Borrow what you need: Skip the cost and clutter
Doing the work yourself? There’s no need to buy every tool you might need for a home project. Portland’s neighborhood tool libraries let you borrow tools for free and offer everything from drills and tile saws to ladders and lawn tools.
Tool libraries are a great way to save money, avoid clutter, and get advice from helpful neighbors and volunteers. All you need is a membership and proof of address, and most are open on weekends and one evening during the week.
Find your nearest tool library
Use salvaged materials
A great way to save money, reduce waste, and get high-quality materials is to buy salvaged materials like reclaimed wood, lighting, vintage cabinets, doors, hardware, and more.
Portland has a great network of reclaimed building material stores.
Whether your style is modern or vintage, reused materials can help make your space one of a kind while saving natural resources and reducing your project’s carbon footprint.
How to remodel with reused materials
Deconstruct, don’t destroy
Before you tear things out, check if local nonprofits like the ReBuilding Center or Habitat ReStore will take what you’re removing.
You’ll save money by donating reusable items rather than taking them to the dump. Plus, your old stuff might be just what another Portlander needs.
Commonly accepted items include:
- Cabinets and doors
- Lighting
- Sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Hardware and windows
Check donation guidelines on their websites. Don’t have a truck? Some even offer pickup!
Just moved in? Start with small updates
Whether you're a beginner or have some DIY experience, here are common projects new homeowners and renters tackle:
No experience needed
Though you might want to watch a how-to video or two for tips:
- Paint a wall or room for a fresh start.
- Replace cabinet knobs.
- Install curtain rods or hang artwork.
Some skills (or research) needed
- Install shelves or wall-mounted storage.
- Swap out light fixtures or faucets (turn off power/water first!).
- Replace weather stripping or caulk around windows.
- Build a small table, bench, or planter box with reclaimed wood.
- Fix sticky doors, squeaky hinges, or loose floorboards.
These projects are a great chance to shop for salvaged materials, like lighting, hardware, and wood. You’ll save money and give your home a one-of-a-kind look.
Give it a try
Aim to use at least one reclaimed item in your next project.
Or take a walk through a local salvage store. You don’t have to have a project in mind. You might find the perfect piece (or idea) to kick off your next home update.
Why it matters
Using reclaimed building materials helps lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the demand for new products that require energy to extract, manufacture, and transport (EPA).
In Portland, over 2,200 tons of building materials have been kept out of landfills since 2016, thanks to the city’s residential deconstruction requirement for older homes. This has cut 3.6 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions and supported dozens of local green‑job businesses and salvage stores.
Choosing reclaimed items like wood, doors, and fixtures is a practical way to reduce your project’s environmental footprint and support the circular economy.