The original shiplap siding is presumed to have been poplar. Two sizes were used on the barn, the reason for which is unknown, but may have simply been availability. The profile of the larger of the two sizes is shown here and the width is 5-3/4". The condition of the original siding was quite variable, depending largely on the direction the wall faced, but further delay in addressing this issue would have invited damage to the structure.
The barn had experienced infestation by powderpost beetle and was treated twice in the past decade with Boracare. After the old siding was removed and before the new was installed, additional Boracare treatment was applied as preventative measure while the structure was exposed.
All of the siding was replaced with cedar. The original shiplap profile was not commercially available, so the vendor, Lodi Lumber, had a cutting tool made to replicate the original profile.
The siding was given a prime coat of oil based paint and one coat of latex finish red by Baughman Finishing prior to being installed. After installation, Beyeler Painting added one to two coats as needed. (Beyeler Painting also repainted the white concrete block silo associated with the dairy barn.) All paint was from Sherwin Williams Paint. See SWP ad for more specific information on the paint.
The siding was installed using 2-1/2" stainless steel ring shank nails.
The flooring in the side mows had not seen light of day for perhaps a century or more. It was covered with around a foot of loose hay. A few years ago, to expose the flooring for powder post beetle treatment, the loose hay was removed. In the process, the weakness of the flooring was identified. As a safety measure, new 1" rough sawn poplar was installed on top of the flooring. Shims were added to produce a more even surface. This approach resulted in no change in appearance from the perspective of the lower level.
