Reclaimed barn wood siding has become one of our best-selling products, and for good reason — nothing replicates the authentic weathered texture and color of genuine barn wood. But installing it properly requires attention to detail. Here are our top ten tips.
Tip 1: Acclimate the wood. Bring your barn wood siding into the space where it will be installed at least 72 hours before installation. This allows the moisture content to equalize with the indoor environment, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction after installation.
Tip 2: Sort before you start. Lay out all your boards and sort by color, width, and character. Create a balanced mix — you don't want all the dark boards on one end and all the light boards on the other. Photograph your layout so you can reference it during installation.
Tip 3: Back-prime the boards. Apply a coat of primer or sealer to the back of each board before installation. This helps prevent moisture absorption from the wall, which can cause cupping and warping over time.
Tip 4: Use a vapor barrier. Install 15-pound felt paper or a vapor-permeable house wrap behind the siding, especially on exterior walls. This prevents moisture from the wall cavity from reaching the wood.
Tip 5: Leave expansion gaps. Allow 1/16 inch between boards for seasonal movement. This is especially important in non-climate-controlled spaces. A nickel makes a perfect spacer.
Tip 6: Fasten into studs. Use a stud finder and snap chalk lines to mark stud locations. Fasten each board with at least two nails or screws into studs. Construction adhesive alone is not sufficient for long-term holding.
Tip 7: Pre-drill near edges. Reclaimed barn wood is often brittle near the edges. Pre-drilling prevents splitting and ensures clean fastener entry. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your fastener.
Tip 8: Mix board widths. If you have boards of different widths, install them in a random pattern. This creates a more authentic barn-like appearance than uniform rows.
Tip 9: Handle the corners. For inside corners, butt the boards together. For outside corners, either miter the joints or use a corner board. Salvaged corner boards from the same barn create the most authentic look.
Tip 10: Finish or don't — but decide. Either apply a clear sealer to protect the weathered surface or leave it completely raw. Half-measures (like partially sealing) create uneven aging. If you seal, use a matte-finish penetrating sealer that won't alter the wood's color.