Attachments_2014915The reasons century old barns are taken down vary, sometimes the land owner needs to repurpose the site for another kind of structure, depending on what the land is being used for presently. Often barns that were built over a hundred years ago were definitely built to last but over the years especially ones that are left empty and unused for many years can deteriorate and become dangerous and unsafe, and these structures are not able to be saved and need to come down before someone is hurt or injured.
Recently Shane and his crew took down a barn that was built around the 1870’s but this barn is not being just taken down it was meticulously tagged and logged so that the structure can be loaded onto trailers and be shipped to Waco, Texas.
Upon arrival it will be laid out and the process of reassembly will begin, each log will be put back together somewhat like a puzzle and this particular structure will then be used as someone’s home. What a wonderful journey for a structure built hundreds of years ago to not meet its end but continue its journey and become a family home.
S & J Barn Demolition not only repurposed century old wooden structures but they also use them to repair parts of a building that may have rotted away over the years can be taken out and replaced making it again useful and strong.
Old wood rookie

Hello Antique Wood Aficionado’s,

With the nice weather finally arriving in Ontario, Shane and his crew have been busy travelling to some remote locations and working on some very interesting Century old Buildings.

Some of the areas they have been working in over the past month are The Ottawa Valley where they repurposed a century old log cabin, and the area of Bancroft including Barry’s Bay, Killaloe and Pembroke.

These areas are rich with Century Old Barns and log cabins, the craftsmanship that went into these buildings is fascinating to see, a hand hewn beam is a thing of beauty in itself.

Shane has been doing this so long, when he is in an area dismantling barns he can recognize certain people’s workmanship in the barns that they helped build.

Last week while in Pembroke, the crew started disassembling a turn of the century log home (pictures attached) it is being tagged for reassembly so it can be repurposed.

I have been wondering lately what it is about barns that have captured so many hearts.

Artists paint them, photographers shoot them, and craftsmen rebuild them.

I think it’s their image that represents a much simpler time and way of life, a time when neighbours were friends as close as family and everyone helped their neighbour whether it was harvesting crops making jam or raising a barn, life was just that simple.

Old Wood Rookie

Hello Antique Lumber Aficionados!

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is “OLD WOOD Rookie”   and I am a mother of three young children with a background in office management and childcare. My passions are baking and learning new things.

Wondering what that has to do with Antique Lumber?  Not a thing, it’s all new to me, and so begins my first blog and your invitation to join me weekly in my inauguration to all things barn and old wood.

Like most people, when I see a piece of furniture built from salvaged barn boards or a mantel made out of a barn beam, I am always captivated by its raw beauty.

Every time I drive by an old barn standing in a field, my mind wonders to think how long it’s been there?  was it built by hand – or “hand-hewn” as they are referred to? , is it still functioning as a barn?

And while I appreciate the character and history of an old barn -none of this prepared me for the journey I am taking with Julie & Shane Asselin and Canadian Antique Lumber.

I was awe struck the first time I watched a video a barn being dropped (please visit the PROCESS page of our website to watch for yourself!!)  , how with the push of one beam the entire building collapses to the ground in a split second, it’s truly amazing. Then piece by piece, the wood is salvaged and loaded onto trailers – ready to start a new journey and be enjoyed in a new purpose.

Over the next few months I am going to keep you updated on the current events of Canadian Antique Lumber;   where we are working and all the interesting barns, pioneer log cabins and old buildings we are salvaging.

I welcome you to please feel free to add your comments and pictures of barns you see in your travels and maybe even the ones you grew up working in. Or like myself, your great memories as a kid playing in your cousin’s barn loft and jumping into the bales of hay.

I am happy to have you join me on this new and exciting adventure in the world of antique wood and beautiful old barns.

I look forward to hearing and seeing your “barn” stories and photos.

(please send them to canadianantiquelumber@rogers.com)

Thank you for taking the time to join us,

Old Wood Rookie