reskin a barn - vertical or horizontal

[GaryS]

I have an old barn that needs to be reskined. I had planned on using rough cut lumber running vertically. Someone suggested that it would be easier (and better) to run the lumber (or siding) horizontally. Is there a standard way lumber was run on barns? My barn dates back to the 1850s and the exterior lumber runs vertically. I've some some searches and 70-80% seem to have lumber running vertically. Any thoughts?

Here's a fairly recent pic of the barn:

 

[RobA]

I would think a vertical board and batten barn would look more like a traditional barn. If you run the boards horizontally wouldn't you have to overlap them like clapboards to make the barn watertight? Seems like more work.

 

[BungeeII]

I am not qualified to answer this, but that's never stopped me before...

I think you'll have cupping and warping problems when mounted flat, horizontal. I don't know this for sure, but rather witnessed it on a local re-skin. I think lapping it, as mentioned, or running it vertical sheds the water properly.

Someone smarter than me (which isn't saying much) can answer this better, I'm sure.

Incidentally, if you find a way to sell/recycle the old barnwood, let me know. I have an entire barn we're knocking down the rest of the way this winter.

 

[rvaitor]

I am not qualified to answer this, but that's never stopped me before...

I think you'll have cupping and warping problems when mounted flat, horizontal. I don't know this for sure, but rather witnessed it on a local re-skin. I think lapping it, as mentioned, or running it vertical sheds the water properly.

Someone smarter than me (which isn't saying much) can answer this better, I'm sure.

Incidentally, if you find a way to sell/recycle the old barnwood, let me know. I have an entire barn we're knocking down the rest of the way this winter.

My brother in law did this old tobacco barn. Basically shore up all the uprights, cut the bottom three feet and replaced, re-roofed and used the old tin as a splash guard(no gutters). Also, cut all the wood to be about five inches off the dirt. Only the real high jumping termites can get to it. He did mention some folks treat the bottoms with diesel to keep the termites from infesting.

Your barn looks to be in pretty good shape. I've got one(the last picture) I need to do that to but it really needs some work.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have an old barn that needs to be reskined. I had planned on using rough cut lumber running vertically. Someone suggested that it would be easier (and better) to run the lumber (or siding) horizontally. Is there a standard way lumber was run on barns? My barn dates back to the 1850s and the exterior lumber runs vertically. I've some some searches and 70-80% seem to have lumber running vertically. Any thoughts?

Here's a fairly recent pic of the barn:

I've seen them done both ways and really don't think one way is any better then the other if done properly. Since the building was originally done in board and batton, it would keep it's authentic look to keep it that way.

Have you considered using 4/8 sheets of exterior grade plywood and then nailing/screwing battons on it every twelve inches? The plywood will add considerable strength to the building and save you allot of money. Another idea, and one that I'm going to do on my deer blind, is to use 4x8 sheets of Hardi siding and then cut Hardi strips to act as battons. The look will be very similar, but you will never have to paint it again, it will never rot on you and it's bug proof, not to mention fire resistant. Installing it is a little more labor then plywood, but less then doing actual board and batton. Cheaper too.

Good Luck,
Eddie

 

[CurlyDave]

I have had good success running T-111 siding with the grooves horiozontal. It looks good, and adds a lot of strength.

I did that 20 years ago on my house in CA, and everyone liked it, until I had it inspected to sell it a few months ago. The inspector gave me a ration of cr@p about the siding possibly rotting since the grooves were running the "wrong" direction. I didn't bother to point out that it was 20 years old and had not rotted at all in that time.

 

[kthompson]

I have an old barn that needs to be reskined. I had planned on using rough cut lumber running vertically. Someone suggested that it would be easier (and better) to run the lumber (or siding) horizontally. Is there a standard way lumber was run on barns? My barn dates back to the 1850s and the exterior lumber runs vertically. I've some some searches and 70-80% seem to have lumber running vertically. Any thoughts?

Here's a fairly recent pic of the barn:

You will have to over lap if run horizontally, if you are using green or fresh cut rough cut lumber it will cup. Both directions were used here on old barns.

 

[kthompson]

I am not qualified to answer this, but that's never stopped me before...

I think you'll have cupping and warping problems when mounted flat, horizontal. I don't know this for sure, but rather witnessed it on a local re-skin. I think lapping it, as mentioned, or running it vertical sheds the water properly.

Someone smarter than me (which isn't saying much) can answer this better, I'm sure.

Incidentally, if you find a way to sell/recycle the old barnwood, let me know. I have an entire barn we're knocking down the rest of the way this winter.

There is a company about 30 miles away who has a BIG business in refinishing such old lumber and selling it. No doubt there is one nearer to you. But if you don't find one let me know and I will get their contact info for you. You may find a local lumber dealer who does this. I believe you will find more ways to sell this than you think.

 

[GaryS]

I did a tour through farm land in PA and OH. 80% of tha barns I saw had lumber running vertically. Since that's how it's on there now, I'm going to keep it that way.

There is a company about 30 miles away who has a BIG business in refinishing such old lumber and selling it.

I know there were places that would pay me to tear down the barn. I hadn't thought of someone being interested in just the exterior skin. I'll definitely check that out.


Thanks to all for your ideas and suggestions. I will be looking at all your ideas and see what will work best.