Where to Find Furniture to Refinish and Flip

Today we’re diving into one of the most important questions when it comes to refinishing furniture:

Where do you actually find good furniture to paint?

If you’re just starting out, chances are you have a piece or two around the house you can experiment with. But if you’re like me and have already painted everything in sight, you’ll need to start hunting for new pieces to refinish and flip.

Finding the right furniture can take time—sometimes even more time than painting itself. But don’t worry, I’ve rounded up the best places to find quality pieces (plus a few to avoid) so you don’t waste your time or money.

Best Places to Find Furniture to Refinish

1. Facebook Marketplace and Buy/Sell Groups

These are my go-to sources for secondhand furniture. You’ll need to check often—great pieces go fast—and set alerts for keywords like “real wood dresser” or “vintage cabinet.”

Tips:

• Look for listings with multiple photos and dimensions
• Ask if the piece is solid wood (you’ll thank ourself later)
• Don’t commit until you’ve seen it in person – photos can be deceiving (and scammers are common, never pay before pickup!)

Bonus: Mention what you’re looking for in a post—friends and acquaintances may offer to sell or give away items that match your needs.

2. Estate Sales

Estate sales can be gold mines for real wood furniture. There are two types:

• Company-run estate sales: Prices are typically higher and more competitive
• Family-run estate sales: Often more affordable and feel more like garage sales

Check Estatesales.net or local listings to find sales near you.

3. Garage Sales

Garage sales are a classic way to score furniture at a great price, especially during spring and summer.

Neighborhood-wide garage sales are my favorite—they give you multiple stops in one area. You can map them out ahead of time or go with the flow and follow the signs.

Don’t skip the sales that look a little rough. I’ve found some of my best pieces tucked away in a dusty corner at a less-than-promising yard sale.

4. Friends and Family

Let your people know what you’re looking for! I’ve scored some of my best pieces from friends and family—either free or for a great price—just by putting out a simple ask on social media.

You never know who’s trying to clear space or has a family member downsizing.

5. Curbside Finds and Trash Days

It sounds sketchy, but it works. Some neighborhoods have bulk trash pickup days where people leave large items—often including furniture—on the curb.

If you can get there before the garbage truck, it’s fair game. Follow local Facebook groups or city websites to find out when these happen in your area.

I actually found this amazing credenza on the side of the road, but I’ll never paint it!

6. Thrift Stores (Sometimes)

Thrift stores are a bit of a mixed bag. Prices have gone up in recent years—especially on solid wood furniture—but you can still get lucky. I once found a vintage dresser for $4.99 and turned it into a TV stand.

Stop by occasionally, but I wouldn’t make this your only source. If you go often, check for discount days or member rewards.

Places I Don’t Usually Look for Flip-Worthy Furniture

1. Antique Stores

While I love browsing antique shops for inspiration, they’re not ideal if you’re looking to save money or paint furniture. Most pieces are priced for profit (as they should be) and not ideal if your goal is a budget-friendly flip.

2. Most Thrift Stores

Yes, I listed thrift stores above—but with a caveat. While you can find gems, the pricing isn’t always worth it. Vendors know people are looking for solid wood pieces to refinish and have started charging more accordingly.

Instead, focus your energy on garage sales, estate sales, and Facebook finds where you’re more likely to score a deal.

Tools and Supplies to Keep on Hand When You Find a Piece

Once you find your dream project, you’ll want to get started right away. Here are a few supplies I always keep stocked:

• Sanding blocks (for prep work)
• Zinsser Cover Stain Primer (oil-based and great for bleed-through)
• General Finishes Milk Paint or Valspar Furniture Paint from Lowes (smooth, self leveling paint)
• MasterClear Top Coat or Polyacrylic (for a durable, long-lasting finish)
• Chip brushes (inexpensive and great for oil-based products)

Up Next: What to Look for When Buying Furniture to Paint

Now that you know where to find great pieces, you’re probably wondering what makes a piece worth painting. In my post about What to Look for When Buying Furniture to Refinish, I cover:

• The best types of wood for painting
• How to spot real wood vs. laminate
• How much to spend
• When to walk away from damaged pieces
• Tips for negotiating prices

• The best types of wood for painting

You can also download my free Furniture Painting Supply Guide here to see everything I use to get a flawless finish.

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