I wanted old Barn wood for the top of our DIY Island
Finding authentic old barn wood isn’t as easy as you’d think! Even here in the country, if you do find this treasured wood, it’s very expensive.
Since I was determined that my kitchen island would have a barn wood top, I had to improvise to stay within our budget!
So we purchased new 2 x 8 pine boards from our local building supply company. We began by cutting the boards to fit the top of partially assembled island. We used used a plate biscuit joiner, joining biscuits, and wood glue to attached the boards together.
We clamped the boards together to create a continuous top for the island.
Once we had the top attached to the island, I began turning these new boards into old barn wood. I first distressed the wood by hammering nails and screws into the surface. I also used a file to round of the edges where the boards with attached. I even left nailed embedded in the wood. Next I began the staining process!
The first step is using Minwax Classic Grey Stain. I applied this oil based stain with an absorbent cloth and protective gloves. This first step ages the wood to a fine grey finish.
Once the surface was sufficiently covered, (not necessarily dry) I began layering with Minwax Gel Stains in two – three colors, mixing them into the original stain and creating light and dark areas on the wood. For this project I used Walnut and Aged Oak Stains.
I used a cloth to apply the stains and basically just blend until I’m happy with the colors.
Then I used a clean cloth to buff the surface. If an area becomes to light, I can always add back a little additional stain.
I let the stains dry for approx. one week and then apply a very thin coat of Matt Polyurethane to seal the surface, using a sponge roller.
Note: I always apply a thin coat to start and second coat of sealer in about 3 days. Trying to build up the sealer to quickly will result in bubbles and possible peeling of the sealer.
We love the results of this project and have used the technique for several other projects such as our open shelving, our stair steps and our front doors.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO
Rachel
This is so wonderful!! What a great tutorial!
Thanks so much Kristin! I appreciate you so much.
Your ceiling!! – how did you do that?!?! I love it!
Minnie,
Thank you for your response. I began with the same technique as the barn wood island top. But instead of staining after the Gray Stain, I used a dry brush technique to apply the White Dove paint to the ceiling. White Dove by Benjamin Moore is what the shiplap walls are painted..