There's something about barnwood that gives me an instant connection to
the country. I can almost feel and smell the dirt as I run my hands
across the rough surface. My senses kick into overdrive while admiring
the rich patina and the weathered grain. I can't put a price on this
kind of finish, aged to perfection by Mother Nature herself.
Maybe that's why barnwood is so hot. From country chic to rustic country
charm, barnwood is a decorator's dream. Its diversity and one-of-a-kind
look have only heightened its popularity.
For years, I've envisioned using barnwood in a family and entertainment
room. It would be the perfect backdrop for showcasing my farm tin
advertising collection and primitives I've acquired.
This past winter, we decided to finish a portion of our walk-out
basement. We were fortunate that my brother-in-law Dave McGrew had a
ready supply of wood for me to use after tearing down a dilapidated
barn.
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| Storing the barnwood in� �� ��what else� �� ��a barn kept boards dry and protected
them from the elements. Boards were inspected for insects and mold. | A skilled carpenter like Don Maestas of Laddr Construction is a
lifesaver when you don't have the time or talent to tackle a remodeling
project. Barnwood was sorted by size and color before cutting. |
 |  |
| Black stripes are painted on the plywood bookcase frame to mask any
unpainted wood, blemishes or gaps between the board seams. | Doug Maestas attaches the barnwood wainscot, cut in 36-inch lengths, to
the walls. The wainscot was later trimmed with a 4-inch baseboard and
2-inch lip� �� ��all barnwood for a nice, finished look. |
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I rented a U-Haul and made the 700-mile round-trip from St. Louis, Mo.,
to Hastings, Iowa, to load the barnwood. The salvaged pieces were a
hodgepodge of sizes, from a few feet up to 20 feet in length. They were
solid pine boards, 12 inches wide, used for the barn's siding.
We carefully inspected the boards for mold and insects before loading.
Other than surface dirt, the barnwood was free of bugs and odors and in
great shape. But since it was December, powerwashing the boards was out
of the question. Plus, I wanted to maintain as much of the rustic look
and natural patina as possible. A thorough sweeping with a stiff broom
seemed to suffice.
Three months and a significant amount of work later, our basement was
transformed into a unique area for our friends and family to enjoy and
for displaying our antiques and collectibles.