Restoration Resources

I went to an event here and had a lovely time. It’s a unique space and perfect for a small party. We were there for ArtWeek Boston and made chalkboards out of old doors. They came out great and we learned a little about salvage and the benefits of reusing older pieces. It’s hard not to feel creative surrounded by amazing finds that they had there.
The owner Bill was really nice and helpful.

Restoration Resources is the only salvage company in Boston and certainly one of the most unique stores in the city. I recently learned of the store when I read Jump shell’s guide, «40 Most Unconventional Things to do in Boston». I have always enjoyed «The Thrill of the Hunt» and discovering unusual pieces be it yard sales, flea markets, antique stores, or architectural salvage companies… but unfortunately there aren’t that many around anymore. Visiting Restoration Resources was like getting a free pass to a museum of Boston history! There is the main showroom area, back showroom (which is also an event venue named Circa) a huge warehouse and lower level all filled with all sorts of one-​of-​a kind piece.
The owner Bill took the time to give me the tour, and history behind the various items, and also pointed out that most of the Hollywood movies produced in Boston will go to Restoration Resources to rent out vintage pieces as props. I was curious as to where the pieces come from in the first place, and when I asked him, he explained how the process works. Most of the architectural elements and furnishings are professionally removed by Bill and his «deconstruction» crew from Beacon Hill estates, old churches, buildings and period homes in the Greater Boston area.
After touring the entire space, and hearing all of the steps involved in acquiring these beautiful antiques, frankly I was actually surprised the pieces did not cost more than they did! While for the most part, things seemed to be priced higher than things you would find at a flea market, the 2 environments really can’t be compared, aside from the fact that they can both be serendipitous experiences! In fact, after seeing how big the place is, and thinking about real estate and overhead costs, and then learning all of the steps involved from the preliminary contacts with a seller, to the tedious excavation process, crew costs, truck rentals, travel time, pick up, polishing and clean up and repair to then setting up and displaying the stuff, and staffing costs, sorry, but I could not help but wonder how a store like this could afford to stay in business. I think we are lucky to have a store like this in our city, and a person who is willing to have a business that preserves our city’s history and keeps these rare pieces out of a landfill! I was also impressed with how clean the store is and how easy it is to navigate this Boston boutique of beautiful finds! Bill took plenty of time showing me around the architectural elements such as stained glass windows, statuary etc. I am a nurse, and while I thought that this might just be the «go to place» for interior designers, contractors, architects and homeowners renovating or decorating their home… it is so much more! There is even an entire Gift and Souvenir area. I ended up leaving with a cool Father’s Day gift! (Very reasonably priced I should add!) I will definitely be back again, as the inventory changes daily… And what can I say, I love the hunt!

Overpriced? Very. But I’m not wealthy and don’t have a fabulous condo on Beacon Hill to decorate with this stuff. We were there for little things. We replaced the doors in our upstairs and we wanted fancy doorknobs to go along. They had these great Benningtons that were perfect. Expensive but just what we were looking for. I also found an adorable tiny rocking chair for our baby-​on-​the-​way for what I felt was cheap money. Yes, the guy that checked us out was from a different planet but I dug his Batman belt and snarky sense of humor. One thing I didn’t let effect my review (even though maybe it should) was the box he put the knobs in broke open when my husband took it out of the trunk so they fell on gravel and got some chips. I was NOT happy about spending 3 bills on old doorknobs just to have them chip when we got home but we were able to fix them up. I just recommend they invest in a few bags to hand out to customers when they leave the store with product. Otherwise, it is a fun place and if you look hard enough you can find some (reasonably priced) treasures.

Today I had the pleasure of shopping at Restoration resources in Boston. I was first impressed by the beautiful pieces of rescued treasures gracing the windows. I was not disappointed by the rest of this amazing store loaded with every piece of hardware, lighting and woodwork you could possibly imagine. I was fortunate enough to meet the owner Bill who was most gracious in answering our questions of“what is that, what does it do and where did it come from? Walter who also works there was quite the character and added to the overall shopping experience with his knowledge, willingness to help and humor.
Not only is Bill providing restorers with just the piece they need to complete a project, he is helping to preserve the history of the city of Boston one piece at a time, do come visit and check it out!

Love the stuff, hate the people. Not to mention it is also overpriced for the quality. I showed up at 10:15 AM (they open at 10) and the door was still locked. The short guy who works there walked up from the sidewalk (LATE FOR WORK!) and opened the door and said «you can’t possibly need newel posts this badly». I joked that I was just in the area. He let me in, and then proceeded to ignore me for the next 20 minutes I was there. Meanwhile, two other people came into the store after me and they were promptly helped by both the shorter and taller guy who work there. One lady was «renting» light fixtures for her movie set — she got a LOT of help.
Little did they know that I just purchased a huge Greek revival house that needs restoration pieces, mantels, hardware, etc. I think that perhaps I looked a little too young and poor to be seriously interested in buying anything there. Well too bad for them! I will be trekking to Nor’east Architectural Salvage (
) for any of my future needs. Boston sure needs s salvage/​restoration place, but perhaps I should start one and be nice to my customers! Business would surely boom!

Made my first visit today. Not much time during lunch hour so more of a «what’s here» before a return when more time is available. Good range of things– mantels, many old chairs, amazing tall library shelves (like Comm Ave brownstone libraries), some stained glass, lots of door hardware. I found Walter to be quite cheery. Did not attempt to dicker but the tagged prices on all except chairs are ridiculously high. Will go back once I have some needs and measurements.

This place has VERY cool stuff. However, it’s ALL EXTREMELY OVER PRICED and the owner is an ass. While visiting Boston on Thanksgiving Break my family and I wondered in with intentions of spending some cash in this very interesting store until the owner so rudely followed us around making sure we didn’t break anything. My husband had a few questions about doorknobs and the answers where short and condescending.
We walked out without looking back. No matter how awesome the merchandise was we didn’t feel comfortable paying anyone for anything if they didn’t show us common courtesy and respect.

One of the most fascinating places in Boston to browse around. It’s like being in a museum and you never know what you’re going to find there. Each time you go in there will always be something new and interesting that you didn’t see before.
I’ve purchased several items from them in the past year. The staff are quite friendly and knowledgeable and let you browse around on your own to explore for treasures.
The pricing is surprisingly reasonable as well. I bought two beautiful vintage chairs for just $ 25 each! I highly recommend Restoration Resources for anyone who has an interest in old stuff, be it a vintage pedestal sink, antique door knobs, fire place mantels, or just about anything architectural that can be salvaged from an old brownstone or mansion.
Oh yes, where else can you find tons of free street parking in Boston, particularly the South End? At Restoration Resources!

I had 15 sets of antique crystal door knobs to sell. Called Bill at Restoration and he asked that I send him a pic. Within 5 min of sending the pic we had a deal.
Dropped the stuff off the next day and walked out with a check. Simple process!!!
Didn’t get time to walk around the store, but it looked really cool.
Walter the manager was awesome, and is a super friendly, funny guy!
Definitely recommend this place. Easy to find!!!

i saw restoration resources on «this old house». i went on a rainy saturday to browse and was blown away by all the unique finds. i ended up getting a hanging coat rack that looks perfect in my circa 1900 victorian home. it was originally listed at $ 200, but we were able to get it for $ 150 — score!
harry is right — the address listed is incorrect and they are open for business in roxbury.

Great customer service and products. I emailed them a photo of some hinges in my home that I wanted to match. They promptly found a matching pair and emailed me back.
BTW, the address listed in Unilocal is wrong. It is 1946 Washington Street

Salvages architectural antiques and authentic period pieces, ornamental elements and original house parts.