Salvaging 

Most of the inventory at the Salvage Barn is carefully deconstructed by staff and volunteers from buildings slated for demolition. We use these salvage operations as empowering experiential learning opportunities: by getting their hands dirty, crew members gain new tool skills, see first-hand how houses are built, and understand the value in keeping quality materials out of the landfill. Salvaging is also crucial to keeping the warehouse stocked and our small organization running.

 

You can help the Salvage Barn and Friends of Historic Preservation by granting our crew permission to salvage soon-to-be demolished or renovated properties that are at least 50 years old. Not only will this ensure that the operational and programming expenses of our nonprofit are met, but it will also benefit you in several ways:

• Salvaging reusable materials lightens your load to the landfill, resulting in reduced fees.

• Donated materials may be tax-ductible.

 

To use the Salvage Barn's deconstruction services, simply contact us about upcoming demolition or renovation projects. Our Salvage Director will work with you to develop a plan and timeline, and upon completion of the salvage operation, will present a tax receipt for your donation.

 

If you have any leads on houses that will be razed soon, please let us know! Call 319-351-1875 or email info@salvagebarn.org.

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Shopping

Our Salvage Barn sells everything from hardwood flooring and trim to leaded windows and period light fixtures. Look through our dozens of doorknobs and hinges, rosettes and plinths, registers and sinks. Need an old door or window? We’ve got rows and rows of them—along with occasional antiques. We range from the truly elegant to the serviceable and reusable. 

We encourage creative use of old materials. Many shop here for their crafting, art, and woodworking projects.

Everything we sell has been donated or salvaged. Older materials were often built better than today’s, and they deserve to be reused, not dumped in a landfill. Preservation is all about sustainability.