There are no stupid questions, we all can learn something (as the intelligent stair solution in the other thread).
In the subject of barrels, use a static mesh. I am pretty certain there already is one in the KF-departed statics package. If you need a custom texture, there is the possibility of giving a static a skin under properties->display. Make a skin with the same dimensions as the original, import it and have the texture selected. Then go to properties-display-skin-new-use iirc.
A last go would be to make the texture and ask around for someone to do a barrel for you, esp if it is an old style beer barrel. I am pretty pressed for time atm but could probably do it if you made the texture.
Explore to the official statics packages. They contain a wealth of very useful models to make a map seem real. Just remember that you need to reload them to see all the statics included (and then try to remember where you found the static that was perfect for your work, but it is a month since you stumbled upon it)