Why buy old building materials? Five important benefits

Why buy old building materials?

Old building materials are not bought only for restoration. Historical bricks, floor tiles and doors are also used in renovations and new builds to give a building more character and a less uniform appearance.

The main difference from new materials is that reclaimed materials already have a history. Natural wear, patina, colour differences and historical dimensions make every batch different. At the same time, buying old materials requires a little more attention to quantity, measurements, condition and installation.

1. An appearance shaped by time

New materials can be deliberately given an aged appearance, but with authentic old materials, colour variations, signs of use and patina have genuinely developed over time.

This is clearly visible in reclaimed masonry bricks and antique floor tiles. No two batches are completely identical, and that variation can give a facade or floor a lively character.

2. Old materials suit restoration and new builds

In restoration, it is often important for added material to match what is already there. A modern brick with a different size or surface can stand out sharply in a historical facade.

A suitable reclaimed batch can help a repair or extension blend in much more naturally. Old materials are not exclusively for heritage buildings, however. They are also used in new builds with antique building materials to give a new home more character from the outset.

3. Reuse keeps existing materials in circulation

Reusing an existing building material extends the life of something already manufactured. This makes reuse part of circular construction and can reduce demand for newly produced materials.

The precise environmental benefit varies by material and project because dismantling, cleaning, processing and transport also have an impact. Read more about why reused building materials can be sustainable.

4. Historical sizes and designs become available again

Old buildings contain materials, sizes and details that are not always available today as standard new products. Examples include particular brick formats, traditional floor tiles, panelled doors and historical stained-glass designs.

In restoration, a historical size or design can be important for correctly completing existing work. In a new interior, the same material may be chosen for its distinctive appearance.

5. Every batch is different

Buying reclaimed materials usually means choosing something other than a completely uniform factory product. One batch may contain hundreds or thousands of fairly similar bricks, while another has considerable variation in colour or size.

This sometimes requires extra selection during installation. It also offers the opportunity to create a facade, floor or interior that cannot easily be reproduced exactly.

Which reclaimed building materials can you buy?

Reclaimed masonry bricks

Reclaimed masonry bricks come in a variety of colours, sizes and production types. They are used in restoration, extensions, new builds, garden walls and other projects where a characterful facade is wanted.

Reclaimed floor tiles

Reclaimed floor tiles, such as terracotta floor tiles and traditional Dutch estrikken, are reused in kitchens, living rooms, halls and outbuildings. Patina, colour variation and small differences in size are important parts of their appearance.

Reclaimed doors

Reclaimed doors can be reused as internal doors, sliding doors or part of a period dividing-door arrangement. Historical panel layouts, timber and stained glass can immediately introduce a period feature into an interior.

Tile tableaux

Historical tile tableaux are decorative features that can be reused in a kitchen, fireplace surround, hallway or wall, for example.

Are old building materials always better than new ones?

No. The right choice depends on the project. New materials offer benefits such as consistent dimensions, large reproducible quantities and predictable product specifications. These can be decisive for some technical applications.

Old materials are especially interesting when authenticity, matching existing work, reuse or a lived-in appearance matters. A sound choice therefore starts with the application, not the assumption that old or new is necessarily better.

What should you check when buying old building materials?

Quantity

Check that enough material is available from the same batch. Reclaimed batches are finite, and ordering more of exactly the same batch later is not always possible. Allowing a reserve for selection, cutting and possible breakage is sensible.

Dimensions

Measure several examples. Handmade or older materials can vary slightly in size within the same batch.

Condition

Patina and normal signs of use belong to old material. Also check that the batch is technically suitable for its new application and has no unacceptable damage.

Installation

Old materials sometimes require different handling from modern, consistently sized products. Discuss with the contractor beforehand how the bricks, tiles or doors will be installed and which tolerances are acceptable.

How much do reclaimed building materials cost?

Price depends on factors including type, age, size, quantity, quality, rarity, necessary processing and transport. There is therefore no single price per piece or square metre that applies to all reclaimed building materials.

We explain this in more detail for bricks in what is the price of reclaimed bricks?.

Viewing old building materials before buying

Photographs give a first impression, but for large batches or materials that will define the appearance of a project, viewing them in person can be valuable. Colour nuances, surface texture, patina and size differences are easier to assess.

Browse our projects to see how reclaimed materials look after installation. If you want to combine materials within a renovation, also read renovating with reclaimed building materials.

Buying reclaimed building materials from Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen

At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find batches of reclaimed bricks, floor tiles, doors and other historical building materials for restoration, renovation and new builds.

Do you have photographs, measurements, required quantities or a building drawing? Contact us so we can help you look for a suitable batch.

Frequently asked questions about buying old building materials

Why do people choose reclaimed building materials?

Mainly for their authentic appearance, historical dimensions, natural variation and the opportunity to reuse existing material. In restoration, matching the existing building can also be an important reason.

Can reclaimed building materials be used in new builds?

Yes. Old bricks, floor tiles and doors are also used in new homes to add character and historical detail from the start.

Can I order more from the same reclaimed batch later?

That is not guaranteed. Reclaimed building materials become available in finite batches. It is therefore sensible to buy enough material and a suitable reserve beforehand.

Should I view reclaimed building materials first?

It is not always necessary, but it can be sensible for large batches or materials with a strong visual presence. Nuances in colour, texture, wear and dimensions are easier to assess in person than in a photograph.