Are you looking for a creative way to make some extra cash? Have you ever considered flipping furniture? This popular side hustle involves buying used or old furniture, giving it a makeover, and selling it for a profit.
Not only is it a great way to earn money, but it’s also a fun and fulfilling hobby.
Flipping furniture is an excellent way to earn extra income, combining creativity with business acumen.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of upcycling, furniture flipping offers an accessible entry point into the entrepreneurial landscape.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of how to make money flipping furniture, revitalizing them with appealing designs, and selling them for a profit.
With the right strategies and a keen eye for potential, you can turn a simple hobby into a lucrative venture.
What Will You Need?
To start flipping furniture, you’ll need some basic tools and materials. Some of these may already be available in your home, while others can be purchased at affordable prices.
- Furniture: Look for solid pieces with good bones in secondhand stores, flea markets, garage sales, or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also ask friends and family if they have any unwanted furniture they’re willing to part with.
- Basic Tools: A few essential tools such as a sander, paintbrushes, and screwdrivers will come in handy when refinishing furniture. Other useful tools include a drill, hammer, and pliers.
- Paint and Supplies: Depending on the type of furniture you’ll be working with, you may need to purchase paint, primer, stain, or varnish. Don’t forget supplies like sandpaper, painter’s tape, and drop cloths.
- Storage Space: Once you’ve completed a piece of furniture, you’ll need a place to store it until it sells. If you plan on flipping larger items, this could be a spare room in your house or a rented storage unit.
Now that you have all the necessary materials and tools, it’s time to get started on your first furniture flip!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Money Flipping Furniture
Step 1. Find Your First Piece:
The first step in your furniture flipping journey is to find your initial project. Start by visiting local thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets to see what they have in stock.
Be sure to explore online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay, where you can find great deals on used furniture. Contact friends and family to let them know you’re on the hunt for furniture; they might have pieces they’re willing to give away for free or sell at a low price.
When selecting your first piece, focus on finding something sturdy and made of quality materials. Solid wood furniture is often better than particleboard or laminate, as it withstands refinishing processes more effectively.
Look for pieces with good “bones”—meaning the structure is in good condition even if the surface isn’t. Check for any structural damage, missing parts, or deep scratches that might be too difficult to repair.
Don’t shy away from items that need a bit of cosmetic work, such as sanding, painting, or reupholstering.
These pieces can often be transformed into stunning items with some elbow grease. It’s also wise to start with a smaller, less complicated piece like a side table or chair before moving on to larger projects. This way, you can build your skills and confidence without overwhelming yourself.
Step 2. Gather Your Supplies:
Once you’ve found your first piece of furniture to flip, it’s time to gather all the necessary supplies. Depending on the condition and type of furniture, you may need sandpaper, a sander, paint or stain, brushes, primer, sealant, painter’s tape, and finishing wax.
Make sure to have basic tools like screwdrivers, a hammer, a drill, and pliers on hand, as they will aid in disassembling and reassembling furniture parts.
Step 3. Clean the Furniture:
Before refinishing, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the furniture. Dust, grime, and old residues can affect the adhesion of paint or stain.
Use a gentle cleanser suitable for the material of your furniture and ensure you clean every nook and cranny. Let the piece dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4. Make Any Necessary Repairs:
Inspect the piece thoroughly for any damages or repairs needed. Tighten loose screws, replace missing hardware, and fix any structural issues.
You may need to fill in cracks or holes with wood filler for wooden furniture. Addressing these repairs early ensures that you have a sturdy and secure foundation with which to work.
Step 5. Sand the Surface:
Sanding is a crucial step in furniture flipping, as it helps remove old finishes and smooth out any imperfections. Start with coarser grit sandpaper and work your way to finer grits for a smooth finish.
For larger pieces, using an electric sander can save time and effort. Make sure to sand all surfaces evenly and wipe away the dust with a tack cloth once finished.
Step 6. Apply Primer:
Applying a primer is essential for pieces that will be painted. Primer helps the paint adhere better and ensures a smooth, even finish. Choose a primer compatible with the type of paint you plan to use and apply it in thin, even coats. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.
Step 7. Paint or Stain the Furniture:
Now comes the fun part—painting or staining your piece. Choose a high-quality paint or stain that suits your vision for the project. Apply thin, even coats, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat.
When painting, it’s often better to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat to avoid drips and achieve a professional finish.
Step 8. Add Finishing Touches:
Once your paint or stain has dried completely, add any finishing touches to enhance the piece’s appearance. This might include distressing the edges for a vintage look, adding decorative stencils, or applying a protective top coat. Be creative and let your personal style shine through in the final touches.
Step 9. Reassemble and Install Hardware:
If you had to disassemble any parts of the furniture or remove hardware during the refinishing process, now is the time to put everything back together. Reattach drawers, doors, and hardware, ensuring everything is securely in place. You might consider replacing old hardware with new knobs or handles to give the piece a modern update.
Step 10. Stage and Photograph Your Finished Piece:
Presentation is key when it comes to selling your flipped furniture. Stage your finished piece in a well-lit area, and take high-quality photos from multiple angles.
Clean, bright photos will attract potential buyers and showcase your effort to transform the furniture. Once you have your photos, you can list the piece for sale online or at a local market.
By following these ten easy steps, you can turn your passion for furniture flipping into a profitable venture.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Overpaying for Furniture: One of the quickest ways to diminish your profits is by spending too much on the initial purchase. Always compare prices and try to negotiate the best deal. Be mindful of your budget and ensure there is enough margin for a profitable sale after factoring in the cost of materials and your time.
- Ignoring Market Trends: To be successful, you need to understand what styles and types of furniture are in demand. Avoid picking pieces that don’t align with current trends or cater to a niche market. Staying updated with popular designs can ensure quicker sales and better prices.
- Skimping on Quality: Using subpar materials or rushing through your refinishing process can lead to a piece that looks unprofessional and doesn’t hold up over time. This can damage your reputation and make it harder to sell future pieces. Invest in quality supplies and take the time to do the job right.
- Neglecting Proper Research: Each piece of furniture is unique, and the refinishing process can vary greatly. Make sure to research the best methods and materials for the specific type of furniture you’re working on. This can save you time, reduce costs, and improve the final product.
- Inadequate Pricing: Pricing your finished furniture can be tricky. Setting your prices too high can deter buyers, while pricing too low can cut into your profits—research similar pieces to find a competitive price point. Consider your costs and your time’s value to ensure you’re earning a worthwhile profit.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the success of your furniture-flipping business and continue to create beautiful pieces that customers will love.
Conclusion
How to make money flipping furniture can be a rewarding and profitable venture if approached with the right strategies and mindset.
You can transform overlooked items into stunning and valuable assets by carefully selecting pieces, investing in quality materials, and committing to thorough refinishing processes.
Staying informed about market trends and consistently producing high-quality work can attract a loyal customer base and ensure steady sales. Avoiding common pitfalls, such as overpaying for pieces or skimping on quality, will further bolster your success.
With dedication, creativity, and a keen eye for detail, furniture flipping can become a lucrative and enjoyable business.