Thursday, July 8, 2021

Parenting Pointers: DIY Tips from Semi Exact

 Before your little bundle of joy arrives, preparing the nursery is one of the most important things to do. After baby gets home, there won’t be much time to assemble furniture and paint walls. But nursery furniture is expensive, and any extra money can be spent towards the mountains of diapers new parents are about to experience. Rather than purchasing out-of-budget pre-made furniture which are prone to delayed delivery times, consumers can create their baby’s nursery furniture in just a few steps.

 I had a chance to interview Ashley Beimert, Customer Service Team Leader at Semi Exact and DIY Hairpin Legs to learn more.


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Need inspiration? Transform your office or playroom with this DIY Hairpin Legs tutorial from A Beautiful Mess.

1. If people have never tried DIY furniture before, how can they get started?


DIY furniture can feel a little intimidating at first, but it's easier than it seems. With just a few basic tools and a creative mindset, you can create something that you'll love for years. The simplest and least expensive way to get started is to follow these four steps:


1. Get Inspired

There's no shortage of brilliant ideas online, and you can also browse local thrift stores or furniture retailers for inspiration. Looking at different options and tutorials can help you to determine what design or materials best fit your unique style, needs and space.


2. Plan ahead. 

With an idea in mind, it's time to break out your tape measure and measure your space. Determine what's too big, what's too small and what will fit just right. Also consider what materials you'll need. For example, if you're fixing up an existing piece of furniture, you may want to upgrade the paint or hardware, or swap in a new pair of steel table and bench legs


One quick note on measurements, for lumber purchases, lumber is sold by its rough cut or nominal size. The nominal size is different from the actual size (for example, the actual size of a two-by-four is closer to 1-1/2 inches x 3-1/2 inches). Just be sure to plan your purchases, so you have the right amount and size of materials for your project.


3. Use what you already have

We all have unique skills and talents. With DIY furniture, you can build confidence and expertise by playing to your strengths. Are you handy with a paintbrush, or do you enjoy sewing? Is there an old piece of furniture in your house that you'd like to upcycle, or a family member or neighbor who might show you how to use an electric drill/screwdriver? Maybe you have a great deal of patience ... or no fear when it comes to trying a new technique. Think of the different skills, materials and resources you have, and ways you might leverage them to save time and money.


4. Fill in the gaps

From lumber to hardware, paint and more, a lot of tiny decisions go into a DIY project. If you're unsure about something, just ask. Most people are eager to help you, especially at retailers where you can speak with people who have experience with different techniques and products. Don't be shy. Everyone is constantly learning. When it comes to things like lumber, home improvement stores will often make a few simple cuts for you for free to help make your projects easier. 


You can also find DIY furniture tutorials online to get a better idea of what materials or approach you might take to achieve a certain look or feel. And if something goes wrong, don't worry! It can be frustrating to make a mistake, but the goal is to constantly improve. You can always test stain and paint colors on an area that's less noticeable, or practice techniques on scrap pieces to open up new ideas that you hadn't considered before.


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The Semi Exact Platform Bed Feet and Box Frame Bed Brackets can be used for any size mattress. Take your DIY bed up from a twin size to a California King, or back down again, as your needs evolve.


2. What are the advantages of DIY furniture?


Approximately nine million tons of furniture go into landfills every year. DIY furniture lets you build high-quality furniture more sustainably, and evolve pieces over time. Not only is DIY furniture better for the planet and your wallet, it also lets you achieve the exact look and feel you want, and you can feel good about your creativity and abilities in the process.


Wherever you are in your life, whether it's a small starter space or your forever home, DIY furniture lets you splurge on the details that mean the most to you. Premade steel furniture components make it easy for you to add strength and stability without knowing how to weld. 


The more timeless or flexible the style, the more your furniture will endure over time. Hairpin legs are just one design classic that has stood the test of time since 1941. There's no question simpler shapes are here to stay. You can also reuse and recycle components to make things constantly feel new.


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High-quality steel hairpin leg shelf brackets make it easy to maximize your wall space with an open, airy feel.


3. How does Semi Exact make the DIY process easier?



At Semi Exact, we're all about making it easier for people to bring DIY ideas to life. With Semi Exact, you don't need to navigate a steep learning curve, or purchase a lot of tools or materials to create something that you love.


All of our furniture components are made from high-grade steel, so your DIY creations have a strong, solid foundation that can weather a lifetime of wear and tear. We take care of the steel purchasing, bending, welding and powder coating for you, so you can customize your creations however you like. With Semi Exact, you can build a table or install a set of shelves in just minutes, with a few basic tools and materials.



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