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DEBUT ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE GUIDE OFFERS NATIONAL SOURCE LISTINGS

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ROCKY MOUNT, VA. — An ever-growing number of antiques dealers are carrying architectural antiques as part of their inventory as the popularity of using antique building parts in restoring old homes continues to increase among collectors and homeowners alike. This popularity, however, is often accompanied by frustration — both on the part of dealers and consumers — in trying to locate suppliers of these vintage materials.

The inaugural national Directory of Architectural Salvage and Antique Lumber Companies — a comprehensive list of outlets locally, nationally and online, selling antique building parts. Listing more than 300 architectural salvage and antique lumber companies by state, and in Canada by province, the 60-page directory includes contact information, website and e-mail addresses, days and hours of operation and a brief description about each company.

“The market for and popularity of architectural antiques is extremely strong right now and shows no signs of diminishing,” says Rich Ellis, founder and publisher of Architectural Salvage News and the Directory. “That demand is being driven by consumers’ appreciation for these highly crafted materials, the history and stories that accompany them and by the surging popularity of green building materials. As a result, we’re seeing more and more antique dealers including architectural items as part of their inventory, whether it’s a small selection of mantels, stained glass or doors or a major segment of their product mix.”

In addition to helping buyers locate hard-to-find items, such as a particular style of antique flooring, the directory is also a resource for people looking to sell antique building parts they have acquired.

“Old windows — particularly ones crafted from stained glass — doors, door hardware, entryways, staircases and banisters, fireplace mantels, sinks, tubs, light fixtures, ironwork, pressed tin ceilings, tile, marble, wood floors and trim, outdoor statuary and fountains and antique bricks are some of the items most frequently preserved for reuse from old homes and commercial buildings during renovation or demolition,” Ellis added. “There’s a large, growing network of businesses that rescue or purchase these items for resale and consumers who buy them. This directory benefits both groups.”

The 2007–08 Directory of Architectural Salvage and Antique Lumber Companies is published by RKE Publishing LLC, also the publishers of Architectural Salvage News. For general information, www.architecturalsalvagedirectory.com or 540-483-8991.