Budget Home Upgrade Ideas - Explore a Reclamation Yard

Reclamation yards can be great ways of finding fun, funky and fabulous items that can be used to upgrade a home cheaply. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the best ideas to consider if exploring a reclamation yard.

Note: It’s important to consider the quality and safety of any items you collect from a reclamation yard. Some will need restorative work, while other items may be unrecoverable. In general, though, reclamation yards are a great way of finding items to add to your home, whether or not they require revitalisation work.

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1. Water Features

One of the best types of fixture/fitting to pick up at a reclamation yard is that of a water feature. Among the water features you might find when searching through a reclamation yard include water fountains, ponds, water tables, cascades and stainless-steel water features.

Some reclaimed water features will hold up better than others. This means that how easy any given water feature you might pick up at a reclamation yard will be to refurbish can vary.

Among the many water features that exist, stone, copper and stainless steel are some of the best materials due to their durability and longevity. Opting for well-preserved water features made of sturdy materials can also help with making it easier to revitalise and use.

2. Used Furniture

Second-hand furniture, once recoverable, can be another affordable way of upgrading your home. Notable examples include second-hand chairs, bureaus, coffee tables, desks and cabinets.

When used furniture is recovered, you can increase utility, storage space or/and the aesthetic appeal of a room or multiple rooms. Of course, while some work may be needed to recover or even repurpose said furniture, it will likely save you a lot of money.

3. Vintage Windows

Integrating one or more vintage windows into a modern or relatively modern property can be challenging but prove a fantastic retro upgrade if accomplished.

Classic window styles include sash windows, casement windows, Victorian-era windows, Georgian windows and Edwardian windows. Whether they are from specific past eras or designed to replicate the style of those times, you’ll want to ensure that the vintage window(s) you collect can be repurposed successfully.

You may find that you need to hire a professional window installer for this work, though this will depend on your experience and the complexity of the installation.

4. Freestanding Bath

If you have an old bath that needs replacing or lacks one to begin with but have the space to add one, it’s worth looking into freestanding baths at reclamation yards.

As with any item, you’ll want to ensure the bath you opt for is in good shape or at least can be recovered on a budget.

5. Reclaimed Timber Floors

Note: Only use reclaimed wood flooring when it is safe to do so. Verify that the wood has not been damaged, while also watching out for mould and mildew, insects like termites, lead paint and volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Ultimately, also make sure there is no fire hazard. If unsure, opt for a verified safe reclaimed wood supplier to err on the side of caution.

Reclaimed wood can also be used to revitalise a space in your home. For instance, you may want to swap out a worn-down wood floor or another type of flooring entirely (e.g. carpeting) for a reclaimed wood floor. A living room space would be a good candidate.

Beyond timber flooring, reclaimed wood may also be repurposed and upcycled to create new structures. These might include wooden storage lids, custom wood coffee table and even a vertical garden using a wood pallet.

Also from a safety point of view, it’s best to install reclaimed wood flooring downstairs to limit any risks of damaging the structure holding upstairs flooring spaces in place.

6. Old-Fashioned Tiles for a Splashback

You should also consider how artistic tiles or/and vintage Victorian tiles can be used to create a small-scale splashback in your kitchen. Somewhere in the region of 10 to 20 tiles may be needed to achieve this, though it will depend on the exact size of the tiles among other factors.

Using vintage tiles to create a kitchen splashback can aesthetically enhance the space while also adding character. Considering how any given tiles might look along with the visuals of the rest of the space is also important to keep in mind.

7. Vintage Ornaments

Another great reason to head to a reclamation yard for home upgrades is to search for vintage ornaments.

Whether it be an old-fashioned sword (kept in a suitable location), vintage iron garden bench, vintage stone horse garden decoration or otherwise, vintage ornaments can provide a low-cost way of upgrading your home. Ultimately, vintage ornaments can act as a simple but superb upgrade to your home’s interior or exterior.

8. Retro Signs

Adding one or more retro signs can also enhance the look and feel of your home. This might include old road signs, vintage brand/advertising signs or antique street signs along with many other options.

Popular retro advertising signs include those related to food brands, household items, chewing gum, alcoholic beverages, soap products and many more.

All in all, reclamation yards are great places for finding old and interesting items that can spruce up your home’s decor and, in many cases, add fresh character, offering a brand new feel too.