Louisiana holds an extraordinary archive of architectural salvage that carries the spirit of the region's homes, churches, mills, and long-standing commercial buildings. These materials offer more than cost savings or waste reduction. They bring authenticity, craftsmanship, and a story that cannot be replicated. From reclaimed cypress and antique doors to hand-forged hardware and carved millwork, each piece reflects the character of the place it came from and the hands that shaped it.
This guide helps you navigate the world of Louisiana salvage with clarity. You will learn where to look, how to evaluate condition, and how to bring historic pieces into new work with intention. If you want a curated path to authentic reclaimed materials with documented origins, Bourgeois Materials sources historic elements from across the country and brings them home to South Louisiana.
Louisiana has no shortage of character rich materials, but few places offer true authenticity or traceable origins. Most salvage is scattered, inconsistent, or dependent on chance finds. Bourgeois Materials exists to change that. Instead of sorting through unpredictable inventories or donor grade stock, you can rely on a curated collection of historic materials that have already been evaluated, documented, and preserved with care.
We source directly from demolition sites across the United States, then bring those materials home to South Louisiana where builders, architects, and homeowners can access them without the guesswork. Every piece is measured, photographed, graded, and prepared for reuse so you know exactly what you are getting. No replicas. No substitutes. Only genuine architectural salvage that carries its history honestly.
Most salvage seekers spend weeks driving from warehouse to warehouse or scrolling through scattered listings. Bourgeois Materials streamlines that process with a clear, dependable inventory that highlights the most sought after elements in Louisiana architecture. Think reclaimed cypress, hand hewn beams, antique brick, carved millwork, period hardware, and one of a kind pieces that simply cannot be reproduced.
Each item is chosen for structural integrity, aesthetic value, and provenance. You gain access to materials that were shaped, cut, or cast generations ago and have already proven their durability. Whether you are restoring a Creole cottage or designing a modern home that deserves historic texture, our team helps you select materials that fit the vision and arrive ready to be used again.
Architectural salvage often depends on good timing and luck. Bourgeois Materials shifts that reality. Our network reaches far beyond Louisiana demolition, allowing us to gather rare pieces that other suppliers never see. Materials are carefully transported, sorted, and stored so you can walk through or browse with clarity. Nothing is guesswork. Nothing is left to chance.
With a focus on reclaimed authenticity and reliability from start to finish, we have become a trusted resource for Louisiana builders and designers who want salvage that stands apart in both quality and story.
You will find pieces that add character, save resources, and solve specific design needs. Expect stained glass, reclaimed wood, antique elements, and a wide range of hardware that fit restoration or new projects.
Stained glass often comes from churches, theaters, and old homes in Louisiana. You can get full windows, transoms, or smaller leaded panels. Inspect for cracked lead came, loose glass, and water damage before you buy.
Look for common repairs: re-leaded panels, broken-glass replacement with color-matched glass, and new frames fitted to old panels. Ask sellers about provenance and whether panels have been removed intact—intact removal lowers repair costs.
Measure opening and frame depth before purchase. Consider professional restoration for large or historic panels. Small panels work well as cabinet inserts, room dividers, or backlit art.
Reclaimed wood in Louisiana often comes from old warehouses, barns, and riverfront buildings. You can find heart pine, cypress, and oak with aged patina and tight grain that new wood rarely matches.
Check for nails, insect damage, and proper drying. Kiln-dried reclaimed boards stabilize faster and reduce warping. Sellers sometimes plane and dimension boards for flooring or keep them raw for a rough-hewn look.
Use reclaimed wood for flooring, ceiling beams, accent walls, custom furniture, trim, mantels, and shelving that match period architecture.
Architectural antiques include mantels, columns, corbels, shutters, and cast-iron elements. You’ll encounter mantels from Victorian homes, decorative brackets from porches, and pressed-tin ceilings salvaged from commercial buildings.
Match scale and style to your project. Large mantels and columns require structural planning; check dimensions and weight. Rusted iron pieces can clean up well with wire-brushing and sealer. Ask about cast markings or maker plates to verify age and origin.
Photograph installation locations and the antique before purchase. Factor in transport and lifting for heavy items. Consider conservation for carved wood and fragile plaster pieces.
Salvaged hardware covers door knobs, hinges, locks, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. New Orleans stores and salvage yards often stock brass knobs, mortise locks, and decorative hinges from early 20th-century homes.
Test moving parts: latch function, key fit, and electrical safety for lamps. Many pieces need cleaning, re-plating, or new wiring. Keep originals for authenticity; buy reproduction parts only when originals are impractical.
Verify screw patterns and backset measurements for doors. Check thread sizes for plumbing fittings. Confirm wiring meets current codes before installation.
You can bring history into modern spaces by using reclaimed doors, mantels, windows, and hardware. Reused pieces cut costs, add character, and reduce waste when you plan for fit, finish, and function.
Start by measuring the opening and structural conditions before buying large items like doors or windows. Salvage stores, including The Green Project, often list dimensions and conditions; confirm height, width, jamb depth, and glazing type so the piece fits or needs only minor framing.
Match finish and style to the room’s use. Use reclaimed mantels as bathroom vanities or kitchen shelves, and convert old shutters into cabinet fronts. Keep hardware like hinges and doorknobs; they usually only need cleaning or new screws.
Budget for restoration costs: stripping paint, replacing glazing, sanding, and sealing. Factor in a professional for structural changes. Label and store smaller salvage items in clear bins to avoid damage.
Clean gently first. Use mild detergent, soft brushes, and low-pressure rinsing to preserve patina on wood and metal. Test paint for lead before sanding older pieces; use proper safety gear if lead is present.
Remove nails and straighten bent metal with pliers, then stabilize joints with wood glue and clamps. For warped boards, try moisture cycling (light misting and weighted flattening) before replacing material.
Refinish with compatible products. Use oil-based primers for stubborn stains and water-based topcoats for quick drying. When matching historic profiles, copy trim with a router or have one profile milled from reclaimed stock.
Keep a simple tool kit: pry bar, putty knife, clamps, orbital sander, paint scraper, and a cordless drill. Document each step with photos so you can reverse changes or reproduce details later.
Choosing salvaged materials reduces landfill volume and lowers demand for new lumber and metals. Organizations like The Green Project divert paint and building materials, cutting toxic disposal and saving embodied energy from new production.
Salvage also saves the energy and emissions tied to manufacturing and transporting new items. Reusing doors, flooring, or fixtures keeps carbon stored in old wood and avoids the extraction of new raw materials.
You also gain community value. Buying from local salvage stores supports nonprofit programs and local jobs while keeping historic fabric in circulation.
You will find active groups and projects that save building materials, support reuse, and teach skills across Louisiana. These efforts reduce waste, lower renovation costs, and keep historic character in neighborhoods.
Several organizations run reuse warehouses, deconstruction programs, and salvage sales that make reclaimed materials available to you. The Green Project in New Orleans operates a large reuse center where you can buy doors, windows, mantels, and architectural trim salvaged from local demolitions. They also offer workshops on deconstruction and materials selection so you learn how to reuse pieces safely and effectively.
Other groups, like local salvage businesses and municipal deconstruction teams, coordinate with contractors and homeowners to recover fixtures before demolition. Expect to find inventory lists, pickup services, and basic inspection guidance that help you choose sound items. These organizations often work with historic tax-incentive programs to make reuse part of affordable preservation projects.
New Orleans hosts a strong preservation network that connects you to resources for architectural salvage. Groups such as the Preservation Resource Center and Louisiana Landmarks Society provide technical advice, grant information, and neighborhood-level support for restoring historic homes with reclaimed materials. They also run outreach programs that highlight how reuse keeps the city’s distinctive features—like wrought-iron work and carved wood—on the streets.
Guided tours, educational classes, and revival grant lists target low- to moderate-income homeowners. Programs often include partnerships with salvage centers to source period-appropriate materials. This network helps you balance code compliance with historic authenticity when you incorporate salvaged items into renovations.
Nonprofits act as hubs between donors, contractors, and homeowners to move usable materials into new projects. They collect items from demolitions, store inventory, and vet materials for safety and reuse, so you get reliable pieces for your work. Many nonprofits also run volunteer programs and hands-on training to teach deconstruction methods that protect valuable architectural elements.
Grants, donations, and small sales keep these organizations operating. They often partner with city agencies and preservation commissions to align reuse with local preservation policy and tax-incentive programs. Working with nonprofit salvage centers supports a system that reduces landfill waste and keeps historic fabric in active use.
Architectural salvage is more than a design choice. It is a way of preserving the craft, memory, and material honesty that shaped Louisiana’s built environment for generations. When you choose reclaimed elements for a home or project, you are not simply buying materials. You are carrying a story forward.
If you want guidance, clarity, or access to truly historic pieces, Bourgeois Materials can walk you through current inventory and help you source materials with purpose. Every beam, brick, and fragment has a past worth honoring and a future worth building.
You can find stores, auctions, and specific items across Louisiana. Prices, shop reputations, and item types vary by city and by whether items are restored or sold as-is.
Look in larger cities and older neighborhoods for the best selection. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles often have multiple salvage shops, antique dealers, and specialty stores that carry doors, mantels, stained glass, and hardware.
Search local business listings, Chamber of Commerce pages, and Yelp for hours and recent reviews. Many stores update inventory on their websites or social pages, so check those before you travel.
Customers often praise stores that offer well-restored pieces and fair pricing. Reviews highlight helpful staff, clear item descriptions, and clean, organized showrooms.
Negative reviews usually mention inconsistent inventory or unclear restoration notes. Look for shops with photos and clear return or condition policies.
Small hardware like knobs and hinges can run from a few dollars up to $50. Medium items—like reclaimed lighting, windows, and smaller mantels—often cost $75 to $1,000 depending on age and condition.
Large items such as full doors, large mantels, or vintage ironwork can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Prices rise for rare pieces, full restoration, or proven historical provenance.
Yes. You can find local estate and demolition auctions that include salvage lots. Auction houses in larger metro areas sometimes list reclaimed doors, stained glass, and architectural fixtures.
Watch auction calendars, local demolition notices, and auction websites for listings. Some salvage stores also hold periodic sales or consignment auctions.
Common items include doors, transoms, mantels, stained-glass windows, fireplace surrounds, vintage hardware, shutters, and decorative ironwork.
You can also find reclaimed lumber, molding, and lighting fixtures. Expect a mix of Victorian, mid-century, and regional Creole or French-inspired elements in coastal and older urban areas.
In New Orleans, visit specialty salvage yards and millwork shops in historic neighborhoods and near renovation districts. Stores often offer reclaimed Creole cottage elements, stained glass, and ornate millwork.
In Baton Rouge, explore warehouses and antique dealers that carry mantels, doors, and vintage hardware. Check local business directories and social media pages to confirm current inventory and hours before you go.
