What to consider when choosing preloved furniture.
Always use a reputable supplier.
There are loads of reputable suppliers who will conduct full safety checks on preloved furniture before it ever reached the shop floor. Take the worry about choosing second hand furniture by using a recognised name.
Safety tags
Soft furnishing like sofas and mattresses should all have safety tags to show that they are fire resistant. Sometimes these tags might have been cut off by the previous owner. If in doubt don’t take the risk and search for a item were the tags are still attached, and clearly show the item meets standards. Items to check include things like pillows and cushions, divans, bean bags, padded stools etc.
Glass in furniture
Glass in furniture, such as coffee tables or cabinets, should meet relevant safety standards, indicated by a British Standards kite mark. This mean its thickness can withstand a certain amount of impact, and if it does break, it does not shatter into long shards of glass likely to increase the chance of injury. Check any glass within furniture shows the British kite mark.
PAT testing
People selling second hand electrical items have a duty to ensure that the item is safe to use. The only way to be sure of this is to have a PAT (portable appliance test) carried out. Many reputable sellers will have done this already and the item with come with a sticker and certificate as proof. Its worth noting that even large appliances like TVs, washing machine and electric ovens should have a PAT carried out.
Gas safety
If you decided to purchase a second-hand gas cooker or oven you should always use a qualified gas engineer to fit the item. Never fit the item yourself or ask a ‘handyman’ to fit.
Bed bugs
Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Their bites can be itchy, but do not usually cause other health problems but you really don’t want them in your home. They are small but can be seen with the naked eye and will become active around humans. If you are buying second hand items take time to have a good look over the item. If the item has just come out of storage or you are order by post bugs may not be active and hidden away.
Below are some reliable suppliers you might want to consider*
Foundations Furniture
Web: www.foundationsfurniture.co.uk
www.facebook.com/foundations.furniture/about
Units 1&6, Teams Craft Workshops, Askew Road West, Gateshead, United Kingdom
Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm
Phone: 0191 477 8337
Email: foundations.project@btconnect.com
British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical
Web: www.bhf.org.uk
Denton store: Unit 2B, West Denton Way, Newcastle, UK, NE5 2NF
Monday to Saturday 9am -5.30pm Sunday: 10am -4pm
Phone: 0191 283 6036
Byker store: 51 Shields Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 1DJ
Monday to Saturday 9am -5.30pm Sunday: 11am -4pm
Phone: 0191 283 5370
St. Oswald's Hospice Charity Shop – Byker Furniture
Web: www.stoswaldsuk.org
175 – 181 Shield Road, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1DP
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4.30pm
Phone: 0191 276 3455
CT Furniture Newcastle
Web: www.communitytransport.org/shop
Www.communitytransport.org/ct-furniture-newcastle-west
East end store: The Grand, 6 Heaton Terrace, Newcastle, NE6 1JR.
Phone: 0191 2659267
West end store: Unit 2, Mill Lane, Newcastle, NE4 6QA
Phone: 0800 917 4397
Email: newcastle@communitytransport.org
Heaton Used Furniture
Web: www.facebook.com/p/Heaton-Used-Furniture-100063817892379/
111 Heaton Park Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 5NR
Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm
Phone: 0191 224 1816
Email: heatonparkremovals@yahoo.com
Orange Box North East
Web: www.orangeboxnortheast.org.uk
www.facebook.com/orangeboxnortheast
13 Brough Park Way, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE6 2YF
Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm
Phone: 0191 224 2116
Email: orangeboxnortheast@yahoo.com
*Newcastle City Council is not recommending any suppliers and are not liable for any problems experience with any suppliers.