Buying and Selling Secondhand Furniture: Measuring, Condition, and Logistics
Updated 2026-08-13
A secondhand furniture guide: measuring properly, checking for termites and humidity damage, judging structural condition, and planning the transport that usually costs more than expected.
Measure all three dimensions — and measure the doorway too
The most expensive mistake in secondhand furniture is buying something that won't fit into your home. Measure the piece in all three dimensions, then measure the route: doorway width, stairwell width and turn angles, lift door width and interior depth, and any corridor you'd have to pivot in.
In Bangkok condos, the lift is the constraint that bites most often. Plenty of sofas and tall cabinets won't fit one, leaving the stairs — an extra cost, or impossible in a tall building. Ask the seller whether the piece disassembles before you decide, because legs that come off or a unit that splits changes the transport equation entirely.
Termites, humidity, and tropical-specific problems
Wooden furniture in Thailand's climate faces problems rarer in temperate countries. Termites are a risk worth checking on every secondhand wooden piece: look for small holes in the surface, fine wood dust underneath, and knock to listen for an unexpected hollow — especially on legs and the back, which rarely get cleaned.
Humidity is the other one, swelling and delaminating engineered board. Check the edges and corners of anything made from ply or particle board for a rippled, swollen look. On upholstery, smell for musty odour and look for mould staining, common in pieces stored in unconditioned rooms. Mould in a cushion generally can't be resolved and should be a reason not to buy, not a negotiating point.
Judge the structure, not the surface
Scratches and worn finish are repairable and shouldn't decide it. Structure should. Rock the piece to see whether it wobbles or creaks, check that joints are tight and not splitting, and look for past repairs and how they were done — smeared glue or mismatched screws usually mean a problem that will return.
On sofas and chairs, sit down and shift your weight. Foam collapsed enough that you feel the frame is fixable but not free; price the refoaming in. On drawers and sliding doors, open and close every single one — failed runners are a repair that often costs more than an inexpensive secondhand piece is worth.
Transport is the real cost people forget
Furniture is the category where transport is largest relative to the item price. A ฿2,000 secondhand sofa needing a van and lifters can cost nearly as much to move as it cost to buy. Work out the transport cost before agreeing a price, not after.
Lalamove offers several vehicle sizes including pickups for bulky pieces, bookable from within the chat and tracked. What needs settling explicitly is who carries the item up and down — basic delivery generally covers the transport, not hauling something up several flights. Resolve that in chat before the collection day, so it isn't a problem once the vehicle is already outside.
Selling your own furniture successfully
Furniture listings that sell fast have three things most don't. First, real measurements in centimetres for all three dimensions, stated in the description rather than waiting to be asked. Second, photos taken in an actual room with something in frame for scale — a piece shot alone against a blank background is very hard to judge.
Third, clarity about collection: which district, which floor, whether there's a lift, and whether the piece comes apart. Secondhand furniture buyers decide on the hassle of moving it about as much as on the item itself, so a listing that answers this upfront attracts people who are genuinely ready to buy.
Frequently asked questions
How risky are termites with secondhand wooden furniture?
It's a genuine risk worth checking every time, but not a reason to avoid secondhand wood entirely. Check for small holes, wood dust, and hollow sounds before buying, and inspect again on arrival before placing it against a wall or next to other wooden furniture. If anything looks suspicious, have it looked at professionally before it comes inside.
Should I buy a secondhand mattress?
Generally not recommended. Secondhand mattresses carry hygiene, dust-mite, and accumulated-moisture issues you can't assess from the outside, and they're very hard to clean properly. If you must, only consider one with a removable washable protector still on it, inspect closely for staining and sagging, and treat it as having much less remaining life than usual.
What do secondhand furniture prices usually look like?
Furniture falls harder than most categories because it's awkward to move and usually needs collecting. Flat-pack retail furniture resells for a small fraction of its original price, while solid wood, custom joinery, and good-condition vintage hold value noticeably better. Location matters too — the same piece sells more easily in a well-connected district than in a far one.
How do I know whether a piece will fit in my condo lift?
Measure your own lift before you go and look: door width, interior depth, and ceiling height, since some long pieces only fit tilted. Keep the numbers in your phone so you can check them against a listing on the spot. Also ask building management whether there are restrictions on move-in hours or a lift booking requirement — many buildings have both.
