Quality is something that doesn’t age, and the best secondhand materials and used materials, building products or building supplies and fittings are those which were those of quality at the beginning of their life.

When you look at secondhand materials, such as aged roof shingles, older bricks or recycled timber, stop and be aware of what you need them for and if they can do the job.

Quality Assurance

The qualities that you will be looking for in secondhand building materials will vary greatly. If you are looking at wood to use in the framework you will be looking for stability, size and width. If you are looking for a fitting such as front door you will be looking at character, strength and size. Be fully aware of what the requirements for each material are before you start looking. Getting a great deal on secondhand timber isn’t such a great deal if it doesn’t meet the requirements of the job.

Assurances

Many secondhand dealers will give you a guarantee as to the quality of the goods. A reputable dealer will have their goods sorted and can tell you which pieces are of a high quality and are suitable for structural loads. If you are hiring a builder you should include them in this process. Many builders won’t work with materials that they haven’t approved in case they compromise the quality of their work. Taking a builder along with you is always going to be a good idea, they can look at the materials and let you know which are of the highest quality.

What items may be available as secondhand materials?

• Windows – from old church windows to windows to suit the age and style of your home, these are regularly salvaged from old houses and resold.
• Doors – an original old door can create an entry that is unforgettable. Doors are a common material found in secondhand centres.
• Light fittings – from the ceiling roses that they fit into to the actual fittings themselves, you will be able to find a large variety of light fittings around.
• Skirting boards and picture rails – you can get the new variety but you can also look around for the old ones that have been salvaged and cleaned up.
• Benches – there’s nothing like a nice old wooden bench top. Before the days of laminex most bench tops were wooden. A good polish and it will breathe new life.
• Bathroom fittings – from an old bathtub to a pedestal basin you will be able to find it all.
• Timber beams – if you have exposed beams in your home, image having a big old beam with a big old story behind it.
• Posts – from fence to verandah, many posts are recycled and can be reused.
• Trims and awnings – from iron lace trims to wooden window awnings, many have been salvaged and are well and truly reusable.
• Fireplaces – from the surrounds to the mantle, there is nothing more beautiful, and interesting, as a fully restored fireplace.

What to look for

• Obvious wear on the materials that may affect its structural safety
• Cracks and holes in glass, wood or stone
• Warped or wavy bits of wood or metal
• Insect infestation, particularly in wood products
• Gaps between windows and their frames
• Rust or corrosion in metal posts, gates or frames

Cost isn’t everything and just because something is more expensive than everything else doesn’t mean it is of a higher quality. Where secondhand building materials are concerned, much of their value can be in their authenticity, visual impact and uniqueness, not in their structural or material quality.