Architectural salvage is a growing industry which is changing the secondhand furniture, design and construction community in significant ways. The following guide to architectural salvage will help you understand more about the concept.
Additionally, we have some important considerations and tips to keep in mind if you are interested in incorporating architectural salvage into your own business, personal projects or other endeavors.
What Is Architectural Salvage?
Architectural salvage refers to an industry that buys and sells old fixtures and parts of architecture. Of course, with new builds using cheaper and insufficient materials, many people love the detail and quality of old building parts.
So, for instance, salvage stores can sell old moldings, doors, windows, fireplaces or even flooring. Since so many large old historic buildings get condemned or torn down for one reason or another, a large industry has cropped up of saving some of these key elements and reselling them.
Oftentimes, old historic buildings get deemed unfit for occupancy. Things like old wiring, poor insulation, or asbestos can make a beautiful old building essentially worthless. However, in the old parts, salvage businesses can find profit.
Typically, these old buildings have incredible artistic features. Nine foot tall walnut doors, carved corbels, marble fireplaces and even porcelain bathroom fixtures can all find their way into salvage yards.
These components are then either sold as-is or are repurposed into new pieces for sale.
Architectural Salvage can include large pieces, such as an entire wall of walnut paneling. However, it can also include smaller pieces, such as door handles, outdoor garden fixtures, and everything in between.
Where does Architectural Salvage come from?
The source of architectural salvage will vary. In some instances, salvager seekers will purchase old homes in order to salvage as much as possible from inside them.
In these cases, the homes are often in states of serious disrepair and are worth more through selling their parts rather than attempting restoration.
However, old homes are not the only source. Some salvage dealers purchase commercial buildings, like old theaters, department stores or even warehouses to find their goods.
Frequently, these types of commercial spaces provide ample stock. For instance, old schools may have hundreds of desks. Churches often have multiple pews. Of course, old theaters and opera houses can contain some fascinating treasures as well!
However, the entire business is not paved with gold. Salvage Dealers need a good eye, a strong back and a good business sense.
After all, salvage dealers have to carefully enter old and sometimes dangerous buildings to retrieve their merchandise. Then, they have to carry heavy and cumbersome items out without damaging them. Then, they have to clean and present these items as historical treasures and sell for a profit.
Why do people buy Salvaged Materials?
Architectural salvage is appealing to many different types of buyers.
Many people recognize the quality of items made over 100 years ago. For instance, many Victorian homes had lavish walnut and rosewood moldings. Today, you may not even find real wood moldings in a newly built home!
Designers and creative types also love the artistry of salvaged architectural pieces. So, many people purchase old house corbels and use them in decorative shelves. Also, they may take old exterior windows and incorporate them in the interior of a project. Certainly, the artistry of these items can really take your breath away.
Finally, if people intend to do a period restoration project, say on their own house, they may look for period appropriate fixtures. So, if they need to replace an old door knob, chandelier or piece of molding, they may head to a salvage store.
Tips for Utilizing Architectural Salvage
If you are interested in utilizing architectural salvage in some way, you should consider the following tips.
Tip: Choose the right architectural salvage center.
Architectural salvage centers can vary from giant warehouses to well curated antique galleries. Some salvage stores feature scattered pieces that are not organized or cleaned. Of course, this can signal a busy and thriving store. Or, it can mean that the store owners may neglect their items.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys digging through messy warehouses, then you may be able to find some great pieces at those types of centers. However, you should wear comfortable shoes and carefully select your items. Also, have the right vehicle and packing materials. To get the best deals, you should take your merchandise with you that day.
Tip: Consider the condition of the piece.
When it comes to pieces derived from architectural salvage, you need to be careful regarding the overall condition of the piece. Depending on the state of the architecture that was dismantled to create the salvage, the item could be in need of repairs or completely damaged.
Of course, refinishing an old piece of salvage can really take it to the next level. However, you need to know the proper steps of restoration. Many old items have old paint or finish that may be dangerous to remove. So, do your research if you plan to restore an old piece of architectural salvage.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for specific architectural pieces, you’ll need to do some research about the era or type of fixture you will need.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to consider small pieces.
Architectural salvage often focuses on larger and more distinct pieces, such as entire antique doors or ornate carved moldings.
But don’t be afraid to consider small pieces as well, whether you’re looking for items that you want to sell or items that you wish to incorporate into your own home. Detailed elegant sink handles, decorative curtain rods and other small elements can often be just as striking and appealing as the larger pieces.
Additionally, like old furniture, they can enhance the look and feel of any old house project.