If you are renovating an older house, building a new house or just updating your existing home, using secondhand building materials or used materials and building products such as recycled timber, aged roof shingles or older bricks, can bring new life to old fixtures and bring additional character and charm back into your home.

Not such a new thing

People have been using secondhand building materials and building supplies for as many years as people have been building in Australia. Using secondhand materials was just a way of life up until about 40 years ago when our society became more prosperous. Although it still happens to a degree today, once when a building was demolished it was taken apart piece by piece and these pieces were then resold or reused.

Why would I want to?

Using secondhand building materials can give a building an authentic feel and quality that new products just can’t give it. An old building that retains its original features has a higher resale value and many buyers are looking for these details when making an investment. If the original features of your old house have been removed, you can search for replacements that fit the same time and function. If you are renovating an old house and wish to change the function of a room, secondhand materials can help you create the feeling and look that will convince all comers that the room was always used for its newer function.

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.

Where can I find secondhand building materials?

• Online – there are many online forums where you can buy secondhand building materials. Just have a look at what is available.
• Heritage – many stores specialise in materials from heritage homes. If the house you’re renovating is older than 100 years this could be a great first stop.
• Locally – have a look around your local area for businesses that specialise in recycled or secondhand materials. You may find one in your local industrial estate.
• Hardware store – some hardware stores have materials that have been salvaged or recycled, ask at the trade counter.
• Demolition – if you have a company locally that undertakes demolitions let them know what you are looking for, they may be able to find it for you.

If you are looking to use secondhand materials make sure that what you buy is in good condition and that it meets all structural requirements of your building job. Have any wood tested by professionals to make sure it hasn’t been affected by any little nasties.