Old chairs, tables, and dressers do not need the dump. Turning them into “new” pieces—upcycling—cuts trash, saves trees, and can put quick cash in your pocket. This pillar guide explains why upcycling matters, shows easy first steps, and tells how to list your work on Asherfield, where you keep 85 percent of every sale and only meet buyers who already paid a 15 percent deposit.
Jump to section
Why upcycle furniture
- Americans throw away over 12 million tons of furniture each year. Most ends up in landfills. US EPA
- The second‑hand furniture market is growing about 6–7 percent a year as more shoppers pick greener goods. Mordor Intelligence
- Upcycling uses far less energy than making new items and lowers carbon output. Sustainable Building Products | Ambient®rethinkrebels.com
- Good photos and simple fixes can lift resale price 30 percent or more online. The Good
Key takeaways
Upcycling keeps wood out of dumps, trims carbon, and earns money fast.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling means taking an old item and making it better. You clean it, fix small flaws, and add new style. The piece stays useful instead of becoming trash. Sustainable Building Products | Ambient®
Five easy starter steps
- Find a solid piece at thrift stores, curb alerts, or in the furniture to upcycle list on Asherfield.
- Clean it well with mild soap.
- Sand smooth using 120‑ then 220‑grit paper.
- Paint or stain—pick low‑VOC paint to keep fumes low. Healthier Homes
- Seal and style with new knobs or fabric.
(Add a before/after photo here for a quick win.)
Sell stress‑free on Asherfield
Serious buyers only
We collect a 15 % deposit first, so no more “still available?” spam or no‑shows.
Fast payout
You get the other 85 % at pickup or delivery—cash, Venmo, you choose.
Big benefits
| Old classifieds pain | Asherfield fix |
|---|---|
| Haggling, low‑balls | Deposit buyers commit early |
| Long waits for checks | Paid on the spot |
| Limited reach | SEO brings local shoppers |
| 20–30 % fees | You keep 85 % |
List free, edit anytime, and choose delivery or pickup. Free delivery often sells items 15 % faster because buyers love convenience. The Good
How it works
- Create a free account at Asherfield.com.
- List your item—photos, short story, price.
- Buyer pays deposit to hold it.
- Meet up for pickup or delivery.
- Collect 85 % and enjoy your cash.
Deep‑dive guides
| Next step | Read this hub |
|---|---|
| Need project ideas? | Upcycling furniture ideas |
| Want step‑by‑step tips? | How to upcycle furniture (beginners) |
| Love photo inspo? | Before and after upcycled furniture |
| Working with wood? | Upcycle wooden furniture |
| Vintage lover? | Upcycle vintage furniture |
| Hunting pieces? | Furniture to upcycle |
| Ready to earn steady? | Furniture upcycling business |
(Each hub links back here for context.)
FAQ
Is listing free?
Yes. We only earn when your item sells.
How do I get paid?
Buyer pays a 15 % deposit online; you get 85 % at hand‑off.
Do I have to deliver?
No, but free delivery can help items sell faster.
What if the buyer cancels?
The deposit keeps them serious; if needed, we simply relist.
What sells best?
Solid wood dressers, nightstands, and small tables move quick.
Ready to list?
Post your upcycled piece on Asherfield now → keep most of the cash, skip the hassle, and help the planet.
Sources
- EPA, Guide to the Facts and Figures Report about Materials, Waste and Recycling (2018). US EPA
- Mordor Intelligence, Second Hand Furniture Market Analysis (2025‑2030). Mordor Intelligence
- Ambient BP, Benefits of Upcycled Furniture (2023). Sustainable Building Products | Ambient®
- Rethink Rebels, From Old to Gold: Upcycling in a Circular Economy (2024). rethinkrebels.com
- The Good, Ecommerce Product Images Guide (2024). The Good
- Reddit r/FacebookMarketplace, No‑shows & Pickup Tips (2025). Reddit
- Healthier Homes, Low VOC vs No VOC Paint (2024). Healthier Homes
- Brainy Insights, Reclaimed Lumber Market Size 2023 (2024). The Brainy Insights
- Ambient BP, Upcycling Furniture Environmental Impact (2023). Sustainable Building Products | Ambient®
- The Good, Image Conversion Stats for E‑commerce (2024). The Good