The RE Store

I’m not a «do-​it-​yourself» type. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I can do basic things like sanding, refinishing, and hitting a nail, but I’m not very serious about it.
I went in to look for some gardening supplies. I was greeted by two lovely cats (both of which were sleeping in different sunlight windows). I encountered two different staff members and they were very nice and helpful.
Even though I didn’t need some of the things here, I had fun browsing. I was enthralled by the sheer number of door knobs, screws, and even toilet seat covers! So many doors, a few desks, hoses, bricks, and light fixtures.
I left with just a few simple things — tomato cages and bricks. I could have bought more but am looking forward to going back as selection can change. I felt greater about the deals, having just spent a couple of bucks. I did fall in love with a number of gorgeous items that were out of my price range.
A great place for exploring and you never know if you will find a treasure!

I got enough wood to make a coffee table for under $ 5, and the employees were super friendly!

This used to be a good place. Love re-​using instead of taking it to the dump or recycling. Great concept, but it just is not working at this time. I have given the store many awesome, antique, and new items. When it comes time to buy something items are way over-​priced and often cheaper at a box store or even Rejuvenation. Last time I brought some items in they would not even look in the boxes. Nice antique hardware and re-​usable items that did not get a look. A better option might be Second Use. I think from now on I will give them a try.
Time to RE Think the RE Store.

Oh how I used to LOVE this store! It was great to go in and find things from my childhood that were still in good to great condition. Sure it was disorganized and random, but that was part of the charm. Unfortunately, they’ve changed into an overpriced, disorganized mess with many items that aren’t usable. On occasion, I can go in and find something, but in most cases, that just isn’t true anymore. I miss the old RE-​store:(

I really want to like this place but every time I’ve gone I either can’t find what I need, can’t find help or don’t find anything priced sensibly. They do have somewhat reasonably priced recycled paint which worked well for me.

Restore has lost their way from original concept. Tried to donate 3 good all wood doors with frames and the guy just said «not interested». Also saw a $ 29.99 Home Depot lamp there with a $ 50 price tag on it! This place has become a joke and a total rip off. Stay away …

This place is not very well organized, and seems expensive for what it is.

This place is random at best. And with any true treasure, you have to be willing to put in the time to search. I used a Unilocal deal to get some misc things –drawer knobs, light covers, a small table top — I actually had to come back and exchange some of them, and it was a simple process. I had called about bricks once, was told they didn’t carry them, and the next week saw a huge stack of bricks and stepping stones — its hit or miss like that. And some things are really overpriced (in my humble opinion) and then some are incredibly cheap — I once got an entire box of tags for $ 5 which was I was super stoked about.
Really like what they are doing here, and if you have a flexible idea of what you are looking for, you really can get some great finds here; just watch out for the cats!

Love the Re Store… so much so I have to will myself to stay away. Luckily I now have a car I can haul my goodies home without having to ask bf to pick them up and question what treasure I’m bringing home.
Staff is helpful and friendly too. Always a plus when things are stacked to the ceiling!

Since we’re trying to maintain the original character of our 1920s home, many of our home projects begin with a trip to the REstore. Even if we don’t find specifically what we’re looking for, we always come out with ideas for other projects or something kinda related that we file away for future use.
Over the years, we’ve acquired doors, windows, hinges, light fixtures, locksets, cabinets, flooring, molding, a sink, and other odds and ends. Sometimes I like to go in and browse with no particular items in mind just to see if something needs to come home with me.
Perhaps the best part is that the place is chock full of ideas and items to re-​use in creative ways: Like the section of bowling alley lane that we’ll make into a laundry room folding table. Or the library shelves that we use to store all of our bike gear in the garage. Or the fir bleacher seats we turned into kitchen shelving.
Whether you’re looking to reduce/​reuse/​recycle in your home, or looking for vintage materials to restore or repurpose for fun or profit, make sure the REstore is your first visit.

This store is awesome! Tons of random things you can acquire. Lots of light fixtures, sinks, knobs, tiles, furniture, etc.
I didn’t find anything myself this particular day but my friend picked up a nice framed antique mirror she was going to use for a project.
I am a total DIY’er and I like finding new projects, this is the perfect place to start moving those creativity wheels.

Great concept, condescending, eco-​snobbish and childish execution.
They never return phone calls and seem disinterested in selling things (but very interested in acting the role of urban prospectors and noble saviors of historical architecture).
I have been many, many times and have bought things from them but I have seen them make up prices on the spot that varied by 60% when I returned later and asked another employee to price the same item.
But the worst is the attitude: Smug, green-​warrior arrogance and shabby– chik narcissisim.
If you want the REAL DEAL– helpful, enthusiastic, knowlegable, committed and grown-​up staff– visit Second Use in South Seattle/​Cloverdale. They are everything the ReStore pretends – and fails – to be.

The store itself is very interesting if you’re looking for charming, antique-​type fixtures for your home.
But my gripe is with Joel, who’s in charge of Salvage Services.
I left 4 messages with him within a 3 week time frame with no call back. I had to talk to Jeremy, the manager, to light a fire. Jeremy spoke to Pat, who’s everyone’s boss (apparently) and Joel finally arrived.
Oh and also, a donation/​tax deductible slip was not left, so I have to call them again for that.

First of all, did anyone else notice that 90% of the reviewers for the Re Store are female? at least on the first page anyway.
Hmmmm…
My favorite sections are the glass bricks and that funky odds ‘n ends spot where I usually find interesting shelving brackets.
oh yeah, and the door knobs, bathroom tile section, clawfoot tubs, curio cabinet in the back, good-​looking people around every seemingly secluded corner…
I’m done.

This store is somewhere between a hardware store of old, thrift store and a art store for those creative. Re-​Storing an old house? this is the place to come with tons and tons of knobs, doors, windows, light fixtures, tubs, etc, etc. etc. Thinking about doing a cool art project? again, this is your store. Although, this trip I did not find a treasure to take home, my mind is now thinking of all the projects I could do.
Be sure to look into all nooks and outside areas here — there are hidden treasures everywhere. If there is something specific you are looking for, check with one of the ever helpful and nice employees that work here. Also, be sure to allow a few hours when you come, so you have time to explore.
I also like the eco-​friendly part of this store the very best. Looking and re-​using items instead of throwing them in a landfill. Currently, doing a remodel project and have things that might be able to be re-​used? Check out their website for donation guidelines instead of throwing them in a dump.

This place is awesome.
Best way to enjoy it? As Tammy W says, come to browse for something that will ignite your imagination and you’ll find some AWESOME stuff.
They also are the ‘go-​to’ place for me when I need to replace something in my 100+yr old house, as well as my previous rentals. Need a wood door? It’ll be under $ 20 likely so you won’t mind if you have to cut it to fit a bit.
They are helpful and getting to know the employees is a great way to get even better deals– tell them what you’re looking for– go back often and you’ll get fantastic help finding it.

I am so thankful for the Re Store. Not only would all these treasures be buried in a dump somewhere, but they wouldn’t be available to my greedy, frugal, project loving paws!
I went into the Re Store yesterday, looking for a dark wood buffet or sideboard. I had just spent the day scouring antique stores high and low and came up empty handed. I went in here with a friend, not expecting much, but lo and behold! A 1930’s dark wood buffet! I’m pregnant and I swear the little one was just as excited as I was. He was squirming all over. It must be a sign. I must have this buffet.
The price wasn’t listed so I found a friendly employee to find out how much it was. They didn’t know yet and put it on hold for me. There was another woman that wanted it to, but I was literally 30 seconds faster. How a waddling preggers lady beat her is beyond me. Again, it must be a sign the buffet was destined to be mine! They called me this morning to let me know the price and if I wanted it. For that price? Heck yes! Granted, it needs a little love, but that’s what I was looking for. The people there were super friendly and helpful and are hanging onto it for a few days until I can move it.
And they were even playing KEXP. I love you Re Store

This place is great! Like a collector grandpa’s garage, only huge. Yes, you do have to search. Yes, there is a lot of dirty junk. What, are you scared of searching? Don’t like to get your hands dirty? Then don’t go. I found the prices to be reasonable (i got an awesome mantle for $ 9).
Definitely use your imagination when entering the Re Store, the sky is the limit! Great place to check often since their inventory is always changing.

I’ve always been somewhat of a DIY-​er and my projects have kinda stayed on the crafty and textile end of the spectrum. Plus, I am addicted to thrift shopping which has come in handy since I’ve recently moved into a house (rental) with my husband and there is a whole new world of opportunity/​projects to work on!
ENTER: The RE Store.
Holy $#!^ I love this place! It has a little bit of everything and then some. Screw Jo-​Anns and Michaels… The RE Store is where you go to get some SERIOUS projects done!
For example: Our new (rental) house was built in 1949 and has a brick planterbox by the front door. The brick is nice but the planter is nasty — it’s just a large ugly open pit right by the front door and it’s filled with rocks, Spanish moss and probably several generations of spiders. We knew we wanted to cover it up somehow but lacked the funds to pay someone to build a custom counter-​top for it.
After searching for ideas via Home Depot and Lowes, I realized this project could be more than I could handle but then I headed to the RE Store today and found the perfect sized 18″ x 48″ cabinet door ($ 5) and matching wood moulding ($ 5) that would make this far easier and *affordable*! Now there’s a finished surface that matches our living room’s hardwood floors and it cost us just $ 10 and about 30min worth of our time.
I also picked up 2 ‘L-​brackets’ to reinforce our closet shelf for $ 1 each. Threw in a baggie of large nails (25 cents) and a larger package of smaller nails (50 cents) At these prices, you can’t go wrong!

OK… time to break the wave of accolades and lay down some criticism on this spot.
If you are a patient person, not afraid of lead paint and an Antiquey searcher of all things lost… this is a good spot to milk that nostalgia gland. If you have a lot of $$$. And if you are incapable of driving around any Seattle neighborhood on a weekend day and picking up things marked «FREE» on the corner.
For me, many of the items were overpriced to a point of shock. Old windows (many with cracked panes) were $ 40. Small ones. Not really charming antiqued ones. Just broken ass crappy old windows.
I have been twice… my first time I was shocked by the prices but still interested in finding some hidden treasures. On my second visit they had a 1994 veneer media cabinet (painted orange) with 2 other small (ugly) pieces for $ 300! If I had that in my basement I would pay someone to take it from me… heavy, manufactured looking and soulless.
So fine, fine… we all have different tastes. The kicker at ReStore and reason for 2 stars is they make «environmental» an exclusive and expensive concept. Not good if you are trying to be responsible on a tighter budget. Ecology and reuse are not about ridiculous pricing or upper crust customers. For me its the whole foods of used building materials. Should you drop in? Sure. But if you have the inclination to find great deals on used materials… hop on craigslist and save yourself a couple bucks. There are places that do this for cheap and do it right…

Love the ReStore.
They have cool lamps, doors, windows, fixtures, latches, gates. you name it. It is even fun just to look around for design ideas and art projects.
This was one of the several reuse places that really saved us when we needed replacement antique glass for windows that broke when we were refinishing/​reglazing on our old craftsman home. The prices were great and we salvaged exactly the part we needed.
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I use a lot of salvage items for home and garden projects. This place always has the best selection and prices of the whole city! Plus they have two awesome rescue cats. What more could you want?