I have a pole barn I want to enclose for security and equipment protection from the elements and would appreciate input from knowledgeable members of the rec-woodworking community.
1) I plan to use rough (sawmill) cut yellow pine from a local mill in 6" and 8" widths with 2" Batten strips. If I use 3/4" rough cut lumber versus full 1" stock I think I can save about 25% of the raw material cost. Any problems seen with this approach? On 2000 bd. ft. at $400 per 1000 this amounts to only $200, so maybe the view is not worth the climb?2) I plan to stack and dry the green lumber for a period of time. I know the 1 year per inch rule, but this is a barn I am covering, not furniture construction. How long should I air dry the lumber to get 'most' of the moisture to equilibrium with ambient conditions to prevent noticeable shrinkage and warping after installation? Would 6 months be enough?
3) I would like the barn to look 'natural' after completion. Any input on finishing the wood for bug or insect protection? Spray with a preservative or let age naturally??4) How much should I allow for waste? 10%, 15%, 20%???? I plan to have the boards cut to minimum 9' Lengths (the height of the barn walls).
thanks tlc...