Look at this face… it’s a happy face. Recently, we had the opportunity to save some vintage barn board. We learned this crumbling old farm house was going to be burned down, it obviously wasn’t safe anymore, and really couldn’t be used for much. So, we sprang into action, crowbars in hand, so we could save those lovely, chippy boards.
But what’s the plan for all those boards, you might be asking? Well, this might sound crazy but… we wanted to rebuild that old barn board wall in a new location. And, here she is…
My husband and I were tasked with, how to make this entrance area (at work), a little more welcoming. The current entrance was a bit cold, not so inviting, and the giant cube of doors was a little awkward. Sore thumb syndrome. (This post may contain affiliate links. This means, should you end up making a purchase, advertisers give me a small percentage of that sale, at absolutely NO EXTRA COST to you. Click here for full disclosures).
See how it sort of jets out, and looks like it doesn’t belong? We had to figure out a non-demo way to incorporate it into the space and get it looking like it belongs there. Enter the barn board…
I mean look at this place! And, look at those boards! Years of chipped paint, weathered to perfection. This was the ticket!
As we collected board after board, (this is our idea of a great date day), I was trying to scam ways to keep some for myself. But, no cigar. So we loaded up the trailer and took it to its new home.
After that, it was about re-assembly. The siding boards from the old farmhouse still fit together perfectly. We used new lumber to frame out the edges to give it a nice clean look.
And, here she sits today, looking like she belongs. The new home is an outdoorsy kind of place, so all these vintage boards, fit right in! So gorgeous!
Here’s a close up of where the old meets new… fantastic!
I need a wall like this in my house. I call dibs on the next farmhouse!! Speaking of that old beauty, let’s take another peek at that old looker…
Isn’t that interior turquoise, the BEST?! That was such a great surprise.
Ring ring! Anybody home?
Thanks old gal. You will be truly appreciated for many, many, years to come!
What finish can you use so it cleans easily without taking away from the natural look.
A family barn of 9 generations was recently dismantled, the farm was established in 1835. Needless to say several family members were allowed to look for treasures. I obtained enough siding to finish a wall in my recently made garden shed. I plan on running the boards horizontally so they look similar to ship lap. This will be my summer project. It has many sentimental memories for me personally. Any tips and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
LOVE how your project turned out. We drove around in the country & found an old chicken house. The owners let us have all the wood we wanted for a set fee. We chose to bleach & seal the wood to be sure we hadn’t invited any type of bugs into our house. My husband did a wonderful job using the wood as a wainscotting in our son’s room. We decorated it to feel like a vintage fishing lodge.
This looks absolutely stunning what a cleaver transformation for the store!
Thank you!
What did you do to clean or prep the barn wood, so it could be on an interior wall? Is anything really needed to be done?
Hi Lori. We didn’t prep the wood in anyway. My only suggestions, if you’re unsure, is to test the paint for lead paint. And, inspect for rot or infestation. We were good to go on all counts, so we just cut and screwed into the wall. We used new lumber for the corners, and baseboards. :)
Those boards are just beautiful! Great job on the wall!
Thanks so much Kristen!
Its always been a dream to take a barn or an old house apart and use the wood! The work place now look pretty cool with the reclaimed wood.
Great post
Maria
Thanks Maria. It totally changed the space! Suddenly so warm and inviting. We loved doing it! :)
Hi. I really like how your project turned out.
I want to know how you scored the boards! Did you know the owners of the property and get permission, or did you just go get them? I see so many long abandoned houses and barns along the hiways and byways that I’d like to just stop and prowl around for select treasure to rescue, but I’m always afraid I’ll get in trouble.
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Thanks Deborah! Yes. We knew the owners and had permission to go remove the boards. It was slotted for demo, so we just had to go save them! I definitely would not take anything without permission, it can’t hurt to ask the owners of the property if they would mind you taking the boards or selling them to you. Good luck on the hunt!
Wow! Loved looking through those photos, and the final project is amazing! You gave new life to that old farmhouse. Beautiful work. :)
Thank you so much Katie!! I love that wall too, too bad it’s not in my house ;)
*jaw on floor*
INCREDIBLE!
LOOOOVE IT!
Thanks so much Lacey! We’re loving our new space too! :)
That is phenomenal! Love how your thought “outside the box” to create a very unique space. Wonderfully done!
Thanks Ashley! :)
Love it! May I ask what species wood you used for the new trim pieces AND what exact stain did you use….I’m trying to come up with stain for new knotty alder wood windows so I can trim out in Barnwood (opposite you did). This would help me so much! Thanks!
Thanks so much, Linda! We just used plain pine from the hardware store. As for the stain… this project was actually completed some time ago, and I didn’t keep track. However, I know it was a Behr product from Home Depot, and if my memory is correct, it was called “driftwood” (but, I’m not positive)… Hope that helps! Good luck with your project!
So amazing!! Love!
Thanks Ashley!
Wow! Score! Please tell me you were able to snag some of the turquoise boards?? Please!
Wah! No… only had time for the exterior boards. I know, I know! Thanks!
LOVE how it turned out Jen!!!
Thanks Kristi!
How cool is that! The reclaimed wood makes such a nice visual statement now.
Thanks Rena, yes, so much warmer, right?! :)