Owner Jake Baker salvages the materials himself, then builds pieces showcasing and preserving rather than hiding the rough edges and previous life of the wood. The pieces all appear to be tables, signs, benches and shelves, however each and every one has a story and a history all their own.
One accent table was once part of a feed box at a local farm – in fact, you can still see the part where the animals chewed on the side. Another piece spent its former life as a window, and will now help you display your treasures or books as a shelving unit. One piece of 100-year-old wood was reclaimed and used in building a barn in the 1930s – this is the second time it has been reclaimed, now as a bench.
And the reclaimed materials are just the beginning: Baker uses hand tools and old world methods to create his pieces to really stay in the look and feel of the time period.
Do you have your own reclaimed materials you dream of one day transforming into a functional piece of furniture or decor? Baker says some of his favorite projects have been the custom ones for local businesses and people in the Dayton area and beyond. If you want to see his work in action, check out Smales Pretzels, Salon J Ladner & Spa and Twist Cupcakery.
Baker says that even though he's spent countless hours growing up building his own tree houses and skating ramps from used materials, the thought of starting his own shop was not something he had considered until Activated Spaces approached him about it. Now he's been at it for less than a year and is already eyeing a larger space to expand his store.
"So far, the community loves us,” said Baker.
It's clear the feeling is mutual, considering how Baker Salvage Co. is creatively preserving and giving new life to former homes, barns, and buildings from Dayton's past.
Want to go?
WHAT: Baker Salvage Co.
WHERE: 31 S. St. Clair Street, Dayton
HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
INFO: bakersalvageco.com | (937) 985-2066 | Facebook.com/bakersalvageco | Instagram: @bakersalvageco
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