Explore Tool-Free DIY Projects, Like Creating a Gallery Wall, Installing Curtain Rods and More
You don’t necessarily need power tools to complete fun projects around your home. Whether you prefer not to work with power tools or just don’t have any at your disposal, consider entry-level do-it-yourself (DIY) projects that use tool-free products and materials.
Most tool-free projects will use one or more of these products to get the job done.
Fasteners
Traditional fasteners, like nails and screws, require tools to insert them. But you’ll find tool-free fasteners in many DIY kits, which let you do everything from building a birdhouse to installing wall shelves.
Adhesives
Glue, paste, tape and other adhesives are effective products that allow you to bond objects together without nails or fasteners. Adhesives work by spreading inside pores and microcracks on the object’s surface, followed by drying or curing to create a hardened connection. There are many types of general-purpose and specialty glues for bonding wood, tile, carpet and more.
Check out our adhesives buying guide for more information on different products and projects.
Suction Pads
Suction pads are a nice alternative to adhesives when you’d like to mount something to a wall. When you press the cup against the surface, it removes all the pressure from inside the cup and forms a seal. Choose suction cups with attached bars, hooks or handles to affix lightweight objects to metal, glass, plastic and other hard surfaces.
Check out the selection of suction-mount fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens at Lowe’s.
Paint and Stain
Some paint jobs require tools, but small touchups, craft projects and décor projects don’t. Choose from easy-to-apply paints such as spray paint, all-in-one paint and craft paint. Use these paints to update old furniture, revive your kitchen cabinets or refinish fixtures.
Tool-Free Home Improvement Project Ideas
With tool-free technologies, there are many projects you can tackle to make upgrades and renovations inside your home.
Install New Curtains and Drapes
Add privacy to your room or control the lighting by installing curtains. Curtains can consist of a single panel or more. Many curtain and drape mounts come with adhesive on the back. Just press the mount to the wall, and it’ll stay. Hanging the actual curtains is also a snap. By using tabs, pleats, grommets or rod pockets, you can remove or replace curtains without removing the hardware.
Hang Shelves
Create additional places to store items with wall-mounted shelving. While professional-grade shelves use screw-based mounting, you can order or create simpler shelves and apply them to walls with double-sided mounting tape. This tape is capable of holding loads up to 30 pounds. Use this technique to make room on your wall for collectibles, books or other belongings. If your shelving is made of untreated wood, consider painting or staining it beforehand to match the rest of your room. You can even incorporate your shelving into your room’s color scheme.
Organize With Wire-Frame Baskets
With adhesive hooks, you can hang wire-frame baskets or caddies for storing supplies. Keep track of mail and documents in your home office or provide a place for your children to keep their markers or art supplies.
Curate an Art Gallery
Hanging photos, paintings and other artwork on a gallery wall is easy. Whether you have walls made of wood or drywall, you can hang frames in one of two simple ways:
- Pushpins aren’t just for pinning notes to bulletin boards — pins can also stick into drywall or wood. Typical pushpins hold up to 2 pounds of weight with drywall and 4 pounds with wood, making them perfectly manageable for holding small frames in place.
- Adhesive hooks are ideal for hanging heavier artwork or other items that can’t be held with pushpins. These hooks easily bond to the wall’s surface and take up minimal space so the frame doesn’t stick out. Many are removable, too, making them perfect for renters.
Read our guide on curating a gallery wall and hanging pictures for more tips and ideas.
Hang Peel-and-Stick Tile
Add color to your kitchen or bathroom with adhesive tiles. Installing peel-and-stick tile is easy: Simply peel off the backing and lay the tile out in rows. Some tiles even come in clusters, so you place them on your walls, furniture or floor like a jigsaw puzzle.
There are many options available, from white, glossy subway tile to understated hexagon tiles. Consider choosing multiple colors to mix and match for a distinctive look.
DIY home improvement projects can be fun and rewarding, and Lowe’s is here to help with larger projects you may want to do. We offer a wide range of installation services for your home’s next project.