Finding “Barge Boards” in a New Orleans Home

You may not know this, but some of the materials used to build homes in New Orleans came from ships! It is true! After all, Louisiana is a port state, so it only makes sense that some of the materials used to build homes here would come from ships. In particular, barge boards were often used to construct houses. Let us take a closer look at how these boards were used and why they were so popular.

Barge Boards as Walls

One of the most popular ways to use barge boards was wall construction for homes. This was especially common but not limited to the French Quarter, where many houses still have barge boards with weatherboard siding on the exterior today. Barge boards made excellent walls because they were weather-resistant and durable. They could also be painted or stained to match the aesthetic of the home.

Barge Boards as Flooring

In addition to being used as walls, barge boards were also sometimes used as flooring in New Orleans homes. This was most common in older homes, as barge board flooring has since fallen out of style. However, if you have barge board flooring in your home, you can consider yourself lucky! Barge board flooring is very durable and can last for many years with proper care.

If you’re a homeowner in New Orleans, there’s a good chance that some of the materials used to build your house came from ships! In particular, barge boards were often used to construct houses due to their durability and weather-resistance. So next time you are admiring the architecture of a New Orleans home, keep in mind that some of its materials may have come from the high seas!