Field reporter Joe Zanger visits with Amy and Bob Brinkman, who own Artifactual Furniture, an Illinois business that specializes in finding and recycling wood and other materials.
The Brinkmans search the country to find their salvage material, which can be architectural pieces, barn siding, old stairways and windows. They have stockpiled tons of materials in their warehouse.
They say their customers are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. After a customer picks out the salvaged material that will serve as a starting point, Bob creates a piece of furniture incorporating the item.
The Brinkmans have much more than wood to choose from, and the final design might combine wrought iron from New Orleans with Wisconsin fence posts.
Bob says many of their salvaged wood items, such as doorways and mantels, feature intricate carvings that were the work of second or third generation craftsmen. It would be incredibly expensive to duplicate that craftsmanship on a new item.
These beams came from a factory in which condensed milk was invented about 120 years ago. The beams are aged to perfection and are going into a custom home (figure A).
Besides furniture, the Brinkmans also finish rooms for clients, such as this basement that features recycled salvaged wood throughout (figure B). Working with salvaged materials also brings a touch of history to furniture or building projects.
Guests Amy Brinkman
Owner, Architectural Furniture & Design
829 W. NW Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 847-304-0437
Fax: 847-304-0619
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