Barn Beams – Thirty-Day Plan for Reclaiming and Recycling Antique Wood

 

Barn beams are long pieces of hardwood that pull the entire building together. Farmers and companies have been finding it worthwhile to salvage these beams and make them available to consumers for several new uses as old barns are neglected and can no longer be repaired.


If you’re planning to use barn beams for your project, the following checklist might make it a little easier for you to keep it simple and organized and keep you sane.

 

The Thirty-Day Countdown

 

Days 1-7: Get the history of your barn beams

 

The classic gambrel style red barn is a sign of America’s farming ancestry but it is disappearing at a disturbing rate. Barns have become redundant. Get a feel for your beams: find out whether the barn they came from was torn down to make room for new fields, or whether it just fell in, collapsing because of weakness and neglect. Most likely your barn beams would have been systematically taken apart for sale as reclaimed lumber.

 

Days 8-15: Take delivery of your wood

 

Make sure you purchase the beams from a reputable supplier. Check the supplier through the Better Business Bureau to ensure that they have a good reputation. Once you receive the wood, remove any old nails that may be embedded in it, and use a stiff scrub brush to sweep off loose debris. You should also apply insecticide to eliminate any bugs in the wood, and sand it and seal it with water-based polyurethane to protect it.

 

Days 16-30: Work on your project

 

Barn timber can be used for renovations and extensions to your home. For example, you can add a barn wood mantel to a fireplace, or you can add a shutter or reframe doors and windows for a rustic look. You can also use the barn wood for decks, or to create custom furniture, including tables, shelving units and storage chests.