Barn Preservation | Staining Board & Batten

Welcome back to the barn, everyone! It's been a while since I shared an update, so I wanted to catch you all up on what’s been happening with this barn preservation project over the last few years. In this video, I’ll take you through some of the key restoration steps we’ve completed so far, including replacing the old tin roof with a new metal one, lifting the foundation to prevent rot, and transitioning the siding to a board and batten style using rough Hemlock boards.

Today, I’m focusing on getting more Batten strips installed on one of the barn sides that still needs a lot of work. I’ve also been working on bevel cutting these strips at a 45° angle to ensure a neat finish and preparing for a small porch addition later. I ran into some challenges with the lumber supply, but luckily, Grandpa Jerry came by to give me a hand, which made things a lot easier!

Toward the end of the video, I’ll show you the side that’s completely done with the new custom stain we made ourselves. It turned out great and really gives that classic, old barn look we wanted. I’m excited to get this project closer to completion and appreciate you all sticking around to see the progress. Let’s get to work!
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Mailing Address:

That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
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0:00 Introduction and Project Overview
0:29 Replacing the Old Tin Roof
1:07 Lifting the Barn Foundation
1:47 Starting the Board and Batten Siding
2:24 Progress on Siding and Batten Strips
5:02 Challenges with Lumber and Help from Grandpa Jerry
11:42 Issues with the Barn Door and Critter Prevention
12:57 Custom Stain and Final Touches
14:42 Conclusion and Next Steps

[luanngilkison]

My Dad used angle iron and thick plywood to extend protection out over the cab of his winch truck. He treated the plywood with used motor oil as a sealant and it lasted forever. He owned Arb's Top Notch Tree Service for 35 years. He was a Certified Arborist who had dropped out of school to help on the farm when he was in 8th grade. He went back and got his GED (encouraged by David Thomas' of Wendy's story.) He had some vocational training and there was nothing he couldn't do or figure out. Thanks for letting us watch you make improvements to your home, inside and out.

[COWELLGIRL]

Beautiful and blessed to have your step dad to help ❤

[cindiegrimm]

The barn is beautiful. Can't wait til it's finished. What a great restoration.

[auntdello]

Wow Todd, youve made a huge improvement. When my hubby lovingly built his shed I named it his Shed-mahal. You are creating a Barn-mehal❤

[crt]

Wow that stain makes it look awesome ! It's gonna be beautiful when your finished .

[susanoswalt]

That stain is absolutely beautiful, the whole barn looks awesome.great job❤

[robinlj]

The barn looks beautiful Todd!!! Love your ingenuity in creating your own stain!!! Good to know that’s an option!!! Than you for the update👍

[DANDY]

ITS THAT SMELL OF THE RIPPING WOOD FROM TABLE SAW! THAT MAKES YOU SNEEZE! YEP SINUSES ARE FINE! LOL! AN APPRECIATION OF A BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING FROM THE CARPENTER WHO WORKS THE BOARDS TO THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER! WELL DONE!

[graskeygirls]

Todd I love the stain. That mixer was exactly what I thought you would use when you said you couldn't get oil base stain. And you step dad is awesome. Never would know that wasn't your blood

[kimwest]

I learn something new all the time. Motor as a stain. Brilliant

[traceydysert]

Todd, that's looking awesome! Great job guys. Definitely a ton of workbut when you guys are done it's going to be beautiful. Glad your step dad is there to help because projects always gona little faster with someone helping.

[Junkinsally]

I was wondering how the barn was coming along! Before you mentioned the beveling you did on the upper battens I thought “Todd really pays attention to detail.” So true! It looks fantastic and will definitely last another 100+ years.

[KathleenSnellenberger]

Love this barn! You should be proud of your work! This will last a long time.

[lb]

You are such a great person to persevere and repurpose what you can ❤

[justpatty]

The barn is looking fantastic! Great job to all!

[lindafessant]

Really looks nice.
It's great you two men can work together.

[cynthianarenfro]

There are no words to describe how beautiful the stain is. I gasp and caught my breath it is amazing. The whole barn is going to be the center piece of the back yard.

[dancnluc]

The barn is looking great. I love the stain. I love the board and batten look. My cousin built a cabin years ago with board and batten. He also did his chicken coops with board and batten.

[ruthmoore]

The barn of my dreams!! ❤ Glad you picked out a dark stain. ❤

[barbaraslayden]

Love the color and great job dad. Love from Virginia ♥️