Where can you buy distinctive building materials with character?
Looking for exclusive building materials with character? Discover what to consider when choosing old bricks, floor tiles, doors and other historical materials.
Where can you buy distinctive building materials with character?
If you want to give a home real character, you will soon find yourself considering materials that are not stocked by every standard DIY store. Old and antique building materials have their own history, patina and dimensions, which can make an interior or facade far more individual.
Van Dillen offers a broad range of reclaimed building materials, including reclaimed masonry bricks, reclaimed floor tiles, period doors and tile tableaux.
What makes a building material exclusive?
Exclusivity is not simply a matter of price. A material can be distinctive because of its age, origins, rarity, handmade production, natural wear or because a batch is available only once.
With old materials, small differences often create their appeal. Rather than perfectly identical bricks or tiles, there are subtle variations that form a lively whole.
Reclaimed masonry bricks for a facade with character
Reclaimed masonry bricks are a strong choice when a facade should have a weathered character from the outset. Depending on the project, options include handmade bricks, moulded bricks, Frisian yellow bricks, IJssel bricks and Groningen bricks.
The differences are not only in colour, but also in size, surface and manufacturing method. Our guide to types of old bricks helps you compare them.
Antique floor tiles as a focal point
An old floor can immediately bring warmth to a room. Our reclaimed floor tiles include old floor tiles and traditional Dutch terracotta floor tiles (estrikken), with differences in colour, surface, size and finish.
If you want a classic or aged appearance but prefer newly produced materials, you can also browse our floor tiles with a vintage character.
Old doors and historical details
Period doors can give an interior far more character than a standard new door. Examples include panelled doors, internal dividing doors and designs with distinctive glass. Small historical details can stand out particularly well in an otherwise modern interior.
What should you consider before buying?
1. Available quantity
Reclaimed batches are finite. Check in advance that enough material is available for the entire project and allow a reserve where necessary.
2. Dimensions
Historical materials are not always consistent in size. Accurate measuring matters in restoration, while a new build can be designed around a distinctive batch.
3. Condition and preparation
Ask whether the material is ready to use or still needs cleaning, mortar removal or sorting. For bricks, removing old mortar can be an important part of the preparation.
4. View the material across a larger area
A single brick or tile tells only part of the story. Compare several examples side by side and use completed projects to assess how colour variation looks after laying.
Reclaimed building materials in restoration, renovation and new builds
Historical materials are not only suitable for listed buildings. They are also used in renovations, extensions and entirely new homes. Our article on renovating with reclaimed building materials explains how different material types can be combined.
To understand why people deliberately choose reuse, see why buy reclaimed building materials? and our explanation of reused building materials and sustainability.
Viewing building materials with character
Ultimately, seeing materials side by side helps you make the best choice. Browse our current collection and projects. For a specific search, you can also contact us with photographs, measurements and the quantity required.
Frequently asked questions
Are reclaimed building materials always more expensive?
No. Prices vary considerably by type, quantity, condition and rarity. With old bricks, size, sorting and processing also play a part.
Can I use reclaimed building materials in a new build?
Yes. Old bricks, tiles and doors are often used specifically to give new homes immediate character.
Can I order exactly the same material later?
Not always. Historical batches are finite, so allowing enough reserve is sensible for larger projects.
