TikToker Turns Trash into Cash: $400 Profit from Dumpster-Diving Nightstands

If you don’t believe furniture flipping is profitable, this TikTok video will change your mind.

With a bit of effort, imagination, and the right tools, you can turn discarded items into valuable treasures and earn a pretty penny.

That’s exactly what one TikTok furniture flipper did when she found a pair of wooden nightstands left on the curb.

The nightstands, probably thrown out by their old owners, were full of potential, and the TikToker, Erin, was determined to bring them back to life.

Watch this video first and then we will discuss the process later…

@refurbishedish

Guess what I found in the trash?? No, not your ex 🙃 FREE furniture that I can turn into cash!! Highly recommend you download the app @Freebie Alerts App if you’re just starting out furniture flipping or want to make some extra cash for the summer! It notifies you anytime something is posted for free in your area. That’s how I found these!

♬ original sound – Erin • Refurbishedish

So, here are the process:

Step 1) Cleaning Up

First, Erin gave the nightstands a good scrub-down.

All those fancy grooves and carvings in the front had collected a lot of dust and dirt over the years.

She used a mild soap solution and a soft brush to get into all the nooks and crannies, making sure not to damage the wood itself.

After a thorough cleaning, the nightstands looked a lot better already, and Erin could get a clearer picture of the damage she needed to tackle.

2) Sanding and Fixing

Next, Erin sanded down the tops of the nightstands to see what kind of wood was underneath.

Unfortunately, water damage had ruined the veneer.

This meant the pretty layer of wood on the outside was rotten and chipped. Erin couldn’t just paint over it, because the paint wouldn’t stick well and would probably peel off later.

So, she decided to try to fix the damaged area with some Bondo putty.

Bondo is a special kind of patching material that dries hard and can be sanded smooth. Erin filled in the cracks and holes with the Bondo, hoping to create a level surface that she could paint over.

Step 3) Fixing the Fix

But when Erin added a coat of primer, she noticed a problem.

The Bondo putty didn’t stick well to the damaged veneer, and it started to peel and crack along with the old wood underneath.

This was a setback, but Erin knew she had to do it right before moving on.

She carefully scraped away all the loose material, including the Bondo and the damaged veneer. It was a bit frustrating to have to take a step backward, but Erin knew it would be worth it in the end.

Now that all the loose and damaged wood was gone, she had a clean surface to work with.

Step 4) Painting and Finishing Touches

Now that the nightstands had a smooth, primed surface, Erin was ready to paint.

She chose a rich, dark blue color that would complement the style of the nightstands and make them look modern and sophisticated.

Erin applied a few thin coats of paint, sanding lightly between each coat to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Once the paint was dry, she sealed the nightstands with a coat of clear sealant to protect the paint and make it easier to wipe clean.

Final Task

Now with the painting complete, it was time to focus on the details.

Erin removed the old hardware, which was probably rusty and outdated. She replaced them with brand new drawer pulls and knobs in a brushed nickel finish.

The new hardware added a touch of elegance and complemented the dark blue paint beautifully.


These once-abandoned nightstands, now transformed into gorgeous pieces of furniture, were listed on Facebook Marketplace for $400.

They’ll probably sell fast!

So, if you’re looking for a fun way to make some extra money, furniture flipping might be for you. With a little creativity and hard work, you can turn trash into treasure and cash in on your skills.


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