Second Use Building Materials

Second Use is a dream come true for DIY-​ers. Their large warehouse is a museum of recycled home materials from doorknobs to dishwashers, from flooring to furniture, all looking to be repurposed by some savvy homeowner or contractor. Their inventory is constantly changing, and they do their best to keep their website up to date with new items in and recent items sold. Employees were helpful, prices were mostly very reasonable, and we left happy. Will definitely return for future projects.

Manuel started me off with a window and door, Ian and Lawson fitted my chosen knob to my door. Men doing what you want and making you happy… What could be better?

This place is a dream for new homeowners. They have a range of items from interior cabinetry to windows to misc. furniture. We were on a mission to find a fireplace mantel and we scored a wood fireplace mantel shelf for $ 45. A little disappointed because we were looking for a full mantel which they often have. We were short on time so if you visit make sure you have plenty of time to check out their items. This place gets donated items regularly so here are my tips below.
Tips:
1. Check their website it is updated regularly
2. Put items on Hold. They go quick!
3. Happy shopping and repurposing.

Their holding services seems kind of odd to me. On multiple occassions, I’ve called right at opening to place a hold on something that was posted online after closing the night before only to find out that the item has multiple holds on it. It seems strange, because they say they cannot accept holds over voicemail anymore. It feels like they aren’t following their policy, and it has discouraged me from shopping there anymore.

I really really want to be 100% excited about this place, and was the first time I stopped by. The concept is GREAT, and I’m very happy to help support efforts to reuse, recycle, avoid cheaply made junk, and reduce what goes into the landfill. I just had a bad experience however on my second visit that’s going to make me think hard about going back.
I think the moral of my story is BE CAREFUL what you buy! It’s very easy to show up and become goggle-​eyed at the eclectic mix of fun vintage items from the 20s –60s (and newer), but it’s equally easy to find something that you think will work, but that just doesn’t quite fit, or has the wrong parts, and I have received less-​than-​understanding and an entirely non-​flexible response when trying to mitigate a just ‘barely-​off’ purchase. Without making this too long, during my most recent visit, I was trying to swap out a doornob I had purchased with an ever-​so slightly wrong sized back plate for one that would cover the hole I currently have in my doors. Second Use had both items just like the one I was trying to swap out, and lots that would work for me still in stock, prices hadn’t changed. The prices for swapped items would have been the same. I was sure they would let me just run in and do the exchange, or I would have been happy to pay a modest restocking fee. I was met with much less flexibility than that however. The guy behind the counter was quick to charge me a 30% restocking fee (without completely explaining what he was doing — was going to end up at something like $ 40), and then explained that there was nothing else he could do. I understand that there are likely items at Second Use that would be very difficult for them to take back, but I just don’t think this was one of those examples, and I received no indication that the guys working there had any sense (or care) for how far a little flexibility could go in terms of increasing the success rate of confusing home improvement problems.
Anyway, I don’t mean to go on a tirade, but walked out of there today with a pretty bummed out impression. It seems like in this case the hipster staff wasn’t actually as dedicated to facilitating clever solutions as they might like to appear.

Yes, this place is pretty amazing for the service they provide and the items they stock. Be prepared to fall in love with a lighting fixture, pedestal sink, or set of bookshelves. But also be prepared to discover the item has already been sold or is on hold. You can see almost all of their items online, but it doesn’t update as fast as some of the items move through the store. Many of the larger items are sold in lots, so unless you’re prepared to buy an entire room worth of cabinets or hardwood floors, you may be disappointed to find you can’t just buy one piece. I also find it a little annoying that in order to check out and pay for an item, you must exit through the «treasure room». Here you’ll be tempted by wonderful antique times of interest that you’ll be tempted to buy. Come on guys, just let us pay for our stuff and exit through the warehouse.

deceptive, these guys intentionally offerred me 10% off in order to get me to drop off valuable building materials. Then I went around to the front and everybody was offered ten percent intercom. That is intentional bait. also everybody got hooked.

These guys were great and helped us load 12 doors onto our truck this morning for a Ghost Truck delivery. –Super Friends

My first experience with Second Use was a referral from a contractor I’m using. I wanted to get rid of my old cabinets in an eco friendly (and labor free) way. My cabinets are an early 90’s design so they’re about 20 years old, needless to say they didn’t want them.
My rating is based not on their lack of interest, but that it took them three weeks to make this decision. Based on a phone conversation they had said they’d likely take them so I didn’t organize a backup solution.
Poor customer service.

Great variety of materials — huge salvaged timbers, funky antique fixtures, doors for days … too much fun for one visit. I’ll have to come back with the pickup.

I am an obsessive DIYer, so for me this place is like being a kid in a candy shop.
They have a LARGE selection of salvaged building materials (windows, doors, cabinets, tile, wood flooring) and there’s even a section dedicated to just door knobs.
Most of the items are reasonably priced and their inventory is always being updated. That said, it can be difficult to find pairs or several matching items if you’re looking for things like wood planks, tiles, cabinets, or doors. Also, if you see something you like –buy it. Don’t wait because items are limited stock, sell quickly, and may not be there when you return.
If you visit their website, you can submit a «Want List» request of items that they have listed. The Want List is similar to a «Wish List» as it just serves as a reminder of things you want to remember but NOT that they’re keeping on hold. Call the store to inquire about items that you want to place on HOLD because some things (even though listed just-​in) sell before they’re able to update their system.
The reason I say that only most items are reasonably priced is because a lot of their «vintage» finds are marked REALLY high. My guess is to offset the cost of housing items that take a while to sell. So yeah, you might not get a good deal if you’re looking for a vintage lamp or map but you’ll be spending half of what you would on new building materials PLUS keeping things out of landfills.
Whether you’re crafting, rebuilding, or doing minor household projects, this is a great store to wander around and get materials or just inspiration. The only thing I regret when leaving this store is that I don’t own a truck.

If you repurpose, this is the place for you! Love how helpful everyone is and their pricing is exceptional… Lower than down the street.
Everything I have picked up here has worked out perfectly. I will go back again.
They have so many doors! I was able to replace a door for a fraction of the Home Depot price.

Probably in my top 5 things to do in Seattle and the value is so great, the staff is friendly and the product is always top quality.
I really love this store. I could spend hours getting lost in the amazing things they have there.
Also, they get new inventory daily (maybe even more than that) and so it is never the same when you come back the next time.

Hubby has shopped here for a long time. I have to say it is fascinating but a lot of work — there are some terrific buys and staff is great with helping you (ask and you never know what may happen — they found me 2 items in back at reasonable prices that weren’t on the floor anywhere). The bad — lots of absolute garbage that is sooo overpriced — an example marble fireplace mantel with huge chunks missing ($ 2995.00). I’m sure I’ll be back — according to staff all items are also online (I’ll have to check it out)/

I have a mixed review.
Pro — You can find amazing old, antique, vintage, cool construction supplies here and it’s a great way to recycle and keep forests standing and keep stuff out of landfills.
Con — I feel their buyback program is walking a fine line towards dishonesty. My two examples:
1 — This was back at their old location, but I brought in a bunch of items to see what Second Use would offer to buy them from me. I don’t remember all of the details but I think there were some light fixtures and the item in question — a white pedestal sink with legs at the front corners. I remember it being explained to me that the buyback program was they would offer ¼ of the expected sales value of the item if you wanted cash and they would offer ¹⁄₃ of the expected sales value of the item if you wanted it in store credit. She said something like $ 150 for the pedestal sink alone, which I agreed to and since I wanted cash I got something like $ 37.50 (¼ of their expected sales value) for the vanity. I spent about an hour at the store and when I walked back to my car I saw my same pedestal sink with a price tag of $ 400 on it. I went right to the same Second Use store associate and voiced my displeasure at seeing that price tag on the item after she told me the expected sales value would be $ 150. She pretty much said that she would try to sell it for as high as she could and too bad for me. I was shocked because I thought their ¹⁄₃ and ¼ system was fair, but not when they are lieing about what value that ¹⁄₃ or ¼ is based on.
2 — A much more recent example happened just a few days ago, April 2014. I wanted to stop at Second Use and sell some items before proceeding to pick up materials for a jobsite, and since it was a lot of materials, I would need my van totally empty. I had two very nice interior French doors with all the glass unbroken and in great shape. I also had 1 vinyl XO slider window and 2 double-​hung windows as well as some old window door weights and some other items which were in their unopened packaging — light fixtures, door closers, and door hardware. I was told by the man who helped me that they were too busy to look at any of the small items. We unloaded the 2 french doors and the 3 vinyl windows. He then made some measurements and mental calculations and told me $ 30. I said for what? He said for everything. I said $ 30 for 2 french doors and 3 vinyl windows? He said the double hung windows he was giving a reduced price since they weren’t single hung like most windows and that’s weird to most buyers. If I didn’t have to go directly from Second Use with an empty rig directly to pick up materials for a project, I would have loaded my doors and windows back up and left. $ 30 was almost like a slap in the face.
Beware if you are trying to get much money for any construction supplies, even in great shape. You are much better off taking photos and listing it on craigslist.

I can’t say enough good things about Second Use. The online inventory is so easy to browse through, and making a hold or buying over the phone is a breeze. The store itself, though, is really where it’s at! A homeowner’s paradise. Very clean, extremely organized– they really care for the items. The staff was friendly and very helpful, so on the ball.
Not just vintage products available– we found brand new, near perfect aluminum clad wood windows (!!) for a fraction of the cost new. Worth the drive! We will always look here first.

So awesome. So so so awesome! Did I say awesome? I can’t say it enough!!!
I got 5 solid wood, beautifully detailed interior doors for the price I would have paid for 1 new one! I also got a bathroom light fixture that is PERFECT for $ 15. I can’t believe I haven’t visited this place before. Can’t wait to go back for the next phase of our remodel. Before you go to anyplace for new materials, check this place out first! You will regret having paid full price when there is such a HUGE selection of great light fixtures, doors, appliances, cabinets, lighting, door knobs, even toilets for ¼ of what you’d pay new.
If you go in the winter, wear a coat! It’s a big open warehouse, so obviously it’s going to be chilly, and you will want to spend at least an hour there to find exactly what you’re looking for more than likely. –1 star ONLY because the guy who rang up my purchase seemed grouchy, and kind of talked to me like I was an idiot, but I just ignored it and kept smiling since I was so thrilled to be getting such a great deal. All the other staff were super helpful, funny, informative and direct, in the best way. Definitely will be telling EVERYONE about this place.

Love this store, we came by looking for miscellaneous things and FOUND SOOO MANY cool old things and new things in here! The staff are all pretty busy so it was hard to get some help but I found myself around pretty well.
I recommend this place to any photographers or people looking to find some cool things to decorate their home or a photo set area. THey have some beautiful old pieces here that would look great in photos!

Use your ten dollar off coupon in the Seattle Chinook book.
It accompanies the endless inspiration this fantastic business offers!

I can’t say I’ve ever needed building materials, but I found myself here with my parents one weekend as they were in search of a door. I was mostly interested in seeing the space, as it’s in the former Alaskan Copper building & I spent my formative years working for AC. It was kind of fun looking around at all the old stuff; some of it is pretty weird and/​or amusing. And if you’re in need of a door, definitely check this place out — it’s FULL of them. They range in price from around $ 10 to in the hundreds; my dad was able to find a pretty nice one for $ 10 that suits his purposes just fine. Some of the other things were pretty pricy, though, so your mileage may vary.
I would be remiss not to mention the staff! Even though they spend their days in a freezing-​cold warehouse, they were friendly and helpful, which was appreciated since we weren’t really sure how everything worked.
I have no plans whatsoever to buy building materials or antique doors or toilets (yes, there’s an entire section of toilets — a little creepy) but if anyone else does, you should make sure to at least check this place out.