Is it ok to buy used bedroom furniture set?

[minmin001]

We are buying the mattress new but to save on money we are thinking of buying our furniture used. My coworkers told me not to because they are worried about bed bugs. Is there are way to check and make sure the furniture doesn't have bed bugs?

 

[JewelFreak]

You're not buying anything with fabric, are you? Bed frame, dressers, etc., -- just wooden items, right? (I wouldn't buy a used box spring, for instance.) Bedbugs don't hang out on wood. I think it's a great way to save some $$$.

--- Laurie

 

[Harpertoo]

You're not buying anything with fabric, are you? Bed frame, dressers, etc., -- just wooden items, right? (I wouldn't buy a used box spring, for instance.) Bedbugs don't hang out on wood. I think it's a great way to save some $$$.

--- Laurie

Exactly. I would just stay away from upholstered items.

 

[ChristineRose]

Steam it if you are worried. Some paint doesn't like steam though, so be careful.

 

[Cozystitches]

Actually, bed bugs do hang out in wood. I would not buy used this is sad because of the beautiful things out there and the better pricing. I've had to deal w/bed bugs and I will never buy used furniture again. I did a lot of research when we were infested in our old apartment when the management refused to treat.

 

[minmin001]

yes, I'm only planning on buy bed frame, dresser etc but I heard bed bug do lay eggs on the frame? is there way to look and see them with your naked eyes and check?

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I would rather buy inexpensive new furniture than second hand furniture. My furniture is a mixture of solid walnut and Ikea, mix and match works great!

 

[missy]

Unfortunately I would say to pass on the used furniture. Just not worth the risk IMO. I like Asscherhalo's suggestion of inexpensive IKEA furniture rather than used furniture. Some of their stuff is nice and lasts a long while and you cannot beat their prices.

 

[anne_h]

Bed bugs DO live in wood, and especially bedroom furniture! I am extremely careful about buying used furniture for this reason.

If you are not familiar with bed bugs, do not try to inspect for them yourself. Only a moderate to large infestation would be evident.

Unfortunately, it only takes a few eggs/bugs to cause a problem for you. And they are tough to get rid of.

Not worth the risk IMO.

Anne

 

[minmin001]

thank you, guys. I will talk to my So about this. He is all excited about going estate shopping, but do you think a consignment store maybe a better choice since I assume they would check it so it doesn't effect their other items?

 

[Enerchi]

Ditto to others saying bed bugs live in wood furniture!! I've been in many homes w BB infestations and they WILL reside in furniture so not worth the risk. They want to be close to their food source ( you!! ) so bed side tables, headboards, bed frames are perfect for that. To control and treat an infestation is a huge endeavor. Please do yourself a huge favor and save money at ikea, not on used. It will cost too much in the long run. Even inspecting all joints corners drawers etc, you could still miss one.

My advice based on my job experience---DON'T!

 

[marymm]

Not sure that consignment stores would check for bedbugs... from what I understand, a steam-clean and/or vacuum is often the extent of any cleaning/treatment of furniture prior to it being put out on the floor of consignment and second-hand stores - this is wholly inadequate to expose and/or treat bedbug infestation.

If you were getting used furniture from someone you know well, whose home you've been in, and the furniture is coming from their house to yours (not from a storage facility for example), that would be something I would possibly consider - and even then I would likely have doubts!

Otherwise, definitely not worth the risk these days.

 

[JewelFreak]

Well dang, I didn't know bedbugs hung out in wood! Learn something every day around here. In that case, I'd stay away from used bedroom furniture. What a shame!

--- Laurie

 

[ksinger]

I read an article about this just the other day. There is hope, bedbugophobes!! And no nasty chemicals required.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/10/science/earth/how-a-leafy-folk-remedy-stopped-bedbugs-in-their-tracks.html?_r=0

They need to tell us what kind of bean it is, so people can start growing it.

 

[JewelFreak]

Fascinating! I never thought I'd feel sorry for a bedbug, but ick.

A specialist in bedbug locomotion! What a job.

--- Laurie

 

[TC1987]

All of the furniture I own is either antiques and vintage pieces that I bought, or family pieces that were willed to me or that I bought from relatives' estates. I would not hit a dog in the butt with any of that pasteboard import furniture. I feel confident that bedbugs, if there are any, can be overcome. Put the stuff in a sweltering hot storage unit for 30 - 60 days, and you will not have any bed bugs to worry about, lol.

I realize that some people just can never ever stomach the idea of buying any furniture that isn't brand new. But I'm not one of them. Older furniture that is solid wood (maple, walnut, cherry, etc.) isn't even being made anymore by ordinary furniture makers. If you do find it, it's prohibitively expensive. Older = better. (shrug)

 

[ksinger]

All of the furniture I own is either antiques and vintage pieces that I bought, or family pieces that were willed to me or that I bought from relatives' estates. I would not hit a dog in the butt with any of that pasteboard import furniture. I feel confident that bedbugs, if there are any, can be overcome. Put the stuff in a sweltering hot storage unit for 30 - 60 days, and you will not have any bed bugs to worry about, lol.

I realize that some people just can never ever stomach the idea of buying any furniture that isn't brand new. But I'm not one of them. Older furniture that is solid wood (maple, walnut, cherry, etc.) isn't even being made anymore by ordinary furniture makers. If you do find it, it's prohibitively expensive. Older = better. (shrug)

Yeah, I'm an antique person too. I like used stuff, and I inherited some excellent pieces. Better quality for a lower price, and more character IMO.

And you really REALLY don't want to get me started on Ikea. I know some of their stuff IS actually of reasonable quality (we bought some of their bookshelves: price on solid wood was cost-prohibitive with as many as we needed), but NOTHING - not price, not quality, can make up for the utter THRASH that is their buying "experience". My husband and I will never set foot in that place again. His comment was you need a flask of scotch, a machete, a flare gun, and your lawyer on speed dial just to get OUT of there. Not too far off.