Rentals by Thomas

Equipment rentals by Thomas Building Center

Winter hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday

Spring, summer hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday

Location: 349 W. Washington St.

Contact: 360-683-3393

Homeowners and contractors alike can now rent much of the same power equipment Thomas Building Center sells at its STIHL shop with its new business, Rentals by Thomas.

Thomas Building Center is the parent company to Power by Thomas — a full-service STIHL dealership — as well as Designs by Thomas and now Rentals by Thomas, a storefront that held a soft opening at 349 W. Washington St. in early December.

Tony Steinman, Thomas Building Center general manager, said a rental aspect of the business has been part of the business’ long-term plan.

“The building came up for sale last year, so we purchased it,” Steinman said.

Rentals by Thomas offers equipment for a variety of project and event needs, from do-it-yourself homeowners to industrial work to weddings or company parties.

Steinman said the idea is to rent equipment to customers who cannot afford to buy or do not want to buy equipment.

“There’s a need for things we’re renting,” Steinman said.

Some of the larger equipment the business rents includes a mini skid steer, wood chippers and a long splitter, to name a few. It also sells a variety of other equipment for construction or landscaping needs.

In addition to power equipment, the business also offers items such as chairs, tables and tents for weddings and company events.

Equipment can be rented for different rates depending on the type of equipment and how long a customer wants to rent it, from a half-day to a month.

Steinman says the new business compliments Power By Thomas’ full-service STIHL dealership next door because customers can rent equipment via Rentals by Thomas and then buy it later if he or she wishes.

Steinman said he believes the rental business will cater more to homeowners who may only use a piece of equipment for a one-time use or project.

He said the business is bringing in more rental equipment every day and hopes to offer more equipment in the future.

The business also plans to have all its available rentals posted on its website, but for now the business asks prospective customers to call and inquire about rental rates.

For more information, call 360-683-3393.