We’ve all heard the phrase “quality over quantity,” but what does that mean in the salvage world? Instead of clicking “add to cart” from a building materials chain store, it pays in a big way to plan ahead. Waiting for perfect materials for your vision means you’re adding unique character along with longevity that only comes with quality salvaged goods. Enter: The art of slow salvage.
Here are a few salvaged materials worth waiting for:
Old Growth Salvaged Wood
In the age of fast-paced, straight-to-your-home goods, it’s tempting to pick the cheaper option for your needs.
However, if you have the patience and like to treasure hunt, you’re in for a world of good. When scanning our inventory daily you’ll find old growth fir, beautiful mahogany, and submerged cedar. These materials have both visual appeal and durability that fast-growth tree farmed wood simply cannot match.
Solid Wood Doors
These days, most doors are made of particle board, which is wood particles glued together under pressure. Some new doors are even made out of vinyl! Upon first glance, these doors may seem to function the same as solid wood doors, but there are huge differences when it comes to quality.
For instance, particle board isn’t as durable as solid wood. It easily swells, cracks, or breaks, and is susceptible to moisture damage. Because of this, particle board doors cannot be painted or stained easily, and you’re not able to add customizable elements like fun hardware.
Particle boards also have been heavily processed and treated with chemicals. This means when these doors are no longer functional they cannot be easily recycled or repurposed, thus ending up in the landfill after limited use.
By contrast, solid wood doors are durable and long lasting, add warmth with natural wood grains and texture, and can even add resale value to homes. You can refinish solid wood and adhere decorative hardware to make them fit whatever room you’re decorating.
Check out some of our solid wood doors HERE.
Cabinets and Flooring
It’s easy to find readymade laminate flooring or particle board cabinets to finish your remodel. One quick internet search with your dimensions and a slew of inexpensive, carefully edited images pop up. However, if you’re patient, you’ll be able to find higher quality salvaged materials that will last you decades.
It may take a few months as you build up enough solid wood floorboards to finish your flooring, or find the perfect solid wood cabinet set, but the years of use you’ll be able to get out of it is well worth the effort.
Where to Start?
Good things come to those who wait. If you’re looking for something specific or in large quantities, check out our ever-changing inventory. We update our stock daily, and have thousands of items and building materials available. If you have your eye on an item and want to put it on hold, call or email us!