When it’s time to update your home, working with reclaimed materials is a fun and fashionable way to stay within budget. If you already love scouring thrift stores for hidden treasures, finding reclaimed tile or reclaimed stone flooring takes that same thrill a step further. It’s the perfect excuse for a drive out to the country to pull some boards from an old barn. But only with permission from the owner.
Picture your new kitchen built around a salvaged antique stove as its centerpiece, or modern appliances paired with playful 1950s accents. The possibilities are near endless. Beyond the savings, using reclaimed materials is a more sustainable way to renovate. Read on for ideas on remodeling with reclaimed fixtures and materials, and where to actually find reclaimed materials near you.
Remodeling With Reclaimed Materials in the Kitchen
If your kitchen needs a facelift, there are plenty of ways to get there without replacing every single piece. As long as your cabinets are built as independent boxes, they can usually be reused. Cabinets built onsite without backs, however, generally can’t be salvaged as full units, though you may still get life out of the doors by refinishing them and hanging them on new boxes.
Old hardware that’s earned a nice patina over the years can add a wonderful accent to an updated kitchen. Hardwood flooring can also be reclaimed and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. And don’t forget to update any reclaimed light fixtures with high efficiency bulbs to keep your energy bill in check.
Reclaimed Lumber Adds Character
Reclaimed lumber (boards, beams, and timbers pulled from older structures) brings a character to a space that new materials simply can’t replicate. Reclaimed tile or brick can give a remodel that well worn, lived in look. Aged wainscoting, baseboards, and other trim are also great salvage candidates; just plan on some refinishing and custom milling to get everything to fit.
Finding Reclaimed Lumber Near Me: Barn Beams for Sale
One of the most common questions homeowners ask once they catch the salvage bug is where to find reclaimed lumber near them. Old barns, warehouses, and farm buildings are often the best sources, and many salvage yards and demolition companies specifically list barn beams for sale, since hand hewn beams are in high demand for exposed ceilings, mantels, and accent walls. A local remodeling contractor with the right industry connections can often point you toward reputable sources of reclaimed lumber before you ever have to track one down yourself.
Reclaimed Tiles, Reclaimed Stone Flooring, and Where to Find Reclaimed Roof Tiles Near Me
Salvaging tile or brick typically costs a fraction of buying new, often just time and effort if you have the right connections. Reclaimed tiles can be repurposed in beautiful ways, from a one of a kind countertop to a new “old” backsplash.
Reclaimed stone flooring is another standout option, offering the texture and aging of natural stone without the price tag of quarrying it fresh. And if you’re chasing a specific look, searching for reclaimed roof tiles near you can turn up clay or slate tiles with decades of natural weathering, perfect for accent walls, garden paths, or even repurposed as flooring.
Remodeling With Salvaged Doors and Windows
Doors and windows can be a bit tricky to salvage because of odd or nonstandard sizing. One popular workaround is mounting a reclaimed door on a sliding track instead of trying to fit it into an existing frame. Stained glass windows are another gorgeous salvage option, and like the sliding door, they don’t need to be installed traditionally, a reclaimed window can serve as a striking centerpiece on a kitchen island or as a divider between the kitchen and dining room.
Used Building Materials and Used Lumber for Your Renovation
Beyond lumber and tile, a huge range of used building materials can find new life in a remodel: trim, hardware, fixtures, even structural elements, depending on your project. Used lumber in particular is worth seeking out for framing accents, shelving, or feature walls, since it often carries a grain and patina that new cut wood takes years to develop. Recycled wood is also a smart, sustainable choice for smaller projects like open shelving, furniture builds, or accent trim, letting you add character without sourcing an entire reclaimed beam.
Bathroom Remodels With Salvaged Pieces
If you can get your hands on an antique bathtub, especially a clawfoot bathtub, it can be an amazing centerpiece for a remodeled bathroom. Antique tubs tend to be larger and more comfortable, and they’re built to last. Cast iron tubs in particular hold heat far better than most new models, and if the finish is chipped, reglazing brings it right back to life. A cast iron pedestal sink with a nice patina makes a lovely centerpiece for a bathroom remodeled with salvaged materials.
If you’re considering remodeling with reclaimed materials in or around New Albany, Indiana, call FM Pro Remodeling at (812) 944-6383.
