Finishing T&G walls and ceiling in a non-climate controlled space.

[OneWithWood]

I am finally at the stage where I am milling the big tooth aspen for the ceiling and soon the tulip for the walls of my barn addition.  The climate control system will not be operable until the insulation is up and I would like to put the ceiling up before I insulate.  The insulation is fiberglass bat and it is a lot easier to deal with laying it on a surface instead of suspending it in the air.  The insulation is craft faced so there is no need for a vapor barrier on the inside I believe.  The structure is wrapped on the outside and the siding, roof, gutters, windows and doors are all in.
And now I have a slight dilemma. I had hoped to be finishing the interior wood when it was still warm but that did not happen.  I really want to get this structure completed so I can move on to a few gazillion other projects I need it for.
What recommendations do you all have for installing the T&G?

Should I put it up raw and just finish the interior when I can heat it?

Is there a decent finish I can apply to the boards in cold weather?

If so, do you recommend finishing both sides of the boards before installation?

The boards will all be 1x6x6' for ease of handling.  The ceiling is 27'x39'.  The walls are 12'x31', 12'x39', 12'x27 and 12'x27'.

There is a 12x12 office space with 8' ceiling. I could put the interior ceiling and walls in, temporarily insulate, put some kind of space heat in (ceramic cubes?) to use as a finishing space in need be.

I appreciate all the advice and words of wisdom you can send my way 

[beenthere]

OWW
Is this the building where your dry kiln is located, and your sawmill?

[OneWithWood]

It is an addition to that building.

[beenthere]

No place to lay out some T&G at 50° or more for some finishing, some drying, and then moving it over to the barn for layup?
Prolly have your dry kiln full with either drying a load or storage. ;)

[Axe Handle Hound]

I would definitely avoid cold weather finishing.  Even though putting the ceiling up raw and then coming back to finish will require additional effort it will still be less work than scraping gelled and uncured finish off the ceiling boards.  Can you wait for a warm spell or possibly heat the building just long enough to get your boards finished?

[isawlogs]

 I would not be putting any tongue and groove in a cold unheated room then having the heat turned on, things will happen  :-\ 
  You wrote that the insulation has craft facing, ....  can you staple it to the trusses\joices  ???   Then have the heat on before putting the V-groove up.

[OneWithWood]

The kiln is in use and is booked for the next couple of months at least.  I may end up creating some space in the mechanical workshop/bio diesel facility, hauling the boards over to it and then hauling the finished boards back.  Putting up the insulation first by stapling to the trusses and wall studs is probably the wise thing to do.  I could then heat the space with a torpedo heater long enough to get the ceiling and the wall the mini-split system will be mounted on done.  Why do I always seem to have difficulty just doing the wise thing first?  ???

I want the boards to have a natural look.  What finish would you recommend to achieve that end?  Is it desirable to finish both sides of the boards?

[Don_Papenburg]

I like poly satin ,  but waxfree shellac is one of the best finishes because it will melt right into an older finish if you have any fix up to do in years to come

[Axe Handle Hound]

For a natural look I'd just wipe them down with boiled linseed oil.  It will result in a matte finish though so if you like a little more shine you could go with an oil or water based satin poly as others have suggested.   I would suggest staying away from a semi-gloss or gloss finish though.  Too much shine.

[Farmerjw]

Poly would be my finish of choice, I like glossy myself.  Just finished my mom and dad's new home, mom applied poly not only on both faces but all four edges.  Seals your boards and minimizes expansion and contraction.  Would not finish unless warmed.  Would suggest insulating and conditioning the boards to the room.  Good luck.