Why I Keep Doing Woodwork, Even Though It's Costly, Tiring, and Time-consuming

After moving to the U.S., I started doing some woodworking, mainly small furniture like tables, bookshelves, and fences. One time, Yanbing asked me how much these woodworking materials cost. I told her a number, and she was really surprised. With that amount, we could easily buy ready-made furniture that looks higher quality from the market. So why do I insist on making them myself?

Doing it myself not only means bearing the cost of raw materials, but also requires a lot of physical effort. I need to make multiple trips to the building materials market. Then, there’s the time spent on designing, cutting wood, assembling, sanding, and perfecting all the details. The time and energy spent far exceed simply buying them. So, is all this really worth it?

I have three thoughts on this.

First, it’s about choosing to be a creator, not just a consumer.

In today’s world, being a consumer is way too easy. Whatever you want, just place an order, and it’ll soon be delivered to your door. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not enough for me. I enjoy being a creator more—thinking, planning, getting hands-on, slowly turning my ideas into reality, and gradually solving real problems. This process is enjoyable in itself.

I also hope my kids develop this mindset from a young age, to become creators rather than passive consumers. Don’t underestimate the small acts of creation in life. Being creative is a way of thinking, a concept, and an attitude towards life. If a child forms a habit of thinking creatively while growing up, it’ll be natural for them to face challenges with this mindset, whether in study or work.

Second, it’s the process of “the more you do, the braver you get.”

I remember when we bought our first place in Shanghai, the previous owner removed the TV from the wall, leaving damaged wallpaper and a big hole. My first reaction was to find a handyman to fix it, not to do it myself. Why? Because I’d never done anything like it.

But after coming to the U.S., where labor costs are high, I’ve had to start solving various problems myself. I’ve unclogged pipes, installed exhaust fans, painted the garage, repaired walls, and installed water filters… The more I did, the braver I got, and the more experience I gained.

Looking back at that small TV wall hole in Shanghai, I realize how silly it was of me not to try. But there’s no need to blame myself, as the confidence to get hands-on indeed accumulates through constant attempts.

Third, it’s the satisfaction from the process and the results.

When I build something according to my own plans, from scratch to finish, I enter a state of flow. I enjoy the feel of working with wood, the process of using the tools. Especially during the sanding stage, using sandpaper bit by bit to smooth the wood, like carving, focused yet relaxed.

When the finished product is finally placed in our home and used by the family, even if my daughter accidentally damages it, I still feel a genuine joy and sense of accomplishment.

So if I had to tally it up, I’d say the gains from doing woodworking myself—whether emotional, experiential, or sentimental—far exceed the returns you get from merely spending money.

That’s why I’m willing to do it myself.