4 pitfalls to avoid with architectural salvage - Grand Designs Magazine : Grand Designs Magazine 4 pitfalls to avoid with architectural salvage - Grand Designs Magazine

4 pitfalls to avoid with architectural salvage

Architectural salvage is a striking, eco-friendly choice for your project. Ensure a smooth-sailing project using these materials with this handy guide.

By Hugh Metcalf | 6 January 2020

If you want to include genuine period details and materials recovered from old buildings in your design, follow these helpful tips to avoid potential problems.

Mark Lewis interior design for Hoxton Square - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Mark Lewis Interior Design, kitchen cabinets made from salvaged pine boards, from £75 per sq. m

Reclaimed, salvaged materials are not only a strong aesthetic choice, but also a chance to re-use something that may otherwise end of in landfill.

However, the use of reclaimed materials can have its challenges in a build or renovation project. We’ve outlined a handful of potential pitfalls when using architectural salvage, and how you can avoid making these mistakes.

Factor into your build time

When you’re working to a strict timeline, it’s key to anticipate that sourcing reclaimed materials doesn’t work to the same schedule as ordering of the shelf products. Letting your architect/construction team know that you want to use a salvaged material from the outset is a good idea, so that they can keep this in mind for future deadlines – they may also be able to help you source them.

If you want to include genuine period details and materials recovered from old buildings in your design, follow these helpful tips to avoid potential problems.

Mark Lewis interior design for Hoxton Square - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Mark Lewis Interior Design, kitchen cabinets made from salvaged pine boards, from £75 per sq. m

Reclaimed, salvaged materials are not only a strong aesthetic choice, but also a chance to re-use something that may otherwise end of in landfill.

However, the use of reclaimed materials can have its challenges in a build or renovation project. We’ve outlined a handful of potential pitfalls when using architectural salvage, and how you can avoid making these mistakes.

Factor into your build time

When you’re working to a strict timeline, it’s key to anticipate that sourcing reclaimed materials doesn’t work to the same schedule as ordering of the shelf products. Letting your architect/construction team know that you want to use a salvaged material from the outset is a good idea, so that they can keep this in mind for future deadlines – they may also be able to help you source them.

Image: The New & Reclaimed Flooring Co 

Buy from a reputable source

Choosing a trustworthy salvage dealer is not just about making sure that your purchase is authentic and functioning, but also that it hasn’t been removed or stolen from buildings without permission. Salvo Code members are pledged to a guideline of ethics that helps stop illegal architectural salvage theft, and Salvo also provides an online marketplace for dealers.

Opt for restored radiators

The Old Radiator company restored radiator - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: The Old Radiator Company 

Unless you’re an expert, you should take care when reclaiming radiators from salvage, as you’ll need to check that they’re in full working order. Before restoration, radiators may have hidden cracks or corroded gaskets, which can be irksome to repair and may not be noticeable until the restoration process begins.

Be safety conscious

Skinflint reclaimed and restored hungarian pendant light - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Skinflint Design

When choosing objects that have not been professionally restored, it’s important to be conscious of how degradation of reclaimed materials may affect it’s safe use in your property. Lighting, for example, should be re-wired and professionally PAT tested, according to Chris Miller, co-founder of Skinflint Designs. You should also avoid buying lighting with rusted fittings that may continue to degrade and become a hazard,

 

Are you planning to use architectural salvage in your build? Let us know by tweeting us @granddesigns or posting a comment on our Facebook page.

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