The Allure of Furniture Flips
In a world of mass-produced items, furniture flips offer a chance to create something unique, sustainable, and budget-friendly. Transforming tired or outdated pieces into stylish, functional items is not only a rewarding DIY project but also a way to reduce waste and express your personal style. Whether you're looking to furnish your own home on a budget or start a creative side hustle, furniture flipping can be an incredibly fulfilling endeavor.
Sourcing Your Furniture Flipping Projects
Finding the right furniture to flip is the first crucial step. The goal is to acquire pieces that have good bones and potential, without breaking the bank. Here are several avenues to explore:
- Thrift Stores: A classic source for affordable furniture, thrift stores often have a wide variety of styles and eras available. Look for solid wood pieces with interesting details. Check for thrift store discount days. Many regional chains rotate a 50% “color-tag” discount each week.
- Facebook Marketplace: This online platform offers a vast selection of used furniture from local sellers. Use keywords to search for specific items or styles, and don't be afraid to negotiate on price. Train the Facebook algorithm by viewing certain items to have those items pop up more on your news feed.
- Craigslist: Similar to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist can be a great place to find free or inexpensive furniture. Be sure to exercise caution when meeting with strangers and arrange pick-ups in a public place.
- Garage Sales and Estate Sales: These can be goldmines for finding vintage or antique furniture at bargain prices. Arrive early for the best selection, or towards the end of the sale for potential discounts.
- Curbside Finds: Keep an eye out for furniture left on the curb for trash pickup, especially on trash day or moving day. These "curb candies" are free for the taking, but may require some extra cleaning and repairs.
- Friends and Family: Let your friends and family know you're looking for furniture to flip. They may have pieces they're willing to give away or sell at a discounted price. Get your name out to family and friends in your community because chances are, at some point, they will know of someone looking to offload some furniture.
- Online Estate Sales/Auctions: Online estate sales or auctions can be a great alternative to a traditional estate sale or yard sale.
- Storage Unit Auctions: Sites such as StorageTreasures list online auctions where abandoned units often contain vintage furniture that goes for pennies on the dollar.
Tip: When sourcing furniture, prioritize solid wood pieces over those made of particleboard or laminate. Solid wood is more durable, easier to repair, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Also, inspect each piece to determine how much work it needs.
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials on hand will make your furniture flipping projects smoother and more efficient. Here's a list of essentials:
- Cleaning Supplies:
- Disinfecting wipes
- TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or other degreaser
- Shop towels or cloths
- Safety Gear:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Gloves
- Dust mask or respirator (N95 mask)
- Hearing protection
- Sanding Tools:
- Sandpaper (various grits, from coarse to fine)
- Sanding block
- Electric sander (orbital sander, detail sander)
- Carbide scraper
- Painting and Finishing Supplies:
- Primer
- Paint (chalk paint, latex paint, acrylic paint, milk paint, enamel paint)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Foam rollers
- Paint sprayer (optional)
- Topcoat or sealant (polyurethane, wax, varnish)
- Paint thinner or mineral spirits (if using oil-based paint)
- Drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Repair Tools and Materials:
- Wood filler
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Putty knife
- Screwdrivers (various sizes)
- Drill
- Kreg jig
- Bondo
- Bondo glaze and spot putty
- Kwikwood
- Other Useful Tools and Materials:
- Tape measure
- Shop vacuum or dust extractor
- Heat gun (for removing old finishes)
- New hardware (knobs, pulls, handles)
- Mister bottle
- Steel wool
- Microfiber cloths
The Flipping Process: Step-by-Step
Once you have your furniture piece and the necessary tools and materials, it's time to start the flipping process. Here's a general step-by-step guide:
1. Cleaning and Preparation
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the furniture piece to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or grime. Use a mild detergent or degreaser and warm water. Remove any hardware, such as knobs, pulls, hinges. If you plan to replace the hardware, fill the old holes with wood filler and let it dry completely.
2. Sanding
Sanding is essential for creating a smooth surface and helping the primer and paint adhere properly. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (e.g., 80-120 grit) to remove any existing finishes or imperfections. Then, move to a finer grit sandpaper (e.g., 220 grit) to smooth the surface. If you are planning to stain the item, you will need to sand down to the wood grain.
3. Priming
Apply a coat of primer to the entire furniture piece. Primer helps the paint adhere better, blocks stains, and creates a uniform surface. Choose a primer that is compatible with your chosen paint. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Painting
Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen paint in thin, even coats. Use a high-quality brush, foam roller, or paint sprayer for best results. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. Depending on the desired look and the paint you're using, you may need two or three coats.
Tip: For a smoother finish, lightly sand between coats of paint with a fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400 grit).
5. Sealing and Finishing
To protect your painted furniture and enhance its durability, apply a topcoat or sealant. Choose a product that is appropriate for your chosen paint and desired finish (matte, satin, gloss). Apply the topcoat in thin, even coats and allow it to dry completely.
6. Hardware and Final Touches
Install new hardware to update the look of the furniture piece. Consider using modern knobs and pulls, or opt for vintage-inspired hardware for a more classic feel. Add any final touches, such as decorative accents or stencils, to personalize the piece.
Paint Types and Techniques
Choosing the right paint is crucial for achieving the desired look and durability. Here's an overview of popular paint types for furniture flipping:
- Chalk Paint: A popular choice for its matte finish and ease of use. Chalk paint requires minimal prep work and can be easily distressed for a vintage look.
- Latex Paint: An inexpensive and readily available option for furniture painting. Latex paint is easy to clean up and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. For best results use an acrylic enamel.
- Acrylic Paint: A versatile option that can be used on most types of furniture, including wood, metal, and plastic.
- Milk Paint: A natural, water-based paint that gives a matte, slightly translucent finish. It works well on unfinished or raw wood furniture and can be used to create a variety of looks, from a rustic, weathered appearance to a smooth, modern finish.
- Enamel Paint: Durable and provides a smooth, glossy finish, making it a good choice for high-use furniture like tables and chairs.
Color Considerations:
- Neutral Colors: Timeless colors such as white, beige, greige and taupe work well in interior design.
- Black: Adds a pop of modern contrast to any home.
- Green: Versatile color that looks great with brass, gold, or black hardware.
Painting Techniques:
- Distressing: Sanding away paint in certain areas to create a worn or aged look.
- Layering: Applying multiple layers of different paint colors to create depth and dimension.
- Stenciling: Using stencils to add patterns or designs to the furniture piece.
- Antiquing: Applying a glaze or stain to create an aged or antique appearance.
A quick & easy finish is a paint & stain combo. Only sanding a portion of the piece will save you time but you'll still have the natural wood element.
Pricing and Selling Your Furniture Flips
Once your furniture flip is complete, it's time to price it and find a buyer. Here are some tips for successful selling:
- Research the Market: Look at similar furniture pieces online and in local stores to get an idea of the going rate.
- Factor in Your Costs: Consider the cost of the furniture piece, materials, and your time when setting the price. Account for supply costs including purchase fee, paint stripper and scraper, and finish. Set your hourly rate accordingly.
- Highlight Unique Features: Emphasize any special details or unique characteristics of your flipped furniture to justify a higher price.
- Take Good Photos: Good and relevant photos are huge for successfully and quickly flipping furniture. Stage your flips in a clean, well-lit area with minimal clutter and distractions. It also helps to style your item with “on trend” accents. Photograph multiple angles and close ups of any details or blemishes you want to identify.
- Write an Attractive Description: Include the dimensions of the piece, the type of paint used, and any other relevant details.
- Choose the Right Platform: List your furniture for sale on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Nextdoor.
Where to Sell:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Facebook Groups
- Craigslist
- Nextdoor App
- OfferUp App
Legal and Business Considerations
If you plan to turn furniture flipping into a business, it's important to consider the legal and business aspects. Some key considerations include:
- Business Structure: Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or other legal entity. A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure, but many furniture flippers successfully operate this way when first starting.
- Taxes: Remember that you must pay taxes on all income, so it's important to track your expenses (save your receipts!) and earnings, then report it on your tax return each tax season. You aren't required to report flipping furniture on your taxes until you make over $600, but if you're trying to make substantial money reselling furniture, you should probably create a business.
- Permits and Licenses: Check with your local government to determine if you need any permits or licenses to operate a furniture flipping business.
- Liability Insurance: Consider purchasing liability insurance to protect yourself from potential lawsuits or accidents.
Safety Note: Always prioritize safety when working with tools and materials. Wear appropriate safety gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for all products.
Lead Paint: A lot of furniture has historically been painted with paint which contains lead in it, and as we all know, lead is not good for you, and it's definitely not good for children; it can cause developmental issues as well as a whole host of other issues. There's a lead test is the fastest way to check for lead in the paint or the lacquer on your furniture items. If lead is present, the cotton Bud will actually change color it will turn pink or red.
Conclusion: Start Your Furniture Flipping Adventure
Furniture flipping is a rewarding and creative way to transform unwanted pieces into unique treasures. By following these tips and guidelines, you can embark on your own furniture flipping adventure, whether it's for personal enjoyment or to create a profitable side hustle. So, grab your tools, find a furniture piece with potential, and let your creativity shine!
Next Steps:
- Start small and don't expect your first piece to be perfect
- Keep learning and experimenting with new techniques
- Connect with other furniture flippers for inspiration and support
- Have fun and enjoy the process!