One of my absolute favorite places to go in San Francisco. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and there seems to be a little bit of everything from every where in some odd shape, form, or manner. If you enjoy the hunt for a really good find, you should check this place out. Some of my favorite finds include: Lathem Time Clock, old metal, oven, and wood piece turned into sweet bedside table, and something else I forget right now. read more

There is a lot of stuff to look through, but it is well organzed. I've been able to get reclaimed wood, wood boxes, and random glass items, at reasonable prices. The doors and windows are fun to seach through, but they are not inexpensive. However, if you're trying to match something old, they may have it. They didn't have a lot of any one thing, but if I were redoing a small bathroom, I'd come here to look for tiles, a vanity to refinish, fixtures and mirrors. read more

Crafty people pay attention! This place is like a playground. I was looking for a chandelier and some table legs, thought I didn't find them here because it is somewhat potluck. I DID find a myriad of other things I wished I had some use for. Muni turn-styles! Victorian molding! Granite and slate remnants! Oh my! Basically if I was restoring, renovating or replacing any item in a house I owned (which I do not), I would check here first to see if you can't get it second hand. It's gottta be cheaper than Home Creepo, as my hippy uncle calls it. Also, if you're bored and want to kill an hour, this is a fabulous place to poke around. read more

This is a great place to come if you want a random chandelier, a doorknob for your old house, or another hard-to-find item you didn't even know you were looking for. There's a neat art space too, so it's worth a visit if you are just browsing. read more

They were great. They came to pick up some cabinets from our house even though the truck was pretty full. They rearranged things to make space for everything we had. read more

A very gOod dO-iT yOurseLf starting pOint, creAtiviTy jumpsTarT, or atleast a well rOunDed varieTy wOrthy of a goOd treasure hunt =) Their recent efforts towards their showroom seem to be making great improvements, and a good majority of the employees are genuinely friendly with exception for a few. Personally, as an opinion for improvement i'd say working towards more shelter for the items in which are stored outside, ie: power tools, steel items, etc. (nobody wants to purchase a rusty table saw, etc, as with steel braces and brackets- How strong and secure is a half rusted out Simpson strong Tye? And pricing, seems ridiculously high when you consider that the items were acquired either by being donated or salvaged and also seems a bit high when "building resources" (at least in my eyes symbolizes a place to go for significant discounts on items worthy of reuse, not 20% off the cost of it brand new, when its already began to show signs of weather damage!!! None the less, I do like this spOt. Everyone, everywhere always has room for improvement. But building resources serves its purpose, good job guys =) read more

This place is awesome. I drive an hour and a half to get to this place because it's so great. Prices are reasonable, staff is friendly and helpful. I came here to get antique doors and the selection is awesome. Places like this keep junk out of landfills to help people repurpose it. I have shopped here twice so far, and I will definitely be coming back. read more

B.R. is a San Francisco institution. I would have lived in a piece of shit house my whole adult life were it not for these guys. Great resource for raw materials if you are a creative sort or just handy and cheap. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and the prices are fair. For a few bucks you can customize your house plants with the recycled and weathered glass that Angel makes in the back. The glass comes in a myriad of colors and styles but I'm partial to the blue beach worn looking Skye Vodka bottle glass.. Plus I think it's cool that they keep a huge amount of stuff from ending up in landfill. Where else are you going to find Victorian sliding doors or plaster rosettes that match your apartment other than paying $500 bucks at La Victoriana. 5 Stars all the way. read more

Boy, some of these reviews look awfully suspicious. I have overheard Matt saying he is taking store merchandise to use on his his beach house. It is a non profit so he does not own the donated merchandise. They do not keep records of the donations as required by law. Extremely unfriendly place "run" by bikers, and not very knowledgeable ones. Nothing is priced so you have to waste lots of your time to find out if you even want to buy it. Matt will make you wait while they research the going prices on the internet computer for fear they might give you too good a deal. First come first served does not apply here. The current manager is downright hostile to me for no reason, unless he is homophobic. He does not stand by the prices his employees quote, nor does he stand by the price he quotes, even after you say I'll take it. He might just quote you a price, and after you say OK, I'll take it, he'll say I better see what that sells for new, even for 2 foot long cutoffs of redwood ,AKA scraps. This is not a rare occurrence either, in my experience. He will also ignore you and continue chatting with a buddy while you stand there waiting to ask a question. I paid for some plywood and they had seller's remorse and decided they sold it too cheap and lied and claimed it had been months since I bought it so it had disappeared since I called an hour earlier to tell them I was picking it up. They do not answer their phone. It is a pain to pick up something here that needs backing in a truck as they only have one place to do that and if the manager is there or one jerk employee with anger issues they will take their time getting their truck out of the way but expect you to get in get loaded and get out of their way instantly. They do have several nice and even one or two helpful employees (one is wiz at tieing off your items on your truck), but they have no authority. If I go back it will be on the manager's day off! They even keep banker's hours. If you think just because they are a "non-profit" someone's not profiting off this you're naive. There is a much better place to go, but you'll have to find it on your own, cause I buy a lot of materials and I don't want the competition. read more

So you've got this project - art being hung in a diorama made of framed windows - or a kitchen table made from a solid oak door. This is the place. Gentlemen and ladies there are well-mannered and eager to help you with your source-material selection. If you like S.C.R.A.P. - this is your place. Ignore the haters who don't give this place high marks. read more

I love, love, love this place!!!! I am an architect and for me, this is like heaven! Can't wait to get some stuff to build counters in my counterless apartment kitchen. Lots of other things here, too, for a lot of my clients...restaurant, retail and residential! You have to see it!!!! read more

i'm really into the concept of this place--recycling goods that can be used for home-improvement projects. the secret here is to be patient, dig around, scour every nook and cranny, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. i've found quite a few gems here in the past few years, but not without some problems. the majority of the staff is friendly and knowledgable, but at times it seems as if you're putting them out or interrupting their social time when you need a question answered. and the old dude that works the register--WOW... he's been terribly condescending, has charged higher than retail for a shabby/used item, miscalculated the charge on my debit card, then became aggressive and rude when he was gently corrected by my pal. and the worst part: he's a jerk when i'm in there alone, but nice as apple pie when i'm with a cute girl, especially one with nice breasts. i mean, who doesn't like nice breasts? but please don't penalize me because i don't have bigg'ns. i love old people. i make buddies with old people, but this fellow shouldn't be in a customer service position any longer. he even raised his voice at me once for asking how much an item was. you HAVE to ask, because nothing has a price tag. i get really excited about my trips to building resources, but sadly, when i see grumpy at the counter, i feel all of the wind is being let out of my thrifty sails. true rating here: 3.5 stars. to have a 4-5 star experience here, bring big boobs. read more

Over the weekend I went to Building Resources for the first time. I was just curious to see what they had and if I would find anything for my garden/backyard remodeling project. The things I found were AMAZING~ I have to admit, it was a little bit overwhelming (but in a good way !) there were just so many things to look through and I'm the kind of person that likes to take my sweet a** time and see everything. I ended up with wayyyyyy more than I expected to buy- planters and succulents, chickenwire, cement bricks and cinder blocks, pieces of glass and sand, gardening tools, an old vintage rode bike, and a couple weird little gnomes to add to my quirky garden. I am really excited to go back there next weekend and see what else I find. If you're a really hands on person and loves to build things and "upcycle", you need to make a point to check this place out. You will be happy you did! read more

Discovered Building Resources during my freshman year of high school and I've been a devotee ever since. Some of my best scores here: awesome fifties M shaped bars for my bike, salvaged bathroom tiles with flourescent cartoon mushrooms on them, and these huge red glass bus tail lights where I put my rings and bracelets at the end of the day. I come here as often as I possibly can. read more

We drove across the city to come here after checking the website for hours. The website says "open everyday." I guess I should have called, but they were not open labor day - which IS a day. Bummer that our first trip was a failure. Stuff looked pretty cool from outside the gates. read more

A fun and well-organized junkyard where you pay a pittance for chunks of marble for mosaics, to create odd art or eccentric furniture, to rewire a lamp, replace a window, door or aquarium (have to go fishing on your own, though). read more

This has become one of my favorite places to browse and spend time (as well as to find materials for household projects). Coming here is always a bit like a treasure hunt, and as long as your project parameters are flexible, you're likely to find something here that will work. It's also lovely just to stroll around, see all the interesting ways they've potted their plants, visit the little koi pond/fountain, and get inspired for your next project. read more

I thought I'd never find a steel casement window latch that would match mine. Sure enough, Building Resources had one that fit. Kudos to their staff for knowing exactly where each piece of hardware is and what is currently in stock. You kind of have to interrupt staff members' internal conversations to get some help though. read more

Great stuff and amazing staff. Nothing but props for this amazing find! I have a feeling this is going to become my second home...

This is an outdoor builder's salvage yard. There are hundreds of doors, windows, sinks, toilets, tiles, etc etc. This is not a place to go if you are looking for inspiration, but rather a place to shop when you know exactly what you need (e.g. 37 7/8" inch wide door ideally with 4 panels). I was wary of the ad hoc price setting noted by other reviewers, but many of the items that I looked at had prices on them, doors seemed to be $35, a medicine cabinet I looked at was $15. I suspect you can also negotiate, particularly if you are making a donation at the same time. read more

I love this place for so many reasons! Top of this list is that they are NON-PROFIT! and the only place that functions solely off of donations from the community. I forget the exact statistics I read...but their work results in saving massive amounts of garbage from filling up our landfills! woohoo! I had a big project in which I price-shopped all my options, new (several local places and even h.depot) and re-used (multiple salvage places).... Building Resources by FAR was the least expensive and had the best stuff! I've made several trips there and always find just what I'm looking for, and lots of tempting things that I'm not. They also were totally cool about letting me do a photo shoot for my book there... I really appreciated them making me feel like I was at home! In reference to the other reviews, I have a feeling that there is some truth to being charged based on how you look...or more so how you present yourself. But I feel confident that if you truly are scraping it together and really need that extra $20... you'll be able to have an honest conversation with them and get it. However, if you're just trying to haggle...give it up! This is a good place doing good work...give 'em the extra $20 if you've got it! read more

this place is the shit! they have everything you never knew you always wanted. plus their inventory changes daily depending on what people bring in, so if they don't have what you want, just check back in a few days. pretty outdoor gardens make it a fun place to have a cheap date. oh and you can haggle prices. they're cool and if you are too, chances are you'll get a sweet deal read more

I love love love this place. I have designed a garden oasis with finds from this salvage yard. I go often, just like a thrift store, and always find something. I have purchased wood, tile, fencing, lighting fixtures,playground recycled matting, beach glass, you name it, and always at good prices. The staff is wonderful and full of excellent ideas. You can't miss here. I promise you, if you go here once, you will definitely be back for more. read more

What an incredible place to find very cheap building materials and odds and ends. A non profit affiliated with H.A.N.C. ( haight ashbury neighborhood recycling center) I have been going here for close to 20 years and in fact, built an entire art studio and shop on shoe string budget by shopping here. I still drop by ever week or so, because there are always new and interesting things for sale....." pennies on the dollar " when compared to places like Caldwells, or Urban Ore and other designer used building supply venues. They are an accredited tax donation location should you decide to donate. ( sorry, they will not buy or pick up your stuff) I know and love Matthew, Bill, Sam, Angel and a few others. Oh- and not to brag, but I built the fish pond, installed the irrigation and assisted with the gardens, painted the huge sign on the roof, and applied signage to several of the trucks.. I love this place, and find it relaxing to sit by the fish pond and enjoy the jungle of gardens throughout the yard. A must visit venue! read more

This place is a great resource for the city. It's like Goodwill but instead of clothing, they take building materials and home furnishings you don't need and re-sell them. I dropped off a wall bookcase to them the other day and they took it with no hassle and I'm sure they'll sell it for plenty of money. Great place though. read more

This reminds me of Urban Ore but way cheaper with a barn sale feel. If you enjoy Shabby Chic restorations there's so good finds for both the house and garden. A lot of supplies for mosaics, many doors and odd end windows. I bought many ceramic pieces for a mosaic for only $1. What a steal! read more

The finest builder's junkyard, leftovers of all kinds are abundant and cheap. Remember you gt what you pay for in an "as is" condition--no refunds. Know what you want and be sure it meets your needs, and you'll get it at a good price. Our handyman kills his free time there just getting ideas. It's kind of like a museum of building techniques and building supplies. read more

Great place to find random scraps, doors, lighting fixtures, wood, pretty much anything you'd expect to find. There are better places for wood out in the East Bay (true slavage yards), but for smaller projects, this place is great and convenient. read more

I've been coming here regularly and became a familiar face with the staff. I've had some great deals before but lately, I noticed that as they became comfortable with me, I noticed that the pricing has become ridiculous as time went by. I noticed too that staff especially this guy Chris will use your labor to sift through stuff for valuable things that you find or took time to look for. When you bring it up to him for a price, he'll tell you it's nor for sale and price it so high that he knows you'll turn down and then he keeps it aside, I guess for himself. Today, I had some some wire, a pound of nails, 2 used bulbs and 3 plastic bins and he priced it at $20 and then walks away which to me means, no negotiation. I left and I doubt I'll ever be back. Really bad vibe. They can keep their garbage from now on. I'm done! read more

This place is great for old / rare finds.

My partner and I love it. Better than Urban Ore in Berkeley. Doors, windows, tiles, mosaic glass, planters, ideas on display. And my favorite, old stuff like old tools, parts, projectors, tables, chairs, headboards... Go, u won't be sorry!! read more

I've been going to Building Resources for years, and always loved it. The place has evolved, and seems to get even better. Nice folks, good finds, the unique sort of business that does SF proud. read more

BR is amazing, a small, special eddy in the roaring waste-stream of our society. A real oasis, actually. Look for the lilly-covered goldfish ponds. Great selection of the basics for plumbing and electrical, buckets of strong-tie fasteners, good glass and sheet-plastics as well. Furniture parts too. Tip: Wear sneakers and bring gloves, if you are looking for lumber or other heavy items. They have a fleet of most excellent carts, to help you move your stuff to your vehicle. And if they've never failed to offer to help me when I need it. Be polite and respectful and you will be treated well. The folks here work hard to keep the yard organized, and it is. They are a talented bunch, as well. Look carefully and you will see their work throughout the yard. read more

Great resource, doing great things - but enough with the condescension already! Building Resources is great for lumber, doors, tile, and other construction materials for reuse - hooray for that, it's great that someone is supplying this to reduce waste. If you want anything other than basic materials,like cool funky old components (windows, cabinets, tubs, sinks, etc.), their supply is not as good as the folks across the bay at Ohmega and Urban Ore. And while I've had good experiences with the staff onsite, the guy who answers the phone on weekday mornings has been randomly condescending to me a couple of times too many now. Ladies, you how guys who think your gender makes you dumb about things like carpentry will call you "ma'am" to emphasize that point? It was one of those. (Me: "I need some planks to use for some really simple book shelves." Him: "There's no such thing as a simple book shelf, ma'am." Me: not bothering to explain I'm talking cinder blocks and planks here, because, why bother?) Nothing you can't deal with if they happen to have the supplies you need to buy, but why put up with it if you don't have to? read more

I called this place looking for chimney flue masonry and the guy who answered the phone explained that they do not have an inventory of items for phone requests. I explained that I lived across the bay and didn't want to spend the time and gas to drive over there if they didn't ever have any chimney flue masonry but he wouldn't ask anybody else there and refused to help. What is the point of recycling stuff if you make people drive a hundred miles just to see if you have something in the general category of what they are looking for. A real disappointment. read more

This place is great, although their prices and flawed pricing logic/strategy is not. They have very cool stuff and the funky staff can be a great help. Then why the one star rating you ask? Well I'll tell ya: I am building a patio and they had a couple of pallets of pavers, about 110 in total, which I could really use. So I bought them for $1 each which seemed like a good price. I borrowed a friends truck and two guys from the corner and we lugged them through my house into the backyard. Later that night I decided to look online at home depot to see what they cost new. I found out they are 98 cents each new for the exact same 12x12 red pavers! Great. I paid more for used lichen stained, dirty pavers than I would have paid if they were new. Not really a huge deal but pretty annoying. So I called building resources the next day to tell them of these facts. I polity stated "I just wanted to mention that the used pavers I bought from you cost less new from home depot." His reply at building resources "Sir, our prices have nothing to do with home depot." I replied "Had I known they were less expensive or even the same price why would I buy them used?" He says again "Our prices are independent of home depot." Is the guy a moron, I think he is. I can imagine one of the points he was inadequately attempting to convey might have been that we are helping the world by recycling goods. Which is true. But still, I don't think they should charge more than the item was when new. In this case 50 cents per paver seemed like the right deal to me. In conclusion; when buying doors, windows or things that are commercially available at this place, do yourself a favor and compare to the same or similar item(s) new. I'll still go to this place as they have cool weird stuff, but beware of prices when purchasing mundane/ordinary items. read more

Ive been coming here for years, but i feel its no longer worth it. Some of the people that work there will give you an exorbitant price for something that you can get for half or quarter the price new. there was i time when you could go there and get a good deal. Now your usually likely to get gouged. And the old man at the register....? whew.. stay away from him. dudes seriously disgruntal! read more

I went here to find materials to make my very own personalized accessories rack. I live for accessories and have amassed a huge collection of scarves, belts, jewelry, sunglasses, and other craziness over the years, but I always forget what I have because it is in drawers and not organized and visible. The friendly guy behind the counter helped me find the perfect two pieces (perhaps formerly a crate, or similar) as my backboard, and then I found a variety of rusty (adds character) nails and screws for hooks. The total came to only $5 dollars and I got exactly what I wanted and am looking forward to a fun time hammering and putting it all together tonight. There were many other options for my project, such as shutters, picket fence sections, and more... It seems like Building REsources has everything one might need for a project, as long as you are flexible. I am going to become a regular! read more

Cool place. Went there to look for used planks to fix an old hardwood floor, left with a great ideas for building a barn like door in my house. Worth spending an hour there browsing through the treasures - and junk. read more

I've been going to Building Resources for a couple of years. I REALLY like it. Each time you go, there's something new. I've bought lots of recycled materials for our home, such as wood (dirt cheap) for building planter boxes, tiles and plumbing odds and ends that are hard to get at the large box home improvement stores. As a teacher it is fabulous. You can really enhance your environment and curriculum with materials from Building Resources. Even if you come with ideas, you leave with more. The staff is really helpful and very teacher friendly. This is really one of the great finds in the city. read more