Where do all the fixtures end up when houses are torn down? (Dallas: hardwood floors)

[BigDGeek]

Dallas seems to be the capital of teardowns and I know that things like light fixtures, flooring, hardware, etc are removed from houses before they are torn down. Where does this material end up? Is it sold for scrap or are there big warehouses full of it where you can buy it? I ask because I am in the process of buying a 1950s house and I thought I might be able to make treasure out of "junk" if I could get my hands on these things.

I have seen these types of things for sale online but I want to find a shop in DFW where I can browse and look at things with my own eyes.

Thanks!

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Architectural salvage is what they are called. Look in the yellow pages to see if you can find one. The hardwood floors usually are trashed unless they are a rare wood b/c it's so hard to get them up w/o ripping them. But doors, door handles, sinks, lights, etc. are readily available. However, there might be more early 20th century and Victorian stuff than mid-centurry but call and ask!

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by SouthernBelleInUtah

Architectural salvage is what they are called. Look in the yellow pages to see if you can find one. The hardwood floors usually are trashed unless they are a rare wood b/c it's so hard to get them up w/o ripping them. But doors, door handles, sinks, lights, etc. are readily available. However, there might be more early 20th century and Victorian stuff than mid-centurry but call and ask!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[loves2read]

some gets donated to Habitat for Humanity
some gets donated to scrap heap
just depends on the shape it is in and the patience of the person doing the tear down...

[Lakewooder]

There used to be a place on Industrial down by the old Longhorn Ballroom - I cannot think of the name at present...

[TXreInvestor]

Some of the stuff can be found on craigslist.org in certain cases. I just saw one that was doing an auction on the site of the home for all of the items in it- I am pretty sure that I found that thing on craigslist as well but they had a link to a web site with pics and more information. Look under "material".

One note on the economy: there are far fewer tear-downs going on now due to the lack of ability to sell what many call the "McMansions" that are often the result of teardowns. There was actually an article in the Dallas Morning News recently about how historic areas or areas with older homes have less "risk" of a rising tide of teardowns/McMansions in the current economic climate. Their are typically many renovations going on and done by owners and investors that purchase older homes. If you keep your eyes peeled in your area you might find a crew doing one and find some treasures if you ask.

[pepper131]

There's a place on Regal Row called Discount Warhouse with varied items. That's where my used hardwoods came from.

There used to be a place on Ross Ave next to Andrew Ormsby, but I don't think it's there anymore.

[Edward_from_Dallas]

www.oldhomesupplyhouse.com

Old Home Supply is in Ft. Worth but there are a couple of places like it in Dallas but I can't remember the names.