If youre serious about recycling and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle; you may want to consider used building materials for your next building or remodeling project. Before you start thinking that you dont want someone elses junk; remember it is building material, not underwear. Most salvaged materials are perfectly fine to repurpose.
Many urban areas have re-use-it centers. There you can find kitchen and bathroom cabinets, windows, doors, shutters, and flooring. If youre like me and cannot resist checking out stuff on the side of the road; you can often find windows, doors and cabinets there as well. The price is definitely right. Demolition companies are realizing the value of carefully removing and reselling architectural details from old buildings. I watching Auction Kings last night and they sold some spectacular wrought iron doors for thirty dollars each as well as French doors for the same price. You can actually save about 50% or more buying used building materials.
EBay, Craigs List and other swap sites are good sources for used materials as well. I have seen a lot of ads for patio blocks, used bricks, and slate that are free. You just have to move them yourself. Even in a modern home, an old stained glass window can really make a statement. I found a fanlight window and two side pieces at a yard sale for a dollar. They were beautiful beveled glass and I snapped them up, put hangers on the back and used them as wall art. My slate walkway was free. Ok, moving that heavy slate was a chore, but its pretty now even though it took my husband two years to admit it had been a good idea.
Using old flooring, barn boards, and reclaimed mantels is increasingly common these days. You cannot watch a home decorating program without seeing these things incorporated into new homes as well as restored homes. I love old stuff. I think it adds personality to your home, but I respect that some people simply find reusing things distasteful. I just hate seeing beautiful old buildings destroyed to make room for some modern monstrosity or parking lot. Reusing the materials allows the craftsmanship of a bygone era to live on.
If youre on a tight budget, want to save the planet, or just love old things; consider checking out some used building materials. Youll save money, the planet, and have an interesting home.
