Top 10 Questions to Ask Before You Purchase Used Furniture

Ready to upgrade your home? Updating your furniture is a fast way to significantly improve the feel and look of your home.

However, furniture can be expensive so many people turn to Craigslist to find a great deal on gently used furniture. Whether you're looking for modern or vintage furniture, Craigslist has a huge variety of furniture, including dining room tables and chairs, sofas and sections, beds and armoires, and even outdoor patio furniture.

See our guide, Looking for a Great Deal? Follow These Tips to Get There First, for tips on tracking down the items you want. Before you make a purchase, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you're getting a good quality item and value for your money.

Read on for the top 8 questions to ask when buying used furniture on Craigslist.

1. "What is the condition of the furniture?"

When buying furniture online, it's important to check the condition of the furniture. You can ask if it's had any damage and repairs, which furniture company made it, and is an important question to ask, as it will give you an idea of what you're getting and whether it's worth the price. If the seller says the furniture is in "good" or "excellent" condition, ask for more details to get a better understanding of its condition.

2. "What is the furniture made out of?"

If you're looking for furniture to stand the test of time, be sure to find out what it is made out of. To find high-quality furniture, choose solid wood over composite wood. Quality wood means your furniture can handle more traffic without getting damaged.

This is especially true for dining room tables that might see spills, and couches and beds that need to handle more weight.

3. "What is the size of the furniture?"

Unlike appliances, there isn't one standard size for furniture. The sectional could be huge and not fit your small living room, or it could be too small for your large family. The last thing you want is furniture that doesn't fit in your space or lifestyle.

If the seller doesn't post the exact dimensions of the piece of furniture, you can ask them to send them over to you. If they're not sure and not willing to go measure it, you can try to look up the furniture by brand and model to find it online.

4. "Can I see more pictures of the furniture?"

When it comes to furniture, it's always good to ask for more pictures. If the seller only provided a few photos, ask to see the furniture from different angles to get a visual idea of its condition.

Most furniture gets used a lot so it's likely there is some form of damage, scuffs, or stains. Always ask if there are any flaws and if you can see a picture of them. It's possible the damage isn't extreme and you still want to purchase it. Either way, you should know what you're purchasing before you invest time and money into it.

5. "Is the furniture pet-free and smoke-free?"

Since the furniture has likely been sitting in someone's home, you will want to know if it comes from a pet-free and smoke-free home. This is especially important if you have allergies or breathing issues.

It also helps you get an idea of its condition. Smoke and pets can both be messy and it can sometimes be impossible to get their smell or dander out of fabric furniture.

6. "Can I see the furniture before I buy it?"

Since furniture can be expensive, it's always a good idea to see the furniture in person before you make a purchase. Ask the seller if you can come and view the furniture in person to get a better idea of its condition and to make sure it's what you're looking for.

Bring a friend along to take a look with you in case they notice something you don't. They can also give you a second opinion on the value of the furniture.

7. "Do you have the original receipts or warranty information?"

It's always good to get as much documentation on expensive furniture. Even if it's used, it's possible the furniture is still under warranty or allows you to purchase an extended warranty.

By asking if the seller has the original receipts or warranty information, you take advantage of any warranties and buy with peace of mind that the furniture will be covered if something happens.

8. "Is the furniture available for pickup or delivery?"

Most small items on Craiglist can be easily transported in a standard car. But furniture can be large so it's important to find out right away if and how you will get it from the seller's place to your home.

Before you commit to purchasing the furniture, ask the seller if the furniture is available for pickup or delivery. If you don't have a truck and can't borrow one, it's possible the seller will deliver it for a fee. This will also help you find out if the furniture is worth the cost.

Buying furniture on Craigslist is a great way to upgrade your home at an affordable price. Asking these 8 questions before making a purchase will help you determine the condition, and value of the furniture, and will also help you figure out how to get the furniture home.

With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether to make a purchase and get a good deal on quality furniture.