DIY in France : the great return to clever small projects

After a clear downturn in 2025, the French market for DIY begins to stabilize in 2026. But behind this return to balance lies a deeper change: the French are abandoning large-scale projects to focus on small smart projects, which are quick and low-cost.

A market stabilizing after two difficult years

According to NielsenIQ data, the DIY sector fell by 3.2% in 2025, and the garden sector by 1.1%, for an overall decline of 2.7% across the “DIY-garden” segment. For 2026, professionals are counting on a “gradual and structured” recovery rather than on a spectacular rebound. Revenue for large DIY retailers amounted to €21.8 billion including VAT in 2025, for a total market that still exceeds €39 billion.

Maintenance takes priority over major projects

The drop in purchasing power and the slowdown in the real estate market are pushing households to reassess their priorities. Rather than embarking on a major renovation, a majority of households now favor routine maintenance and low-cost repairs. Seven jobs account for most of the activity:

• Painting
• Wallpaper installation
• Furniture assembly
• Shelf installation
• Kitchen renovation
• Tiling
• Gardening

This refocusing reflects a more pragmatic approach: people repair and improve rather than completely transform their homes, a trend that also benefits budget-friendly interior decoration and layout.

Digitalization is changing the way people DIY

Three major trends are shaping 2026 projects: the digitalization of DIY, with planning apps and video tutorials that reassure novices; the growing integration of home automation, even in modest projects; and a stronger focus on the environmental footprint of work, without sacrificing efficiency. The share of online sales in the sector is thus expected to reach 19% of total revenue by 2026, compared with 13.7% in 2022.

Another persistent barrier: the fear of doing it wrong. Nearly 7 out of 10 French people still say they hesitate to start certain projects on their own, a stable figure that explains the success of online support formats and step-by-step tutorials.

Key takeaways

French DIY in 2026 is no longer the same as the large post-pandemic projects. It is being reinvented around simple tasks, digital tools and a controlled budget, with greater attention to the value-for-money of materials and tools.

Frequently asked questions

Will the DIY market pick up in 2026?

Professionals expect stabilization rather than strong growth, after a 2.7% decline in 2025 across the DIY-garden sector.

What are the most common projects carried out by the French?

Painting, wallpapering, furniture assembly, shelving, kitchen renovation, tiling and gardening top the list of projects in 2026.

Why are online DIY sales increasing?

Video tutorials and planning apps reassure novice DIYers, which encourages online purchases: the share of e-commerce should reach 19% of the sector's revenue by 2026.

Sources

• Zepros Habitat — DIY and garden market: 2025 review and 2026 outlook (NielsenIQ)
• Maison-Appartement.fr — The 7 most commonly carried out DIY projects by the French in 2026
• Montreal Mirror — DIY in France 2026: the market stabilizes

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy