Why We Do It, How We Do It, and What We Do

Every year, over 12 million tons of furniture end up in landfills in the United States alone. Much of it — beautiful, functional, full of craftsmanship and history — is discarded simply because it no longer fits a style, a space, or a trend, or is left behind because it can't be moved.

America is throwing away furniture at a disturbing clip. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 12 million tons, 450% more per year than in 1960, now finds its way into landfills.

At The Woodpecker Tampa, we believe that’s more than a shame — it's a call to action.

We see furniture differently: not as disposable objects, but as meaningful pieces of our shared story.

Since our inception, we’ve saved over 500 pieces from ending up in landfills — each one restored with care and creativity. And with your support, we will continue to push that number higher, one piece at a time.

Our Mission

Why The Woodpecker? The woodpecker is a symbol of persistence, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to transforming what’s old and overlooked into something new. Much like the bird, we peck away at waste, restoring one piece of furniture at a time. It’s a small act that builds something much bigger — and each piece we save contributes to a more sustainable future.

We are on a mission to save these pieces — one chair, one table, one dresser at a time. Every project we take on is a small act of rebellion against mass production and throwaway culture. By extending the lifecycle of furniture, we’re helping to reduce the enormous environmental impact caused by manufacturing and waste.

Restoration is about more than making something look good again.It’s about preserving the care, skill, and materials that went into creating that piece in the first place — and about honoring the story it carries.

Each piece we restore or reimagine is a small victory for the environment — and a big win for creativity, community, and conscience.

Our Collaboration With You

We don’t just refinish furniture — we collaborate with our community. You’re part of the journey with us: imagining, designing, and bringing a new chapter to life for your furniture. Together with our customers, we breathe new life into pieces that tell a story — and that are ready to tell many more.

Sometimes, it’s a beloved heirloom that needs a new lease on life. Other times, it’s a forgotten treasure from a garage or estate sale that just needs a little love and vision. We help you see the possibilities — not just what a piece is, but what it could be.

Through creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration, we make old pieces feel new again — and even better, uniquely yours.

The Economic Side

In recent years, the economics of furniture have shifted dramatically. Since the pandemic, the furniture market has faced steep price increases — with some categories rising by 15–20% or more due to global supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and labor issues. Buying new has become more expensive, less reliable, and often less satisfying. As clearly depicted in the graph below, given by Fred, the significant increase in prices after the 2020 pandemic can be seen, and the line shows a clear upward trend, highlighting the ongoing rise in furniture costs.

And with ongoing trade tensions and tariff increases, the costs are expected to continue climbing, putting even more pressure on consumers. Why spend more on mass-produced furniture that often lacks durability and character?

By choosing to restore instead of replace, you’re not only making a smart environmental decision — you’re also making a smart financial one. You’re investing in quality. You’re keeping your money within your community. And you’re gaining a piece with more soul, more history, and more value over time.

Supporting local craftsmanship means supporting a different kind of economy — one based on creativity, sustainability, and mutual respect.

Producer Price Index by Commodity: Furniture and Household Durables

Blending Old with New

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is helping people reconnect with pieces that have deep personal meaning. We often meet clients who have inherited beautiful, handcrafted furniture from parents or grandparents — but whose style or size no longer fits into their modern homes.

Rather than letting those heirlooms gather dust in a basement — or worse, giving them up altogether — we offer a different path: a fresh interpretation that honors the past while fitting beautifully into the present.

Whether it’s updating a classic dining table with a sleek new finish, reimagining an ornate cabinet with a contemporary twist, or blending vintage character with modern minimalism, we make sure these pieces not only survive — they thrive in their new spaces.

It’s about respecting history without getting stuck in it — and crafting spaces that are personal, meaningful, and full of life.

Piece by Piece, We Make a Difference

At The Woodpecker Tampa, we believe sustainability isn’t a trend or a buzzword — it’s a commitment. And it starts with small, meaningful actions. Saving one piece might seem like a drop in the ocean, but every chair, every table, every dresser kept out of a landfill is part of a much bigger story.

It’s a story about creativity. It’s a story about community. It’s a story about choosing something better — for ourselves, for each other, and for the planet we call home.

Together, piece by piece, we can change the story.

Let’s save these stories — and the planet — one beautiful project at a time.