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If you want to spruce up your home, social media platforms like TikTok are overflowing with DIY hacks for budget-friendly home makeovers. I certainly take inspiration from such ‘influencers’ who have managed to instantly transform their homes without breaking the bank.
However, just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s good. And while it may seem like a cost-effective way to decorate your home, it could cost you a lot more in the long-run. A home improvement expert has revealed some of the viral DIY hacks that could potentially ruin your home.
“The rise of social-media-driven DIY has both excited and challenged homeowners,” states Home Improvement Expert Ankit Sehgal from Swift Drain. “However, viral content often oversimplifies the work involved. What looks quick and easy in a 30-second video can involve hours of prep, precise measurements, or specialized tools. Mistakes can lead to frustration, wasted materials, and even structural damage.”
So, before reaching for your toolkit and superglue, be warned: these popular DIY hacks could ruin your home. Here’s how.
1. Peel-and-stick backsplashes
Peel-and-stick backsplashes have become popular in recent years. Designed to imitate real tiles, these offer a cost-effective and quick solution for refreshing outdated kitchens or flooring. Although this DIY trend has gained significant traction on TikTok and other social media, often showcasing dramatic transformations, experts say this is a “bad idea.”
“Peel-and-stick tiles are designed for dry, low-heat areas, not behind cooktops or sinks,” advises Sehgal. “Poor adhesion, trapped moisture, and heat exposure can cause tiles to peel, warp, or trap condensation behind them. Over time, this can lead to mould growth, wall damage, or weakened plasterboard.” In addition, steam or grease, especially in kitchens, will easily damage the adhesive, causing tiles to lift and trap moisture behind the surface.
If you do want to try your hand at this hack, however, try these expert-approved tips to avoid damage.
“Only use peel-and-stick tiles in low-moisture zones (feature walls, dry prep areas), avoid placing them behind gas stoves or kettles, clean and degrease walls thoroughly before application and consider a temporary splashback panel instead for high-use areas.”
2. IKEA DIY hacks
IKEA DIY hacks, where customers customize or upcycle their iconic furniture for a more luxurious look, are another viral sensation dominating my social media feeds. And who doesn’t have (or had) an IKEA piece of furniture in their homes?
Be it repainting, adhesive decals, or completely repurposing it into something new, there’s no shortage of ways to give iconic pieces the wow factor. However, take extra caution before you do so, as this could compromise safety. In fact, many viral hacks ignore weight distribution entirely.
“Flat-pack furniture isn’t engineered for heavy modification,” states Sehgal. “Adding stone tops, cutting structural panels, or wall-mounting unsupported units can overload joints and fixings. This can lead to bowing, collapsed shelving, or pulled wall anchors, especially in plasterboard walls.”
Before you do, it’s always important to check guidance, take safety precautions, and never exceed the manufacturer’s stated weight limits. “Reinforce with proper brackets, anchors, or timber supports,” adds Sehgal. “Avoid cutting structural panels and secure tall units to wall studs, not just plasterboard.”
This is especially important if you live in a rented property, as you don’t want to cause damage and annoy your landlord. Also note that “removable” doesn’t always mean damage-free. Heavy adhesives can literally strip paint or leave stubborn stains that you can’t get rid of.
For more top tips, here's how to paint your IKEA furniture for a flawless finish .
3. Decor upgrades with common materials
Not all upgrades involve a toolkit, and I’ve seen some viral decor hacks that involve epoxy countertops or fancy accent walls. But while these can instantly transform your space from drab to fab, these everyday materials can cause more harm than good in the long-run.
“Epoxy countertops and metallic finishes look dramatic online, but are highly unforgiving,” agrees Sehgal. “Poor prep can result in bubbling, cracking, uneven curing, or permanent surface damage. Epoxy fumes can also be hazardous without proper ventilation. Once applied incorrectly, these finishes are extremely difficult to reverse.”
So what’s the best way to apply such common, user-friendly materials in your home? “Treat epoxy like a professional finish, not a craft project,” Sehgal advises. “Follow exact prep, curing times, and safety guidance, practice on a test surface first, and consider peel-off vinyl wraps as a safer alternative. The key is treating viral trends as a springboard for creativity rather than a literal instruction manual.”
So before you take on your next home improvement project, you might want to think twice before copying such DIY trends. It might cost you.
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