Reclaim & reuse
Add authenticity to your home with unique salvaged gems
When renovating a period home, one of the best ways to enhance its character is to choose salvaged pieces that have already seen generations of use, and so are imbued with their own sense of history. Venture inside your local salvage yard to discover a treasure trove of architectural antiques, from bricks and tiles that will help a new extension to blend in, to fireplaces and doors for reinstating lost originals.
‘Most antique and reclaimed pieces are unique; they tell a story gathered from the many years of use,’ says Louise Coster of Mongers Architectural Salvage in Norfolk. ‘They will come with blemishes that give character and individuality so that they will instantly make your room a special space, which no new item possibly could.’
As well as adding authenticity to your home, buying reclaimed pieces is more sustainable. ‘Using reclaimed items where possible is a form of recycling; it’s good for the environment and often the quality of materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques were much higher than some produced today,’ says Glenn Llewellyn, director of Wells Reclamation in Somerset. ‘If you remain open-minded and challenge your creative thinking, you can often find interesting one-off pieces that will help create a unique living space.’
Each salvage yard is different – some are a bit rough around the edges, meaning you’ll need to use your imagination and dig deep to find pieces with potential, while other yard owners are more conscious of the shopping experience, carefully curating and styling up the best stock. Some reclamation business specialise in particular types of products, such as fireplaces or timber beams, while others cater to a much wider audience.
Prices vary hugely depending on an item’s age, condition, provenance, rarity, and how in demand it is. Be wary of pieces that need a lot of restoration work, as you could end up spending too much to make it economically viable. Some yards have restoration specialists on staff, and sell readyrestored pieces, which though cost a premium, offer reassurance that they will work in your home.
Building materials
There is a bounty of reclaimed building materials to be found at salvage yards, and they are invaluable for helping a new extension, garden building or boundary wall to blend in. ‘If you are extending or renovating a period property, there is no substitute for original building materials,’ says Mark Hassall of Authentic Reclamation in East Sussex. ‘Old items such as bricks, roof tiles and Yorkstone have a wonderful patina, have already lasted 200 years and will last another 200 – unlike modern, typically imported reproductions.’
Take care to examine the stock closely – looking at pieces from the centre of the pile as well as on the outside to check their condition. Tap slates and tiles to check they haven’t failed. Ask for the source of the materials, and be wary of buying bricks from chimneys, where flue gases may have reduced their effectiveness, and flagstones reclaimed from industrial mills, which may have been contaminated with oil. You will need to order at least 10 per cent extra for wastage. Materials are often priced individually in pounds and pence, so you will need to work it out over a larger area.
Bathrooms
Cast-iron roll-top baths are one of the most in-demand reclaimed items, but you can also source salvaged sanitaryware and brassware to create a truly original feature in your bathroom. ‘The vast variety of styles and sizes make buying old bathrooms a much more rewarding experience than choosing new. From grand Victorian panelled bathrooms to mixed-coloured Art Deco suites, there is something for everyone,’ says Louise Coster from Mongers Architectural Salvage.
Most cast-iron roll-tops date from between
1910 and 1940 and are much deeper than standard modern baths. Cast iron is incredibly hardwearing, and retains heat well, but it is heavy, so you will need to ensure your floor can take the weight.
Check to see if the bath has been restored or resurfaced before. If the surface is flaking then it will need to be stripped and sanded, which will entail extra work and cost. A professional bath restoration costs upwards of £300.
When it comes to buying sanitaryware, Louise advises caution regarding DIY restoration work. ‘It is important when trying to restore antique items that it is undertaken by a highly skilled person,’ she says. ‘We have seen so many beautiful pieces ruined by heavy-handed workmen. There are, as with most things, times when items are not worth restoring, such as toilet pans that are heavily crazed so that they will not stay watertight, or cracked basins where the restoration costs would be more than the value of the piece. All mechanical items, such as taps, will have wear and tear and a lifespan beyond which they are not viable to repair, however most old taps were made exceptionally well and were designed to last.’
Fireplaces
As the centrepiece of a room, a fireplace is an important detail to get right. A new design can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb, while an antique fireplace will be brimming with imperfect charm. Prices differ wildly between unrestored and restored versions. ‘Be realistic about what you can do yourself – people generally underestimate the work involved,’ says Ken Fowler, director at Holyrood Architectural Salvage in Edinburgh. ‘Make sure that all the necessary parts are there as some yards operate on an ‘as seen’ basis.’
Examine the fireplace closely. ‘If it’s painted it’s probably for a reason – never assume what’s underneath,’ adds Ken. Although the fireplace is old it needs to adhere to current regulations, as well as the flue, so make sure it’s fitted by a professional. Unrestored fireplaces start at around £150.
Radiators
Refurbished original cast-iron radiators are durable, high performing, and add a characterful feature to a room. There are many different styles available, from the most common school-style radiators to rare, more unusual decorative designs from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Ideally source radiators from a company that can offer restoration. Unrestored and untested original radiators may have hidden cracks, pinholes or rotten sections, which only become apparent once they are blasted to remove the old paint and tested.
Restoring radiators is painstaking work that is best carried out by a specialist. Prices will vary depending on the style and size, but fully restored and tested column radiators start from £400.
Wall and floor tiles
From geometric and encaustic tiled floors from the Victorian era, to patterned vintage wall tiles, there
is a wide choice of designs to be found at the salvage yard. If you only need a few replacement tiles to mix and match, or want to create a small splashback, you shouldn’t have an issue with stock, but most yards are unable to offer enough for a large area, so you may need to try a specialist tile reclamation company. Check for concrete on the backs of tiles, as this is difficult to remove, and would need to be cut off at the risk of damaging the tile. Original tiles can come in slightly varying sizes and depths, requiring the expertise of an experienced tiler.
Garden antiques
Reclaimed gardenalia possesses a weathered look that is hard to recreate with new. ‘Weathering and patina developed over time is where much of the value lies,’ says Edward Neish, owner of Jardinique in Hampshire. ‘No matter how much you cover items in muck or yoghurt, the genuine results of time spent out in the British climate are always the best.’
Expect to find everything from large statues and cast-iron garden furniture through to bird baths, sundials and planters – as well as many vessels that can be creatively repurposed as containers. ‘Condition is paramount – be particularly wary of damage that is not apparent from a cursory glance. Look for manufacturers’ stamps or marks, and be wary of copies in cast iron and lead that purport to be older than they really are,’ adds Edward. Do not remove any moss or growth on an item for outdoor use as this is what makes it look authentically old.
Lighting
Most vintage lights date back to between 19001970, and were designed to last. The most indemand kinds are vintage industrial enamel lights, which start at around £200, but glass lighting is also very popular. It’s crucial that the light meets modern electrical standards, which means it will require rewiring. This is a skilled job that should not be attempted on a DIY basis, so ensure you purchase from a specialist dealer.
Oak beams
Possessing beautiful knots, splits and marks, reclaimed oak beams are ideal for replacing rotten original timbers or for adding a mantel over a fireplace. As the wood has completely dried out, it will be very hard and difficult to cut, however this means the wood is less likely to warp. Check that the beam has been cleaned and treated or you could introduce an infestation into your home. Restoring and cleaning old beams is dirty work, and potentially toxic if the wrong type of paint has previously been applied. Don’t use sandblasting to clean them as this can leave the wood pitted. Expect to pay from £50 per cubic foot for unfinished beams.
Wood flooring
Not only does a reclaimed wood floor reveal the patina of centuries of footsteps, but it will be much more stable than a new ‘green’ wood floor. ‘Timber flooring has grown in popularity as it’s practically impossible to reproduce a reclaimed board,’ says Lawrence Green, owner of Insitu Architectural Salvage in Manchester. English Victorian pine is always in demand, but 18th- and 19th-century
French reclaimed boards are also popular. Expect to pay a minimum of £50 per m2.
There are various grades of reclaimed wood, and you will need to ensure the supplier offers the required quantity of timber. A reputable merchant will ensure the wood has been de-nailed, properly dried and treated for pests. ‘Never buy timber that is wet or damp as shrinkage has a huge impact,’ adds Lawrence. ‘Acclimatise your timber prior to laying it. Wood will always move but it’s important to try and get it as stable as you can. Find a good fitter who knows the pitfalls and can get the best out of the timber. They will know about subfloors, fitting, sanding and finishes.’ Avoid over-sanding an original floor, as you will remove its character.
Doors
The right door makes the world of difference to a period home, creating an important first impression for the room beyond. Both external and internal doors can be found, but sizing is often complicated. ‘Be aware that door frames require doors up to 10mm smaller in width and height – to allow a
5mm gap all round the door,’ says Andy Warnes from The Reclaim and Salvage Company in Suffolk. ‘You may have to be adaptable, especially on heights, as old homes often used to have thresholds in the doorways. The majority of these have now been removed, making the height generally 20mm taller than the door it originally contained.’
Complete sets of doors are rare, so, if you need several, alert the supplier in advance of your visit. You will have better luck matching nearby doors to each other, rather than a whole houseful.
‘Be wary of doors that have been stored outside in the elements, and avoid doors with black mould spot on them, especially if you wish to wax or oil them, as the marks are hard to remove. Also check
Tips for buying reclaimed
● Measure up before you go to view items – when you spot the right piece, you need to know if it will fit. Take your dimensions and a tape measure.
● If you are trying to match something, take an example, or at least a picture and measurements.
● Don’t be afraid to ask the seller for more information about an item you are interested in.
● If you find the right piece, buy it, as if you go away and come back, you may find it’s been sold.
● Many dealers have a wanted list you can add products to, and will reserve items for a short time.
● Ensure the yard has a good returns policy, in case items aren’t of the quality you expected.
● Visit the yard and view the products if you can, rather than buy from a website picture.
● Make sure you buy original items rather than reproductions.
● Check the delivery charge, and try to combine purchases to reduce it.
● Don’t be afraid to haggle — but bear in mind some owners will be more receptive than others.
● Ensure your builder is experienced in using reclaimed products.
● Examine items as closely as possible and check for damage, including on the underside.
● Always buy from a reputable yard that knows where their products have come from, so that you can buy with confidence. Most trusted dealers are signed up to the Salvo code, which ensures they sell items that are safe to use from responsible sources.
● Ask if you can try a piece in situ before buying – some yards will allow this before you commit to an expensive purchase.
● Condition is key, and while some pieces can be easily restored, others can be extremely expensive or even impossible. Where feasible, investigate the cost and potential of restoration before committing. that the doors have not already been “sized” too much,’ adds Andy. You may want to have the doors stripped, or lock holes repaired - discuss whether the supplier can help with this.
Add to the charm of your reclaimed door with antique ironmongery. Handles need to be perfect pairs, and if they have threaded spindles and grub screws (small headless screws that hold the spindle in place), check the handles screw on and off the spindles, and the grub screws work properly. Never buy handles without their threaded spindles, as making new ones isn’t easy. Refurbished handles start from around £60-£70 for a standard pair.