Reusing or repurposing older and original materials has both practical and poetic benefits. For example, salvaging older wood may not only save in construction costs and provide a sustainable solution, but old growth lumber is stronger too. And then of course there is the additional character old house materials imbue and the wonderment of telling the “story” of where they originally came from.
You can see an example in these photos above. We salvaged the original hand hewn saltbox rafters (to allow for a shed dormer addition), and then reused them as collar beams in the new 2nd floor bedroom addition.
And here’s a great resource I’d like to share – I found this architectural salvage place years ago while visiting friends in Kennebunk, ME and delight in also visiting their website (Old House Parts Company) to find gems we might use on our client’s projects. Such as antique windows and doors, fireplace mantels, architectural salvage bathroom and lighting fixtures, and much more!
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