Furniture flipping is turning old pieces into fresh finds—and quick cash. This guide is your simple map. We explain what flipping is, show the basic steps, and point you to deeper how-to posts in our silo. Read end-to-end or jump with the links. Either way, you’ll know exactly where to start and how to grow.
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What is furniture flipping?
Furniture flipping means buying (or rescuing) used items, fixing them up, and selling them for more. You might hear people call it a furniture flip, flipping furniture, or even couch flipping if they focus on sofas. The person who does it? A couch flipper or furniture flipper. Think of it as upcycling for profit—good for your wallet and the planet.
Need a deeper hands-on walk-through? Read our step-by-step starter tutorial on how to flip furniture.
Why try flipping?
- Low cost to start. Grab a $20 thrift dresser, add paint, and sell for $100+.
- Creative fun. Sand, stain, paint—each flip is your own mini project.
- Eco friendly. Every saved piece means less waste.
- Flexible time. Work nights, weekends, or full time—it’s your call.
- Real income. Many hobbyists clear $500–$1 000 a month with just a few flips.
Curious about real earnings? See is flipping furniture profitable?
Basic tools and space
You don’t need a pro workshop—just:
- Screwdrivers and a hammer
- Sandpaper or a palm sander
- Paint, brushes, or stain + sealer
- L-shaped brackets, wood glue, basic screws
- A clean spot to work (garage, patio, even a tarp in the yard)
See our how to flip furniture tutorial for a cheap starter toolkit list.
How to pick the right piece
- Solid wood wins. It lasts and refinishes well.
- Check joints. Tight screws and dovetails mean quality.
- Skip heavy damage. Deep rot or broken frames eat profits.
- Think in style. Mid-century, farmhouse, and modern lines sell fast.
- Plan your finish. Can you picture a quick paint or stain job?
Need sourcing ideas? Read where to find furniture to flip for the best thrifts, estate sales, and curbside days.
Quick flip steps
- Clean and remove hardware.
- Tighten screws and glue loose joints.
- Sand rough spots.
- Prime and paint, stain, or seal.
- Add new knobs or legs for flair.
- Stage, photograph, and price.
Want every detail? Open our step-by-step starter tutorial.
What should you charge?
Price = (cost of piece + supplies + fair pay for your hours) × desired markup.
Typical markup runs 2×–4× total cost for beginners. Track your time so you learn your true hourly rate.
Breakdowns, labor charts, and ROI rules live in flipping furniture for profit.
Flipping sofas? Read this first
Couches need deep cleaning, strong frames, and a plan for delivery. Dive into our couch flipping playbook for stain tricks, cushion swaps, and sofa-sized profit tips.
Where and how to sell
- Local online. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist—free but full of no-shows.
- Consignment stores. They find buyers but keep up to 60 %.
- Asherfield. List free, reach real buyers, and keep 85%. Buyers pay a 15% deposit so you skip tire kickers. See our full guide on where to sell flipped furniture to choose the best fit.
Ready to level up?
- Turn hobby into income—plan an official furniture flipping business.
- Need fresh stock? Check our best furniture to flip for profit list.
- Stuck for ideas? Browse before and after furniture flips for instant inspo.
- Sharpen skills fast with actionable furniture flipping tips.
FAQ (quick answers)
What if I mess up a paint job? Sand smooth spots, prime again, and repaint thin coats.
Do I need fancy tools? No. A sander and good brush beat high-end gear at first.
How long does a flip take? Simple nightstands can finish in a day; big dressers may need a weekend.
Can kids help? Yes—light sanding and paint make great family fun (with safety gear).
Where to store inventory? A spare room, shed, or rented 5×10 storage unit works fine.
Next step
You’ve got the map. Now pick one used piece and start. Then follow the links above to deepen each skill. Happy flipping—and when you’re ready to sell, list on Asherfield and keep the lion’s share of your hard-earned profit!
