PSA: I looked up the real cost of that 'free' furniture you see on the curb

I was reading an old trade magazine from the library and saw a study from a university. They took a common 'free' dresser, fixed the broken drawer, stripped the old finish, and did a proper refinish. The total cost for materials and the person's time, even at a low rate, came out to over $300. That's not counting the space and tools you need. It made me think we maybe don't talk enough about the real investment behind a 'bargain' piece. Has anyone else run the numbers on a project like this and been surprised?

3 comments

3 Comments

wells.olivia1mo ago

Yeah, that math adds up fast.

sarah_patel251mo ago

Wait, that math adds up fast? I need to see the numbers first.

brian_fisher651mo ago

Oh man, @sarah_patel25, my brain shuts down the second I see a spreadsheet, so I'll just trust you on this one lol.