Antique Building Solutions

About Antique Building Solutions — Reclaimed Wood in Howard

Antique Building Solutions specializes in premium reclaimed wood and salvaged lumber, serving architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners throughout Howard, Pennsylvania and the surrounding Nittany Valley region. As both a building materials supplier and demolition contractor, they carefully salvage and process authentic timber from historic barns, mills, and buildings.

Their extensive inventory includes reclaimed barn wood, antique heart pine flooring, old-growth timber beams, salvaged chestnut, weathered siding, live-edge slabs, and custom-milled lumber. Each piece is carefully de-nailed, graded, and prepared for modern construction while preserving its authentic patina and character marks that can only come from decades or centuries of natural aging.

Unlike big box stores selling manufactured “distressed” wood, Antique Building Solutions offers genuine reclaimed materials with real history and superior stability. Their local expertise means personalized service, custom cutting capabilities, and the ability to match specific project requirements while supporting sustainable building practices through material reclamation.

The Pennsylvania market has deep appreciation for historic preservation and sustainable building practices, making Howard an ideal location for sourcing authentic reclaimed materials. The region’s rich agricultural and industrial heritage provides access to premium barn wood and mill timber that captures the authentic character of American craftsmanship.

Photos

Own this business? Claim your listing to add photos.

Location & Directions

What to Expect When You Visit

Visiting Antique Building Solutions means stepping into a treasure trove of authentic salvaged lumber where each piece tells a story. You’ll find carefully organized stacks of weathered barn siding, massive hand-hewn beams, and planks with original saw marks and nail holes that speak to their historical origins.

The knowledgeable staff will help you understand the provenance of different materials, discuss custom milling options, and guide you through selecting the right species and grade for your project. Expect to spend time examining grain patterns, discussing installation considerations, and possibly discovering unique pieces that inspire design changes to your original plans.

Products & Materials

Antique Building Solutions offers an extensive range of reclaimed wood species including antique heart pine, American chestnut, barn oak, hickory, and poplar salvaged from 18th and 19th-century structures. Their inventory spans from rustic weathered siding with original paint traces to perfectly preserved interior beams that showcase pristine old-growth grain patterns.

Available formats include dimensional lumber, wide-plank flooring, hand-hewn beams, live-edge slabs, barn doors, and custom-milled profiles. Each piece is categorized by species, grade, and origin, with options ranging from heavily weathered exterior barn wood perfect for accent walls to refined antique flooring ready for high-end residential installations.

Custom services include de-nailing, planing, tongue-and-groove milling, and kiln-drying when required. They also offer matching services for restoration projects and can provide documentation of wood origin for LEED certification and historic preservation requirements.

Who Shops Here

Their customer base includes interior designers creating statement walls in restaurants and homes, architects specifying authentic materials for historic renovations, furniture makers seeking character wood for custom pieces, and homeowners pursuing sustainable building practices. Contractors working on barn conversions, vacation homes, and commercial spaces also rely on their expertise to source materials that provide instant warmth and authenticity that cannot be replicated with new lumber.

Serving the Howard, Pennsylvania Area

Howard, Pennsylvania sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country where historic barns and agricultural buildings provide a rich source of premium reclaimed materials. The area’s strong tradition of craftsmanship and historic preservation creates an ideal environment for businesses like Antique Building Solutions, where the local community values authentic materials and sustainable practices in both residential and commercial construction projects.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Bring project photos and dimensions to help staff recommend appropriate species and grades for your specific application
• Ask about the provenance of wood pieces – many have fascinating stories about their original buildings and locations
• Examine end grain and check for insect damage, especially in older barn wood that may need additional treatment
• Consider purchasing extra material beyond your calculated needs, as matching reclaimed wood later can be challenging
• Discuss moisture content and acclimation time needed before installation, particularly for flooring applications
• Inquire about custom milling services if you need specific profiles or dimensions not available in their current inventory

Woodworking Clubs & Resources near Howard, Pennsylvania

Woodworkers in the Howard, Pennsylvania area can connect with the Central Pennsylvania Woodturners, an AAW chapter based in State College that serves the broader region with regular meetings and demonstrations. The nearby Penn State University offers woodworking courses through their continuing education programs, while the Woodcraft store in Harrisburg provides supplies and occasional workshops for woodworkers throughout central Pennsylvania. Local makers may also find community and shared workspace opportunities at makerspaces in the larger surrounding cities like State College and Williamsport.

Find a local woodworking guild →  ·  Find an AAW chapter →

Frequently Asked Questions

Ratings & Reviews