Are you new to DIY? Welcome to the club! Today I wanted to tell you all about my favorites, the top 11 products you need as a DIY beginner.

Whether tackling home updates or attempting furniture flipping, this list will give you a practical place to start.

Most of these products are versatile and can be used frequently. Some of them are more specific to projects like furniture refinishing or painting.

No matter your project, these 11 products are useful tools to have in your DIY toolbelt, no pun intended.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase something I recommend, I may receive an affiliate commission – but it does not affect your price or what I choose to promote.*

My own DIY experience

I am no DIY expert, let’s get that out of the way, but I have tackled many small projects in my day.

To name a few; transforming our staircase, beadboard, board and batten accent walls, DIY wooden wall shelf. Along with many pieces of furniture like refinishing our coffee table, and dining table, and creating a wardrobe out of an old bookcase!

All that to say, these 11 products have made these projects possible or at least much easier.

I will be the first to say that you don’t need all the shiny, new, expensive tools to start a project. Don’t let the cost of tools deter you from tackling a project if that’s what you want to do!

If you’re looking to purchase bigger tools such as a miter saw or other similar equipment, consider browsing through Facebook Marketplace or other second-hand stores. You may find better deals there. However, please ensure that you are knowledgeable about how to operate these heavy-duty tools, and always wear appropriate safety gear to protect yourself.

About 5 years ago when I began home projects and furniture flipping, we only had basic tools. We have accumulated more tools along the way but have tackled quite a few basic projects without all the bells and whistles.

If you are enthusiastic about DIY projects but lack experience, I suggest beginning with a piece of furniture. Refurbishing a nightstand or a small dresser can be a great way to get familiarized with the amount of time and effort involved in working on DIY projects.

Learning the basics of how to clean, sand, strip, paint, seal, etc. You can also experiment with hardware changes and make repairs as needed. Furniture refinishing is a low-investment opportunity to get your hands dirty with basic DIY!

That brings me to my list of the top 11 products you need as a DIY beginner!

Micro Sander

This little guy will forever be my favorite! I have used him countless times and will rave about him forever.

He gets into the nooks and crannies and is so easy to maneuver. I highly recommend getting this if you are working on any projects that need sanding like paint, wood filler, or top coat!

Corded Orbital Sander

The orbital sander is my go-to but I also use this mouse sander often.

This mini cordless rotary sander is also useful in all the very hard-to-reach areas whether cleaning or sanding.

Keep in mind the grit level of your sandpaper when sanding. The lower the number the more coarse which can be damaging to wood. Stick with 80 grit or higher and always do test areas first! Use 240 or above when sanding between paint layers and top coat for a smooth finish.

Reliable Cordless Drill

This Black & Decker 20V cordless drill is a great starter drill if you’ve never had one before!

A cordless drill is useful for many projects and tasks!

Quality Paint Brushes

These Zibra brushes are highly rated and come in a variety pack of angles for use on multiple projects!

You can certainly find more affordable brushes at your hardware store. The key here is to look for quality material in the bristles. Look for artificial vs. real fibers for a smoother finish.

Good Top Coat

A high-quality top coat can make or break a project. This offers protection, water-resistance, and can enhance your paint or stain colors for a finishing touch.

This Miniwax Polyacrylic top coat in Ultra Flat is my go-to choice when sealing paint or stain on furniture! I also use the Satin finish occasionally and loved the results there too.

Cleaning Tools

Depending on your project these brushes help to get in those nooks and crannies of decorative details or small spaces. Especially helpful when stripping paint or stains and deep cleaning hardware.

If you have an electric drill, try these useful attachments that help to scrub those hard-to-reach areas.

When working with wood, take caution with your grit and roughness level so as not to scratch or damage the wood.

Drop Cloth

This one is self-explanatory. Protecting your workspace from messes and spills is always a good idea. Especially if you are working in a common area like your dining room or garage. This has saved me from many messes and I highly recommend them.

You can also use a plastic tarp or trash bags!

Paint Samples

This little hack has saved me lots of money! I use the little paint sample jars from Home Depot or Lowes to complete small projects!

They are also a foolproof way of testing paint colors before buying paint in larger quantities.

For about $6-7 each you can sample hundreds of colors!

I have an assortment of white colors and some neutral beige shades.

I keep on hand the colors I used in projects throughout my house for easy touch-ups as needed!

Keep in mind they typically only come in a satin sheen so consider that when planning your projects.

Just head to the paint counter at your local hardware store and ask for a paint sample in the color of your choosing.

Another touch-up paint hack is the incredible paint pens. I filled them with the paint colors used throughout my house (walls, trim, stairs) for even easier touch-ups!

Carbide Scrapper

This handy tool is perfect for refinishing furniture when stripping old paint or stain is needed. It will save you time, energy, and frustration. So it’s worth it’s weight in gold.

Putty Knife/Paint Scrapper

Another handy dandy multi-purpose tool for all kinds of DIY projects. Use for smoothing out spackle or putty when patching holes. Scrape off debris or dried paint. There are many uses here!

The curved side piece is perfect for removing paint from paint rollers. Hold the roller sideways, place the curved scrapper around the roller near the top, and move the scrapper down to get off excess paint!

Protective Gear

Last but certainly not least is protective gear! This may seem obvious but one you don’t want to skip! Always use appropriate protective gear when using products that can cause harm or injury.

When sanding, use eye protection and a mask to prevent inhalation of debris. When using strong chemicals like paint stripper or wood stain, use gloves.

You don’t need a whole hazmat suit but simply use discretion and common sense when operating tools or using strong products will keep you protected.

Honorable mentions:

• Miniwax Stainable wood filler
• Caulking Tool Kit
• Dickies Canvas Work Bag – With so many packets and places to store all the little tools, I love mine!

No need to feel intimidated! Even as a beginner, these top 11 products will surely help you on your DIY journey.

Do you have other tips, favorites, or questions? I would love to hear about them in the comments.

I would also love to hear about your first DIY project!

If you’re looking for an easy DIY project, try the beginner-friendly paint-wash technique I used on our dining room table. You’ll love the great results!

Whether you are starting a new project, facing a new challenge, or tackling a goal – you can Rejoice About that!

Want more DIY tips? Here are 10 practical and budget-friendly DIY home updates and 10 ways to get better curb appeal.

Happy DIY- ing!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase something I recommend, I may receive an affiliate commission – but it does not affect your price or what I choose to promote.*