Gallery: 84 Lumber constructed a customized pole barn for social media sensation Jackson, of “Just a Jackson Thing”EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. — 9-year-old Jackson Laux, known online as “Just a Jackson Thing,” has captured hearts and racked up views across TikTok and Instagram — not with typical kid content, but with videos about tractors, mowers, and farming. Whether he’s tuning up engines, showing off his latest equipment, or sharing stories from the field, Jackson’s knowledge and enthusiasm are unmistakable.
A descendant of generations of farmers, Jackson doesn’t just play the part — he lives it. His social media channels feature him working in his family’s fields, attending farm shows, and even collaborating with major brands like John Deere, his favorite tractor maker. His dedication has earned him recognition across the trades and agricultural communities as a rising young expert.
To support Jackson’s passion, 84 Lumber recently announced a partnership to build his dream custom pole barn — a dedicated space for his growing collection of farming equipment and the stories behind them. Designed to be both functional and inspiring, the barn’s main floor is 1,920-square-feet, with a 640-square-foot mezzanine, and 384-square-foot porch, for a total of 2,944-square-feet. It will serve as a workshop and creative studio where Jackson can continue learning, restoring, and sharing with his followers. Construction began with a special visit to 84 Lumber’s Franklin, Indiana truss plant.
There, Jackson got a hands-on look at how trusses are built, explored the tools and machinery involved, and even helped lay out the plans for his new space. He was then on-site as the barn was being built for key milestones, including delivery of the trusses, setting of posts, and equipment prep for the concrete pour.
Building Materials & Structure
The structure itself features high-performance Engineered Wood Products (EWP), including a custom Engineered Wood Post design that combines treated lumber underground with laminated dry lumber above for long-term durability.
The Castleton, Indiana, 84 Lumber store supplied rated LVLs for the headers, band board, and mezzanine beam, critical elements for strength and stability.
Further materials and components included:
- Framing lumber, sheathing, Trex decking
- RDI Elevation Rail powder-coated railings with stainless steel cables, including a gate to allow Jackson to move models between floors
- Andersen 200 Series vinyl windows sourced from the Indianapolis Window Warehouse, offering energy efficiency, durability, and a clean, classic style ideal for this multi-functional space
- All EWP elements were sourced through 84 Lumber’s Specialty Purchasing team
- Roof trusses delivered by the Franklin, Indiana, 84 Lumber truss plant
- The team exceeded typical standards with deeper post embedment and oversized LVLs for enhanced durability
Interior & Exterior Finishes
True to 84 Lumber’s signature quality, the interior features a clean, white metal liner panel — durable, washable, and ideal for a functional workspace. The exterior showcases the classic metal siding often seen on 84 Lumber buildings.
Additional premium features include:
- Trex Transcend decking and branded railings for a premium, low-maintenance finish
- Tongue-and-groove soffit for added character
- Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring — chosen for its high durability and scratch resistance
- Interior oak stair treads for a warm, traditional touch
- A custom cabinet setup featuring 1951 Cabinetry (formerly Timberlake) with a butcher block countertop and upper glass-door cabinets — perfect for showcasing Jackson’s tractor manuals, memorabilia, and models
Insulation & Comfort Systems
To make the barn livable and efficient in every season:
- Blow-in cellulose insulation achieves R-30 in the sidewalls and R-50 in the ceiling
- A motorized and insulated sectional overhead door adds energy efficiency and ease of access
Mechanical Systems
- Radiant tube heaters help maintain warmth for both Jackson and his equipment during the winter months
- A PTAC unit provides dedicated climate control for the podcast room, allowing for consistent comfort and content creation
- Ceiling fans help maintain even air circulation throughout the barn in every season
- Deck fans were also added to enhance outdoor comfort during the summer
Electrical Infrastructure
Robust electrical upgrades ensure the barn supports both day-to-day functions and future growth:
- A 400-amp main service with dual 200-amp automatic transfer switches to support two 200-amp main breaker 30-circuit interior panels.
- Dedicated infrastructure for welder outlets—supporting Jackson’s ongoing mechanical work and learning.
84 Lumber worked closely with both internal teams and local contractors to bring Jackson’s dream to life — delivering a space that reflects his passion, supports his creativity, and will serve as a cornerstone of his journey for years to come.
While waiting for construction to progress, Jackson also visited 84 Lumber’s Denton, Texas, location for a behind-the-scenes tour of the yard and warehouse.
Click here to view the photo gallery.
Follow along with the build by checking out 84 Lumber’s latest posts featuring “Just a Jackson Thing” on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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