I believe my wood was 1" thick, 12x12". I used a pencil to draw the design and then painted it and sprayed it with polyurethane. I hung it dead center over the garage door. It has been up for about four years now. Sorry, I don't use plywood, it separates with the elements (snow, rain, heat, cold, typical Minnesota weathers!!!!!) It doesn't take as long to make a barn quilt as it does to make a bed quilt block. Just doesn't seem fair, does it? Good luck - have fun! Edie