Finding something for your home that is salvaged is very rewarding because you can give it a new life, it comes with well established character, and it is likely to be unique. Finding exactly what you need at a salvage store can be challenging. I had the good fortune of visiting several of the fine architectural salvage shops in Minneapolis this weekend. Here is a rundown of what they have to offer.
- Guilded Salvage
Guilded Salvage has everything you expect to find in terms of hardware, doors, and fixtures. They also have good selection of wood cupboards and cabinets. Find Gilded Salvage in North Minneapolis. - Architectural Antiques
I heard Architectural Antiques described as the Martha Stewart of the architectural salvage scene in Minneapolis. Not knowing what to expect from this recommendation, I was pleased to find tidy showrooms, artfully arranged pieces, wide aisles, and meticulously organized collections of hardware.The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful. Find Architectural Antiques in Northeast Minneapolis. - Bauer Brothers Salvage
Wear close toed shoes and bring work gloves to maximize your enjoyment of Bauer Brothers Salvage. There are thousands of items available for applications that range from home remodeling to opening a restaurant to outfitting a locker room. They even have lumber and timber. Find Bauer Brothers in North Minneapolis. - Art and Architecture
This store has a tendency to stock pieces of pipe organs, solid wood thrones, stained glass windows, and similarly dramatic elements of former worship spaces. Not to be ignored, are the frequent sightings of well worn and full of character work benches from a variety of professions. Brave light rail construction to get to Art and Architecture in Prospect Park.
MORE SALVAGE STORES ON APARTMENT THERAPY
Best Salvage Shops: Coast to Coast
• Salvage One: Architectural Elements
• Silver Fox Salvage: Architectural Salvage & Vintage Decor
• Best Salvage Shops: Online and Offline
(Images: 1.Architectural Antiques , 2. Guilded Salvage, 3.Laurie McGinley)
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Great post. I live in Minneapolis and have made good use of these resources. I found a little pink sink at Bauer Brothers that exactly matched my tub and toilet (American Standard, same design, etc) for $40! They threw in the metal legs for free, which was really nice. I also plan to sell some of my original light fixtures to Architectural Antiques.
Can anybody comment on how buying salvage compares to buying new for price? We don't have a lot of salvage shops around where I live, but I would totally make the trip to source fun new items IF it doesn't blow the budget.
It's not easy generalising about prices of salvage, although in my experience even the most upmarket salvage yards or shops do have bargains if you look hard enough. Generally prices for architectural antiques are more than the equivalent new, but prices for recent salvage - such as a five year old kitchen - are where the real bargains can be had. Try googling 'estate sales' or 'demolition sales' for your area.