It's a hit or miss with this place. Sometimes, you'll find amazing deals. Other days, you'll walk out with nothing. ...but then again, it is a place where you rummage through stuff that you plan to upcycle. One time, I came in here and found a really huge cute furniture crate for $40. SCORE! read more

Walking around this place made me wish I had a project at my home. I'll definitely visit sporatically in case I need to feel inspired. It's kind of like a garage sale and a 2nd hand Home Depot (so cheaper prices). Check it out. read more

I would usually be completely nuts for a concept like this, but I felt the prices were too high for products they literally just pulled out of the garbage. read more

i was looking for a desk and i found a gold mine! inside this enormous warehouse is everything you are looking providing proof of the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure," this place houses and resells furniture, clothing, appliances, building materials (huge bins of screws to dig through, nails, hinges, door knobs...you name it) Honestly if you are looking for anything go here first. things are cheap (my hard wood desk was $60!) and you avoid adding to the waste of commercial surplus (good deed points) not sure what their buying policies are but i think they take most things. check out the website urbanore.ypguides.net read more

It might take them awhile to get back to ya, but if your throwing away some fixtures, or anything made of metal, have them pick it up (for free, you just have to put it out for them). We're renovating a home, and they are willing to pick up a ton of crap we would have just ended up throwing away. read more

Yes it's cluttered, yes it's messy, yes it's big and overwhelming + yes it's eco-friendly (reuse/recycle), yes it has cool eclectic things at awesome prices, yes you can find random things to refurbish your home here like doors, glass and rebar = super cool junkyard. read more

Great place to pick up used materials for DIY and home renovations. Unique items and one of a kinds.

I would give it no stars, very little items worth a shit and super overpriced to boot. Everything smells like cat piss. I love the recycling idea, but they try to sell there USED items at the same price as retail . read more

The previous descriptions captured the unique atmosphere of Urban Ore. Now that I suffer from allergies galore spending too much time in this paradise of junk is not wise; still, I thought that it was worthwhile because I was searching for an enchanting old sink. Not my day, but luckily, the outdoors area where the sinks and tubs are organized is an quick, easy meander so that it wasn't frustrating. The indoor warehouse is worthy of a walk-through. Actually, I noticed a table of interest except that there was a sold sign taped to its top. Oh, well. read more

If you need old stuff this is the place to look for it. old lighting fixtures, windows, bathtubs, bicycles, trunks. You name it they have it. read more

Perfect for me. For some reason I'm just fascinated with junk. All this stuff that was high tech in it's day stacked in dusty piles. Reel to reels, 8 tracks, laser discs, there's probably an Edison in there somewhere. But a lot of the stock is bought and reused, which I like a lot. And every once in awhile I find something really beautiful or useful. Some of it is overpriced, but they will negotiate a little. read more

Urban ore used to be a nicer place to go. The staff isn't as nice always as a retail place should be, and they have a lot of stuff that piles up that they should just trash if it isn't going to sell. Prices are not that great but they do come up with good stuff sometimes, most likely because they have the exlusive right to pick over stuff at the Berkeley transfer station. If they cleaned out some of the junk there, dropped their prices a bit, and had a little chat with the staff it would be a better place. I used to donate really good stuff I had salvaged from construction projects but they sometimes say they don't want it, even though it is good stuff and they are selling the same thing inside for a bit too much. Now if I have excess stuff from demolition I just give it away. It's getting recycled, and I don't have to truck it there. read more

I always find all kinds of stuff I didn't even know I needed and sometimes I even find the stuff I was actually looking for. I've been especially lucky in finding stuff for my kitchen. If you've never been, you should definitely check it out. My only disappointment is they don't really have paper or fabric, but that's why I go to SCRAP in San Francisco when I need those things. Prices range from very cheap for small things, to sometimes a bit much for some of the office furniture. As a whole, though, I'd say they're very reasonable. read more

AWESOME! They had exactly what I was looking for! This place can seem daunting at first because of its sheer massive size, however once you start looking around, the place becomes more manageable. People who do not like to get their hands dirty may despise the place, as it is somewhat like a landfill rescue site for items that can be saved--aanndd because there are cats running around like they own the place (which they probably do...) read more

I went into Urban Ore today to get some cheap stereo equipment, and as soon as I got in and started looking around I realized I had no idea what I was doing. Luckily, there was a very friendly employee in the music section (I think his name was Ian) who basically showed me exactly what I needed and how to set it up AND gave me a great deal on it! I was in and out in 20 minutes with everything I needed. Love this store. read more

I have always heard of Urban Ore as "the place to go for decorative details." Went on Sunday. It is SO much more than that. This was my first visit and I shall return. read more

I told my wife that I work by a cool place called Urban Ore... Now every time we are in the area she wants to stop by.

I can't really think of anyplace quite like this. Whenever we're out garage saling or thriftstore shopping for furniture/such we always wind up here after 7 less successful trips. I don't always find what I'm looking for, and I don't always buy anything, but I always have fun. Yes, you do need to be kind of a mad scientist/DIY type or you'll just be dismayed. But if you have a shred of tinkerer, you can't do any better. Stuff I've bought: Bicycle/Motorcycle parts, antique furniture needing slight repair/refinishing at good prices/ old power tools that might need a wire reconnected for a dollar or two/ several of the windows (high quality) on my new bedroom and the reclaimed french door/ drafting machine/ roof rack parts/.........so much stuff, so little time. read more

The worst thing about this place are the d-bag customers like David G. Maybe if you show a little respect for the Garbacheros they would cut you a deal on those $.15 light switch covers you covet. Who do you think you are? You're the kind of customer that makes those guys grumpy all the time. Stop going, your not welcome there! Crimany i'm sick of listening to 25% of you yelpers bitch about the smell, go smell the transfer station, smell the dump, smell your garbage can, smell yourself! Have you any idea the purpose of this place? They rescue stuff- averting 3 tons from the dump every f@**ing day. (UO Staff- 2012) Some of it they actually pull out of the transfer station. Have you been there? It sucks- it stinks- it's dangerous... you owe the staff a "thank you" on behalf of your children and their children. We have serious problems in our culture- including a disconect from our real needs and the value there-of. We shit in purified water for goodness sake. Do you know where all your particle board Ikea crap goes? If you have ever driven to Half Moon Bay from 280 you passed through a beautiful canyon. A similar canyon to the North is filling up with all your discarded light switch covers and big girl panties you throw "away". That is where the "away" is. It used to be beautiful- now it is mega toxic. Americans throw away between 12 and 14 billion tons of garbage every year (Humanure Handbook- 2005). Remember that The Ore is not only a different store from Ikea- it is a different genre altogether. Watch the movie "Wasteland" and you will realize UO is the king of it's class. When visiting this place; *Leave your expectations at home *Bring Gloves *Prepare to bargain *Show respect for the staff who sacrifice for the health of the planet read more

Great place to find unique stuff ...been going here for years always find some good things ...

3 acres! man this place is huge and has everything. If second hand stuff dont bother you, or your looking for that one of a kind piece this is the place to check out. read more

Are you a teacher? Do you direct the school play? Do you major in theater? This is the place to go if you need school play props! There are larger than life fish, high heels, animals that hang from the rafters. love it. read more

Urban Ore used to be more fun. It was like a treasure hunt. Now, I think it's a little overpriced and always seems to be weeded through. But, still a good place if you need a kitchen sink or toilet and still deserving three stars. read more

you can get some really neat things here...just look you may find what you need,,,i did,,, you can find things that are old and match what you need... i was pleasantly surprised...pricey ? i don't think so... becasue i could not find the right door anywhere else.. NO ONE had it and they did...so i got a steal i feel... read more

This place blew my mind. Be prepared to look around and scavenge. There were so many furniture pieces that would look great with some sanding and painting. Just, whoa. Thrift store on crack, with building supplies. read more

A mesmerizing experience. Imaging an enormous flea market of everything under the sun in the setting of post-apocalyptic airplane hanger mixed with gothic overtones, and you have the essence of Urban Ore. Whether you are seriously looking for something (ANYTHING, from porcelain toilet bowls to a period square piano to Harvard literary critques) or just taking a stroll for existential meditation, Urban Ore is free entertainment at its best. It is chaotic, with inherent order, which is still chaotic when looked closely. The establishment itself is a testament to modern consumerism and has a nihilistic sentiment (there is an aisle I nicknamed "potty grave"). Next time I plan to take another stroll with my iPOD blasting Bach, and see what kind of spicy emotions that conjures up. read more

Very very disappointed. Thought this was going to be a fun exploration but no. When the glassware section smells like cat pee, it's not a good day. When everything in fact smells so bad you practically get nauseous, it's not a good day. I actually think this place may be a bit of a health hazard. And trust me I comb thrift stores, goodwill, flea markets, and antique shops in barns. I have been down this road of piled high junk many times. Urban Ore however I will not revisit. No way. read more

Junk-O-Rama!!! YEEEAAAAHHHHH!!!!! I personally call it "The SUPER Thrift Store!" But, that really understates it. Here's a sampling of items you can get there: - A toilet - A power drill - A lighting fixture - An accordian - A jacket - Chairs - Vintage stereo cabinets (got my eye out for a Victrola) Personally, one thing I think is REALLY neat about this place...is that a decent 20 dollar thrift store table stands right next to an amazing vintage table for 300 dollars. Both are totally worth their price. Take your pic. Go to Urban Ore...if even just to see the spectacle. read more

Cool stuff. a fun way to spend a stoned sunday afternoon. But very hit or miss. and not as cheap as you would expect.

I love that this place exists. I love the bizarre things they have. I love that they'll take my crap for cheaper than the dump. I hate that it just ends up in a dumpster instead of being resold. The "cooler than thou" hipster attitude of the employees makes me uncomfortable (I do believe it is the point of that attitude; it is effective, so kudos guys). The stuff I need to get for my place is so expensive! Some things aren't though, so it's definitely worth checking out, especially if you have no idea what you're looking for. read more

I really do have a special place in my heart for Urban Ore. Sometimes you find what you're looking for and sometimes you don't. But you always leave with something that you don't necessarily need but you just have to have. They have everything! I always go here to find stuff for my sculptures. It can be very affordable too. If you've never been I definitely recommend going and exploring. read more

I've patroned it for a few years but haven't really found anything too terribly exciting in here. It could be that it's teeming with hauty-tauty socialites, hipsters, and failed art majors. So it's fairly combed over and anything that's useful or has kitsch value is out the door right away. Or it could just be that it's largely comprised of overpriced junk. read more

Urban Ore has workers at the city dump who pull out re-saleable items This is a good thing. The bad thing is that they put such high prices on them. Urban Ore is a great place to find good junk. But there are few bargains here. For items like hardware (electrical/plumbing), doors, be prepared to pay about 80% of the cost of new items. Sometimes they're priced more than what you'd find at say Home Depot. Shelf brackets for $2 each? A homemade wooden box of nails for $40? C'mon! read more

I've decided Urban Ore is a deeply cynical passive aggressive experiment in social engineering. I say this after having once again offended the "donations" receiving team by asking for a receipt. "Oh we aren't a non-profit, donations aren't deductible." ...Right, okay, so you are a for-profit business then, so... how about $5 for the large piece of furniture you just pulled off my truck? "At the most we'll ask $35 for this, and we may not sell it" ...Right, that's called a retail business. "We don't have to take this from you, our purpose here is to try to keep this out of the landfill." ...Right, so perhaps I should pay YOU then for being so kind as to accept this [your term] "donation" ...sigh. This operation could only exist in Berkeley, CA. As much as I love this place after my 30 years in New England, the weirdness of the cultural assumptions that permeate virtually every financial interaction in this city still, after 25 years as a resident, can sometimes still shock me. Put another way, Urban Ore is a fascinating focal point for precisely the guilt-pathology that all those fellow citizens living outside of our bubble-world quite rightly marvel at, and ridicule. read more

When ever I'm in the area and have the time, at least an hour I stop by and check it out. Lots of great things. Sort of like flea markets used to be before they became antique or "vintage" shops. Great place to find those books you lent and never got back for cheap. Once while redecorating bathroom I decided I needed black toilet seat. Just happened to find brand new display model for 3 bucks. It would have cost at least $30 to$40. Only complaint would be innevitably when ever really cool piece of furniture found its ALWAYS got a sold tag on it. Somebody has the skinny on the stuff as soon as it arrives. read more

Urban Ore, I am in love with u. I have been frequenting your warehouse full of surprises for about 10years. It started as an addiction and search for vinyl and has developed into my first stop shop to redecorate my house, and my shop. If you are wondering who bought those pistachio green lockers and the old letter press furniture, it would be me! Those awesome finds and MANY others have helped decorate my shop, Rare Bird, with crazy cool and affordable displays. What would a girl do without you? read more

Urban Ore has been doing what today's markets are only now realizing. Their no-longer-new location allows for a considerably higher volume of construction supplies, home, outdoor and appliance needs with that nouveau antique shabby chic feel! read more

Goodwill butter dish 1.99....Urban Ore 12.00. This place is only good for replacement house parts. RUDE staff!

This place is pretty gross. I've been in a lot of stores like this, and this was by far the most disgusting. There was crap everywhere. Nothing was very organized. There was a very dirty kitty litter box in the middle of the store. To top it all off, there prices were not very good. I don't recommend this store for anyone looking for some project items, or DIY home repairs. read more

Large. Great selection. Hideously overpriced -which would merely suck if it wasn't for the fact that they pay next to nothing for the stuff. Slightly better pricing than Ohmega Salvage -which seems to think it is an antique dealer read more