About Our Beams
Massive Timbers With Unmatched Character
There is nothing in modern construction that compares to a reclaimed timber beam. These are pieces of wood that were harvested from trees 200 to 500 years old, hewn or sawn into massive structural members, and then spent another 100 to 200 years supporting the weight of buildings, barns, bridges, and factories. The result is a material of extraordinary density, stability, and visual power.
Our beam inventory is sourced from deconstruction projects throughout the Northeast — barn dismantling in upstate New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania; warehouse demolitions in Brooklyn and Long Island City; factory teardowns across the tri-state area; and bridge and dock replacements along the waterways of the greater New York region. Each source yields beams with distinct character, and we carefully sort and catalog everything that enters our yard.
Whether you need a single mantel beam for a fireplace renovation, a set of matching ceiling beams for an open-plan loft, structural timbers for a timber-frame addition, or dramatic feature beams for a restaurant build-out, we have the inventory and expertise to deliver. Our beams range from modest 4x6s suitable for decorative applications to massive 14x14 and larger timbers that can span commercial spaces.
Every beam we sell has been inspected for structural integrity, de-nailed and metal-detected, and graded for both structural capacity and visual character. We offer various levels of surface preparation — from raw as-salvaged surfaces with full patina to wire-brushed and lightly sanded finishes ready for installation. Custom sizing, cutting, and finishing are available through our in-house milling shop.
Beam Types
Four Categories of Reclaimed Beams
Hand-Hewn Beams
Cut with axes and adzes by craftsmen 100–200+ years ago, these beams bear the marks of human hands. Each surface tells the story of the artisan who shaped it. The distinctive scalloped texture of hand-hewn faces is impossible to replicate with machines, making these beams the most prized option for high-end residential and hospitality projects. Many of our hand-hewn beams still carry original mortise-and-tenon joints and peg holes from their original timber-frame construction.
Sizes Available
Typically 6×6 to 12×12, lengths up to 30ft
Common Species
Primarily white oak, American chestnut, and hemlock
Weight Range
25–50 lbs per linear foot depending on species and cross-section
Machine-Cut Beams
Sawn in early mills from old-growth timber, these beams are straighter and more uniform than hand-hewn options while still carrying incredible density and grain patterns unavailable in modern lumber. Machine-cut beams are the workhorses of our structural beam inventory — their consistent geometry makes them easier to specify for engineering applications, and their clean-sawn faces provide a refined look that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Sizes Available
Typically 4×6 to 16×16, lengths up to 40ft
Common Species
Douglas fir, Southern yellow pine, white oak, hemlock
Weight Range
15–70 lbs per linear foot depending on species and cross-section
Barn Beams
Sourced from dismantled barns throughout the Northeast, these beams often feature mortise-and-tenon joints, peg holes, and the warm patina of agricultural use. Many are oak, chestnut, or hemlock. Barn beams carry a distinctly American character — the honest marks of farming life, the weathering of decades in open-sided structures, and the warmth of wood that has slowly aged in a rural environment. They are among our most popular products for residential fireplace mantels and exposed ceiling applications.
Sizes Available
Variable — typically 6×6 to 10×10, 8–24ft
Common Species
White oak, American chestnut, hemlock, Eastern white pine
Weight Range
20–45 lbs per linear foot depending on species and cross-section
Industrial Beams
Recovered from factory buildings, warehouses, and bridge structures. Often Douglas fir or Southern yellow pine, these beams are incredibly dense and strong from slow-growth old-growth forests. Industrial beams tend to be the largest and heaviest in our inventory — many served as primary structural members supporting multiple floors of heavy machinery. Their scale and density make them ideal for dramatic open-span applications, structural renovation projects, and large commercial installations.
Sizes Available
Variable — up to 16×16 and 40ft lengths
Common Species
Douglas fir, Southern yellow pine, white oak
Weight Range
30–80 lbs per linear foot depending on species and cross-section
Size Catalog
Beam Size & Weight Reference
We stock beams in the following standard cross-sections. Weights are approximate ranges that vary by species and moisture content. Lengths are generally available from 4 feet to 40 feet depending on the size and species. Custom lengths can be cut from longer stock.
| Cross Section | Weight (per LF) | Structural Rating | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×4 | 5–8 lbs/LF | Light decorative | Decorative accents, small mantels, trim details |
| 4×6 | 8–12 lbs/LF | Light structural | Shelf brackets, small headers, pergola rafters |
| 6×6 | 12–18 lbs/LF | Moderate structural | Ceiling beams, mantels, posts, lintels |
| 6×8 | 16–24 lbs/LF | Moderate structural | Floor beams, ceiling beams, mantels, stair stringers |
| 6×10 | 20–30 lbs/LF | Full structural | Floor joists, ridge beams, large mantels |
| 6×12 | 24–36 lbs/LF | Full structural | Primary structural members, large spans |
| 8×8 | 22–32 lbs/LF | Full structural | Ceiling beams, posts, structural headers, island supports |
| 8×10 | 28–40 lbs/LF | Full structural | Primary floor beams, structural renovation, large mantels |
| 8×12 | 32–48 lbs/LF | Heavy structural | Primary structural, commercial applications, large spans |
| 10×10 | 35–50 lbs/LF | Heavy structural | Primary posts, large-span beams, dramatic ceiling features |
| 10×12 | 40–60 lbs/LF | Heavy structural | Primary structural, commercial builds, exposed feature beams |
| 12×12 | 48–72 lbs/LF | Maximum structural | Large commercial spans, primary columns, statement installations |
| 14×14+ | 65–90+ lbs/LF | Maximum structural | Specialty structural, bridges, dramatic commercial features |
Custom cross-sections are available. We can re-saw larger beams to non-standard dimensions or build up laminated beams from reclaimed stock for specialty applications.
Species
Beam Species Reference
The species of a beam determines its weight, strength, rot resistance, and visual character. Not all species are available in all sizes — larger beams are predominantly Douglas fir, Southern yellow pine, and white oak, while barn beams offer more variety including chestnut and hemlock.
White Oak
Golden-brown with pronounced grain, darkens beautifully with age. Extremely rot-resistant even without finish.
Good — consistent supply from warehouse and bridge demolition
Density
47 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Excellent
Rot Resist.
Excellent
Douglas Fir
Warm reddish-brown with straight grain. Clear, tight rings from old-growth sources. Strong and lightweight relative to size.
Excellent — most consistently available species for large beams
Density
34 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Very good
Rot Resist.
Moderate
Southern Yellow Pine
Amber to deep orange, dramatic grain figure. Old-growth material is significantly denser than modern SYP.
Good — common in industrial warehouse and factory demolition
Density
41 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Very good
Rot Resist.
Moderate
American Chestnut
Warm brown with straight grain. Light for its strength. Extremely rare — the chestnut blight eliminated the species by 1940.
Rare — available intermittently from pre-1920 barn deconstruction
Density
30 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Good
Rot Resist.
Excellent
Hemlock
Pink-brown to gray, varies significantly. Rustic appearance with character marks. Most affordable beam species.
Very good — abundant in barn deconstruction throughout the Northeast
Density
28 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Moderate
Rot Resist.
Poor
Eastern White Pine
Light color, soft texture, distinctive wide grain. Historical significance — the King's Pine of colonial era.
Moderate — available from colonial-era and early American structures
Density
25 lbs/cu ft
Strength
Moderate
Rot Resist.
Poor
Comparison
Hand-Hewn vs. Machine-Cut Beams
The distinction between hand-hewn and machine-cut beams is one of the most important decisions you will make when specifying reclaimed timber. Each type has unique strengths, and the right choice depends on your aesthetic goals, structural requirements, and budget.
| Attribute | Hand-Hewn | Machine-Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Surface texture | Scalloped adze marks, irregular faces, deep character | Flat sawn faces, uniform texture, saw marks may be visible |
| Geometry | Slightly irregular — faces may not be perfectly flat or square | Consistent rectangular cross-section, straight and true |
| Typical era | 1700s–1880s (before steam-powered sawmills became widespread) | 1860s–1960s (industrial sawmill era) |
| Available sizes | Usually 6×6 to 12×12, limited lengths (8–30ft) | 4×6 to 16×16, lengths up to 40ft |
| Species | Oak, chestnut, hemlock, white pine (early American species) | Douglas fir, SYP, oak, hemlock (industrial-era species) |
| Structural use | Possible but requires individual assessment — irregular geometry complicates engineering | Well-suited — consistent cross-section allows standard span calculations |
| Decorative appeal | Maximum — the scalloped surface is the defining feature of hand-hewn timber | High — clean aged surfaces with tight grain patterns and natural patina |
| Price range | $14–$30+ per board foot depending on species and condition | $8–$20 per board foot depending on species and size |
| Availability | Limited — supply is dwindling as fewer pre-1880 structures remain | Good — steady supply from industrial and commercial demolition |
Applications
Beam Applications Showcase
Reclaimed beams are among the most versatile and impactful design elements available. From subtle mantel accents to dramatic full-span ceiling installations, here is how our clients use our beams.
Fireplace Mantels
The single most popular use for our beams. A reclaimed beam mantel transforms a fireplace into the focal point of a room. We typically recommend 6x6 to 8x10 beams for mantels, cut to the width of the firebox plus 6 to 12 inches per side. Hand-hewn beams are the most popular choice for mantels, though wire-brushed machine-cut beams also create a beautiful effect.
Recommended: Hand-hewn or barn beams, 6x6 to 8x10, 4–8ft lengths
Exposed Ceiling Beams
Open-plan lofts, great rooms, and renovated industrial spaces come alive with exposed reclaimed ceiling beams. We can provide matched sets for uniform installations or intentionally varied sets for a more organic appearance. Beams can be purely decorative (bolted to the ceiling) or structural (supporting the roof load).
Recommended: Machine-cut or barn beams, 6x8 to 10x12, 10–30ft lengths
Post-and-Beam Construction
For timber-frame additions, porches, pergolas, and new construction, reclaimed beams offer structural performance that rivals or exceeds new timber at comparable sizes. The old-growth density of our beams means they can often span farther or carry more load than modern equivalents.
Recommended: Machine-cut or industrial beams, structural grade, engineered to specification
Restaurant & Retail Design
Commercial interiors benefit enormously from the warmth and authenticity of reclaimed beams. We regularly supply beams for restaurant dining rooms, bar ceilings, retail store feature walls, hotel lobbies, and office common areas. Our team can help you select beams that match the scale and style of your commercial space.
Recommended: Any type — matched to design intent and space scale
Outdoor Pergolas & Structures
Rot-resistant species like white oak make excellent outdoor structural members for pergolas, arbors, pavilions, and covered porches. The natural weathering of reclaimed beams is a perfect fit for outdoor settings, and their old-growth density resists decay better than modern lumber.
Recommended: White oak beams, 6x6 to 8x8, exterior-sealed finish
Staircase Stringers & Treads
Reclaimed beams can be milled into massive stair stringers that support open-riser staircases, creating a striking architectural feature. We can also supply thick beam slabs for stair treads that pair with steel or cable railing systems.
Recommended: Machine-cut beams, milled to specification, 8x10 or larger for stringers
Kitchen Islands & Countertop Supports
Reclaimed beam sections make powerful visual anchors for kitchen islands, either as the island base structure or as exposed corbels and supports beneath countertop overhangs. The contrast between a sleek stone countertop and a rustic reclaimed beam support is a proven design winner.
Recommended: Hand-hewn or barn beams, 6x6 to 8x8 sections
Accent Walls & Architectural Features
Half-beams (beams ripped in half lengthwise) and beam sections can be applied to walls as dramatic textural features. Arranged horizontally or vertically, they create a three-dimensional accent wall with a depth and presence that flat wall planking cannot match.
Recommended: Any type — half-beams or full sections mounted to wall substrate
Finishing
Finish Options for Beams
We offer six standard finish levels for our beams, from completely raw to fully sealed for exterior use. Each finish is applied in our shop before delivery, ensuring consistent quality and proper application.
| Finish | Description | Maintenance | Int / Ext |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw / Unfinished | Beam is delivered as-is after any requested surface preparation. The natural aged surface is preserved with no coating applied. This option is ideal if you plan to apply your own finish on site or want the most authentic aged appearance. | Annual dusting. May darken over time with UV exposure. | Int |
| Wire Brushed | The beam surface is cleaned with industrial wire brushes to remove loose fibers, dirt, and soft grain while leaving the hard grain ridges intact. This creates a textured, three-dimensional surface that highlights the wood grain pattern. Very popular for mantels and ceiling beams. | Minimal — dust annually. Surface is naturally resistant to fingerprints and marks. | Int / Ext |
| Light Sand | Beam surfaces are lightly sanded to smooth splinters and rough areas while retaining the majority of original patina and character marks. This creates a surface that is safe to touch (important for mantels) without losing the aged appearance. | Dust regularly. Apply clear oil or wax annually to maintain appearance. | Int |
| Natural Oil | A penetrating natural oil (typically tung oil or Danish oil) is applied to enhance the wood grain and provide basic moisture resistance. The oil darkens the wood slightly and brings out the depth of the grain pattern. Low sheen, natural feel. | Reapply oil every 12–18 months for interior applications. | Int |
| Clear Matte Polyurethane | A professional-grade water-based polyurethane is applied in two coats for lasting protection with minimal sheen change. This provides the best moisture and stain resistance while maintaining a natural appearance. | Wipe clean as needed. Recoat every 5–7 years in high-traffic areas. | Int |
| Exterior Sealant | A UV-resistant exterior-grade sealant is applied for beams used in covered outdoor applications (pergolas, covered porches, exterior overhangs). Protects against moisture, UV damage, and mildew growth. | Reapply every 1–2 years depending on exposure. | Ext |
Custom Sizing
Custom Beam Sizing & Preparation
Need a specific size, length, or surface preparation? Our milling shop can modify any beam in our inventory to meet your exact specifications. Here is how the custom process works.
Specify Your Requirements
Tell us the species, cross-section dimensions, length, quantity, and finish level you need. If the beam will be structural, provide the span and load requirements so we can recommend the appropriate size and species.
We Select & Reserve Material
Our team identifies beams in our inventory that can yield your specified dimensions. For hand-hewn beams, we select pieces whose original dimensions are large enough to accommodate your final size while preserving the maximum amount of original surface character.
Milling & Surface Prep
We cut beams to length with a precision end cut (square or angled as specified). If re-sizing the cross-section is needed, we re-saw on our large-format bandsaw. Surface preparation (wire brushing, sanding, planing) is performed to your chosen finish level.
Quality Check & Photography
Each finished beam is measured to verify dimensional accuracy, inspected for any issues, and photographed. We send you photos for approval before scheduling delivery.
Delivery & Installation Support
Large beams require specialized handling. We deliver with our own trucks and can provide equipment for offloading (beams over 500 lbs may require a boom truck or forklift). We can also coordinate with your contractor on beam placement logistics.
Historical Context
The History Behind Our Beam Stock
Understanding where our beams come from adds meaning to every project. Here is a brief history of the structures and eras that supply our timber beam inventory.
Colonial & Early American (1700s–1820s)
The oldest beams in our inventory come from this period. They are exclusively hand-hewn, primarily white oak and chestnut, and represent the finest examples of early American craftsmanship. These beams were shaped by settlers who felled trees from virgin forests and worked them by hand with axes, broad axes, and adzes. Each beam carries the distinctive scalloped tool marks of hand-hewing. Supply is extremely limited and diminishing.
Pre-Civil War Industrial (1820s–1860s)
As water-powered and early steam-powered sawmills spread across the Northeast, massive machine-cut timbers became the structural backbone of the first generation of American industrial buildings. These beams are typically white pine, oak, or hemlock, and are among the longest and widest we encounter. Many feature the marks of early circular saws — distinctive curved lines on the beam faces.
Gilded Age Industrial (1870s–1910s)
The rapid industrialization of New York City during this period produced enormous warehouse, factory, and commercial buildings that required massive structural timbers. Douglas fir shipped by rail from the Pacific Northwest and Southern yellow pine from the Southeast became the dominant species. These beams are among the densest and strongest in our inventory, and they are available in the largest dimensions.
Early 20th Century (1910s–1940s)
The last generation of timber-frame commercial construction before steel became dominant. These buildings used a mix of heavy timber and early steel reinforcement. Beams from this era tend to be machine-cut Douglas fir and Southern yellow pine, often with original bolt holes and steel connector marks that add industrial character.
Logistics
Delivery Considerations for Large Beams
Large reclaimed beams require careful planning for delivery and placement. Beams weighing several hundred pounds cannot be moved by hand and may not fit through standard doorways. Here is what to consider when planning your beam project.
Weight Planning
A 12x12 oak beam at 12 feet long weighs approximately 600-850 pounds. A 10x10 Douglas fir at 20 feet weighs 700-1,000 pounds. Plan your access route and handling equipment accordingly. We provide exact weights for each beam at time of order.
Access Assessment
Before ordering, measure all doorways, hallways, stairwells, and elevator openings along the delivery path. Beams longer than 12 feet may need to be delivered through windows, over balconies, or via crane lift. We can help assess access options.
Equipment Requirements
Beams under 200 lbs can typically be carried by 2–4 people. Beams 200–500 lbs require a furniture dolly or hand truck. Beams over 500 lbs require mechanical assistance — forklift, boom truck, or crane. We can arrange equipment with delivery.
Floor Protection
Heavy beams can damage floors during installation. Protect finished floors with plywood sheets or furniture blankets along the delivery path. If the beam will be installed overhead, ensure the supporting structure can handle the weight before delivery day.
NYC-Specific Logistics
Manhattan and dense Brooklyn deliveries often require early-morning delivery (before 7am) to avoid traffic restrictions. Street parking permits may be needed for our truck. Walk-up buildings without elevator access may require additional crew members.
Long-Distance Shipping
For deliveries outside the tri-state area, beams are shipped via flatbed freight. We palletize and wrap beams for protection during transit. Transit times are typically 3–7 business days depending on destination. We provide tracking numbers and coordinate delivery appointments.
Quick Reference