Barn wood is a popular material in both residential and commercial projects. This reclaimed material boasts a rustic appearance while also decreasing the number of building materials that end up in landfills. You can usually find barn wood in shades of gray, silver, and brown. However, working with barn wood presents some challenges. The lumber suppliers at Hardymon Lumber, Inc. in Maysville, KY, are here to explain a few things you should know before you begin your project.

3 Things You Need to Know Before Using Barn Wood

1. You May Have to Remove Nails First

Some lumber stores will remove the nails for you, but most sell reclaimed wood as-is, meaning you have to de-nail it yourself. Clean the wood with a wire brush to remove dirt, small pieces of gravel, paint flakes, and other debris. Then use a metal detector to ensure you get every nail out. If you leave them in, they could damage your walls and the tools you use during the project.

2. Ask If It’s Been Kiln-Dried

Barn wood, like many other types of lumber, is often home to a slew of different insects. If you’re using it for an indoor or exterior application on your home or business, like an accent wall or siding, you’ll want to ask the lumber supplier if the wood has been kiln-dried. This kills any insects left in or on the wood, so it’s safe to use for any application.

3. Don’t Expect Uniformity

Reclaimed lumber has been exposed to wind, rain, snow, and more, so you can expect it to be faded, warped, and misshapen. If you plan to create an accent wall or a similar project, you may need to cut the wood for more uniform edges. These will be lighter than the rest of the wood, so it’s a good idea to stain them to make the difference less noticeable.

Working with old barn wood can be challenging, but the result of your finished project, whether it’s a new headboard or a coffee cart, will make the process worth it. Buying your building materials from a lumber supplier you can trust will also help your project go more smoothly. Hardymon Lumber, Inc. has provided lumber to contractors and DIY-ers in Maysville and the surrounding areas for over 40 years, so you can feel confident in choosing their materials for all your home improvement projects. Visit their website to learn more or call (606) 564-4071.