If you're in the middle of a renovation, you might be surprised at how much waste is thrown away in the process – but it turns out that these scraps could be more valuable than you first think.
While used materials, such as old planks of wood and reclaimed tiles, may look like pieces of junk, they actually hold their value and could go for good money on online marketplaces, giving you extra pocket money to play with for your project.
To find out whether your home is hiding any secret treasures, our experts have revealed the money-making materials worth selling below, along with the best places to list them.
Which renovation materials are worth selling?
1. Solid wood
If you're planning to rip up your old wooden flooring, you'll want to hold your horses before chucking it in the skip as it could have value for reuse or recycling, according to Mark Hall, expert at Business Waste.
"This is especially true if there is enough of the material for reuse in another project," he adds. "If you do wish to hold on to any wooden flooring, make sure to be careful when lifting to prevent any splits or damage."
2. Copper and brass
You'll also want to keep hold of any spare copper lying around, as this can have a high scrap value, even if it can't be sold for reuse. Mark advises that if you have any other metals ready for resale, make sure you keep them separated so you can get a quote from a local recycler.
It's not just scrap materials that could earn you some extra cash. Decorative fittings, such as brass handles and finger plates, could also be worth good money.
3. Period floor tiles
"When it comes to tiling, the materials which hold their value best are often more niche or architectural pieces which people may wish to restore or reuse," says Mark.
"Look out for particular tile patterns, decorative borders or corner pieces. Even small quantities can be resold as buyers look for options to repair or replace tiles in an existing floor."
4. Original fireplaces
Original fireplaces are another fantastic money-maker – particularly those that are made from high-quality materials, such as marble or stone, says Mark. Don't forget to sell any cast-iron accessories and inserts, as they will also be snapped up by other renovators.
Mark recommends taking the photo in situ to give the buyer some inspiration for what it might look like in their home.
5. Garden landscaping materials
"Paving, flagstones, steps or other natural stone can have resale value as it often appeals to other homeowners or landscapers who may be working on garden projects," says Mark. "Try to keep intact pieces together, make sure to record dimensions and be clear on collection expectations given the weight of the material."
Homebuilding & Renovating's content editor Laura Crombie had great luck selling her garden rockery stones. "One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, is most definitely my mantra!" she says.
Mark Hall is a director at BusinessWaste.co.uk, which he co-founded in 2015. A key objective in founding the business was to create a positive environmental impact, with a focus on recycling and reducing waste sent to landfill sites.
What are the hardest used materials to sell?
Some renovation materials are easier than others to sell, with modern bathroom suites, kitchen units and uPVC windows often being the trickiest. "They often have limited demand because they're designed to fit specific spaces, making them harder to reuse elsewhere," Mark Hall explains.
However, just because it's harder, it doesn't mean it's impossible. Laura Crombie has successfully sold everything from a vintage bathroom cabinet and bathroom suite to old kitchen units using Facebook Marketplace, village WhatsApp groups, eBay and Vinted.
"Heavy materials such as bricks and paving slabs can also be difficult to sell, as transport costs may outweigh their resale value. Small quantities of tiles or flooring can be less appealing to buyers who need enough matching materials to complete a project," says Mark.
Making some extra cash might be an exciting thought, but before you start ripping up your floorboards and pulling out period features, it's worth checking the local demand for these items in your area, Mark advises.
"If there's little interest, donating usable materials to a local reuse scheme may be a better alternative to throwing them away. Older materials should also be checked for potential hazards, particularly asbestos, before being offered for reuse."
Which renovation materials should you never sell?
From period tiles to garden paving, there are plenty of used materials that you can sell on, but it's important to know about the ones you can't.
"Reclaimed materials are worth a look before anything goes in a skip, but there's one category that should never be sold or reused in a UK home built before 2000: anything that might contain asbestos," says Joseph Gough, Owner of Yorkshire Asbestos Solutions.
"The Health and Safety Executive lists textured coatings such as Artex, vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles, insulating board and cement roof sheets among the places it was used, and says the only way to confirm it is to have a sample analysed. Old cement garage roofs and corrugated sheets look sturdy and reusable, which is why they catch people out."
Joseph Gough is the owner of Yorkshire Asbestos Solutions, providing asbestos surveys, sampling and removal for homes and businesses in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Where do I sell used renovation materials?
You're probably itching to get your used materials listed by now, but before you do, Mark Hall says the best place to sell them will depend on the quality, quantity and type of materials.
Online marketplaces:
While eBay and Facebook Marketplace are fantastic for finding casual buyers looking for a bargain, Enviroment is best for specialised materials or large quantities.
Scrap metal dealers:
"Scrap metal dealers are the best option when looking to recycle any metal which doesn’t have value in its current form," says Mark. "It’s always worth checking collection costs and comparing a few different options to get the best price. There are strict rules about the sale of scrap metal; remember to check what ID you need to provide, always ensure you have permission to sell, and keep your receipt."
Salvage and reclamation dealers:
Want to sell niche or specialist items, such as parquet flooring or period tiles? Mark recommends speaking with a salvage or reclamation dealer, who will be able to identify the value correctly.
Waste management companies:
"For any larger projects or if you are a landlord or developer working on several properties, consider taking any waste materials to a waste management company," Mark says. "They will be able to advise what does and doesn’t have value, and the best options for disposal or recycling."
Listing your old things might seem like a daunting task, but it's a simpler and quicker job than you might think – and could be a great way to partially fund your project.
For more advice, find out where to buy reclaimed bricks and what to restore and replace in a renovation.
