About Barn Wood

When the first settlers arrived off the Mayflower, they found an abundance of wood. While clearing the land to the farm it only made sense to use this wood to build things. They learned quickly; before there were big saws and drying kilns, that wood, harvested at certain times of the year and stored, yielded straighter, harder lumber.

In the beginning there were few luxuries therefore most barns were much larger than the houses. It was very common to keep adding to them when additional space was needed. These majestic structures protected livestock, tools and feed from the harsh winters.

Another Typical Barn Wood Sample Today as farms disappear or are modernized the lumber, when possible, is reclaimed. Old world craftsmen then sort and grade the lumber and turn it into furniture and flooring. The colors, board widths and grain character cannot be duplicated using today’s new wood. Also the shape of the knots, nail holes, bolt holes, plugs, cracks and weather streaks all add to the unique look. Depending on the region the barn was built yields different woods. Most barns were built with local timber. We are very proud to be a part of the green movement.

These beautiful structures average in age of 120-200 years old. We at The Rustic Country Barn are proud to play a part in the recreation of these majestic structures. We hope you enjoy surrounding yourself with these cherished pieces as much as we do.

We are always searching for material so if you know of an old barn that is available, let us know.

Please take a moment to ponder over some quotes from Eric Sloane’s book American Barns and Covered Bridges.

“The Atheian’s built with marble, the American’s built with wood, but the two architectural forms were founded on simplicity and as with some ancient Greek ruins I feel that I am in the presence of greatness when I happen upon a crumbling ruin of an early barn.” Eric Sloane

“What is an antique? Anyone who has ever tried to explain a love for antique things to a child will understand my quandary. But one day my youngest answered the question when she said, “Is my teddy bear an antique?” Teddy Bear, I might explain, has one eye gone along with most of his fur, which makes him, related somewhat to my ancient and well-used barns and bridges. Teddy Bear certainly was an antique! He was a symbol of something past; but age had nothing to do with it and his condition was entirely beside the point. A love for antiques is not explained, it’s something you acquire.” Eric Sloane

Barn Wood Made into a Table “It seems strange that with all our modern methods, today’s lumber is very inferior to that used two hundred years ago. Even the best of modern kiln-dried wood cannot equal the keeping quality of wood as “prepared” by the early craftsmen.” Eric Sloane

““If you’d have your flatboards lay, leave them out in March or Maye.”” During the “old moon of February,” the New England woods rang with ax blows, for, according to belief, that was the right time for cutting timber that would stand forever straight and unwrapped. It has even been suggested that the word “seasoned” as in “seasoned wood” has reference to wood having been cut during the proper season of the year.” Eric Sloane