The San Francisco Bay Area has a long-standing DIY culture. Homeowners here take pride in maintaining and improving their living spaces, and that tradition has helped inspire publications like ReadyMade and Dwell. With so many resources nearby, DIY enthusiasts and home bloggers in the region are spoiled for choice.
Many of the best values can be found in Oakland and the East Bay. With thanks to Gene of DIY Insanity, this guide highlights reliable local resources for everything from basic hardware to reclaimed architectural materials. If you know of a shop we missed or a listing that needs updating, please share your suggestions in the comments.
Hardware Stores
Markus Supply / Ace Hardware 510.832.6532
625 3rd St., Oakland, CA 94607
For everyday needs, your local hardware store is often the quickest option. Markus Supply offers a broader selection than many small independents without requiring a trip to a big-box store, making it a convenient choice for a range of projects.
Ace Ellis Hardware 510.653.4365
5424 MLK Way, Oakland, CA 94609
Ellis Hardware stores much of its stock behind the counter rather than on open aisles. Describe what you need and the staff will retrieve it for you or advise where to find it if it’s not carried.
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Salvage Stores
Habitat ReStore 510.777.1447
9235 San Leandro St., Oakland, CA
The Habitat ReStore sells new and gently used building materials at reduced prices. Purchases support Habitat for Humanity’s mission, and many items that might otherwise be discarded can find a second life through the store.
The ReUse People 510.383.1983
9235 San Leandro Blvd., Oakland, CA 94603
Specializing in careful deconstruction, The ReUse People salvage doors, windows, cabinetry, reclaimed lumber, and unique architectural elements. Conveniently, they’re next to the Habitat ReStore, so both places can be checked in one stop.
Urban Ore 510.841.7283
900 Murray St., Berkeley, CA 94710
Urban Ore offers a vast variety of salvaged building materials—windows, doors, sinks and more—and a wide assortment of items for repurposing. Their mission focuses on reducing waste and promoting reuse across the community.
East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse 510.547.6470
4695 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
The Depot collects and redistributes discarded art and craft materials, paper goods, fabric, furniture, and educational supplies. It diverts waste from landfills while offering affordable resources for artists, educators, and community programs.
Green Stores
EcoHome Improvement 510.644.3500
2617-2619 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702
EcoHome Improvement stocks green building materials such as cabinetry, countertops, low-VOC paints, and environmentally conscious flooring. Their staff is knowledgeable about manufacturing and lifecycle impacts, including transportation and sourcing. Some items are premium-priced, but reflect higher-end materials and sustainable production standards.
Learning DIY
Building Education Center 510.525.7610
812 Page St., Berkeley, CA 94710
The Building Education Center offers a wide range of classes, from Landscape Watering Systems to Installing Windows, Doors and Skylights. Hands-on workshops include Electrical Wiring and Stucco Repair. For a comprehensive overview, the Homeowners Essential Course is a multi-week program covering building, repair, and home maintenance fundamentals.
Habitat for Humanity East Bay 510.251.6304
2619 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Habitat for Humanity East Bay provides volunteer training for safe and proper building techniques. Volunteers learn practical construction skills and green building practices while contributing to affordable housing projects—an excellent way to gain hands-on experience under experienced supervision.
Lumber Yards
Piedmont Lumber 510.658.1826
351 40th St., Oakland, CA 94609
Piedmont Lumber is a full-service lumberyard carrying dimensional lumber, drywall, and other essential building supplies. They also retain a classic neighborhood presence and local character.
Economy Lumber 510.261.6100
750 High St., Oakland, CA 94601
Economy Lumber offers a broad selection of building materials and operates a showroom for windows and doors, making it easy to compare styles and order custom units for renovation projects.
Plumbing Supply
Moran Plumbing Supply 510.652.7437
415 40th St., Oakland, CA 94609
Located near Piedmont Lumber, Moran carries plumbing supplies from pipe fittings to sinks and toilets. Their staff is known for being helpful and knowledgeable, which is useful when planning plumbing projects.
Rubenstein Plumbing Supply 510.444.6614
2800 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608
Rubenstein offers a wide range of plumbing fixtures and parts. Many local homeowners find it a reliable source for specialty items and higher-end fixtures.
Tool Libraries
Oakland Tool Lending Library 510.597.5089
5205 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Housed on the ground floor of the Temescal branch of the Oakland Public Library, the tool lending library lets residents borrow a variety of tools at no charge. It’s a great option for one-off projects and for homeowners who prefer not to invest in specialty tools.
Berkeley Tool Lending Library 510.981.6101
1901 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703
The Berkeley Public Library’s tool lending library is located at the South Branch and is available to Berkeley residents and property owners. It’s another excellent community resource for accessing tools without buying them outright.
photo: JessicaReeder East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse