Furniture and Furnishings - Where to find cheap furniture to rebuild for my kids?

I have been building my own furniture out of the oak trees in my backyard for decades. Now I still have plenty of trees but I really just don’t have the time anymore, I have had to take on a third job because of gas and food prices. At any rate, my kids’ furniture is old and too small for them – they out grew my homemade pieces – what a shame. So, now I am looking for a place that sells barely used furniture, like the stuff at: NoAds.com, and from there, I can put my own touch on it quickly and make sure my kids will like it.

Can anyone recommend a particular site or place where I can buy such furniture for such a purpose?

Any help is greatly appreciated – my kids will thank you for it!

Goodwill stores, Salvation Army Stores, other discount/used furniture stores are all viable alternatives.

I once had a neighbor who found lots of treasures along the way on garbage day. Keep your eyes open! She went driving through the neighborhood every garbage day before the trucks ran. And, she was in her jammies!

Consignment and second hand stores and thrift shops and flea markets are great places to look. I was just in a Goodwill Store the other day. While most of the things in the store were used clothing, there was a little room with lots of nice pieces that could be refinished, painted, or had new legs fashioned for a more modern look. I have refinished many pieces from flea markets and yard sales. I don't need anything now. Too old and lost the adventure and spirit to do what I used to and what you are doing.

If you happen to live near more affluent neighborhoods, watch for the neighborhood yard sale ads. The whole neighborhood puts stuff out in the yard. It's amazing what they set out for sale. Almost new kids clothes (name brands), books, toys, etc. And, some furniture.

And, simply put the word out to friends and family. You will be amazed what networking can do. Tell them you don't want upholstered pieces (unless you need them and have the gift to reupholster), but things like bookcases, bedframes, desks, chairs, etc. Because you are working three jobs, you are not going to have the time to do all the footwork by yourself. Let your friends and family and coworkers jump in. If you're working three jobs, you must have lots of coworkers.

I once knew someone who advertised to clean out basements and attics for free and carried off stuff to the landfill. His house was filled with reworked treasures. I guess that offset his labor costs and the landfill fees. He was a grand woodworker and could do veneer repair that was invisible. He built a whole house from materials he acquired through scavenging and salvaging. He told me once that he regretted that he had to buy glass for the window frames that he built. One of his many jobs was to moonlight for an art gallery as a picture framer. He was popular among interior designers and decorators because of his veneer and furniture and finish repairs. He got introduced to all the 'right' people and was practically employed full time with work for those who could afford him and local galleries and frame shops.

Also, pick up those freebie advertising papers. Some are sold at store counters for 50 or 75 cents. You find bargains like a chest of drawers for $25. If you are a solid wood lover like I, you'd probably not settle for a $25 particleboard chest of drawers. Too, you can always negotiate price. Folks tend to price things with the expectation of negotiation.

I was never a negotiator. Never learned the art. I always just paid the asking price. But, one day I went to the flea market with a friend who pulled me aside and gave me a lecture. So, after that, I always began with, "Wouldya consider takin' such'n so?" in my old Appalachian roots accent. Amazing! Worked like a charm.

Check to see if you have a Habitat for Humanity warehouse in your area. The last area in which I lived did not, but there was a Christian Appalachian Project warehouse. There was also a thrift store managed by the local Catholic Church. I am sitting right now in a chair that cost me $5.00 from that thrift store. Churches in some areas run thrift shops. Ask family, friends, and coworkers if they know where thrift shops are. Keep in mind that you are doing professional research. Also, keep in mind, that solid wood pieces are far and few between. Today's furniture tends to be made with particleboard or MDF and veneer. But, hey, if it works, it works until better comes along.

A pointer about shopping at thrift stores, flea markets, Goodwills, Salvation Army, etc. You have to make your rounds frequently. You go this week. Nothing. Next week, you find a real bargain.

You become a hunter with an instinct. You make your rounds. You have to read those freebie and bargain hunter and yard sale ads religiously. And, keep the pressure on friends, relatives, and coworkers to do the same.

One last story, I promise. I once new a retired cop. He was the father of a friend of mine. His first hobby was woodworking. His second hobby was scavenging. He even visited the landfill! He could turn spindles and legs and create miracles with wood. I had him refinish a few of my finds, but I also bought a few pieces from him. He fashioned a table top from a headboard of an old bed and put it upon some Duncan Phyffe legs. Both came from the landfill. I bought a colonial candlestick pie crust table. The table top was part of the old head board, the pie crust he fashioned from something else (all same wood species). He fashioned the newel post and the three feet as well. It looked like an original candlestick table from colonial times. The top was hinged and could be raised or lowered as needed. He was a widower and ended up marrying a widow who owned an antique store. It was a marriage made in heaven.

I applaud you! I envy your youth and energy. I don't want to sound trite, but "been there done that." Our home furnishings become real treasures when they are found, resurrected, refinished and recycled. They mean so much more to us than furnishings bought at the local Ethan Allen or upscale showroom. They have stories! Stories are invaluable. You can place no price on them.

With the recent movement toward 'Going Green,' there are folks who are selling furniture made from recycled wood. Who knows, your recycling of wood and furniture may become your #1 job. You just need to find your market.

Best wishes, my friend!

Might find some good stuff at garage sales.