As TikTok’s popularity grows, an increasing number of DIY tips are trending on the social media site. However, research has found that a large number of these could damage your home.
A study from Confused.com reports that over a third of TikTok’s popular DIY videos contain ideas that are not recommended by professionals in the homes industry. The report looked at some of the most popular suggestions, from cement worktops to painting sinks, to assess whether they would cause damage or be costly to rectify.
Popular TikTok DIY hacks
Confused.com asked DIY expert Peter Hodgins, a carpenter and joiner with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. He looked at top TikTok DIY hacks and rated them according to the damage they would cause and/or the risk of injury. Using a scale of one to five, one was terrible and two was bad. Only 32 per cent were approved as a four or a five. Some 39% were ranked as terrible – do not do this – and bad. The worst ideas included:
- Painting decking with a floor brush
- Cleaning with drills
- Cement worktops
- Floor stencils
- Fake bricks
- Painting your sink
- Stick-on tiles
- Grouting pens
- Painting with a sock
- Duct tape backsplash
- Stick-on-tiles for a fireplace
Hodgins said: “With all the extra time we’ve had at home over the past 18 months, so many people have done a spot of DIY on their homes – some successfully and others not quite as well…
“Unfortunately, watching a few TikTok videos does not make you an expert in building or plumbing, and this can sometimes mean that people are left disappointed with the finish, functionality and even safety of their DIY home hacks. If you’re unsure about how to do a certain task, it’s always best to consult a professional to ensure you’re going to be left feeling happy with the results of your home project”
Top TikTok trends
The report also looked at the most popular trends. Flower walls topped the list, with over 33.7 million views for #diyflowerwall. Pallet furniture came second, with over 30.7 million views, followed by DIY vases, painted arches and homemade rugs. Five of the top twenty trends involve mirrors, including a DIY vanity bulb mirror, DIY mirror walls, foam mirrors and Ikea mirror hacks.
Confused.com’s home insurance expert Jessica Willock says: “With limited access to tradespeople during the pandemic and more spare time on our hands, it’s no wonder that so many people have been turning to TikTok for inspiration for their next home DIY project.
“Not all information on TikTok is reliable however, and by carrying out these projects without professional assistance, some DIY enthusiasts may risk damaging their home in the process.
“Before undertaking any big DIY project, ensure that you have the appropriate home insurance to protect yourself and your home, and let your insurer know of any projects that may affect the value of your home – failure to do so could potentially invalidate your insurance.”
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