Tackling A Furniture Upcycling Project

September 2023 Author:Michael Molinaro / Publisher:Kenneth Godby

Upcycling old furniture is a creative and environmentally friendly way to breathe new life into old or discarded pieces of furniture. Instead of throwing away or replacing old furniture, you can transform it into something functional and aesthetically pleasing. DIY projects like this can inspire larger projects within your home. It may be wise to rent a small, residential-friendly dumpster for any discarded material you may accumulate. Whether you are looking for a dumpster rental in Ellwood City, a dumpster rental in New Castle, or a dumpster rental in Pittsburgh in general, Bin There Dump That is here to help.

The Perks

Upcycling reduces waste and minimizes the need for new resources. It's an eco-friendly alternative to buying new furniture and helps decrease consumerism's environmental impact. Upcycling allows you to tap into your creativity. You can experiment with different styles, colors, and techniques to create unique, personalized pieces that match your decor. It's often more affordable to upcycle furniture than to buy new items. You can save money on both the furniture cost and the materials needed for the upcycling project.

Choose Your Project

This article will cover two of the most popular furniture upcycling projects: Painting and Reupholstering. Depending on the project, you may need various materials and tools such as sandpaper, paint, varnish, brushes, screws, and upholstery fabric. The specific requirements will vary based on the piece you're upcycling and your desired outcome. Decide on the design and style you want for your upcycled furniture. This can include choosing paint colors, patterns, or fabric for upholstery. Research different design ideas to find inspiration.

Painting

Assess the condition of the furniture. Clean it thoroughly and repair any structural issues. Sanding and priming may be necessary to prepare the surface for painting or refinishing. Water-based latex paint is often a good choice for indoor furniture, while oil-based paints provide a more durable finish for outdoor pieces. Some pieces may require specialty paints, like chalk paint, for a distressed look. Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors or in a garage with open doors. Lay down drop cloths or newspapers to protect your floors and work surfaces. Remove any dust, dirt, or grime from the furniture using soap and water and allow it to dry completely. If your furniture has knobs, handles, or other hardware, remove them using a screwdriver. This will make it easier to paint and avoid getting paint on the hardware. Use coarse-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface slightly. This helps the paint adhere better. Start with a coarser grit and gradually move to finer grits for a smoother finish. If the furniture has any existing peeling or chipping paint, you may need to sand down to the bare wood. Consider applying a primer first if you're painting over a dark or heavily stained surface. Primer helps the paint adhere better and can prevent stains from bleeding through. Stir the paint thoroughly before using it.

Apply thin, even coats of paint. It's better to do multiple thin coats than one thick coat, as thick coats can lead to drips and an uneven finish. Use a high-quality brush or a paint sprayer for a smoother finish. Foam brushes can work well for smaller projects. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next coat. Refer to the paint can for recommended drying times. Sand lightly between coats with fine-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish. Once the final coat is dry, reattach any hardware you removed. Consider adding a clear protective topcoat, especially for furniture that will receive a lot of use. This helps protect the paint and adds durability.

Reupholstering

Examine the piece of furniture thoroughly before you begin. Take note of any structural issues or repairs needed, such as loose joints or damaged springs. Ensure the frame is sturdy; if not, consider reinforcing it. Select a fabric that suits both your style and the intended use of the furniture. Consider durability, color, pattern, and texture. Upholstery fabric is typically heavier and more durable than regular fabric. Document the disassembly process with photos and notes. This will help you remember how to put everything back together correctly. Carefully remove the existing material, saving any pieces that can serve as templates for the new fabric. Use a seam ripper or scissors to detach the fabric from the frame. If you find any structural issues, address them now. Glue loose joints, replace damaged or weak springs, and reinforce the frame if necessary. If the padding or foam is worn out, replace it with new upholstery foam. Cut the foam to fit the shape of the furniture and attach it securely. Lay out the new fabric and use the old pieces as templates to cut the new material. Start by attaching the fabric to the frame in the same order you removed it. Use the staple gun to secure the fabric, pulling it taut but not too tight to avoid wrinkles. For neat corners and edges, fold and tuck the material carefully. Corners can be challenging, so take your time to get them right. Different techniques exist for different corners (e.g., box corners, pleated corners). If needed, add a layer of batting over the foam before attaching the final layer of fabric. This can give the piece a softer look and feel. Trim any excess fabric, and use upholstery tacks or trim for a decorative finish if desired. Make sure everything is secure and looks even. Reattach any hardware and put the furniture back together as it was before. After reupholstering, clean the fabric and consider applying a fabric protector to help repel stains and make cleaning more manageable. Reupholstering can be time-consuming, so be patient and pay attention to detail. Take your time with all the steps.

Getting Started

Upcycling old furniture is a rewarding DIY project that adds character to your living space and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, plenty of resources and tutorials are available online to guide you through upcycling furniture. Perhaps the new upcycled furniture in your home inspires a cleanout or renovation project to make your surroundings match your successfully upcycled items. This is where your Ellwood City dumpster rental, New Castle dumpster rental, or Pittsburgh dumpster rental will come in handy! Please choose any of our four (4) varied sizes to accommodate your needs. We can offer the six (6) cubic yard dumpster for smaller projects or the ten (10) cubic yard dumpster. For larger projects, including large bulky furniture, choose our fifteen (15) cubic yard dumpster or our twenty (20) cubic yard dumpster. From sizes to service, we specialize in "Residential Friendly," making us your best option for simple and friendly junk removal or waste management.

At Bin There Dump That, your weight allowance is included in the price. From smallest to largest: 6 cubic yard – 1.25-ton allowance. 10 cubic yard – 2-ton allowance. 15 cubic yard – 2.5-ton allowance. 20 cubic yard – 3-ton allowance. When you call to order your dumpster, our knowledgeable Consultants will provide free information on which size will be the best for your project. When renting a dumpster, and especially the help you'll have in the rental process, you certainly get what you pay for. Instead of wondering if there are any free dumpster rentals near you or wanting the cheapest dumpster rental near you, ask yourself what you want out of this experience. With Bin There Dump That, you can expect a free dumpster consultation with one of our friendly experts to aid your bin rental. They can provide your specific flat-rate dumpster rental price with their expertise, dumpster size charts, and dumpster size calculator. Give us a call to get started today!