A Guide to Inspecting Used Furniture Before Purchase
Learn essential tips for inspecting used furniture before buying to ensure quality, durability, and value for your home
Purchasing used furniture can be an excellent way to furnish your home at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Not only is it more budget-friendly, but it’s also an environmentally conscious choice. However, buying secondhand furniture comes with its own set of challenges. To make the most of your purchase, it’s essential to know how to properly inspect used furniture before buying. In this guide, we will walk you through the key factors to consider when evaluating used furniture to ensure you are making a smart and informed decision.
1. Start with the Structure
The foundation of any piece of furniture is its structure. Whether it’s a sofa, chair, or table, the frame plays a crucial role in its durability and longevity.
- Material of the Frame: High-quality furniture frames are often made from hardwoods like oak, maple, or teak. Check for solid wood construction, as this indicates strength and durability. Avoid particleboard or plywood, which tend to break down more quickly.
- Sturdiness: Sit on chairs and sofas to check if they wobble or creak. Move tables and dressers to ensure they don’t sway when pressure is applied. Well-made pieces should feel solid and stable. Wobbling or uneven legs could be signs of structural damage that’s difficult to repair.
- Joints: Inspect the joints of the furniture. Good quality furniture will use dowels, screws, or brackets to secure joints. If the joints are held together by nails, staples, or glue, the furniture is likely less sturdy. Check if the joints are loose or visibly damaged as this can significantly affect the longevity of the piece.
2. Inspect Upholstery and Cushions
For upholstered furniture, like sofas and chairs, the fabric and cushions are just as important as the structure. Even if the frame is solid, worn-out upholstery can make the piece uncomfortable and unappealing.
- Fabric Condition: Look closely at the upholstery for signs of wear and tear, including fraying, holes, or stains. Depending on the type of fabric, some wear is natural, but large stains or torn upholstery may require expensive repairs.
- Odors: Used upholstered furniture can sometimes harbor unpleasant odors. Smell the cushions and fabric. Cigarette smoke, pet odors, or musty smells can be challenging to remove. If the furniture has a strong odor, it might not be worth the hassle of deodorizing it.
- Cushion Firmness: Press down on the cushions to check for firmness. Over time, cushions can sag and lose their shape, making the furniture uncomfortable. If the cushions feel lumpy or too soft, they may need replacing, which can be an additional cost.
3. Check for Pest Infestations
Used furniture can sometimes come with unwanted guests, such as bed bugs, fleas, or termites. Before purchasing any secondhand furniture, especially soft furnishings, it’s crucial to check for signs of pests.
- Signs of Bed Bugs: Bed bugs leave tiny brown or black spots (droppings) on mattresses and fabric. You may also find eggs, which are small and white. Inspect seams, creases, and hidden corners where bed bugs like to hide.
- Termites or Wood Borers: If you’re considering a wooden piece, check for tiny holes or sawdust-like material (frass) around the legs or underside of the furniture. These could be signs of a termite or wood borer infestation.
- Preventative Measures: Even if no pests are visible, consider treating the furniture with pest control spray or heat treatment before bringing it into your home as a precautionary measure.
4. Examine the Finish
The finish on wooden furniture can greatly affect both the appearance and value of the piece. Carefully inspect the finish for any signs of damage.
- Scratches and Dents: Minor scratches and dents are common in used furniture but may be easy to fix with a bit of sanding and polishing. However, deep gouges, water damage, or warped wood could be harder to repair and might compromise the integrity of the piece.
- Chipping or Peeling: If the finish is chipping or peeling away, the piece may need to be refinished, which can be time-consuming and costly. In some cases, this can be a good DIY project, but consider the effort and expense involved.
- Stains and Discoloration: Look for water stains, burn marks, or other discolorations that could indicate deeper issues. Water stains on wood, for instance, could signal long-term exposure to moisture, which might weaken the structure.
5. Test the Hardware
The hardware on a piece of furniture—such as drawer pulls, knobs, hinges, and locks—can affect its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Testing and examining the hardware is an important step in the inspection process.
- Drawer and Cabinet Functionality: Open and close drawers and cabinets to ensure they slide smoothly and don’t get stuck. Check that the hinges aren’t rusted or squeaky. Drawers should pull out fully without wobbling or sticking, and cabinet doors should open and close snugly.
- Check for Missing Parts: Make sure no hardware pieces are missing. A missing knob or handle may seem like a minor issue, but replacing it can be more complicated than expected, especially if the piece has unique or vintage hardware.
- Rust and Corrosion: Inspect any metal parts, such as drawer pulls, hinges, or frames, for rust or corrosion. In some cases, rust can be polished away, but extensive damage might require full replacements.
6. Look for Signs of Repair
Sometimes, used furniture has been repaired or restored by previous owners. While this isn’t always a dealbreaker, it’s essential to evaluate the quality of the repairs.
- Repaired Joints: If a chair leg or table has been repaired, check to see how well the work was done. Poorly executed repairs can make a piece less stable. Re-glued or re-nailed joints should feel secure and show no signs of movement.
- Reupholstery: If a sofa or chair has been reupholstered, make sure the new fabric is securely attached and not loose or wrinkled. Sometimes, reupholstery can hide underlying issues, so ask the seller if they know the history of the piece.
7. Evaluate the Style and Aesthetic
While inspecting the physical condition of the furniture is crucial, don’t forget to consider whether the piece will actually fit with your home’s décor. Style and aesthetic value are important factors, especially if you’re investing in vintage or antique furniture.
- Compatibility with Your Space: Think about where you plan to place the furniture. Does the piece match your existing décor in terms of style, color, and size? A beautiful antique armchair might look out of place in a modern living room unless you’re aiming for an eclectic mix.
- Potential for Repurposing or Refurbishing: Some used furniture pieces may not immediately match your style but have potential with a little work. For instance, an old dresser could be painted or stained to fit your home’s color scheme. Consider the possibility of customization when inspecting used furniture.
8. Negotiate the Price
Once you’ve completed your inspection and are confident about the quality of the furniture, the final step is negotiating the price. Sellers often expect buyers to haggle, especially with secondhand goods.
- Point Out Flaws: Use any flaws or imperfections you’ve found as leverage in your negotiations. If the furniture has a wobbly leg, faded fabric, or minor scratches, politely point these out to the seller and suggest a lower price based on the cost of repairs.
- Know the Market Value: Before negotiating, research the typical market value of the type of furniture you’re buying. Having this information on hand will help you determine if the seller’s asking price is reasonable and give you confidence in your offer.
Conclusion
Buying used furniture can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to find unique, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price of new items. However, it’s crucial to inspect the furniture carefully to ensure you’re getting a good deal. By following this guide, you’ll be able to evaluate the structure, materials, and overall condition of secondhand furniture and make a well-informed purchase. Whether you’re buying for practical reasons or seeking out a vintage gem, a thorough inspection will help you avoid costly mistakes and enjoy your new-to-you furniture for years to come.