What is architectural salvage?

When older buildings are demolished, materials such as doors, windows, flooring, and mantels that might be re-used are often salvaged. This reclaimed material is then resold.

Philadelphia has one of the deepest and most interesting vaults of salvaged materials in the United States. The distinguished history of the city, as well as its shared aristocratic and working-class heritage, combined to create an inimitable "Philadelphia salvage aesthetic." Maple bowling alley from the Union League, timber from trusses of the Academy of Music, and age-stained cubbyholes from the Divine Lorraine are just a few examples of the types of architectural salvage our city has to offer.

The goal of Greensaw is to find architectural salvage that works in harmony with the rest of the home. This involves a detailed site review, an exhaustive hunt for the appropriate materials (if the client is not available photos can be sent via email or phone), and a discussion with the client concerning how the vintage material will fold into the existing home.