How to Use Old Barn Lumber
As old barns fall into disuse and can no longer be mended, farmers and businesses have been finding it worthwhile to recycle the salvaged barn lumber and make it available to consumers for many different uses. According to Old-Barn-Wood.com, much of this barn wood comes from old-growth forests and is perfect to use in timber frame homes, post and beam construction, open ceiling beams, exposed wood beams and for furniture, flooring and moldings. Barn lumber is valuable for its strength, character and dense nature. Does this Spark an idea?
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Consider recycling the lumber for construction. If you've been looking for lumber to build a shed or other storage building, the old barn lumber might serve a useful purpose. Before beginning your project, evaluate the amount of lumber available compared to your construction needs.
If you don't have a project in mind, consider that your lumber may be desired by companies that acquire old barn lumber for construction or restoration projects. The DMOZ directory (see Resources) provides a nationwide list of several dozen reclaimed lumber recyclers. The listed companies obtain their antique wood from many sources, including barn salvage operations. Contact companies in your area to determine their interest.
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Look at timber frame and log home applications. With the growing popularity of timber frame homes, structurally sound barn lumber can be used for post and ceiling beams, exposed wood beams, molding and mantels. The lumber may be used in log home construction as well.
Decide if the lumber can be used for renovations or additions to your own home. Examples include adding a fireplace with a barn wood mantel; reframing windows and doors for a rustic look; or building an addition with the old barn wood. If you're not able to use the lumber yourself, contact timber frame or log home builders in your area.
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Consider custom furniture creations. If you enjoy building traditional furniture pieces, the old barn lumber might help get your creative juices flowing. If you're not a furniture craftsman, contact local custom furniture builders who create rustic and reproduction furniture with antique woods. For example, barn lumber can be used to create shelving units, tables, storage chests and other occasional furniture pieces.
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Evaluate the lumber for flooring use. Reclaimed lumber can be transformed into stunning antique flooring products, both for newly constructed homes and for renovations. Barn boards and other barn lumber can be milled into beautiful flooring of different widths and configurations.
The Barnstormerswood company dismantles 19th century timber framed barns, and reclaims the varied types of barn wood. The wood is kiln dried and processed through a moulder for uniformity. The barn wood is then crafted into flooring with 3-inch to 10-inch widths.
Consider the lumber for your own flooring needs. If you don't have the resources to mill and install the flooring yourself, work with a local flooring company to complete the process. If antique flooring isn't appropriate for your home, contact a reclaimed flooring specialist and discuss a purchase of the lumber for their manufacturing operation.
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Remember woodworking or woodturning projects. If you're passionate about working with wood, the barn lumber might provide some unusual woods for your woodworking or woodturning projects. If you're a member of a local hobbyist club, you might also want to share the wood with other club members. Contact your local club, or visit the Fine Woodworking website (see Resources) for a directory of clubs in your regional area.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit old barn image by SSGuess from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I would like to know how to make the new cyrpess wood on the new part of my home to look like the old wood. Someone told I could put steel wool in a jar with vinegar until it is a liquid. Then rub it on the wood. do you know about this or another tip. Thanks.
