7 TikTok DIY hacks that experts say should be avoided

Photo credit: Lawrence Manning - Getty Images

Although TikTok has become a source of interiors inspiration for DIY projects, experts have revealed that not all of the social media platform's 'tips' should be carried out in your own home.

New research from Confused.com has revealed that viral TikTok DIY trends and hacks could actually contain poor advice which would be expensive to fix or even cause damage to your property.

From using a sock to paint, to making a backsplash out of duct tape, the research shows that – when it comes to our homes – it is not a case of one size fits all.

'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,' Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused.com explains.

To establish which TikTok hacks are safe to undertake at home, Confused.com asked DIY expert, Peter Hodgins, to rank some of the most popular TikTok DIY hacks.

Photo credit: Isabel Pavia - Getty Images

By rating each 'hack' out of five, the research revealed that 39 per cent of the DIY tips analysed were ranked as either 'terrible' or 'bad' as a result of either a poor finish or safety concerns.

Each of the analysed hacks were scored according to how likely they were to damage your home or cause injury. On a scale of one to five, tips that scored one were marked as 'this is terrible – do not do this', and a score of five was classed as 'this is great – would highly recommend'.

The worst offenders were painting your decking with a floor brush, and cleaning with drills, joined by creating fake bricks and painting with a spare sock.

DIY hacks that should be avoided and definitely aren't professionally recommended:

1. Painting decking with a floor brush

2. Cleaning with drills

3. Cement worktops

4. Floor stencils

5. Fake bricks

6. Painting sinks

7. Stick on tiles

DIY hacks where you should proceed with caution:

1. Painting bathroom/kitchen tops

2. Concrete wall

3. Painting cabinets and stick-on worktops

4. Painting bathtub

5. Painting bath tiles

6. Marble fences

7. Fake wood floor made of concrete

8. Fake marble floor

Peter Hodgins from Principle Kitchens and Carpentry, advises: '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.'

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