If you are looking to make some quick cash while satisfying your creative itch or perhaps want to furnish your home with curated, self-made pieces that reflect your personal style, the art of furniture flipping presents a unique opportunity to achieve both. Whether you're a DIY novice eager to tackle your first project or a seasoned pro looking for new techniques, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully flip a piece of furniture.
Furniture flipping is similar to house flipping but on a much smaller, detailed scale. Furniture flippers find old, tattered pieces of furniture and repair them with tools, paint and wood stains to make them new again and resell for profit.
We sat down with Cindy Roberts, owner of Burr’s Unfinished Furniture in Downtown Bryan, to talk about what goes into the furniture refinishing process. This family-owned business has served the Bryan/College Station area since 1980 and specializes in providing high- quality furniture pieces, new and refurbished.
STEP 1: FIND IT
The crucial first step in a successful furniture flip is finding the right piece. This requires a sharp eye, a bit of patience and knowing where to look. As a DIY beginner, it is best to stick with pieces that are useful and in good condition, Cindy says.
Pro Tip: When selecting wood pieces, Cindy says to select pieces made of real wood because particle board and medium-density fiberboard wood have very low stability and do not remodel well.
Local Thrifts and Hand-me-downs
Make it a point to explore local neighborhood thrift and antique stores regularly to check
for fresh inventory. Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the employees; they can tell you about the store's schedule for new arrivals. This will ensure you get first dibs on the biggest selection of items.
Reach out to your network of family and friends about your hunt for affordable furniture pieces, and express your interest in any unwanted items they may have. Additionally, if you know anyone in the process of moving, ask if they plan to take all their furniture to their new home. People often look to update their furnishings with a move, leaving perfectly good pieces behind that could be ideal for flipping projects.
Pro Tip: Cindy recommends driving through neighborhoods for pieces that people may be giving away for free on their front lawns or driveways. Her favorite spots for thrift finds are the Goodwill locations in Bryan/ College Station and Twin City Mission.
STEP 2: FIX IT
Once you have successfully found your perfect piece, gathering a set of essential tools and supplies is a must, even if you're not setting up a full workshop. Initially, you may need to invest around $100 or more on basic supplies, but Cindy says opting for high-quality equipment will pay off in the long run. Basic hand tools include a hammer, screwdrivers and pliers. An all-purpose cleaner and degreaser are also essential to a flipper starter kit. A sander, paintbrushes, primer, wood stains, paints and sealants may be needed for adding paint and finishing touches.
Wear and Tear
The most common issue with any piece of used furniture is everyday wear and tear, like scratches, dents, chips and general wear on surfaces. As a beginner, opt for pieces with minor cosmetic issues rather than structural or functioning issues, Cindy advises.
Initial Cleaning
Before beginning the initial cleaning, remove any knobs, handles, hinges or other hardware from the furniture. Start cleaning your piece with an all-purpose cleaner or a degreaser to remove grime or buildup. Then, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth to get rid of any remaining cleaner. For peeling or blistered paint, apply a paint stripper and scrape off the lifted paint with a putty knife.
Sanding
Time to get down to the nitty-gritty! Begin sanding your furniture with 150 to 200 grit sandpaper. For beginners, start off sanding by hand and carefully examine how your wood has reacted as you go. Take plenty of time sanding to prepare the wood for the new finish and ensure a professional look. Thoroughly remove all the dust to make sure the surface is clean before applying any new finish.
Pro Tip: As a beginner, it is best not to start with an orbital or electric sander so you can avoid damaging your wood.
Finish and Seal
After sanding your piece to perfection, you have reached one of the most exciting parts of the process — giving your furniture a fresh look through painting or staining. The choice between the two depends on the desired final appearance and the type of wood. Painting is great for a modern, uniform look and can hide any imperfections you may not have been able to fix entirely during thesanding process. Staining highlights the natural beauty of the wood and offers a more classic, timeless finish.
Pro Tip: Keep up with the trends! Cindy says that black is a classic and never goes out of style.
Ready to paint? Begin by applying a smooth, even coat of primer to your furniture and
make sure it dries completely. Use a brush or roller to apply a thin first coat of your furniture-appropriate paint and wait for it to dry completely before adding more layers for full coverage. Once the paint has dried, seal the surface with a clear sealant to protect your piece against scratches and wear.
Pro Tip: Cindy recommends chalk-based paint for nearly all furniture flips. Be sure to do your research on what paint you choose, as it is not as simple as picking a swatch that catches your eye from the shelves. She also advises doing a light sanding between each layer of paint to ensure that professional finish.
Decided to keep your wood natural? Select a stain that complements the wood and will accomplish your desired finish. Test the stain on a concealed section to ensure it's the perfect shade for you. Apply the stain with a brush, moving in the same direction as the wood’s grain. Gently wipe away any excess with a cloth. Once the stain has set, seal it with a clear topcoat to give it a lasting shine.
Pro Tip: Steer clear of wax-based sealants! Wax does not hold up well with the humid Texas weather and may start to melt off during the summer, Cindy says.
STEP 3: FLIP IT
Have you repaired and finished your piece of furniture to perfection? It's time to flip it and see your hard work pay off! Before you put that masterpiece on the market, here are a few essential steps to make sure you not only turn a profit but also captivate potential buyers, keeping them interested in your future creations.
For beginners, your easiest option may be to list your furniture on online marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. If you anticipate this to be a continued side hustle, it is also wise to make accounts for your business on all social media platforms to gain more exposure.
Online Marketplaces and Booth Rentals
When listing and posting online, the most important part of marketing your furniture is getting high-quality images. Stage the item with a few tasteful accessories like a lamp or a potted plant to give your piece more character. Thoughtfully staging your furniture gives potential buyers an idea of how the piece could look in their home.
For those who wish to take their furniture flipping a step further, businesses like Burr’s Unfinished Furniture often offer booth rental options for people willing to give a portion of their sales back to the business owner or pay a monthly rent. Booth renting allows you to keep your furniture in one place and avoid the hassle of coordinating pickup times with online buyers. However, marketing your furniture online is still essential to informing buyers about your available pieces and where you are located.
Pro Tip: Cindy says that listing online is a great option for beginners but recommends booth renting for those who have day jobs and want to avoid the hassle of coordinating meeting times after work hours.
Pricing
Pricing might fluctuate occasionally, but most staple pieces hover around the same amount. Dressers are listed between $300 to $450, buffet cabinets range from $400 to $500, nightstands from $80 to $100 and end tables around $50 to $60.
Pro Tip: Take your own time and labor into consideration! Although it is important to hover around average price ranges, Cindy says you should always price a piece based on what value it has to you.
Burr’s Unfinished Furniture offers many supplies for furniture flipping including a wide selection of chalk- based paints, primers, finishes and sealants. Located in Downtown Bryan at 314 N. Main St., Burr’s is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with spaces for those interested in booth renting their flipped furniture. Visit burrsunfinishedfurniture.com for more information on other services and useful information.
