Are you looking for a way to save some money on furniture for your home? If so, you may be considering buying used furniture. While this can be a great way to save money, there are some things you need to watch out for. In this blog post, we will discuss the most important things to look for when buying used furniture. So, whether you are shopping at a thrift store or online, make sure you read this post first!
Woodworm
One of the biggest dangers of buying used wooden furniture is that it may be infested with woodworm. Woodworm are tiny insects that live in wood and can cause a great deal of damage. If you see evidence of woodworm, such as small holes or sawdust, do not buy the furniture! People often pick up second-hand furniture with the intention of upcycling it, and that’s a great idea. If it just needs a fresh coat of paint or varnish, that’s fine. But you need to check that the wood itself is in good condition and if it has woodworm, there’s not much you can do to bring it back. You can get rid of them using pesticides and then use a wood hardener and filler to fix the damage, but it’s a big job and if there is a lot of damage, it could be too late.
Other Pests
Woodworm aren’t the only pests that you need to watch out for when buying used furniture. Other pests that can be a problem include bed bugs or cockroaches. The last thing you want is to be calling a bed bug exterminator because your home is infested by a new piece of furniture. So always check that it’s clean and free of any creepy crawlies before you bring it into your home.
Mold
Mold is another thing you need to watch out for when buying used furniture. Mold can grow on any surface that is damp, so it’s important to check the furniture for any signs of moisture. If you see any mold, do not buy it! It’s likely that the furniture has been exposed to water at some point and the mold will only get worse over time.
Dangerous Chemicals
Some furniture may contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to your health. For example, furniture made with particleboard or MDF may release formaldehyde gas over time. Very old furniture may have been finished with paint that contains some pretty nasty stuff too.
The Aesthetic In Your Home
Although it’s important to watch out for all of these potential dangers, don’t forget to consider the aesthetic in your home. Furniture can be a great way to brighten up a dull home, but people often make poor decisions when buying second-hand. They see something cheap or they have great ideas about upcycling so they rush into buying it, only to find that it doesn’t fit with their home at all. Remember, don’t buy just for the sake of it and be patient because it can take time to find the perfect piece of furniture.
Watch out for these key things and you’ll be able to find some great second-hand wooden furniture.