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Why Everyone Should Know About Their Local Salvaged Materials Store

by on Sep 27, 2016

If you’re on the look out for good deals and unique finds for your home you should check out your local architectural salvage store or community ReStore. Here are some reasons why…   

Architectural Salvage Store

An architectural salvage store specializes in architectural artifacts, old building materials, and unique antiques. I like to say that in these stores history is trying to repeat itself.

Owners of architectural salvage stores rescue unique items from old homes and commercial properties soon to be torn down or renovated.

 An architectural salvage store is more pricey than a local “Re-store” because it is filled with antiques and rare items. Even still, you can find some great deals for more higher-end looks.

Here are my favorite things to look for:

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

1. Light Fixtures

Although they are not thrift store prices, you can find unique light fixtures at architectural salvage stores for great prices. Reproductions of some of the shades in the picture above usually range from $100-$200.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

The above [left photo] pendant is from my local salvage store for $65. A similar, yet smaller, reproduction pendant is $225 at Rejuvenation.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

2. Light Fixture Shades

Sometimes you can upgrade your existing bathroom vanity, sconce, or pendant light with a unique shade from an architectural salvage store.
Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

The left photo is one of the shades from my local salvage store that sells for $15. It’s the original version of this reproduction found at Rejuvenation for $70. 

If you like a shade that doesn’t have a light kit, ask the store if they have one that would work. If not, check your local hardware store or order one from a lamp parts website such as Grand Brass.
Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Shopping Tip: Shelf space is valuable to an owner of a salvage store. Great prices can sometimes result from too much inventory, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

3. Antique Rugs

You can usually find smaller versions of antique rugs for a great price. The big ones are usually expensive because they are in more demand. All of the above rugs were no more than $75. If I can negotiate the owner down, the one in the middle is on my radar for an upholstered bench.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

4. Vintage Hardware

Whether it’s old door knobs or vintage cabinet hardware, you can find tons of options at an architectural salvage store. If you have an old house you might even be able to find a replacement knob or lock if needed.

5. Marble Remnants

Are you looking to build some furniture or maybe make this marble-topped table? Marble remnants come in all shapes and sizes. Just ask, they might even cut and polish it for you too! These are much more affordable than going to a local countertop store.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

6. Doors and Windows

There are always many old doors of all different styles. These doors are old, solid wood, and ready to find new homes. Are you building a home? Find a door for your home at the salvage store and build the doorway to size. 

Warning: Old homes built before 1978 used lead paint. If you find a painted door, know that it will more than likely have lead paint.

8. Replacement Flooring and Unique Flooring

If you need to patch wood flooring in an old home then check out your local salvage store’s supply of old wood floors. You can also find replacements for vintage tile. If your local store doesn’t have what you’re looking for then try other salvage stores with an online presence.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store
Columbus Architectural Salvage

9.  Vintage Bathroom Sinks

The price often varies but you can find a unique sink for your next bathroom project at a salvage store. The above sink is $95… an amazing price for a unique sink.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

10. You Can Sell Items

Yikes…I know. This was the condition of the master bedroom the day before we moved into our 99 year old home. Before you get lost in the wallpaper, notice the light fixture/ceiling fan. It was original to the house but not my style. We took it down carefully and went to our local architectural salvage store. I clearly did not have time to sell this fixture online…I had more pressing issues. Thinking I would get about $50, my jaw dropped when the store owner offered me $250. The moral of the story? If you have an antique piece with no patience for selling it online, try your local architectural salvage store.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Local ReStore

The theme of a ReStore is “reuse and recycle.” The store is filled with donated items from garage sales, estate sales, renovations, inventory overstock, or store closings. Prices are cheap and DIY projects are “a plenty” here.

Budget home renovation goals can be obtained here. Flippers can make more money by shopping here. Most local Re-Stores are run for charity so your purchase will go to a good cause. Sounds good right? Of course, the finds can be hit or miss, but the prices are always great.

Here are my favorite things to look for…

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

1. Lighting

I usually look for my DIY lighting projects here. I also buy shades for existing fixtures in our rentals and flips. These pendants [right photo] without shades are looking for some spray paint and a new shade. Did I mention they’re $3?

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

2. Appliances

You can find some great steals here. Ask good questions such as:  “Where did this come from?,” or “Has it been repaired?” Some local stores will hook them up for you so you can see them working.

Are you planning a kitchen remodel? Instead of a more expensive hood for your range consider a DIY range hood cover like this one, and purchase a used hood that can be concealed from your local ReStore.
Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

3. Doors

Doors are much cheaper here than an architectural salvage store. Prices range from $5-$30.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

4. Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks

If you are doing a kitchen or bathroom remodel on a budget, there are plenty of drop-in sinks for your project.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

5. Flooring

ReStores often have donated overstock from other retailers or materials not used from builders. There is often tile, laminate, engineered hardwood, and large carpet remnants. My local store stays right at $1.25 sqft or less.

Tip: Make sure you buy more than enough for your project because not only can you not return things, but there might not be any left if you need more. 
Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

6. Builder Overstock

These items are hit and miss but right now my local store has cut granite for sale. There are about 100 pieces of granite to fit a standard 30 and 36 inch bathroom cabinet. These were left over from a contractor who built high-end loft apartments. Did I mention for these were $50? Local granite companies will often cut holes for sinks for a small fee. 

The above door was a custom door that arrived to a builder’s site cut to the wrong size. The builder took the loss and donated it. If you’re building a home, check the ReStore while you are planning because you might find something, like the above door, worth planning around. A custom craftsmen door would be priced in the thousands. This door is for sale for less than $200.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

7. Headboards

This is random, but I always notice there are headboards in mass quantity at local ReStores. Hotels usually donate old furniture during a renovation. If you are looking to upholster a headboard, check your restore. Buying one here is much cheaper and less time consuming than buying wood and cutting your own to size.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

8. Furniture

There is always a variety of good and bad furniture at a ReStore. It can be feast or famine, but it’s always worth a look. The right photo was one of two chairs I found this week. They are in great structural condition and a whopping $5. They need some upholstery and metal refinishing, but I am excited to give them a new life in my office.

Why everyone should check out their local salvage store

9. Kitchen Cabinets

Install an entire set of cabinets, build an island for cheap, add a cabinet, or find a door replacement. The cheap way to do any of this is to head to the ReStore. Paint can unify different finishes easily.

salvage items such as bathroom, patio and kitchen
Pin It: Salvage Store Finds

Are you convinced? Did we miss anything? Please tell us your favorite thing to look for at these stores?

Looking for more place to find treasures for your home? Check out this Curbly post about common estate sale finds.

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