Building the Timber-Planked Barn MDF Terrain Kit

By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: Product Reviews

Step-by-step guide to assembling the Timber-Planked Barn from Sarissa Precision. Learn how to build, paint, and finish this Dark Age wargaming terrain piece.

Quick answer

The Timber-Planked Barn MDF terrain kit assembles in a few hours with basic tools. Follow the order below to avoid fit issues and get a sturdy, display-ready model.

What you need before starting

The kit comes unassembled with MDF parts, a full instruction sheet, and a removable MDF roof. You will need PVA glue (or wood glue), a small clamp or rubber bands, a hobby knife or fine sandpaper for cleaning tabs, and acrylic paints if you plan to finish the model. The kit does not include thatching material, so plan ahead if you want a straw roof look.

Understanding the Dark Age design

This barn is based on historical Dark Age construction using sticks, straw, and mud. The laser-etched detail on the MDF panels gives the wood-plank texture, but the roof is flat MDF—not thatched. If you want a more rustic appearance, consider adding textured paint or a thin layer of modeling clay before painting.

Assembly steps

1. Prepare the parts: Carefully punch out all MDF pieces from the sheets. Use a hobby knife to trim any small tabs or burrs. Test-fit each wall and the roof before applying glue. Common mistake: forcing parts together without trimming leads to warped walls. Dry-fit first.
2. Assemble the walls: Apply a thin bead of PVA glue to the tab slots on the front and back walls. Insert the side walls and hold them square for 30 seconds. Use a clamp or rubber bands to keep pressure while the glue sets. Check that all corners are 90 degrees before the glue dries—use a small square if you have one.
3. Add the internal detail: Glue the internal floor or any interior partitions (if included) into place before attaching the roof. This step is easier when the walls are still accessible. Forgetting the interior detail means you cannot add it later without breaking the roof seal.
4. Attach the roof: The roof is designed to be removable. Apply glue only to the roof supports or tabs, not to the top edges of the walls. Press the roof into place and hold until set. If you glue the roof permanently, you lose access to the interior. Use a tiny amount of glue on the tabs only.
5. Paint and finish: Prime the assembled barn with a rattle-can primer or brush-on acrylic. Paint the wood planks in browns and grays, then dry-brush a lighter shade to bring out the laser-etched detail. Add static grass or a thatch effect to the roof if desired. Paint before gluing any optional accessories (fence, hay bales) to avoid getting paint on the base.

Product details

Timber-Planked Barn: Constructed with sticks, straw and mud, Dark Age barns such as this would have been used to house animals. Supplied unassembled and unpainted in kit form with full instructions. Dimensions W150 x D115 x H115mm. Laser etched detail. Removable roof. Internal detail. The small footprint (150x115mm) fits easily on a wargaming table, and the removable roof gives you access to the interior for placing miniatures or objectives.
Timber-Planked Barn