DIY City Guide: Seattle
The plethora of old homes in Seattle require regular maintenance and the wet climate ensures homeowners stay vigilant against mold and water damage. Landscaping is also an issue that can't be ignored or else plants will overrun your yard in a matter of weeks as there is no shortage of water.
Fortunately the emerald city is not lacking for diy resources and we've compiled our favorites as well as yours. Seattle's a big city so if we've overlooked any gems please let us know in the comments and if you're city isn't listed among our DIY City Guides, then send us an email with reasons why it should be.
Hardware Stores
Hardwick's 206.632.1203
4214 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle,WA 98105
A local and family owned Seattle institution. Three generations of Hardwicks have been helping Seattle residents with any and all diy projects. It's also just a fun place to poke around if you find unique hardware stores to be interesting (which we do!)
McLendon Hardware 206.762.4090
10210 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146
Another local establishment that has become legendary among diy enthusiasts for their service and hardware selection. Multiple locations throughout the greater Seattle area.
Greenwood Hardware 206.783.2900
201 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103
Customers and employees know Greenwood TrueValue Hardware as "the biggest little hardware store in Seattle." Founded in 1948 and in continuous operation at the same location for nearly 60 years. They have a large selection of natural, organic and environmentally friendly products including: hand push and cordless electric mowers, fertilizers, compost and many garden chemicals, house and home cleaners and natural, no VOC paints.
Pacific Supply Co. 206.322.1717
1417 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Nuts, bolts, nails, hammers, light bulbs, compact fluorescents, wire, switch plates, cable TV cables, phone cables, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, chewing gum remover. Capitol Hill's everything for your home store.
Tweedy & Popp 206.322.1717
1815 N 45th St. Suite. 112 Seattle, WA 98103
Another neighborhood institution founded in 1920. Tweedy & Popp has a wide selection of merchandise in the following categories: Paint and Paint Sundries; Cleaning Supplies; Tools; Electrical; Plumbing; Hardware and Fasteners; Housewares and Household Goods; Yard, Lawn and Garden; Outdoor and Automotive.
Gardening & Landscape
Molbaks 206.762.4090
13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville, WA 98072
A short trek to Woodinville is rewarded by the largest selection of plants, trees and shrubs you'll find in the PNW. The folks are also very knowledgeable and the shopping experience is very chic for a gardening store.
City People's 206.324.0737
2939 E. Madison St. Seattle, WA 98112
They've got a mercantile and garden location. They've got a garden blog. More retailers should blog! Locally owned and operated they have a diverse plant selection and offer the most natural and organic garden products to help you grow them.
Green Building and Salvage Supply
Second Use 206.763.6929
7953 2nd Ave S. Seattle, WA 98108
Second Use has been reclaiming building materials for reuse in the Puget Sound region since 1994. They are a community business - materials come from and are used in the local region. The company itself is locally grown; the owners are employees; the employees all together shape the future of the business.
The RE Store 206.297.9119
1440 N.W. 52nd Street, Seattle, WA 98107
the RE Store stocks quality building and home improvement materials at prices that are up to 50% less than the cost of new items. They offer a variety of services including pickups, salvage, and full building deconstruction.
Ecohaus 206.297.9119
4121 First Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98134
A green building mecca. Products are environmentally friendly, but they're also tasteful and innovative. They look for unique, cutting-edge materials that have the ability to gain beauty with age and from day one were sustainable. Their blog.
Paint & Finishes
Daly's Paint 206.297.9119
3525 Stone Way North Seattle, WA 98103
Since 1938 Daly's has been the go-to resource for Seattle paints and wood finish. They've got some helpful diy articles on their website such as their exterior painting checklist.
Lumber
Stewart Lumber Company 206.324.5000
1761 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98144
Since 1926 they've been stocking construction supplies, tools and of course lumber which they treat like their baby.
Limback Lumber Co. 206.782.3487
2600 N.W. Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
An "old style" lumber yard, with prompt & courteous service. They offer free delivery in the greater Seattle area. Their framing lumber is kiln dried Douglas fir and the Plywood comes from only the best mills. Great inventory of Cedar, Finish Lumber, and Mouldings.
Tool Libraries
Phinney Neighborhood Association Tool Library 206.789.4993
6532 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle WA 98103
The PNA's Tool Lending Library, located in the Phinney Neighborhood Center's brick building, has hundreds of tools that you may borrow tools for a modest suggested weekly tool maintenance fee that is listed next to each tool. Reduced tool fees are available for low-income households.
If you're city isn't listed among our DIY City Guides, then send us an email with reasons why it should be.
