Choosing Colors for Rustic, Custom Barn Wood Furniture

Old barn door, hand hewn beams and barn wood siding

December 26, 2022

No two pieces of reclaimed barn wood are the same, and so the choice is yours!

For your new home or remodeling project, you’ve already decided on rustic, reclaimed wood.  You love the look, and the story behind the wood.  You love the fact that the custom furniture in your home will be uniquely yours.

What you aren’t sure of is what it will look like.  It’s not in a catalog. No two pieces of wood are the same, especially when that wood has been living on the side of a barn for a hundred years, more or less.  You may find it hard to pull the trigger, not knowing what it will look like in the end.

At Whatman Hardwoods, we’ve seen this come up many times with our valued customers. We can help you feel more comfortable here, with a few tips to help bring your vision to life.

Tip #1:  Know your colors.
You may love the traditional weathered “gray”, but you have options. For instance, white and yellow pine, or ash are often in the yellow to brown range, while Red Oak and Hemlock can be reddish brown.  Maple is really light, while walnut can go to chocolate.  Your carpenter will know where to find it.

Tip #2:  Pictures can help.
View products on the builder’s website or any site to show the carpenter. Show an example of the room design you’re trying to replicate, or the actual room it is for. A great carpenter also has a good design eye to help find the reclaimed barn wood to use just for you.

Tip #3:  Be open to what is.
You’ve got it in your mind what you want, but the barn wood you choose has been in the making longer than you’ve been thinking about building your kitchen cabinets, tables or bathroom vanities.  It already is what it is, and it is beautiful.

Bathroom vanity made of reclaimed barn wood with 3 working drawers on the left side and a false drawer under the sink on the right side. There are 2 open shelves for storing items. This sink has a white marble looking countertop with a singe sink.

When all is said and done, the key is to talk with the carpenter first.  He’ll ask the questions that need to be asked to ensure you get the look you want for the home or your dreams.  

Call 419-883-2443 today.

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