“Upcycling’s more rewarding, but it’s definitely not always the most efficient route.”
That’s spot-on. I love the look of upcycled pieces, especially when they come with a story or a bit of character you just can’t buy. But from a practical standpoint, sometimes it’s just easier (and honestly cheaper) to build something new, especially if you’re after a specific function or fit. Have you ever tried upcycling something only to realize it was more work—and cost—than expected? I’ve had that happen with a bookshelf... ended up needing way more supplies than planned.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I once tried turning an old dresser into a bathroom vanity—looked cool in my head, but by the time I’d reinforced the frame, cut holes for plumbing, and refinished the whole thing, it probably would’ve been faster (and maybe cheaper) to just build one from scratch. Sometimes the quirks of old furniture are more hassle than charm, especially if you need it to fit a specific space or function. Still, there’s something satisfying about making it work... even if it takes twice as long.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
Yeah, I totally relate to that dresser-into-vanity saga. I tried something similar with a thrift store sideboard for our laundry room, thinking it’d be a cool folding table with storage underneath. But man, the amount of sanding and fixing wobbly legs... I lost count. In the end, it has a ton more character than anything new, but I’m not sure my sanity survived the process. There’s a sweet spot where upcycling feels rewarding, but sometimes starting fresh is just less of a headache.
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
You nailed it—there’s a real line between “quirky character” and “why did I do this to myself?” when it comes to upcycling. I’ve gone down that rabbit hole with an old armoire once. It was supposed to be a statement piece for my foyer, but after stripping layers of paint and dealing with a drawer that never sat quite right, I started questioning my life choices.
But honestly, those are the pieces everyone asks about. You can buy a brand new folding table anywhere, but nobody else has your sideboard-turned-laundry-table. That’s what really elevates a space, in my opinion. Sure, building from scratch is sometimes easier (and less likely to result in splinters), but there’s just something about giving new life to an old piece that you can’t replicate with fresh lumber.
Maybe it’s a little masochistic, but I think the struggle adds value. Even if it means a few lost weekends and a lot of sawdust in places you didn’t know existed...
WEEKEND CRAFTS: DO YOU PREFER BUILDING FROM SCRATCH OR UPCYCLING OLD STUFF?
- Upcycling is a gamble—sometimes you get a gem, sometimes you get a headache and a pile of mismatched screws.
- I get the appeal, though. There’s a story behind every weirdly stubborn drawer or wobbly leg, and people notice that.
- Building from scratch is cleaner, but honestly, it can feel a bit soulless. Like, sure, it fits perfectly, but where’s the weird history?
- That said, I’ve sworn off stripping paint for a while. My last “project” turned into a three-week saga and I’m still finding paint chips in my shoes.
- Guess it comes down to how much chaos you’re willing to invite into your weekend...
