do it yourself

"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and semi-raw materials and parts to produce, transform, or reconstruct material possessions, including those drawn from the natural environment (e.g., landscaping)". DIY behavior can be triggered by various motivations previously categorized as marketplace motivations (economic benefits, lack of product availability, lack of product quality, need for customization), and identity enhancement (craftsmanship, empowerment, community seeking, uniqueness).The term "do-it-yourself" has been associated with consumers since at least 1912 primarily in the domain of home improvement and maintenance activities. The phrase "do it yourself" had come into common usage (in standard English) by the 1950s, in reference to the emergence of a trend of people undertaking home improvement and various other small craft and construction projects as both a creative-recreational and cost-saving activity.
Subsequently, the term DIY has taken on a broader meaning that covers a wide range of skill sets. DIY has been described as a "self-made-culture"; one of designing, creating, customizing and repairing items or things without any special training. DIY has grown to become a social concept with people sharing ideas, designs, techniques, methods and finished projects with one another either online or in person.
DIY can be seen as a cultural reaction in modern technological society to increasing academic specialization and economic specialization which brings people into contact with only a tiny focus area within the larger context, positioning DIY as a venue for holistic engagement. DIY ethic is the ethic of self-sufficiency through completing tasks without the aid of a paid expert. The DIY ethic promotes the idea that anyone is capable of performing a variety of tasks rather than relying on paid specialists.

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  1. B

    DIY Adhesive advice for DIY porch tiling with ceramic tiles

    I'm looking at laying some large ceramic tiles, on top of Arditex NA SLC in my front porch. There seems to be a whole raft of stuff out there such as pre mixed, rapid set etc and I'm not sure what's best for my specific application. Any advice welcome. Thanks
  2. Dan

    DIY DIY Forum for DIY Tilers?

    Should I create a DIY forum to direct people away from this forum who are doing DIY jobs? I could then make our three main forums (tilers, plumbers and electricians) all for professionals and trainees only. I think that's how most networks are doing it. So perhaps we do the same? Your thoughts?
  3. K

    DIY Greetings - DIYer interesting in tiling walls and floors

    Hi - thanks for the access and greetings. Just a DIY'er with an interest in all aspects of tiling for walls or floors.
  4. A

    DIY DIY'er new to the forum

    Hello there. My name is Al and live up in Aberdeenshire. i've been tiling easy stuff for myself, friends, family for a fair few years. A time served sparky from way back in the day, that now works in an office and likes to get his hands dirty. Lurked a few times on here and normally get sound...
  5. D

    DIY floor insulate and fix

    Hi Guys I have a tiled kitchen floor that needs replacing to address the hollow and hence mega chipped (but yet to crack!) tiles and want to improve the warmth and wondering if my cunning plan below would work? Remove tiling, bulk of adhesive then ~3mm arditex SLC to tidy/flatten the surface...
  6. M

    DIY New DIY member, seeking advice!

    Morning, another new DIYer here! I'm Matt, based in Norfolk and while I'm in the construction industry as my day job it's from a quantity surveying angle so less hands on than I'd prefer. I've done a little tiling here and there so reasonably comfortable with it (and find it oddly enjoyable)...
  7. E

    DIY DIY overlay boards for ufh

    Hey guys. Long time reader, first time poster. I've got 42mm between my current concrete slab (insulated) and my desired final floor level (tiles) How do I overlay my pipes? Is there a thin screed that can be applied over the pipes? Alternatively I was thinking of making some DIY overlay...
  8. J

    DIY DIY 600 X 600 porcelain: erbauer 750 Vs big clinker 2

    I (DIY'er) am going to tile my bathroom and en suite and have purchased 600 X 600 porcelain tiles. Initially after reading many posts on here I was going to get a DeWalt d24000 but I can't justify the cost as I'm not a tiler plus the missus would probably use it on me if she found out the cost...
  9. dg-1984

    DIY Which Bosch grinder for DIY

    I have a few tiling jobs will be doing over next few months, just DIY but going to get a grinder and good blades. I have other Bosch tools so was going to stick with them as I like the brand but also as I have the batteries and saw the cordless grinder. The batteries I have are only 2ah one but...
  10. D

    New to all things DIY

    Hi all, Just a quick post to say Hi. I brought my first house about 18 months ago, and as time passes more and more DIY jobs arise. Some out of choice, some not :) My first job ever was laying engineered wood flooring. My second biggest job (starting this Sat) tiling kitchen splash back, about...
  11. dg-1984

    New member and keen DIY'er

    Hi all, just joined but have been browsing the forums for a while. Keen DIY'er and like to do what I can myself so advise and experience will be saught after. Cheers David.
  12. J

    DIY Anyone done a DIY L shaped bath panel tiled?

    As the thread title suggests really. Just looking for some pictures really or if anyone has put a magnetic access panel in it? Thanks
  13. T

    Hi I'm Rick, and I like to DIY

    Hi all, thanks for having me. I've always been inspired by my dad who has, over the past 30 years, renovated my family home adding his own personal perfectionist touch. So I managed to save up enough money to put down a deposit on a house and I've been renovating it back from brick over the...
  14. D

    New DIY tiler introduction Screed issues

    Hello tilers, My name is Caley and I thought I would introduce myself to this forum that I stumbled upon having done some preliminary research. I really do the value forums such as these as they are a fountain of knowledge and truly help inexperienced people such as myself from making...
  15. S

    New DIY geek needs underfloor heating

    Really enjoy DIY. So much so that I am finding new things to do even if they don't need it. Joined this forum to see if I could discuss how to make my own underfloor heating for laminate flooring or if I buy a mat, 500mm X 600mm.
  16. K

    DIY-er trying to avoid a bodge job

    Evening chaps. DIY disaster here. Renovating my bathroom. Going to be laying a LOT of tiles (nice wee metro tiles). Thought I'd join and what not so I can thank people for advice and ask questions.
  17. V

    Hello from DIYer....

    Just saying hello and thanks to thise offering advice in this community. :thumbsup:
  18. S

    DIY Saying hello and looking for guidance with my diy bathroom project.

    Hello everyone, I don't pretend to be a professional anything... just a 'competent DIYer', always willing to listen and learn. I am patient, appreciate the importance of good planning and have an eye for detail. I am currently fitting a new bathroom and have reached the tiling stage. I want...
  19. Q

    DIY DIY SOS needs your help!!

    DIY SOS needs YOUR help! We're coming to Plymouth, Devon in March (13th - 22nd) for a Big Build. If you're a supplier or have a trade and would like to help we'd love to hear from you. Please email [email protected] THANK YOU! DIY SOS on Twitter - https://t.co/xlYTL20Uul
  20. T

    DIY DIY Chip free wet saw

    I got a cheap wet saw after reading good reviews and the results are disappointing. It's a 750W Erbauer one and it leaves a lot of chipping. One of the biggest issues I have is with breaking the corners of my tiles. They are 300x600 and there's a lot of friction between them and the table. I...
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