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Fun fall weekend projects you can tackle in 2 days or less

Fall is finally here — and Canadian Tire is here to help you make sure you’re Ready For everything. From easy weekend D.I.Y. home updates to tips on how to maximize storage in any space, we’ve got you covered as you get back into your autumn routine.

Garage organization from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

More time spent at home over the past year-and-a-half has left many of us with an ever-growing to-do list of home renovation projects. But when to do them? And how? Fortunately, big budgets and large chunks of time aren’t necessarily required to create a big difference in your home.

While the big stuff is still best left to the professionals, there are a number of small, easy-to-do DIY jobs that can make a serious difference in the overall look and feel of your home, without taking up too much precious weekend time. Plus, for those new to DIY, starting small can make projects less complicated, and less intimidating, allowing you to build confidence as you build up to tackling larger items.

From upgrading your backsplash to staining wood doors, we’re here to help by providing you with all the inspiration and tools you’ll need to refresh your home this fall. And best of all, every one of these projects can be done over the course of a single weekend or even a single afternoon.

Afternoon projects

Update a room by adding a backsplash

Modern kitchen still life. With white tile backsplash. Blank sink with faucet and soap dispenser, wooden counter. Elegant Scandinavian interior. Home concept.
Photo via Getty Images

Adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom can give any room an instant update. Setting tile can be tricky, however, which is why products like Metal by ASP Peel & Stick Metal & Stone Backsplash Tiles were invented. These clever DIY tiles come in five different styles and are easy to cut by scoring with a tile cutter or utility knife, allowing you to completely refresh your kitchen and/or bath in a matter of hours instead of days.

Dim the lights

Back view of adult couple watching TV at home while sitting on sofa lit by warm cozy light, copy space
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Looking to create a bit more ambiance? Adding dimmer switches can give your dining room a restaurant feel, or help set the stage in your living room for your next movie night. All you need is a dimmer switch, a screwdriver to remove the faceplate and old switch, wire connectors to cover the end of each wire, and electrical tape to secure the wires. Then it’s time to hit the lights!

Give your plants a rustic look

Landscaping garden or park, flower pots wrapped in burlap cloth, rustic vintage style. High quality photo
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Here’s a simple, yet fun, autumn décor idea: Add burlap to your potted plans to create a more rustic look. Simply measure out the amount of burlap you’ll need for each plant by wrapping it around the pot and cutting the desired amount. Tie it off with twine and your plant will be ready for fall in ten minutes or less.

Create a window box full of fall colours

Thanksgiving blurry background, copy space for your text
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A fall-friendly window box is a great way to add more fall vibes to your home. This Bloem Dura Cotta Rectangular Window Box Planter comes with pre-drilled drainage holes and makes the perfect home for plants that feature fall hues like deep purple, orange, brown and earthy tones. Don’t be afraid to get creative by adding classic fall décor pieces like pumpkins and pine cones to the mix as well!

One-day projects

Make your entrance more inviting

Photo via Canadian TireNOMA Solar Stake lights from Canadian Tire, upgrading front walkway
Photo via Canadian Tire

First impressions are everything, and since your front door is the first thing you and your guests will see before entering your home, it’s all the more reason to boost your house’s curb appeal this fall. One great way to update the look of your entryway? Upgrade your door hardware. Opt for the Schlage Electronic Camelot Keypad Lock with Accent Lever if you’re sick of carrying keys around; featuring a keypad lock, it’s a cinch to install. Or, if you want to update the look of your door without the keypad, the Schlage Camelot Bottom Handleset has a black matte finish accent lever to match any style.

Another fun and easy way to update your home’s exterior is by swapping in new house numbers. All it takes is a couple of minutes and a screwdriver to give the front of your house a fresh new look.

You can also consider installing outdoor lighting to brighten your entrance. The NOMA Curved Outdoor Lantern has a nice modern look and is easy to mount beside your door frame, while NOMA Large Solar Stake Lights illuminate your walkway with no electrical knowledge required.

Step up your storage

Closet organizer kit and better closet storage from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

A home can never have enough storage. If you’re looking for more closet space to help keep your clothes, shoes and accessories organized and easy-to-find, the ClosetMaid Shelf Track Closet Kit is just the thing. A drill makes installation a breeze, allowing you to add more shelving and hanging space, so you can get your closets organized and clutter-free in no time.

Dress up your porch for Halloween

Inflatable Halloween lawn ornaments from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Spooky season is upon us, and nothing gets us in the Halloween spirit like watching scary movies and decorating. This 6-foot inflatable jack-o-lantern is an easy, eye-catching way to bring Halloween to your front lawn or porch, but if you’re looking for something a little more crafty, how about these haunted Halloween birdhouses?

Take the easy route by purchasing a cedar birdhouse and other rustic feeders, then simply coat them with glossy black and grey spray paint. Or, if you want to go all out with true DIY birdhouses, all you’ll need is wood, a table top saw, nails, a hammer and a plan in order to assemble them before decorating.

Once the paint has dried, add cobwebs, spiders and other creepy crawlies to complete the spooky Halloween scene, then arrange them on your porch, or hang them from a tree using branch hangers.

Two-day projects

Stain a door or banister

WORX 5-in-1 sander from Canadian Tire for DIY projects
Photo via Canadian Tire

Refresh faded wood and create a whole new look for your home by staining your doors or banisters. Begin by removing the old finish with a wood stripper, using a power sander to remove any blemishes or rough spots. The WORX 20V 5-in-1 Multi Sander Kit is an excellent option as it provides interchangeable sanding plates for multiple applications, making it easy to stain your door and banister all on the same day.

Before staining, sand the wood at least three times to make sure it is ready to be stained. Add a wood conditioner to help the stain absorb evenly, then add a premium wood stain using an angled brush and let the colour develop. It’s suggested to wait 24 hours before applying any more stain if you want a deeper colour, so make sure to budget a full weekend for this one to get the job done right.

Add more storage to your garage

DIY garage organization from Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Got an overstuffed garage? Do your future self a favour and tackle the mess before winter hits. Installing a wall cabinet to house your tools and other shop items is a cinch when you’ve got a cordless drill, and the same goes for this Mastercraft Easy Install Track Panels & 10-pc Hook Kit. Paired with metal shelving or open storage racks, adding dedicated space for storage can help transform your garage, getting bulky items off the ground, freeing up floor space and making it easy to find your gardening gear, larger power tools and more at a glance.

Budget one day for cleaning out and reorganizing your garage, then another to get your new storage solutions built and everything back into its proper place.

Fall is all about getting back into a routine, and Canadian Tire is here to make sure you’re Ready For Fall. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to prepare your home and lawn for the cold weather or delicious, healthy recipes that will make nights a breeze, we’ve got you covered.