How to flip furniture sounds hard, but it’s really rinse-and-repeat profit: find a solid piece, add quick fixes, and sell for more—all from your garage.
Links out:
- Up to the pillar: what is furniture flipping?
- Down to profit cluster: flipping furniture for profit
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1. Pick the right piece
Look for solid wood dressers, chairs, or tables. Check joints—no big cracks. Skip particleboard unless it’s spotless. Need ideas? See best furniture to flip for profit.
2. Clean it fast
- Wipe dust with a damp cloth.
- Scrub grime with mild soap.
- Let it dry fully.
Clean wood holds paint better and smells fresh for buyers.
3. Fix and tighten
- Glue loose joints.
- Replace missing screws.
- Fill small holes with wood filler.
- Sand rough spots with 120-grit paper.
A solid feel adds value and cuts buyer complaints.
4. Prime and paint/stain
- Prime. One thin coat blocks stains.
- Paint or stain. Two light coats beat one heavy coat.
- Seal. Clear topcoat keeps chips away.
Trendy colors—sage green, matte black—sell fast. For natural wood, a light stain plus sealer shows grain.
5. Add hardware and style
Swap old knobs for modern pulls. Try new legs for mid-century flair. Little upgrades can boost price by 20 %.
6. Stage, shoot, and price
- Place the piece in good light.
- Take photos from front, side, and detail.
- Measure width, depth, and height.
- Price at 2–4× total cost (piece + supplies + your time).
Need pricing math? Jump to flipping furniture for profit.
Quick FAQ
How long does one flip take? A nightstand: one day; a big dresser: a weekend.
Do I need fancy tools? A drill, sander, and good brush are enough.
Where to sell? We recommend Asherfield—list free, reach real local buyers, and keep 85% of the sale. Full comparison in where to sell flipped furniture.
Next move
Grab a $20 thrift find. Follow these six steps. Then list it on Asherfield and watch your first flip turn into extra cash. Start small, learn fast, and keep linking back to the pillar guide whenever you need a broader view.
For a comprehensive beginner’s overview—including sourcing, prepping, and selling—check out UpFlip’s guide to furniture flipping for beginners3.
