DIY City Guides
The Old Pueblo has been an Ace Hardware town way before the big box retailers showed up. We've selected some local favorites as well as other vendors and shops that local diy enthusiasts have loved for years.
Hardware Stores
Ace Hardware
6959 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85710
520.747.9473
There are Ace Hardware stores throughout the area but this one has been around for years and has a loyal following. If you are an Eastsider you've most definitely visited this store for your home improvement needs.
Kent's Tools
133 E. Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
520.624.8089
You name it, they probably have it. New, used and surplus tools from over 500 manufacturers.
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.
The San Francisco bay area has a rich tradition of diy ethos. Residents take pride in their homes and environment which is unique to any other part of the country. Two of our favorite magazines were born there, ReadyMade and Dwell. It's no wonder there are so many housebloggers in the region who are fortunate to have a plethora of diy resources at their fingertips.
It seems the best value is found in Oakland & the East Bay so thanks to Gene of DIY Insanity we've got your diy needs in the East Bay covered. For other cities check out our complete list of DIY City Guides.
Let us know if we've missed any hidden gems in the comments or you feel a vendor review needs adjusting.
Hardware Stores
Markus Supply Ace Hardware 510.832.6532
625 3rd St., Oakland, CA 94607
When you just need some basics, your nearest hardware store is your best bet. But if you need a wider selection of items but don't want to go to the box stores, Markus Hardware may have what you need.
Ace Ellis Hardware 510.653.4365
5424 MLK Way, Oakland, CA 94609
If you're looking to browse the aisles, head somewhere else. Ellis Hardware has most of what they sell on huge shelves behind the counter. Describe what you need, and they'll get it for you, or tell you where you can if they don't carry it.
Portland remains an outpost of great design, bleeding edge technology, and fervent do-it-yourselfers. It seems that the rest of the country has finally caught onto to the sustainable lifestyle and eco-friendly transportation that Portland has long been known for. With help from Paige at Reliable Remodeler, we've gathered some of the top resources in Portland for DIY enthusiasts.
More from Paige:
When it comes to Portland I'm passionate about sharing our amazing local, independent businesses and resources that showcase what I love about this city: our unique sense of community, our love of being "green", and of course our desire to support local quality products!
We'd venture to say that Chicago leads the nation in number of housebloggers per capita and their undisputed leaders are Aaron and Jeanne Marie Olson who have been chronicling the renovation of their 1914 bungalow on HouseinProgress.net for the past 6 years. They're also the founders of Houseblogs.net, a community-powered home improvement publication that every houseblogger worth their mud is a member of.
We knew they would be the perfect people to approach for our Chicago DIY City Guide and they didn't disappoint. Through their renovation process they have compiled a list of respected vendors, contractors, and retailers that in their experience have been reliable and knowledgeable in their respective fields.
We've come to appreciate the City of Angels and realize the history and communities are as vibrant as anywhere in the country. This applies to the do-it-yourself spirit that is surging across the city and that's why we've chosen LA as the subject of our first DIY City Guide.
We've tapped a couple of our favorite house bloggers, Heather Ferguson and David Chiu from 1912 Bungalow, to help us identify some of the top resources in the greater Los Angeles area for do-it-yourself homeowners. Heather and David have been restoring their Craftsman home which is located in the historic West Adams district since 2002 and have compiled a great list of retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers that know their product and clients.
We've added a couple of our own resources to this list and consider it open-ended. Please let us know in the comments if we've left off your favorite neighborhood hardware store or local shop you can't do without.
