Ultimate Guide to Furniture Flipping: How to Find, Flip, and Sell for Profit

Welcome to the world of furniture flipping! If you’ve ever seen a beat-up dresser at a thrift store and thought, “I could make that beautiful again,” this guide is for you. I’m going to walk you through the entire process—from finding the perfect piece to flipping it into something amazing and finally selling it for a profit. Let’s get started!

My Go-To Tools for Every Furniture Flip

When it comes to flipping furniture, your tools can make or break the process—literally. Over the years, I’ve figured out what I actually reach for every single time I start a flip… and what just collects dust (lookin’ at you, paint stripper). So, here’s a peek inside my toolbox and my tried-and-true favorites when giving furniture a second life.

My Ride or Die: The Orbital Sander

Seriously, if you only invest in one tool—make it a battery-powered orbital sander. I love mine. It’s fast, smooth, and makes sanding way less of a chore. That said, it’s always handy to have a corded version too. Battery ones can die mid-project, and if you’re sanding a bigger piece, you don’t want to be stuck waiting for a recharge.

Let’s Talk Sandpaper Grits:

• 60–80 grit: For stripping off old finishes or rough surfaces. (I start here if a piece is really grimy or uneven.)
• 120–150 grit: Good for smoothing out your surface after the heavy-duty sanding.
• 220 grit: A light buff before painting or between coats for a silky finish.

You don’t need to sand down to bare wood—just enough to give your paint something to hold onto.

Hand Sanding Tools

Corners and curves, I see you. A little sanding block or sheet of sandpaper is perfect for tight spots where your orbital can’t reach. Quick and effective.

Safety First: N95 Mask

Don’t skip this one! Sanding kicks up a lot of fine dust, and your lungs will thank you later. I always wear an N95 mask when sanding, especially with older pieces.

Skip the Stripper

Hot take: I don’t mess with paint stripper. It’s messy, smelly, and honestly not worth it (in my opinion). I’d rather give my piece a good clean and start with a low-grit sandpaper. Easy peasy and way less goo.

Drill = Your Best Friend

Whether you’re removing old hardware or adding new knobs, a drill is essential. It makes quick work of unscrewing and installing hardware—because who has time to twist tiny screws for 20 minutes?

Bondo for the Win!

Need to fill in old hardware holes? Especially if you’re going from two-hole knobs to single-hole pulls, Bondo is your best bet. It’s kind of like wood filler, but way stronger and sands down super smooth. Just a heads up: it smells horrible. Like, light-a-candle-and-hold-your-breath bad. But 100% worth it.

Find the Center Tool

If drilling new hardware holes, use a tool to find the exact center point. Saves you from eyeballing it and regretting it later. A little measuring goes a long way!

Let’s Talk Paint

I’m all for latex paint. It’s durable, easy to clean, and gives a beautiful finish. You won’t catch me using chalk paint—it’s just not my thing. I’ve never been impressed with its texture or durability.

Paint Hack: Magnolia Colors at Ace Hardware

Want gorgeous colors without decision fatigue? Head to Ace Hardware and browse the Magnolia line. Every color is a winner. Pick out your faves and get them color matched wherever you shop. Boom—designer paint without the guesswork.

How to Find the Perfect Piece

Finding the right piece to flip is half the battle. Here’s how I do it:

• Where I Look: I primarily search on Facebook Marketplace. It’s usually cheaper than thrift stores or yard sales, and it’s easier to negotiate.
• When to Look: Saturday through Monday is the best time because that’s when people are cleaning or moving. But I check all week.
• What to Look For: Focus on the shape and body of the piece. Ignore the color or hardware because those can be changed.
• Price Point: I aim for pieces around $30 or less, but I’m not afraid to negotiate.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

• Is this still available?
• Would you take [20-40% lower than asking price]?
• Do you accept Venmo for holding the piece?
• What kind of wood is it (laminate, veneer, solid wood)?

Prepping Your Furniture for Flipping

Prepping is one of the most important steps. Don’t skip this!

1. Remove hardware and clean with disinfecting wipes.
2. Sand the entire piece using a 120-grit sanding block or your orbital sander.
3. Fill any old hardware holes with Bondo if you’re changing knobs.
4. Wipe down the piece to remove sawdust.
5. Protect your workspace with a tarp or cardboard.

Painting Your Furniture Piece

1. Mix your paint well and pour it into a tray.
2. Start with the top of your piece, using a 6-inch foam roller for a smooth finish.
3. Use a brush for hard-to-reach areas.
4. Apply 2-3 coats of paint, letting it dry between coats.
5. Lightly sand with a medium/fine sanding block between coats for a smooth finish.

Staging and Listing Your Flipped Piece

The final step is staging your piece for sale. Presentation is everything!

• Stage in a well-lit area, ideally with natural light.
• Add minimal but stylish décor (think greenery, a candle, or a small vase).
• Take multiple photos from different angles.
• Adjust lighting and contrast on your phone for the best look.
• Set a fair but profitable price, considering your time and supplies.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a million fancy tools to get started—just the right ones. Furniture flipping can be a fun, creative, and profitable side hustle. The key is to start small, learn as you go, and have fun. Remember, every mistake is a lesson.