Every year 12 million tons of furniture and home furnishings get thrown out!! That number is also increasing every year, but it wasn’t always like this… 60 years ago only about 2 million tons of furniture and furnishings was thrown away. Why such a difference?? Quality!!! It's things like the chair that’s missing a leg or items with cosmetic damage to them. That’s because it’s just not built to last and are intended for a short life span.

It is usually new furniture that’s being tossed out. Most new furniture is not made in Canada or even North America and new furniture is not solid wood or customizable. Buying new will always be more expensive than refinished pieces. Just last year Canada imposed tariffs up to 295% on imported upholstered furniture from countries like China and Vietnam!!

Part of the problem is that todays “fast furniture” can be more challenging to repair because of its material. It’s fairly easy to sand and refinish a solid hardwood wardrobe, but something like a particleboard nightstand with a laminate finish is trickier to refinish- if not impossible- when the surface is damaged. Usually if a coffee table gets dinged up, its easier to ADD TO Cart on Amazon or Wayfair, than to fix the one you have but these quick finds and cheap pieces aren’t meant to last a lifetime.

So next time you are looking for furniture, look for pieces that can grow with your family and lifestyle and pieces that serve a purpose. Really invest in materials that are going to last, like hardwoods! Buy an older piece you love and refinish it! Or find a local refinisher like myself! There are so many options don’t let ADD TO CART be one!

Happy Thrifting,

DK