Restored pine furniture from home

Households and renters after solid timber furniture at a fair price, plus people who like restored or country-style pieces.

The difference between what you pay for a piece, your materials and time, and its sale price. Custom restoration of customers' own furniture adds a second income.

• Sanding, repairing and finishing timber
• Spotting good pieces at a good price
• Taking clear, appealing photos
• Writing honest listings and handling buyers

• Council approval for running a home-based business, and noise or dust rules, check with your local council
• Older paint may contain lead, check safe handling and disposal before stripping
• Protective gear, ventilation and safe storage of solvents and finishes
• Australian Consumer Law applies to what you sell, so describe condition honestly
• Avoid selling cots or bunk beds without checking mandatory safety standards
• Public liability insurance, an ABN, and GST registration once you reach the threshold

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools, finishes and protective gear you already own and how much stock you buy for your first pieces.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many pieces you finish, what you pay for them and where you sell. The estimate assumes about 8 or more hours a week.

Check council approval for home-based businesses and any noise or dust rules. Check safe handling of older paint that may contain lead, protective gear and solvent storage, Australian Consumer Law, cot and bunk bed safety standards, insurance, ABN and GST.