DIY… an acronym we see more and more, yet it’s not new!
The “Do It Yourself” concept first appeared in magazines aimed at DIY enthusiasts, radio,
carpentry, and more, at the beginning of the 20th century. The acronym “DIY” itself started circulating in the 1950s in the American press. Two major developments, commercial and technological, have made DIY more visible and accessible worldwide:
1950s–1960s: The rise of DIY stores such as Home Depot, Leroy Merlin, Bauhaus,
Castorama, Hornbach, Brico, and others.
2000s onward: The explosion of DIY content online (tutorials on YouTube, Pinterest,
Instagram, TikTok…) and in mainstream media (shows about home staging, minimalism, zero waste, homemade projects).
DIY has become a true economic sector! The global market was valued at USD 775.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 805.8 billion in 2025, with projections exceeding USD 1,094 billion by 2033. North America remains the most dynamic market, while Asia-Pacific is seeing the fastest growth. In Europe, a survey reveals that half of consumers engage in DIY more frequently because
they enjoy the fun aspect, and a quarter find it more cost-effective than other solutions. Over 33% of Europeans even plan to increase their DIY activities. This enthusiasm is especially strong in France, Poland, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Most Common DIY Projects:
DIY Handyman Work and Light Renovation
Furniture assembly, Wall decoration, Painting, Tiling, Flooring, Minor repairs (handles, hinges, doors), Basic electrical work (changing lights, switches)
Interior Decoration
Making decorative items (vases, garlands, candles) Customizing furniture (painting, varnishing)
Creating photo frames and artwork Plant-related projects (decorating pots, making planters) Kids’ crafts (Halloween, Christmas ornaments, Mother’s Day projects)
Sewing, Fashion, and Accessories
Sewing clothes, bags, accessories Knitting/crochet Alterations and upcycling (hemming, zippers, buttons, old jeans and t-shirts)
DIY Cooking / Homemade Products
Homemade food (bread, pasta, preserves) Homemade products (cosmetics, soaps, scented candles) Household products (laundry detergent, cleaners)
Gardening and Outdoor Projects
Vegetable gardens (boxes, planters, compost bins) Outdoor decoration (lanterns, benches, furniture) Eco-friendly projects (birdhouses,
insect hotels)
DIY Technology
Electronic repairs, Network setup, Smart home projects, Connected devices, 3D printers, computers
Who Practices DIY?
Mostly men aged 35–54, homeowners, regular DIYers, motivated by cost savings and the desire to create/build… but increasingly women are also engaging in DIY for leisure or necessity!
Marc, 42, knows the IKEA instruction manual by heart! He started assembling a shelf 10 years ago, and since then, nothing stops him. Attic insulation? Challenge accepted. Laying concrete-effect tiles? Why not! He loves the idea of “doing better than the pros,” even if it takes ten times longer. His ideal DIY weekend? A strong coffee, his “DIY motivation” playlist in the background, and a drill in hand. He’s subscribed to all YouTube tutorials that start with “5 tricks you didn’t know about…” and swears by the pleasure of homemade work.
Anna, 36, is the MacGyver of Scandinavian minimalism. When she says, “I’ll just repaint this chair,” it’s usually the start of a complete living room makeover. For her, DIY is about expressing creativity, breaking free from standards, and asserting identity. She loves giving objects a second life: a pallet becomes an outdoor sofa, an old drawer becomes a wall shelf. She juggles between her laptop and drill, and her
Instagram community follows every decor transformation. For her, DIY is a bit like yoga—but with the smell of sawdust. Marc and Anna aren’t professionals—they’re still learning their tools and may not know all safety rules. Doesn’t this put them at serious risk?
How Frequent Are DIY Accidents?
According to a recent UK publication, more than two-thirds of British people have experienced a DIY-related accident, ranging from hammering their fingers to bumping their heads on beams. 12% sought medical attention.
Most common incidents are:
Cuts/lacerations: 25–30%
Crush injuries/bruises: 15%
Falls/slips on wet surfaces: 15–20%
Burns/electric shocks: 10%
Eye injuries/inhalation of toxic products: 5%
How to Avoid DIY Incidents?
Most DIY incidents involve cutters, saws, drills, hammers, ladders, stepladders, or screwdrivers.
They can be prevented with simple but essential precautions:
Read tool manuals and watch tutorials if inexperienced
Wear protective gear: gloves, goggles, masks, helmets, or safety shoes depending on the task
Never underestimate risks, even for simple tasks (sanding, painting, gardening)
Work in a safe environment (clean, uncluttered, well-lit)
Avoid DIY alone if the task is risky
Use tools in good condition
Turn off the power before any electrical work and use a voltage detector before
drilling
Never work at height without support or someone holding the ladder
In summary: PREPARATION, PROTECTION, CAUTION!
Oops, an Injury… What to Do?
Marc and Anna eventually met through their shared DIY passion and now work together as a couple! After hanging new frames on the walls, Anna wanted to change the living room lighting. While Marc held the ladder, she broke the bulb and cut her finger.
They have had their share of cuts and know exactly what to do! Their first aid kit is well-
stocked.
To stop the bleeding and promote healing of Anna’s cut, Marc uses Stop Hémo® SPRAY.
Practical and easy to use:
1. Clean the wound,
2. Shake the spray,
3. Spray the powder on the wound,
4. Let it work!
Anna’s wound thus benefits from the hemostatic and healing properties of calcium alginate (from seaweed) while being protected from external factors. They can then safely resume their DIY activities!
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
DIY has seen significant growth in recent years: home renovation, interior decoration, sewing, various homemade projects, gardening and outdoor improvements, technological projects… there’s something for everyone! Although still mostly practiced by men, DIY is becoming more popular among women, who are increasingly taking on projects out of interest, curiosity, or necessity. Two-thirds of DIY enthusiasts have experienced accidents, which can be easily prevented with proper preparation, precaution, and caution.
If you happen to cut or scrape yourself during a DIY project, Stop Hémo® SPRAY provides the hemostatic and healing properties of calcium alginate (derived from seaweed) while protecting your wound from external factors. With the holiday season approaching, make sure to keep your environment safe while decorating your living room with your children!
Sources:
1. DIY and home improvement in Europe – Statistics & Facts, Statista, accessed 09/09/2025.
2. DIY Home Improvement Market – Trends & Growth Forecasts (2024–2029), Mordor Intelligence, accessed 10/09/2025.
