Refab St Louis Repurpose Shop: A Bus Life Treasure Hunt
Important Update: This store has since relocated! We have not visited the new store, but plan to the next time we are in the area!
We had such a great time exploring this amazing Refab St Louis repurpose shop during our recent travels through Missouri! It was such a treasure trove with tons of stuff to spruce up a bus, van, or any living space! This unique salvage store represents exactly what we love about the repurpose movement – giving new life to forgotten items while supporting sustainable living practices.
What Makes The Refab St Louis Repurpose Shop Special?
Refab St Louis stands out among repurpose shops for several reasons. First, their inventory is incredibly diverse, ranging from architectural salvage to vintage home goods that can transform any space. Whether you’re working on a bus conversion, RV renovation, or just looking to add character to your home, this salvage store has something unique to offer.
The shop specializes in reclaimed materials that are perfect for DIY projects and creative builds. From vintage fixtures to repurposed wood, metal accents, and unique decorative pieces, Refab provides the raw materials that makers and builders dream about finding.
Perfect for Bus Life and Home Projects
As full-time travelers, we’re always on the lookout for repurpose shops that cater to the bus life community and mobile living enthusiasts. Refab St Louis delivers on this front with items that are both functional and space-efficient – crucial considerations for anyone living in a converted vehicle.
The store’s collection includes compact storage solutions, lightweight decorative elements, and repurposed materials that can be easily modified for mobile applications. Many bus lifers and RV renovators have found exactly what they needed here, from cabinet hardware to unique lighting fixtures that add personality without adding bulk.
Our Shopping Experience
We didn’t find anything we needed during our visit, but our build is pretty awesome as it is! Well, at least for now! A build is never really done, is it? The beauty of bus life is that your home is constantly evolving, and places like Refab provide the inspiration and materials for those ongoing improvements.
The staff at this salvage store was knowledgeable about their inventory and helpful in suggesting alternatives when we described what we were looking for. They understand that repurpose shopping is often about seeing potential in unexpected places, and they encourage customers to think creatively about how items might be transformed.
Sustainable Shopping at Its Best
What we love most about Refab St Louis is their commitment to sustainability through repurposing. Every item in their inventory has been saved from a landfill and given the opportunity for a second life. This aligns perfectly with the bus life philosophy of living more consciously and reducing our environmental impact.
The repurpose movement is about more than just finding cheap materials – it’s about recognizing the value in items that others might discard. Refab St Louis embodies this philosophy, curating a collection of items that have stories to tell and character that can’t be found in big box stores.
Tips for Shopping Repurpose Stores
Based on our experience at Refab St Louis and other salvage stores across the country, here are some tips for making the most of your repurpose shopping adventure:
First, come with an open mind. The best finds often aren’t what you originally came looking for. Second, bring measurements and photos of your space – this helps you visualize how potential purchases might fit. Third, don’t be afraid to ask about items that aren’t immediately visible; many repurpose shops have back inventory or can point you toward similar items.
The Broader Impact of Repurpose Shops
Stores like Refab St Louis play a crucial role in their communities by diverting useful materials from waste streams while providing affordable options for creative projects. They serve everyone from professional contractors looking for unique architectural elements to DIY enthusiasts working on weekend projects.
For the bus life and tiny house communities, these shops are particularly valuable. They offer the possibility of finding exactly the right piece at the right price, often with character and quality that exceeds what’s available new.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Refab St Louis, remember that inventory at repurpose shops changes constantly. What’s there one day might be gone the next, which is part of the excitement. It’s worth following them on social media or calling ahead if you’re looking for something specific.
The shop’s relocation means new opportunities to discover their evolved inventory and possibly improved layout. We’re definitely planning to check out their new location on our next pass through the St. Louis area.
Discover More Repurpose Shops
Curious about other salvage gems we’ve stumbled across? We’ve started collecting our favorite repurpose shops from the road — places packed with reclaimed treasures, architectural oddities, and DIY inspiration. While we’ve only listed shops we’ve personally visited, we’re always open to expanding the guide with reader suggestions.
🛻 Explore our travel-tested salvage stops on the Unique Roadside Attractions — it’s where we share quirky finds, creative reuse centers, and the occasional glitter-covered doorknob.
Our collection includes salvage stores, architectural reclaim shops, and creative reuse centers from across the country. Each entry includes our personal experience, what types of items they specialize in, and why they’re worth a stop for fellow travelers and DIY enthusiasts.