Architectural adventures in salvage decoration
Finding great salvaged architectural treasures is truly a one-of-a-kind, “outside the box” adventure where
New purchasing rules and waybills apply. The typical old “treasure map” or antique guide, trade journal, or flyer on the shelf of your local antique store will not take you to “gold at the end of the rainbow.”
So where do you find the “hidden treasures”?
Here is an online search guide to help you in your search:
1. Start your search in your favorite search engine. It is important to know that each search engine has different listings, orders, and websites. As a salvage trader, I am always amazed at the difference in rankings, links, and new listings I find depending on the search engine I use. Try the “main” engines and you will find different unique paths to ride.
2. Here are some search phrases to try:
– a) architectural rescue in (add your region i.e. Western Pennsylvania or Southern California)
– b) use the term “architectural rescue” in front of the category you are looking for (such as architectural windows, architectural doors, etc.). Use the advanced search option to locate the same category by your region.
– c) the term “demolition companies” by your desired region.
– d) another fertile area is the term “ancient building materials” for its region.
– e) attempt “salvage building materials” at the regional level.
3. Larger and more complete phone books will also generate dirt in some of these categories.
4. Trade magazines sometimes list salvage resources.
5. Several architectural salvage directories now appear on the Internet. Enter “Architectural Salvage Directory” and many times they will provide you with salvage listings by state.
6. eBay “stores” are a source of serious architectural scrap locations. When searching for architectural elements products, look for multiple listings from the same dealer and then see if they have a “visit our store” page in the header on the top right hand side of the listing.
7. High-end flea markets now have some smart dealers selling some really unusual salvage finds. Larger monthly shows are often more productive because dealers have a month to restock and find their own supply networks.
Habitat for Humanity, in addition to doing very good humanitarian work, is also a potential treasure. They specialize in recycling building materials. Some “Habitat stores” are geared towards older materials…others are mainly new materials. Call them and ask about their stock.
Remember that in all of these potential resources there is a “one-of-a-kind” type of assortment by nature. Most salvage yards have “relatively high sales rates,” which means your merchandise gets in and out fairly quickly. There is always a constant source of “architectural salvage” clients looking for the great finds. When you find a convenient location (whose specialty in price and taste suits yours) develop a relationship with the operator by visiting often. You can also leave your name and number with some of them requesting contacts when particularly tasty arrivals arrive!
The deeper you dig and the more time you spend searching, the LUCKER YOU WILL GET! Think outside the box and look for alternative sources of new treasures. The reward will be the architectural gems you desire!
Good luck, good shopping and treasure hunting!