All About Barn Beams and Mantels
All About Beams and Mantels
Hand Hewn or Circle Sawn Beam?
When visualizing what you want your reclaimed timber to look like, there are two options to consider.
The first is hand-hewn. Hand-hewn timbers were shaped by craftsman, often more than a century ago, using nothing but the axe. The resulting "chunky" texture with remaining axe marks is a highly sought, authentic rustic look.
The second option is circle-sawn. Circle-sawn beams were shaped in a saw mill, and do not feature the axe-marks of a hand-hewn. They are smoother, and will sometimes feature rough-sawn texture.
Hand Hewn and Rough Cut Mantels from Reclaimed Lumber available:
Individually Hand Crafted
Solid Reclaimed Barn Wood Mantel
Unique Rustic Character
Real American Heritage
Rough Cut
Pre-Finishing A Mantel
If your timber is going to be used as a mantel, you will have the option of having it pre-finished with one of several shades of wax-oil finish.
Otherwise, your timbers will come to you unfinished, so you will want to discuss finishing options with your contractor.
Dimensions and Lineal Footage
By "dimensions," we mean thickness of your timber. Common dimensions are 6" x 6", 8" x 8", 8" x 10", and 12" x 12", but we inventory a wide variety of dimensions.
By "length," we mean how long do you need your timber or timbers to be?
For more on measureing:
http://www.reclaimedbarnsandbeams.com/measuring-lumber/
Hand-Hewn Barn Wood beams reclaimed by hand from 19th century barns of Central Indiana. Early American craftsmen would drag large timber from nearby trees to the barn site where they would carefully score, and hew the round logs into square beams suitable for supporting the barn. These historic beams still have the original hand-hewn marks of the axe or adze. Later the craftsmen used saws. The rough cut saw marks make a great look as well.
These historic beams beautiful patina is enhanced after we carefully hand sand the beams to remove loose material. These beams look great without any finish or a light clear coat can be added to increase durability and reduce splintering.
Available in many sizes, every piece is cut to your specific length.
Price depends on size.
Rough Cut
Come by and pick out your beam or request a quote from here. Feel free to call us and we can send pictures for you to choose from.
Due to the unique character of reclaimed wood all sizes listed will be accurate within approximately 1/2”.
Hand Hewn
Before
After
Heart Pine- Milled to any deminsions
Mantel or Structural Beam?
Is your timber going to be used as a fireplace mantel, or are you looking to build beams into the structure of your home?
“My father built our family home in early in the 70’s and used many beams of reclaimed barn beams. As a youngster, teen, and young adult I rambled throughout many old barns. The beauty and smells still linger in my mind. My father in law lives on a homestead with the original barn. I developed severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, so now my rambling though barns is done online. I love your site and now live vicariously though you! Thank you. ”
Wax finish
Ordering, Delivery and Timeline Expectations
Your mantel is made from antique reclaimed wood and therefore may have marks and imperfections that add to it’s Rustic one-of-a-kind character.
Reclaimed Barn Beam Pendant Light
Lead times for reclaimed beams and timbers can vary from two to five weeks, so you will want to have a good idea of when you want your material on site and take this into account while planning.
Polycrylic finish
Hand Hewn
Each mantel is hand-finished, variations in the wood and finish are to be expected and celebrated. No two mantels are exactly alike.
Please call for specific shipping needs= 317-617-2773 or email
reclaimed@reclaimed barnsandbeams.com
12 x 12