Hello, I am looking to do my first project (door) with reclaimed lumber, and had a couple questions for people that have used it before. I am looking at some old barn wood in a brown board type lumber from an interior of an old barn.

My questions come down to the preparation and finishing. I really like the patina and want to keep it as is, and if I mill it I feel it will rid the entire look of the board. The same goes with the sanding process before putting a finish on it.

Am I missing something or do you just try to find boards that are as flat as possible for joining, and completely forego the milling/sanding process?

I am going to do simple screw joinery from the rear of the frame instead of making shiplap joints, mortise and tenon, etc. I only need one good side and the frame and weathered look will hide the pocket screws as much as I need it to on the backside.

Thanks!