Community Forklift

This past Saturday we took a trip over to Community Forklift just off of Kenilworth Avenue in Edmonston, MD.

Community Forklift is a 40,000 square foot home improvement thrift store promoting the reuse of building materials, appliances, paint, fixtures, and much more, preventing these things from ending up in a landfill.  It's a valuable resource for anyone redoing their house, whether you want to buy something here or donate your old materials (and get a tax write off!). They have a huge selection of anything you can think of for a home (front doors, chandeliers, toilets, granite countertops) that has either been donated or salvaged.  They state their prices are 40-80% below retail. This is an interesting place with an eclectic mix of items.  I get inspiration from visiting places like this.  I look at all of the things that have been discarded and ask how or if I can use any of these items in my own renovation project.

It's a big scary world improving your home on your own . . . and they've done their best to make it work for you. Yes, you have to load your own purchases - but they have a big bay door and you can back right into the yard to do it. Don't have the van or truck today? They'll hold for 24 hours, and store things you've bought for 2 weeks. The warehouse is cold in the winter and hot in the summer - but they have hot cocoa and coffee and a heating unit at the desk, or coolers of water and fans.  Pay with cash or credit card.

Hear are some of things they had available on Saturday.

What's behind door number ____.  I love the way they displayed these doors.

Lots of granite.  Maybe not enough of any one color to do a full counter top buy certainly enough to cut into serving tray size or to use as a cutting board.  How much fun would it be to have granite serving trays at your next soiree.

I see tons of possibilities here.  Maybe one of these old porcelain pedestals in the basement bathroom when I start the renovation down there.  Hmmm.

I was intrigued with this "sea" of old aluminum trashcans.  Some were in better shape than others.  But with a little elbow grease, most any of them could have been easily cleaned up and would make great use of themselves in the back yard when entertaining a large garden party.  Put one in the shed for refuse.  You could even remove the flip top and place a suitably sized terracotta pot in the opening with a large Boston Fern or other plant of your choice.  Let your mind wander and create.