DIY: How to Spend Money on a Free Chair

How it Started

I’m a DIY gremlin. So it’s likely a bad thing that I’m in a local Buy Nothing Facebook group. It doesn’t help that I watch a lot of DIY content on YouTube. It also doesn’t help that my husband is also a DIY gremlin. That’s why we walked to a stranger’s house in our neighbourhood and took two very broken but free Muskoka chairs from their front porch.

illustration of social media post featuring photos of crusty chairs ripe for a DIY restoration project — Ban me from the Buy Nothing Group

Going off of the photos they included in their post I knew a few things – the stain was crusty, the wooden hinges were failing, the glue on the arms was failing and it was solid wood. Solid wood was what got me. I wanted to buy wooden Muskoka chairs for our backyard this summer and I couldn’t really justify the full price of them (lol).

After pacing back and forth in our office trying to decide if this was a good idea, messaging the stranger and picking up the very broken chairs, we stared at the chairs in the backyard. We knew deep down we were likely in over our heads. My husband maintained the role of a skeptic as I declared we could definitely reproduce the wooden hinge that has fully rotted on one side. The skeptic continued on for a couple of days about how we definitely couldn’t fix these until I sent him a link to a combo set of tools we had been eyeing for several months. The DIY gremlin in my husband took over and he started listing out everything we could possibly need to do this project.

The Supplies

Illustration of various DIY tools including: router, paint can, sander, paint brush, glue, rotary tool and tape. — This isn’t even all of it.

This is where my confidence waned a little bit. Over the years we’ve borrowed tools or bought cheap/small versions of things to scrape by

in our DIY projects. This free pair of chairs unlocked a justification to finally upgrade/acquire things we didn’t have and we really went for it. I really don’t want to think about the totals on all of the receipts.

These chairs are no longer free, they eclipse the price of the two brand-new Muskoka chairs that I couldn’t justify buying.

Now understand, we definitely bought things that won’t get used for this project. We’re renters, we’ve lived with limited space for our hobbies (and life) for years. We would compromise and buy cheap, small tools over better ones because we didn’t have the space.

Things we bought: random orbit sander, sanding disks, eco stain/paint stripper gel, outdoor wood glue, wood filler, a gallon of semi-transparent stain+sealer, paint brushes, paint trays, painters tape, cordless glue gun, Dremel set, router, mini shop vac, clamps, scrapers…

Things we’ve used: TBD

The Plan

illustration of various wooden pieces that are broken off from the chairs — Surely a Muskoka chair that folds can’t be that hard to put back together?

Strip and sand the crusty stain off all of the pieces.
Determine what can be glued and clamped back together and what needs to be reproduced.
Start gluing up the easy parts.
Visit our family and use their table saw to cut replacement pieces. If applicable
Glue up the hard parts. Sand everything all over again to hide the mistakes gluing.
Re-assemble the chairs. Sit in them and see if they survive.
Find a good day and stain the chairs.
Sit in chairs?

Will this work? No idea.

Premium DIY TOYs: Mississauga’s Innovative Gift to Kids’ Success

Premium Kids DIY Toys for Enhanced Engagement in Mississauga

Exhausted from competing with electronic devices in exchange for attention from your kids? Then search no further, PSB Toys has the right gift for your children this holiday season! Introducing a new line of premium artisan DIY Toys, handcrafted and designed locally for kids in Mississauga.

Not Just Any Premium Children’s Toy!

Above all, PSB Toys pride themselves on their attention to quality. Each locally crafted toy is of a premium high-quality build. The DIY Toy line is designed to be is engaging and mentally stimulating. A toy that your child can enjoy but also learn from? Might sound too good to be true? However, PSB Toys is the leading innovator in creating such high-quality toys for its local community! Our goal: encourage the use of cognitive skills and precious bonding time between you and your loved ones. Choose your favorite from an extensive line of toys. For instance, check out our new best-seller for the holiday season! A build-your-own ornament kit to decorate and personalize ornaments. Therefore, DIY model kits of this premium build and creativity can only be found at PSB TOYS since each toy is crafted locally and built one of one, for exclusivity to you!

Toys Made Premium in Mississauga, for Kids in Mississauga!

Located in the heart of Mississauga at Confederation Pkwy. PSB Toys is a staple of the community. In addition to, being in the same neighborhood as the YMCA, PSB Toys focuses on bringing innovation and growth into the city and its youth. Premium DIY kids’ toys are crafted by local Mississauga artists. Their vision for the community is to equip kids with the necessary skills they’ll need as they grow. Grown-up in Mississauga, our talented artists understand the need for parents to have fun educational alternatives. All effort has been focused on crafting DIY Toys that are appealing to kids to decrease screen time and create new interests for kids to pursue in the future.

Buy Once, Play Forever!

Yes, you read that right! PSB Toys are not just premium in their quality, but also in their durability. Similarly, with our DIY Toys line, the primary focus has been on making sure that toys are long-lasting and durable for use. We understand fun has no limits. And with kids, accidents are going to happen. Moreover, each product is protected and constructed with materials that are resilient for any play style. Covered with a 6-month warranty. It is part of our brand to ensure that our bond with you lasts forever!

kids toys diy premium Mississauga

Become a Member, Reap Rewards!

Get free exclusive access as a PSB Member on our Website! And unlock the best rewards system! Through our increased involvement in the community, we’ll be hosting pop-up events regularly at The Mississauga Celebration Square. After becoming a member, you’ll be invited to these events to interact with our new toy concepts. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your kids! In addition, the more engaged a member is on our website (posting on blogs, product reviews, etc.) the more discounts there are to unlock! Besides that, PSB Toys’ priority is making you and yours happy!

Visit us!

Bring home the gift that will have you and your kids bonding, and engaged! Not able to visit us in-store? Alternatively, browse our online product selection on our website to see what DIY toy is best suitable for you! Lastly, for more information on deals, product reviews and upcoming inventions visit our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

DIY TOYS in Mississauga

Introducing Do-it-Yourself at PSB Toys

PSB Toys is excited to introduce to our loyal customers a few exciting additions to the PSB Toys company. Our variety has expanded, we have chosen to take a hands-on approach to our toys. We have Combined crafts and toys for children. We are proud to announce the launch of DIY Toys in Mississauga. These toys will range from inexpensive items which are perfect for stocking stuffers! Or more reasonably priced DIY toys. Many parents are seeking products that will stimulate their children’s brains. It is our mission to provide parent’s toys that can assist with brain development and nourishing their child’s growth. These DIY toys are intricate and interesting, while unconsciously developing their problem-solving, critical, and creative skills. Children are being consumed by digital screens. Amidst this pandemic, these DIY or Do-it-Yourself Toys act as a refreshing distraction.

Come Check Us Out Locally

Do you appreciate classics and tradition? Local Mississauga artists handcraft these artisanal toys. Similarily, these toys demonstrate their meticulous craft. Now, customers have the chance to share their feedback on these local treasures by posting on their social media with the @PSBToys mention. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Also, after a few weeks a lucky winner will be chosen and featured on our webpage, which you can subscribe to here

Do-it-Yourself Toys

Our specific model kit is the only one like it on the market. As a result, it cannot be mass-produced and sold at bigger stores. These products cannot be found in other big retail stores. We are now offering a 6-month limited warranty for the new line of DIY products. As well as a discount of 20% to orders over $50 which include a handcrafted toy.

Take a sneak peek into our new collection! All D0-it-Yourself Toys are labelled according to age and has a safety manual inside. Advisements on parental assistance are on these safety manuals depending on level of complexity. For example, take a look at our metal hanger Christmas Tree craft! Firstly, you begin with 6 metal hangers, electrical tape, tinsel, small-wired lights, and small ornaments. You will need a glue gun for this Do-it-Yourself craft. Found inside are instructions and all materials necessary. The recommended age for this type of DIY Toy is 9–12-year-olds. This craft classifies as one of our longer lasting products. This seasonal decoration is perfect for the holidays to come!

Handcrafted 100% Canadian Made Do-it-Yourself Toys

Our toys are proudly Canadian. You can count on quality and durability with our product. We want to share the news with the community! Check us out in the community by our presence at the central library, YMCA and the senior living home near our store on Confederation Pkwy. As we are a proud company, we enjoy proudly representing the community. Next time you are at the YMCA on Burnhamthorpe take a look at the new claw machine. Partnering with the YMCA we are showing some of our DIY toys in the machine for customers to get a little glimpse of the magic!

Do-it-Yourself Gift Ideas? Shop Online!

Are you never able to find a proper gift for your kids or grandkids? Look no further, the PSB Toys company is soon be opening our very own online store through Shopify. Online you can find all our products including Do-it-Yourself Toys in stock as well as a description. No need to hop from store-to-store in the mall when you are able to browse and select from the comfort of your own home. Simply select the items to your cart, and one of our staff will put together your order and happily fulfill it upon your arrival.