Historic Material Sourcing
Authentic restoration requires authentic materials. We source period-appropriate brick, lumber, hardware, and specialty items for Tampa Bay's historic properties—from salvage yards to specialty manufacturers.
Authentic Materials for Authentic Restoration
Historic restoration isn't just about appearance—it's about using the right materials in the right ways. Modern materials often look similar to historic ones but behave differently. Using Portland cement mortar on soft historic brick, for example, can cause serious damage. Authentic restoration requires understanding material science alongside construction techniques.
Florida Construction Specialists has spent decades building relationships with salvage dealers, specialty suppliers, and craftsmen who understand historic materials. When we restored the Italian American Club in Ybor City, we sourced matching brick for masonry repairs, custom-milled trim to match existing profiles, and period-appropriate finishes. The result honors the building's 1918 construction while meeting modern code requirements.
Understanding Historic Building Materials
Pre-1920s buildings used fundamentally different materials than modern construction. Brick was softer and more variable. Mortar was lime-based, not Portland cement. Lumber came from old-growth forests with tight grain and high resin content. Hardware was hand-forged or early cast. Glass was hand-blown with characteristic waves and bubbles.
These materials aged together over decades, reaching equilibrium with each other and their environment. Introducing modern materials disrupts this balance. That's why we prioritize salvaged and period-appropriate materials— they're not just aesthetically correct, they're technically compatible.
Our Material Sourcing Network
Over four decades, we've built relationships throughout the Southeast with architectural salvage operations, specialty mills processing antique lumber, manufacturers producing traditional materials, and craftsmen creating authentic reproductions. When a project needs specific materials, we know where to look.
Florida's development patterns create good salvage availability. Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding communities experienced significant growth in the early 1900s, then again in the post-war era. When buildings from these periods are demolished or renovated, materials become available. We maintain relationships with demolition contractors who notify us of upcoming projects with salvageable materials.
Historic Materials We Source
Comprehensive sourcing for all historic restoration material needs, from structural elements to decorative details.
Antique Brick & Masonry
Salvaged brick, terra cotta, stone, and architectural elements matching the size, color, and character of historic masonry.
Historic Lumber
Heart pine, old-growth cypress, and other period lumber for flooring, millwork, and structural applications.
Period Hardware
Authentic and reproduction door hardware, window hardware, lighting fixtures, and decorative metalwork.
Lime Mortars & Plasters
Traditional lime-based mortars, plasters, and renders formulated for compatibility with historic masonry.
Custom Millwork
Custom-milled trim, moldings, doors, and windows replicating historic profiles and joinery.
Specialty Materials
Architectural glass, decorative tile, roofing materials, and unique elements sourced for specific restoration needs.
The Importance of Lime Mortars
One of the most common mistakes in historic masonry restoration is using modern Portland cement mortar. Pre-1920s masonry was built with lime mortar— a mixture of lime, sand, and water that's softer and more flexible than modern cement-based mortars.
This softness is intentional. In a masonry wall, either the brick or the mortar must be the sacrificial element—the weaker one absorbs stress and deteriorates first. With lime mortar, the joint fails before the brick. Repointing is relatively easy. With Portland cement mortar, the brick fails—requiring expensive brick replacement.
Compatible Flexibility
Lime mortar moves with the building, accommodating thermal expansion and minor settlement without cracking.
Moisture Management
Lime mortar is permeable, allowing moisture to escape through joints rather than becoming trapped behind impermeable cement.
Self-Healing Properties
Lime mortar can actually heal minor cracks as dissolved lime recrystallizes—a property Portland cement doesn't have.
Reversibility
Lime mortar can be removed without damaging historic brick, allowing future repairs. Portland cement bonds permanently.
Historic Material Sourcing FAQs
Common questions about sourcing period-appropriate materials for historic restoration projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Period-appropriate materials maintain historic integrity, meet Secretary of Interior Standards, preserve eligibility for tax credits, and ensure compatibility with existing building systems. Historic mortars, for example, are softer than modern Portland cement—using incompatible materials can damage historic masonry. Matching original materials also maintains the building's aesthetic and historical significance.
We source all materials needed for authentic restoration including: antique brick and salvaged masonry, historic lumber (heart pine, cypress, old-growth), period hardware and fixtures, custom millwork matching historic profiles, lime-based mortars and plasters, traditional roofing materials (slate, clay tile, wood shingle), and specialty items like cast iron, decorative terra cotta, and architectural glass.
We maintain relationships with architectural salvage yards throughout the Southeast, specialty suppliers of reproduction materials, demolition contractors who notify us of available materials, and manufacturers who still produce traditional products. Florida's development history means significant salvage inventory is available locally, though we source nationally when needed for specific requirements.
Salvaged materials are genuine antiques—original brick, lumber, hardware, and fixtures recovered from demolished or renovated buildings. Reproductions are newly manufactured items made to match historic specifications. Both have roles in restoration: salvage provides authenticity; reproduction ensures availability and consistency. The choice depends on project requirements, budget, and preservation goals.
Often yes, though it requires expertise. We analyze existing materials—mortar composition, brick dimensions and color, wood species and profiles—then source matches from salvage or specify custom reproductions. Perfect matches aren't always possible or necessary; the Standards allow compatible rather than identical materials when appropriate.
Lime mortar (lime and sand) was standard before Portland cement became common in the early 1900s. It's softer and more permeable than modern mortar, allowing historic brick to 'breathe' and flex. Using hard Portland cement mortar on soft historic brick causes damage—the mortar is stronger than the brick, so stress cracks the brick rather than the joint. Lime mortar is essential for pre-1920s masonry.
Antique heart pine comes from salvaged beams and flooring from demolished buildings, river-recovered logs (sinker logs from historic logging), and standing dead timber from old-growth stumps. We work with specialty mills who process these materials. Heart pine's density and resin content make it exceptionally durable—today's plantation pine can't match it.
We source period hardware through architectural salvage, antique dealers, and manufacturers producing authentic reproductions. This includes door and window hardware, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, cabinet hardware, and decorative metalwork. For unique items, we can commission custom fabrication matching historic designs.
Sourcing specialized materials requires lead time that should be built into project schedules. We identify material needs during preconstruction, begin sourcing immediately, and coordinate delivery with construction schedules. For tax credit projects, using salvage often provides stronger compliance documentation than reproduction materials.
The Standards favor retention of original materials, then repair using matching materials, then replacement in-kind. Material choices are documented in tax credit applications. Using salvaged materials of the same period can strengthen applications. Reproduction materials must be justified based on unavailability or unsuitability of original materials.
Source Authentic Materials for Your Project
Authentic restoration requires authentic materials. Contact FCS to discuss material sourcing for your historic restoration project—from antique brick to custom millwork.
822 Bayview Dr, Ruskin, FL 33579