Respect the past, sustain the future.

How it all started

For years, Kurt Petrauskas worked as a demolition contractor in charge of demolishing houses and buildings. While preparing for demolition, he’d walk through buildings and saw the beautiful architectural pieces, hardware, and lighting that were going in the landfill. He stripped these pieces from the homes and saved them for future projects. Over time, he stored these items and held small sales straight out of his garage. As these sales became more frequent, people called him looking for specific architectural items. In 1991, Earthwise was officially born.

Setting up shop in Seattle

In 1993, the first Earthwise “brick and mortar” location was a parking lot in Kenmore. Kurt built a shed, using it as a workshop and for housing his finds. Earthwise was at this location for 4 years and was open 7 days a week after hiring his first employee, an adjoining fence neighbor. In 1997, Kurt moved to 7th and Lander. Though a little rough around the edges, it was the first real building of Earthwise. In early 2002, Earthwise opened its location at 2462 First Ave. S known as the “Big Red Barn.” Lastly, Earthwise moved just a few blocks over to 3447 4th Ave S. in 2005, what we know as Earthwise today.

Onward to Tacoma

In 2012, Earthwise expanded to its second location in Tacoma. Kurt noticed many customers were traveling from the southern region to get materials for their homes. That, along with having too much inventory to know what to do with, the Tacoma store opened in July of 2012 at a vintage sawmill.

And then, to Aberdeen!

In 2018, Kurt bought a home on the coast. Spending a lot of time in Aberdeen, he realized the potential in salvage with many older homes in the area. Aberdeen is a hub in Grays Harbor County, and people are buying property in the region. In July of 2018, our Aberdeen location opened!

And now, Kenmore!

In June of 2023, we have now opened in Kenmore, Washington – near the original Earthwise location from over 30 years ago! Starting from selling things in Kurt’s garage, Earthwise has now grown into four locations offering a vast inventory of unique building materials and antiques. This marks a full-circle moment for the business, returning to where it began and continuing to serve the community with one-of-a-kind items.

“What was true back then is true today. We waste in society and dispose of things before they reach close to their full potential. After 10 years on my own, having retail staff support made it all possible, each joining the company with similar ideas and ethics. What we do is the main reason why all of us work here. Earthwise wouldn’t be here right now without the commonality of thought around reuse of materials. I am grateful for staff and customers that have made all of this possible.” – Kurt Petrauskas, Owner of Earthwise, 30 years and counting

Questions or issues with website? Please contact our Director of Marketing at Eric@ewsalvage.com.

Who We Are

We’re a hard-working team with a passion for sustainability, quality materials, and really cool old stuff. With decades of experience, we recognize the importance of this green industry not only in reducing waste, but adding value and character to homes and businesses in the
Pacific Northwest and beyond.

What is Architectural Salvage?

Architectural salvage is the process of removing materials from a building or home scheduled for demolition or remodeling. Salvaged materials are reinstalled into another space for reuse or for a completely new purpose. From old-growth wood flooring to antique lighting fixtures, we salvage high quality materials that stand the test of time.

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Earthwise featured in Seattle Times article on custom furniture making and upcycling

Just this past Sunday, our own Aaron Blanchard was featured in a Seattle Times article all about the increasingly popular trend of custom furniture making and upcylcing. You can read the article here, pay-walled for subscribers, but non-subscribers get a few free articles per month. Here’s a passage: While many upcyclers work with experienced contractors to execute their vision,

August 5, 2025

Earth Day 2025 Special Flash Sale Details!

Flash sale item details for Earth Day Sale from Earthwise Architectural Salvage, tons of amazing deals on unique items!

April 21, 2025

Free pick up of donations in Tacoma area every Tuesday!

If you live in the Tacoma, Fircrest, University Place, Puyallup, Midland, Lakewood, Stelliicum, and Parkland area, our Earthwise Tacoma store offers free pick ups of donations every Tuesday.

March 14, 2025