In case you didn't knowCommunity Forklift accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, debit cards, checks and good old-fashioned cash.
Did you know that Community Forklift has successfully completed Co-op America's screening process for socially and environmentally responsible green businesses? We are now in their National Green Pages™ directory!
What to Expect When You Visit the Warehouse
Community Forklift is a 34,000 square foot self-serve warehouse with a very small staff. Think of us as a thrift store for building materialswe will more than likely have items in stock in the following basic categories, but you will need to come into the warehouse in-person to see if a specific item is in stock. Our inventory is 100% donated materials, so if you see something you like today, be aware it may not be in stock again tomorrow! We offer an overnight hold-policy, where if you need to double check your measurements or just want to think about an item before making your purchase, you can ask a staff member to put up to 3 items (or one set of items) on hold with your name until an hour before close the following business day.
Once you have purchased your item(s), you have 2 weeks to pick them up. This will give you time if you need to find friends or hire heavy-lifters, rent a truck, etc. Community Forklift staff are unable to assist in loading except in special circumstances. Please bring an appropriate vehicle and friends to help you transport your purchases safely home.
Other ways to prepare for your visit to Community Forklift:
Arrive at least half an hour before we close--we start turning out the lights 15 minutes before closing to allow you time to load your vehicle & exit the parking lot by closing time.
Bring your specific measurements and a tape measure.
Bring a sample if you a trying to match a specific color/styleremember, no returns!
Dress for the weatherour warehouse will be about the same temperature as it is outside! Shirts & shoes required.
You will get dusty while hunting our inventory for treasure, so don't dress your best!
Make sure children stay with you at all times
Keep dogs on a leash at all times
Ask staff for help if you need something you will need a ladder to reach--otherwise it is a self-serve warehouse. You are welcome to use the carts!
We do not accept American Express. We do accept all other forms of payment (see left)
Keep in mind that all sales are final except for appliances, radiators, and designated machines, which come with a 14-day return policy if they don't work when you install them. You must bring your receipt and the item back to the store to receive your refund. If you're not sure about purchasing an item, just place it on hold!
We always have a large selection of doors in stock—exterior, panel, flush, bi-fold, French, screen, storm doors—we usually have a variety in each category. You’ll need to come in with your measurements and look through our selection to see if we have what you’re looking for. We also have lots of hinges, knobs, and other door hardware, although be prepared to spend some time looking for it in our Aisle of Luck! Door pricing spans a large range depending on the type and condition of the door, so ask a staff member for a price if it’s not marked!
Windows
We always have plenty of windows in stock. Pricing ranges from $1/sq ft for storm windows or single-pane older windows to $3- $9.50/sq ft, depending on type, age, and condition. Please bring a tape measure, as not all windows are measured & priced!
Lumber
At any given time, you can find most dimensional lumber in stock at Community Forklift. We also often have reclaimed lumber with true dimensions. Prices per linear foot are as follows: 2x4: 10¢ - 2x6: 20¢ - 2x8: 30¢ - 2x10: 35¢ - 2x12: 40¢
We also sell plenty of other types of lumber, paneling, and have scraps (and occasionally full sheets) of plywood. Please visit the store to check out our current inventory.
Kitchen Cabinets & Sets
We usually have several full sets in stock, and plenty of partial sets. Cabinets are priced individually, though we try to sell sets together. Generally, a set of cabinets can range from $200-800 depending on how large a set is and what condition it’s in. Individual cabinets can be purchased for as low as $5! We do not necessarily have the cabinets shown in this photo available.
Shelf Boards
We have a number of laminate, particle-board, and pine 1x6, 1x8, 1x10, and 1x12 boards less than 6' long.
Appliances
Please remember that you are responsible for loading all appliances into your vehicle – Forklift staff is unable to assist.
We have in stock a wide selection of stoves, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, microwaves, ovens, and more! CF appliances come with a 14-day return policy if you find for some reason that they don’t work once you get them installed. Some of our appliances have been reconditioned by ALCO and are priced a bit higher, and come with a 90-day warranty.
Wood Flooring
Bundles of salvaged red oak are $2.00/sq ft, a great deal! We sometimes also have white oak in stock for $2.25/sf, and occasionally we have heartwood pine in stock for $5/sq ft. We have various widths, thicknesses, and lengths, so remember to bring a sample if you’re trying to match a specific type.
Sinks
We have a large variety of cultured marble and porcelain sinks in stock—pricing will vary, depending on the sink’s condition and whether there is a faucet attached. We also have a fair assortment of cast-iron sinks (wall-mount and larger farm-style sinks), stainless steel kitchen sinks, and sometimes we have pedestal sinks in stock. We also sell vanity cabinets, although our stock is limited.
Cast Iron Sinks: $25-150
Prices vary depending on the shape, size, and condition of the sink—please check out our yard for our current inventory.
Countertops
We often have used laminate countertops in stock for only $2/linear foot. Our inventory sometimes also includes corian, butcher block, and various-sized pieces of granite. Come in to see what we have now!
Cast Iron Tubs: $65-$200
Prices range depending on the shape, size, and condition of the tub—please check out our yard for our current inventory. We also occasionally have fiberglass tubs in stock, and sometimes even jacuzzis!
Toilets
Salvaged white regular toilets now start at $15, and salvaged colored toilets start at $20. Regular white water savers start at $35. CF also has some varieties of antique toilets, dating back to the 1930s! We do also often sell lids and seats separately--be sure to bring your old lid or a tracing of it if you're trying to match it up!
Plumbing
Our plumbing section now includes many surplus fittings! We often have PVC pipe, sometimes copper, faucets, shower heads, and more--come in to hunt the aisle--you may want to bring a flashlight because the plumbing aisle is particularly poorly lit.
Light Fixtures
We have a lot of styles of light fixtures in stock--ceiling mount, antique sconces, chandeliers, porch lights, etc. Stop in to see what we have!
Electrical
From cover plates to conduit, work boxes, lamp holders--we have a large range of surplus and salvaged electrical for really cheap! We sometimes also have spools of wire. Our inventory currently includes a variety of surplus telephone line accessories.
Shutters & Window Treatments
We stock interior & exterior window shutters, both new & used, vinyl & wooden. The prices will range based on condition, size, and material. Bring your measurements!
HVAC
We currently have a large selection of ductwork in stock. We also carry new & used vent covers, air filters, Air conditioners, base-board heaters, etc. Occasionally we receive AC condensers but they sell fast!
Carpet Tiles
Come in to check out our newly reorganized stacks of carpet tiles! 18"x18" carpet squares are 50¢ each, and 24"x24" carpet squares are $1 apiece. That's as low as 22¢ per square foot!
Ceramic Tile
We currently have a large amount of surplus ceramic tiles! The tiles are mostly white, but some gray, yellow, blue, and others. The tiles photographed may not necessarily still be available. Please come in to see our exact inventory!
Prices range depending on size, color, finish, and whether the tile has been used before (we also have used tile in stock). Stone tile, high-end tile, antique tile, subway tile, decorative tile, painted tile, unusual colors, finishes or glazes, etc. will cost more.
Unused regular white 4x4" tiles are 8 cents each, the same tiles previously used are 3 cents each.
Glass & Mirrors
We stock tempered, regular, and sometimes wavy (antique) glass which is sold by the square footage based on thickness. Be aware that you cannot cut tempered glass or it shatters! Bring your exact measurements to be sure.
Granite & Marble
We have a selection of granite & marble scraps in stock now, which sells for as low as $2.50/sq ft depending on the size and type of minerals in the piece. Please note, we DO NOT have the capacity to cut or finish granite here at Community Forklift.
Stone
We sometimes receive donations of stones such as river rock to be used in landscaping applications. We currently have a small pile of gravel. Sometimes we sell flagstone and slate as well.
Bricks
We seldom have bricks in mass quantity in stock because they’re such a popular item! If you’re trying to match an antique brick, find a strange shape, or just need a few pavers or cored bricks, come visit our yard to see our current inventory. Also, add your name to our wish list so we can give you a call when we do get a large brick donation.
Knotty Pine Paneling
If you have a table saw, you can cut the tongues & grooves off the sides and end up with perfect 1x material that can be used for shelving! We sell the paneling for:   1x6: 60¢/linear foot   1x8: 80¢/linear foot   1x10: $1.00/linear foot
Trim
We have a large selection of trim, but it may be hard to find a large lot of a particular type. Be sure to bring a sample if you are trying to match a style, because trim comes in a very broad variety of cuts. Trim is sold by the linear foot, with prices reflecting its width, type of wood, and condition. Please consult a staff member for pricing
Landscaping & Fencing
We occasionally have nice sets of fencing in stock, but please come in to check our current selection. The prices will vary according to style, length, and detail of the fencing. Please come prepared to haul your purchase with you.
Paint
We receive donations of paint that may have been mixed to the wrong color, somebody purchased too much of it, or used only part of a can. We check the paint as it comes in to make sure it's still useable; sometimes you can even find a partial can or two of paint for free!
Our salvage paint prices are $2/quart, $5/gallon, and $25/5-gallon bucket.
Please do not open the paint cans--a volunteer has already checked them for spoilage and put a sample of the color on the top of the can. Ask CF staff if you need assistance.
Wallpaper
Rolls of wallpaper and border sell for 50¢ each—makes great wrapping paper! We currently have a fair amount of surplus clear wall size & over-border paint in stock as well.
Linoleum/Vinyl Flooring
We have a limited selection of linoleum right now, but if you’re flooring a small area we may have something you’ll like! Our prices are $1.75/sq ft for real linoleum or 50¢/sq ft for the thinner vinyl rolls.
Carpet Tiles
At 50¢ apiece, these are by far the cheapest way to cover a floor! Each tile measures 18”x18” (2.25 sq ft), meaning these go for 22¢/sq ft!!! We have multiple pallets of carpet tiles in stock, so we've got plenty to cover large areas. Carpet tiles that are 24"x24" are only $1 apiece.
Hardware
We have a newly reorganized hardware section with new treasures being placed out every day! There are nails, screws, nuts & bolts, mailboxes, doorstops, hooks, cabinet hardware, a lot of door hardware, and much much more! Sometimes our hardware aisles can be a great place to match an antique style of fitting not sold in retail stores anymore.
TOOL DEPARTMENT: Now open!
As available, we will have modern and vintage hand tools and power tools for sale! Tools are sold as-is, and priced accordingly.
Salvage Arts, our newly-opened architectural salvage department, will feature antique tools, ironware, farm implements, and collectors' items.
Radiators
We sell radiators for $4-10.50 per fin, depending on their height and how ornate the designs are. The radiator pictured is selling for $84.50. We were told that all radiators worked at time of donation, however since we cannot test them in our store, all radiators have a 14-day return policy. If you find it doesn’t work after you’ve installed it, bring it back and you will get a full refund; (please bring your receipt with all returns). Please note: Community Forklift employees WILL NOT assist customers in loading!! You must bring a truck/SUV, and enough people to lift the radiator.
Roofing & Moisture Protection
If you have a small roofing job, you may be able to find enough matching shingles in our pile to finish the job! We sometimes have rolls of tar paper and roll roofing in stock too.
Nature Neutral Products
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NO LONGER TINTING/MIXING OR STOCKING AMERICAN PRIDE PAINT!! Please call the Amicus Green Building Center at 301-571-8590 to get assistance with this product.
Whether you’re doing your laundry, painting your house, refinishing a floor, or insulating your attic, Nature Neutral has a product that can help you do it greener! We stock a vast array of eco-friendly household cleaners, paints & sealants, adhesives, and lawn & garden products. You can also special-order bamboo & cork flooring, Aquatherm piping (no PVC), FSC-certified lumber, and Ultratouch insulation (made from recycled blue jeans) from Nature Neutral through Community Forklift—please call ahead or come in to see samples of their full line of products. Nature Neutral products are not surplus and sell at full price. See their website for more info.
Treincarnation
Marcus Sims stocks sustainably harvested rough-planed specialty lumber at Community Forklift, most of which originated in Montgomery County, MD. This lumber ranges in size and shape, often with its natural bark skin still intact on its edges. Please visit www.treincarnation.com for more information about his beautiful work.
Furnishings
From closet & curtain rods to mini-blinds, and sometimes antique furniture, CF can be a place to find some items to compliment your newly renovated house.