Just because something is old or not taken care of doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any value. Furniture is one thing that could look like it’s on its last leg but still be worth a nice chunk of change. Knowing how to decide if the furniture is worth repairing will save you time and could allow you to find a hidden gem.
Custom Made
Typically, most people opt for furniture at a major retailer or discount store due to convenience and price. While going this route makes sense, it also doesn’t make your furniture distinguishable from anyone else’s home décor. However, if the item is a custom piece, it’s worth finding the means to repair it.
You could be sitting on a goldmine, and a stain or slight tear may cause you to toss it, losing out on a potentially huge return on your investment. It’s nice to spot the potential in items if you go antiquing because you can find your next project for pennies on the dollar.
Already Assembled
A furniture builder who takes good care of their work doesn’t want the buyer to assemble it. They would fear you’d destroy their expert craftmanship by using screws that are too big or by being too aggressive when linking parts together.
This tends to happen in major retailers, considering you buy the item disassembled in a box, forcing you to build it while reading complicated instructions. This strategy works well for mass-producing furniture, but the quality is not good. If that’s the case, you’re better off tossing it if repairing it is too costly.
High-Quality Materials
Even though it appears some portions of the furniture are solid wood, there are some determining factors of where you could get bamboozled. Firstly, examine the joint structure because a high-quality item won’t reveal any adhesive. Some makers try and get by using sturdy plywood to mask as solid wood, so don’t fall for it without thoroughly examining the piece.
Family History
Quality is the theme of the inner debate of repairing or tossing your furniture. If there is a couch that only needs a new zipper for its cushion but is otherwise in good condition, don’t give up on it yet.
Examine it to see if it is store-bought or personally crafted. If it’s a family hand-me-down that you can’t find anywhere else, it could be worth paying a little extra to refurbish it. On the other hand, if it’s a hunk-a-junk that’s seen one too many U-Hauls, it’s not worth the hassle of restoring it.
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of how to decide if the furniture is worth repairing. Don’t hesitate to ask for second opinions if you are questioning yourself, especially one who is an expert on all things furniture.
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