First i bought the thinnest wood planks i could find in Home Depot, 2nd. Construction adhesive , then Nails.. 1st..glued the woods on ,then nailed in ... After that Stained the wood Early American color from MinWax, Take a old rag and soak in stain, then wipe on all over ...right after the stain is on, take a small brush, like in the photos, nothing special $1.50 brush.. make quick strokes back and fourth, before paint and stain drys i get the sander out and start sanding.... then finished..