When working on a construction project for your home, there are several choices to make about the type of atmosphere you desire. If you’re looking for a timeless, unique, and rustic feel for your project, then hand-hewn beams are for you.
What exactly are “hand-hewn beams?” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it is simply the original way craftsmen made support beams for homes and buildings. It is the process of carving and shaving a round log into a square beam using only hand tools–no machinery.
It is a building method that isn’t seen very often anymore, but if you look at almost any antique New England home or building, you will quickly discover the handwork of past craftsmen. In a time when everything is becoming mass produced and losing originality and character, going back to our origins of woodcraft will provide you with uniquely aged beams that you cannot find in your average home improvement store.
Hand-hewn beams provide your home with both decorative, structural, and environmental benefits such as:
- Durable, higher quality old-growth timber
- Beam made from rare woods
- A unique color and patina developed over several ages
- Incredibly positive impact on the environment
Not only are hand-hewn beams beautiful, unique, and highly durable, they are also wonderfully versatile. These beams can easily be cut and altered to serve multiple purposes for your projects. Many people acquire hand-hewn beams for ornamental pieces like fireplace mantels or ceiling beams, but they can also serve as actual supports throughout your home.
Even though carving logs by hand isn’t the mainstream method for creating beams anymore, you need not worry. There are still lumber companies that can provide that service, and with reclaimed wood becoming extremely popular, there are plenty of sources that can provide you with original beams for your project!
If you’ve been searching for the perfect feature to make your home’s aesthetic have that traditional, rustic, and unique atmosphere, consider exploring hand-hewn beams. If you have questions, or if you would like to see and learn more about hand-hewn beams for your project, contact us today. Our knowledgeable team is excited to give you the answers you’ve been looking for!
