Projects With Old Reclaimed Barn Board

Flooring

• Using the old barn wood for flooring is oney interesting idea since it creates a very rustic look. When you're selecting wood for this purpose, understand the wood may need to be milled down to form tongue and groove fitings. It will also have to be planed to create a smooth surface.

Doors

• This is a project than can be done by a carpenter or by an experienced homeowner. A framed-out door using an old barn's leftover wood works as a charming accent for any room decorated in an Americana, rustic or country theme. The process, too, may involve the need for milling the wood.

Bookcase

• A bookcase can be made of wood salvaged from an old barn. Doing so creates a very rustic bookcase. Even better, milling of the wood may be unnecessary. The natural color of the wood will enhance the room. Storing older books on the shelf increases the artistic touch.

Wainscoting

• Using old barn wood as wainscoting is another idea. Use the wood as is and cut it to lengths of 36 to 42 inches. Nail it to the wall. Cut another piece to use as a trim cap.

Staining

• You can stain the barn wood, but using a clear polyurethane allows the old wood's weathered beauty to stand out. If you are getting wood from an old painted barn and you want to keep this look, apply clearcoat to maintain the appearance.