A while back I was really intrigued with the idea of flipping furniture. I actually loved doing it, and there was decent money to be made. However, life got a little busy, and this little side business needed to take a back burner to life and the site.
However, if you have the time and resources this makes a profitable hobby. When looking for flip furniture pieces, I would peruse the “free”section of the Craigslist, thrift stores, and even the occasionally curb side pick up.
I was not entirely certain what direction I wanted to take this dresser. Which is typical. I normally don’t know what type of finish (stain or paint) I will use until I sand it down uncover the type and condition of the wood I am working with.
The drawers sanded down really nicely, and I didn’t want to cover up that beautiful wood with paint so I opted for Jacobean Stain by Minwax. After it was dry I went over the stained drawers with steel wool. This removes and debris and excess stain, and gives it a ultra smooth finish. After using steel wool on them, wipe them down to remove any dust. I then applied a Satin finish polyurethane. They looked gorgeous.
The dresser frame did not sand down quite as well. It was stain-able but I was worried the finish would be “splotchy” at best. Instead I opted for a 2-tone look. I taped off the inside ledges. (When I am re-finishing something to sell, I try to make it look like a new piece, not just a makeover piece.)
I then primed all of the exterior surfaces. Once the primer had dried I again went over the entire piece with steel wool and then proceeded to paint. I used Ultra Pure White by Behr.
Now, for my favorite part, adding the finishing touches. I added hardware that made it unique and stand out.
Ta-Da, a freshly finished piece ready to be moved in, OR moved out.
When furniture flipping one of the biggest things I would stress is staging your photos! I only brought this piece into my house long enough to stage it and photograph it, and then I took it back to the garage.
From my experience the photos really make a difference! I have never had a problem selling a piece and getting my asking price, WHEN I take the time to take a decent photo. Actually, a lot of buyers ask if they can see a picture of the actual piece. (Assuming that the picture is a stock marketing photo). I am not saying I am in ANY WAY, SHAPE, or FORM a great photographer, but most people scanning Craigslist are accustomed to pictures of the “merchandise” in horrible lighting, in a dusty garage. Seriously, a decent photo can work wonders.
I listed this piece for $175, and it sold in a few hours.
Let’s Break it Down:
Dresser $11.00
Stain $0.00 leftover
Paint $0.00 leftover
Hardware $ 1.00 (x4) a clearance at HD!
Sold $175.00
Profit $163
I spent approximately 5 hours working off and on, on this. Which doesn’t equate to an extremely high hourly wage, but I enjoy doing it and I don’t mind it. (So long as I have the free time.)
Sp, if you are interested in doing some furniture flips, here are a few others you can reference.
Take Luck,
Corey
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Emily Ray says
It looks amazing! Thanks for the steel wool tip.
coreydecker@gmail.com says
Thanks Emily, it took me a while to figure out that is worked so much better! Thanks for reading. (Just checked out your site, so many fun ideas!)
Crissie says
Wow!! That turned out gorgeous. Sounds like a fun way to make some extra cash. Who wouldn’t love a good furniture makeover…
coreydecker@gmail.com says
Well thank you so much Crissie. Sidenote, love your site name.