8 Projects That Could Suit DIYers Looking For Weekend Work In Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s warm climate and vibrant home improvement scene make it the perfect place for weekend warriors to tackle DIY projects.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your space, add functionality, or simply enjoy a creative outlet, there’s no shortage of satisfying weekend work.
These eight doable projects require minimal expertise but deliver maximum impact, helping you transform your Jacksonville home one weekend at a time.
1. Painted Accent Wall
Tired of plain white walls? A bold accent wall can transform any room in just a few hours. Jacksonville’s coastal vibe pairs wonderfully with blues and greens, though warm terra cottas also complement our Florida sunshine beautifully.
The key is preparation grab painter’s tape, drop cloths, and quality brushes from our local hardware stores. Most accent walls require just one gallon of paint, making this a budget friendly upgrade around $30 50.
For best results, paint during daylight hours when Jacksonville’s natural light helps you catch any missed spots. This simple project delivers professional looking results even for first timers!
2. Floating Wall Shelves
Have you noticed how floating shelves instantly modernize any space? These practical additions provide storage while doubling as display areas for your favorite beach treasures or family photos.
Jacksonville’s home improvement stores offer pre made options, but building your own from cypress or pine creates a distinctive Florida feel. The installation process involves finding wall studs, mounting brackets securely, and ensuring everything’s level crucial steps for preventing disasters!
Most DIYers complete this project in under four hours, making it perfect for Saturday morning. The finished shelves can showcase Jacksonville souvenirs, plants that thrive in our humidity, or practical items in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Peel and Stick Tile
Jacksonville’s humidity can make traditional tile installation challenging, but peel and stick options offer a perfect weekend alternative. These affordable tiles transform kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms without the mess of mortar or grout.
Local stores like Home Depot on Atlantic Boulevard carry waterproof versions specifically designed for Florida’s climate. The application process couldn’t be simpler clean your surface thoroughly, measure carefully, and press firmly as you go.
Many Jacksonville homeowners create stunning backsplashes or refresh dated floors in just one day. With prices starting around $1 per square foot, you’ll get maximum visual impact without breaking your renovation budget!
4. Garden Planter Boxes
Jacksonville’s growing season lasts nearly year-round, making garden planter boxes a practical weekend project with lasting benefits. Custom boxes allow you to grow herbs, vegetables, or native Florida flowers regardless of your yard situation.
Cedar works wonderfully for our climate, resisting both insects and our famous afternoon thunderstorms. A basic 3×2 foot box requires just six boards, exterior screws, and landscape fabric all available at Jacksonville’s nurseries like Trad’s Garden Center.
If you’re feeling creative, add wheels for mobility or build multiple tiers for visual interest. Your completed planters will thrive with our abundant sunshine, especially when positioned to avoid the harshest late afternoon rays.
5. Refinished Coffee Table
Why buy new when you can breathe life into an existing piece? Jacksonville’s humidity can take a toll on wooden furniture, but a weekend refinishing project works wonders on tired coffee tables.
Start by sanding away old finishes many Jacksonville DIYers do this outdoors to catch our ocean breezes while avoiding dust indoors. Our climate makes water-based polyurethanes ideal; they dry quickly and resist yellowing in our strong Florida sun.
Local thrift stores like the Salvation Army on Beach Boulevard offer incredible furniture finds waiting for transformation. The entire process typically takes just one weekend: Saturday for prep and staining, Sunday for sealing, with a stunning conversation piece ready by Monday morning!
6. Updated Light Fixtures
Swapping outdated light fixtures transforms spaces instantly, and Jacksonville’s older neighborhoods like Riverside and San Marco offer plenty of opportunities for these upgrades. The most important rule? Always turn off power at the breaker box first!
Modern ceiling fans are especially valuable here, helping manage our summer heat while adding style. Local lighting stores like Lamps Plus on Southside Boulevard offer fixtures specifically designed for Florida’s coastal aesthetic.
Most fixture swaps require just basic tools and about an hour per installation. The dramatic before and after results make this one of the most satisfying weekend projects, especially in dining areas where statement lighting creates immediate impact without major renovation costs.
7. Porch Swing Installation
Nothing says southern comfort like a porch swing, and Jacksonville’s mild evenings make this the perfect weekend addition. Installation requires identifying ceiling joists, mounting heavy-duty hardware, and ensuring proper weight distribution.
Local woodworkers often sell handcrafted cypress swings at the Riverside Arts Market, though big box stores offer more affordable options. The ideal location catches Jacksonville’s refreshing evening breezes while providing views of your landscaping or neighborhood.
Most DIYers complete this project in 3-4 hours, including assembly time. Your new swing becomes the perfect spot for morning coffee, evening conversations, or watching Jacksonville’s spectacular summer thunderstorms roll in from the comfort of your covered porch.
8. Cabinet Hardware Upgrade
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference! Replacing dated cabinet hardware refreshes kitchens and bathrooms without major demolition or expense. Jacksonville’s coastal location inspires nautical themed pulls and knobs that bring beach vibes indoors.
Measure existing hardware spacing carefully before shopping most Jacksonville homes use standard sizes, but older properties might have custom dimensions. Local shops like Restoration Hardware at St. Johns Town Center offer high end options, while hardware stores provide budget friendly alternatives.
This beginner friendly project requires just a screwdriver and typically takes under two hours for an average kitchen. The transformation is immediate, making tired cabinets look custom and updated without the hassle of painting or replacing entire units!
