Commission Process

Commission
Process

Commission a Barn Heirloom
How the Process Works

Preserving a barn as a handcrafted heirloom begins with a simple conversation.

Every farm and every structure carries a unique story. At Faded Timber Studio, each sculpture is created individually to reflect the character, weathered beauty, and history of the original building.

The process is designed to be straightforward and collaborative, allowing families to share the story of their barn while we carefully translate those details into a lasting work of art.

Step 1

Share Your Barn’s Story
Every project begins with learning about the barn itself.

Clients typically provide:

Photographs of the barn from several angles
The location of the farm
Approximate year the barn was built (if known)
Any special features that made the structure unique

Many families also share stories about the farm and the role the barn played in daily life. These details help guide the artistic interpretation of the piece.

Even if only a few photographs remain, they are often enough to begin.

Start by sharing your barn here.

Share Your Barn

Step 2

Design and Planning
After reviewing the photos and information provided, the studio begins developing a plan for the sculpture.

This includes:

Determining the most appropriate scale and proportions
Identifying distinctive features such as cupolas, doors, windows, and rooflines
Planning weathered finishes that reflect the age and character of the barn

If reclaimed wood from the original barn is available, we can also discuss incorporating it into the piece whenever possible.

Once the design direction is clear, the project is scheduled for construction.

Example Sculpture Gallery

Step 3

Handcrafting the Barn
Each sculpture is built by hand using traditional woodworking techniques.

The process includes:

Carefully shaping the structure to reflect the form of the original barn
Creating realistic textures that replicate aged wood and weathered surfaces
Hand finishing details such as doors, rooflines, cupolas, and siding

Time-worn character is intentionally preserved in the design, reflecting the natural aging that made the original barn unique.

No two sculptures are ever identical.

Each one is a one-of-a-kind heirloom.

Step 4

Finishing and Preservation
Once construction is complete, the sculpture is carefully finished to reflect the passage of time on the original structure.

This includes:

Hand-applied weathering and aged paint effects
Realistic roof and siding finishes
Protective sealing to preserve the sculpture for generations

Every piece is then signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity documenting its origin.

Step 5

A Barn Heirloom for Generations
When the sculpture is complete, shipped or hand delivered, it becomes more than a representation of a building.

It becomes a reminder of:

the farm where generations worked
the barn that stood through decades of seasons
the place where family history was written

Displayed in a home or passed down through the years, the piece preserves the story of the barn long after the original structure has disappeared from the field.

Because some places deserve to keep standing.

Begin Your Barn Commission

If you have a barn that deserves to be preserved, we would be honored to help tell its story.

Start your barn heirloom today.

Begin Your Commission

Built From What Endured.
Preserved For Those Who Remember.

Faded Timber Studio
14301 Plum Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50323

Built From What Endured. Preserved For Those Who Remember.