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
It looks amazing! Thanks for the steel wool tip.
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!)
Wow!! That turned out gorgeous. Sounds like a fun way to make some extra cash. Who wouldn’t love a good furniture makeover…
Well thank you so much Crissie. Sidenote, love your site name.