What's the DIY project that took way longer than you expected but was worth it

[MegaMike16]

Built a genuinely simple looking bookshelf that ended up taking three full weekends once I factored in mistakes, sanding, and actually finishing it properly, and I'm still proud of it years later

Curious what people's version of this is, the project that blew through your original time estimate completely but that you'd genuinely do again regardless

[RusticDaemon]

Refinished an old dresser I thought would take a weekend, ended up taking a full month once I discovered layers of old paint underneath, completely worth it in the end

[BankHolidayBlues]

I once built a small deck that took twice as long as planned once weather delays and material mistakes piled up, still one of my proudest projects

[EventHorizon25]

I Built a custom shelving unit for a specific awkward space, took considerably longer than expected once I realized my measurements were off partway through

[BringItOnRhodes43]

Repainted an entire room thinking it would take a single day, ended up spanning an entire week once I accounted for proper prep work and actual drying time

[Depot16]

Restored an old bicycle I found at a yard sale, thought it would take an afternoon, ended up being a genuine multi month project once I got into it properly

[Dylan]

Refinished hardwood floors myself thinking it was a weekend job, ended up taking two full weeks once I discovered the actual scope of the damage underneath