What to do with old barn wood?

fishhead · #21 01/07/10, 07:13 AM

Wouldn't planing destroy the old wood look?

I'll bet the beams would be worth some good money to the right person.

barn-apart · #22 01/07/10, 09:05 AM

My want to do some research on the market before putting too much into the work of recovery and cleaning.
I was in the reclaimed wood buisness for 10 years, worked the Eastern US in a dozen different states and had to shut down operations due to lack of orders. The failing economy has had a huge effect on all aspects of the trades. You may find a buyer but I would suggest finding a market before investing too much time and money in the recovery.
Now it you intent is to use this material for flooring, furniture, or building yourself reclaimed is some of the most beautiful material there is and can save substancial money.
If you do recover denail as you dismantle, stack off the grouhd, cover it or store it under cover. It will bring a good price if you can find a buyer.
Good Luck,

Homesteadwi5 · #23 01/07/10, 09:11 AM

As others have said you can make some $$ from it,our barn was built in the late 1880's it was all white pine log framed and white pine lumber,i kept alot of it myself,but we sold lots of wood and even with bad times going on people forked over the cash for that old pine.

fishhead · #24 01/07/10, 09:48 AM

If the wood has lasted 130 years already I would think it would last a few decades more if properly stacked and covered while you wait for the market to return should you have a hard time finding a buyer now.

Curtis B · #25 01/07/10, 10:06 AM

I have ran into the bad part of old barn wood. I bought a truckload last year from an old barn, and didn't notice the random holes in it. Once spring rolled around and I started using it, I noticed some buzzing coming from the wood. About 75% of it was infested with carpenter bees. It is amazing how much damage you get from one entry hole.