s a certain satisfaction in making something work that wasn’t designed for your space.
I tend to lean toward building from scratch when I want something really specific—especially if there are awkward dimensions or I need built-in storage. It gets expensive, though, and you’re right: those hardware store trips add up fast. But then again, with upcycling, you’re often limited by the original structure. There’s only so much you can do with a dresser that started life in the 80s and is made of particle board.
That said, there’s real value in both approaches. Upcycling feels more sustainable and sometimes leads to creative solutions you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. But when I want something to fit exactly, or if I need it to last for years, I’ll usually design and build from scratch. Maybe it’s just the control freak in me, but I like knowing every joint and fastener is exactly where it should be.
Funny thing is, the projects I end up liking most are usually the ones where I combine both—taking some old piece and reworking it so thoroughly that it’s almost unrecognizable, but still has a bit of its original character. It’s rarely quick or easy, but like you said, there’s nothing like that sense of pride when it finally comes together.
Curious if anyone else finds themselves halfway through a project wondering why they didn’t just buy the thing instead... but then finishing anyway because now it’s personal.
Curious if anyone else finds themselves halfway through a project wondering why they didn’t just buy the thing instead... but then finishing anyway because now it’s personal.
Every single time. I’ll admit, sometimes I do question my sanity mid-project, especially when the “budget” solution turns into a scavenger hunt for tools or missing screws. But honestly, upcycling wins for me. Not just because it’s cheaper (usually), but because there’s something about giving new life to old stuff that feels way more creative than buying new. Plus, you end up with something unique—flaws and all. Building from scratch is cool, but unless you’ve got a full workshop, it’s easy to overspend fast. I’d rather work with what I’ve got and see where it takes me.
