The Resurgence of Home DIY in Spain
As a lifelong DIY enthusiast and proud Leroy Merlin employee, today I want to share with you my experience and analysis of the DIY boom in Spain, a phenomenon that has grown exponentially in recent years. Let's explore how this trend has become an essential part of daily life for many Spaniards and why DIY (Do It Yourself) is here to stay.
DIY: A National Passion
What is DIY?
DIY, also known as Do It Yourself, involves creating, repairing, or maintaining objects manually without the direct help of professionals. This activity ranges from small home repairs to furniture building, gardening, and decorating projects. In Spain, this passion has flourished, becoming a trend that not only saves money but also provides great personal satisfaction.
History and Evolution of DIY in Spain
DIY is nothing new in Spain. However, its popularity has increased significantly in recent decades. Traditionally, Spanish families carried out small home repairs, but over time, access to more affordable tools and materials, along with the influence of the DIY culture globally, has boosted this practice.
According to internal reports from Leroy Merlin, the DIY boom has been driven by several factors, including the economic crisis, which led many people to look for ways to save money by doing repairs and improvements themselves.
The DIY Boom During the Pandemic
Impact of Confinement
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the rise of DIY. With lockdown and mobility restrictions, many people found DIY a way to occupy their free time and improve their homes. This phenomenon was reflected in an increase in sales of DIY-related products at stores such as Leroy Merlin, Bricomart, and other local hardware stores.
According to InfoempresaDuring the pandemic, the DIY sector experienced unprecedented growth, with an increase in demand for DIY tools, materials, and kits. Spending more time at home, Spaniards took on home improvement and gardening projects, discovering new skills and enjoying the creative process.
My Personal Project: A Built-In Barbecue
During the pandemic, I decided to embark on a project I'd been putting off for years: building a brick barbecue in my garden. With the extra time the lockdown gave me, and the desire to have a more functional and enjoyable outdoor space, I enthusiastically began this project.
Planning and Preparation
The first step was planning. I drew a detailed design of what I wanted the barbecue to look like, researched the necessary materials, and established a budget. Planning is crucial in any DIY project., as it avoids costly mistakes and saves time.
Materials and Tools
To build the barbecue, I needed concrete blocks, firebricks, fireclay, a stainless steel grill, and some masonry tools like a trowel, a level, and a drill. I found all these materials and tools on Amazon and Leroy Merlin, where I also received advice on the best options for my project via YouTube.
- Easy-to-mix and apply refractory mortar used for the construction and repair of resistant elements…
- PERFORMANCE: Specially designed as a filling and joint mortar for refractory tiles and bricks, blocks…
- VERSATILITY: It can be used as a smoothing mortar subjected to high service temperatures.
- Easy Assembly
- You can use firewood and charcoal
- High quality material
- 230mm x 115mm x 25mm fire brick, specially made from high temperature vermiculite.
- Suitable for use in indoor fireplaces and stoves and garden barbecues, grills, fire pits and pizza ovens.
- Can be drilled and cut to any size shape
Construction
Building the barbecue was a laborious but very rewarding process. I started with the base, making sure it was level and sturdy. Then, I built the brick walls, leaving room for the grill and smoke stack. The process took several weeks, working in my spare time, but each brick laid gave me enormous satisfaction.
Final Result
The result was a beautiful brick barbecue that not only became a focal point for family and friends gatherings, but also left me with a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The experience taught me a lot about construction and gave me an even greater appreciation for the art of DIY.
Benefits of Homemade DIY
I can assure you that DIY is not only an economical activity, but also offers numerous benefits. From a psychological perspective, it can be therapeutic and an excellent way to relieve stress. It also provides great personal satisfaction when completing projects and seeing the results of your work.
DIY Culture: More Than a Trend
Why Do It Yourself?
DIY culture has gained momentum for several reasons. First, the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands is unparalleled. Second, DIY allows you to customize and adapt projects to your tastes and needs, something that isn't always possible with store-bought products. Third, it's an excellent way to learn new skills and challenge yourself.
Comparison between DIY and Hiring Professionals
The question often arises as to whether it's better to do a project yourself or hire a professional. The answer depends on the project and your skills. DIY can be a more economical and rewarding option for small or medium-sized projects. However, for more complex jobs, especially those involving electricity, plumbing, or structural work, it's advisable to hire a professional to ensure the safety and quality of the work.
Tools and Materials: The ABCs of Home DIY
Essential Equipment
For beginners in DIY, a good set of basic tools is essential. This includes a hammer, screwdrivers of various sizes, pliers, a handsaw, a tape measure, and an electric drill. With these tools, you can tackle a wide variety of projects.
- ERGONOMIC DOUBLE-CLAMP HAMMER - Ergonomic hammer with a handle that has a grip that transmits force very well…
- STRONG CONSTRUCTION - High strength resin bond.
- PRECISE STRIKING - Steel head with induction-hardened striking surface, providing long life and a precise strike…
- Suitable for a wide variety of professional screwdriving applications
- The magnetic head keeps the bits securely in place and allows for quick and easy accessory changes.
- The trilobular bi-material handle guarantees optimal comfort and maximum tightening torque
- ✅ JAPANESE PULL SAW: Most people are accustomed to European saws, called "push saws…
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Our SK5 high carbon steel saw blade ensures high-quality cutting surfaces.
- ✅ 2-IN-1 PULL SAW: This Japanese double-edged saw has two sides with teeth, one with 11 TPI teeth (side…
- STRONG AND DURABLE: Heavy duty steel tape with Tylon coating that increases the durability of the tape by up to 50%.
- EASY READING: Matte coating of the tape makes it easy to read without glare, ensuring accurate measurement
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Compact case with ergonomic shape for maximum comfort and easy handling during use
- 【MAXIMUM DURABILITY】- Universal pliers, made of chrome vanadium steel: maximum durability and wear resistance…
- 【VERSATILE CLAMPING】- Clamping functions for delicate materials, gripping round items, and cutting thick materials.
- 【ERGONOMIC】- Ergonomic bi-material handle for easy grip and comfort and reduced effort.
- POWERFUL 710W MOTOR: Provides the power needed to drill into wood, metal and masonry with ease
- 13MM KEYLESS CHUCK: Single-sleeve, locking chuck for quick and secure bit changes without the need for a…
- VARIABLE AND REVERSIBLE SPEED: Adjustable speed from 0-2,800 rpm and up to 47,600 impacts per minute, with a variable speed function…
- PRECISION MEASUREMENT: Offers an accuracy level of 2 mm/m for precise alignments in various applications
- DOUBLE BUBBLE: Features two bubble levels for precise leveling in horizontal and vertical orientations
- COMPACT DESIGN: Pocket level with sturdy aluminum frame for easy portability and use in tight spaces.
- 【3 Types of Staples】: The stapler uses Rapid Type 140/Arrow T50 (6-14 mm), Rapid Type 28/Arrow T18 (10-12 mm) and Rapid…
- 【3-in-1 Stapler】: Compatible with D, U, and T staples; perfect for decorating, maintenance, and fixing, adapting…
- 【Adjustable Pressure】: Adjust the nailing depth with the top knob to suit the thickness of the material, fac…
- Ergonomic and robust plastic housing with stable guide
- Slider with auto-lock function
- Removable cover for safe blade removal and blade changes
Common Materials
In addition to tools, materials are also key. Safety items, wood, nails, screws, paint, and adhesives are basic items you should always have on hand. At stores like Amazon, you can find a wide variety of these materials, as well as advice on choosing the most suitable ones for your project.
- Polycarbonate crystal
- Suitable for glasses wearers
- With ventilation holes for fog-free vision
- ANSELL HYFLEX 11-840 PROTECTIVE GLOVES are coated with nitrile foam, which provides 20% more breathability.
- ANSELL FORTIX ABRASION RESISTANCE TECHNOLOGY – Offering high EN 4 abrasion resistance, this work glove…
- PERFECT FIT – like a SECOND SKIN, it adapts to the palm of your hand and provides MORE COMFORT AND tactile sensitivity…
- 👍 ERGONOMIC DESIGN – Made of food-grade silicone, it provides maximum comfort without excessive pressure.
- 📦 PACKAGE CONTENTS – This set includes 1 RH-RS101 mask, 2 FFP2 cotton filters, 2 organic gas cartridges…
- ✅ VERSATILE – Applicable to a multitude of work sectors such as spray painting, phytosanitary products, protection against…
Trends in Tools and Materials
Technology has also influenced the DIY world. Cordless tools, 3D printers, and smart devices are revolutionizing the way we approach DIY projects. According to Canal Ferretero, innovations in tools and materials are making DIY increasingly easier, allowing hobbyists and professionals to complete more complex projects more easily.
Popular DIY Home Projects in Spain
Home Decoration and Personalization
One of the most popular projects among Spaniards is home decor. This includes painting walls, creating custom furniture, and making small improvements that transform the ambiance of a room. The trend toward minimalism and customization has led many to seek DIY solutions to add a unique touch to their spaces.
Gardening and Outdoor Spaces
Another area that has seen a significant increase in interest is gardening and outdoor space maintenance. From creating urban gardens to installing pergolas and terraces, Spaniards are investing time and effort into improving their outdoor spaces. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of having a pleasant and functional outdoor space.
Small Repairs
Small home repairs are another area where DIY plays a crucial role. Repairing a door, fixing a pipe, or replacing a tile are tasks that many have learned to do themselves thanks to online tutorials and the availability of repair kits.
The Future of DIY in Spain
Education and Community
The future of DIY in Spain looks promising. Increasingly, schools and community centers are offering DIY workshops and courses, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and creativity from an early age. Furthermore, the online DIY community continues to grow, with numerous forums, YouTube channels, and blogs dedicated to sharing knowledge and projects.
Sustainability and DIY
Sustainability is a growing trend closely linked to DIY. Many DIY projects focus on recycling and reusing materials, promoting a greener way of life. From making furniture from recycled pallets to creating efficient irrigation systems, DIY offers sustainable solutions for the home.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of DIY in Spain is significant. According to data from MiarcoThe DIY sector has experienced steady growth, with an increase in sales of tools and materials. This growth not only benefits large chains like Leroy Merlin, but also small hardware stores and specialty shops, which have seen an increase in demand.
Conclusion
The DIY boom in Spain shows no signs of slowing down. Whether for economic reasons, the pursuit of personal satisfaction, or the trend toward a more sustainable lifestyle, DIY has become an integral part of many Spaniards' lives. As a Leroy Merlin employee and passionate DIY enthusiast, I'm excited to see how this trend continues to evolve and how more and more people are discovering the benefits of doing things themselves. So,
Sources Consulted: Infoempresa, Miarco
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