To beam or not to beam… that is the question. Reclaimed beams are more than just architectural features—they’re storytellers, infusing your home with warmth, texture, and history. But how do you decide between box beams and solid wood beams? Today, we’ll break down the differences and share creative ways to incorporate each, so you can bring your home to life.
What is a Box Beam?
A box beam is a hollow wood beam used for decorative purposes. It’s custom-made with different pieces of wood to build a box shape that resembles a solid beam. These can be used to cover exposed joists that you don’t want to see, or to mount somewhere a solid beam would be too heavy. With an untrained eye, you would never know it’s hollow inside!
Benefits of Box Beams:
- Lightweight
- Easier to install
- Can fully customize the size
- Can hide unattractive elements
What is a Solid Beam?
Solid beams are a full piece of wood used for support. Unlike box beams, these are made from a singular piece of wood and can be decorative or structural. The vintage style of these beams add character and a period look to any space.
Benefits of Solid Wood Beams:
- Old growth wood with higher tensile strength than its new growth counterpart
- Can be used for structural support
- Can be installed inside or outside
- Provides a seamless aesthetic
- Doesn’t require as much labor, making it a cheaper option
Solid beam (left) and box beam (right)
Key Differences
They may look similar, but there are several ways that box and solid beams differ from one another. Understanding this will help you when you’re planning your next reclaimed wood project.
How They Are Made
Box beams: The first step to making a box beam is choosing the source wood. We can use either reclaimed wood planks or the “skins” from solid beams (thin slices cut from the outside). Then we process and clean the material.
Next, we measure the slabs to create the faces of the box beam, allowing us to fully customize the size. You’ll need 2–4, depending on where you plan to install it. Then we assemble with a precision miter lock joint at the corners to form the hollow wood beam. Box beams can be custom-built to match the style of solid beams, allowing you to mix and match without anyone telling the difference.
Solid wood beams: The process of restoring a hand-hewn beam starts with picking your wood type. Then we remove your beam from the lumberyard and begin denailing. A single beam can have dozens of nails, and not all of them are visible. Our craftsmen can spend hours using metal detectors to find and extract them all.
Now your beam is ready for the dehumidification kiln. This dries out the wood, killing any bugs that may be living inside. This can take one to two weeks, depending on the size of your beam.
Next, we take a nylon brush wheel to clean off dirt and loose shards of wood. The final result? A polished look that highlights the legacy and original marks of the beam. Lastly, we cut it to the proper size and singe the exposed ends with a torch to give them a weathered appearance. You can leave it as is or add a finish to the wood for a more refined design.
How They Are Used
Box beams: A versatile item, these can be used in almost any project to give your space a rustic flair. However, box beams are strictly decorative and should never be relied on for structural support. You should also keep them inside because temperature fluctuations and changes in moisture will make the beam expand and warp.
Solid wood beams: Not all buildings were made to support the weight of solid beams. Sometimes they are too heavy to use on ceilings and other areas. However, they’re perfect for mantels, shelves, and posts. And you can install them indoors or outdoors!
Weight
Box beams: As we’ve mentioned, box beams are lightweight because they are hollow. This makes them easier to work with and install.
Solid wood beams: These full pieces of wood are very heavy. However, they are also extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for structural support.
Appearance
Box beams: If you study a box beam, you may be able to spot seams connecting the various pieces together. However, this requires a keen eye and getting up close and personal with the wood. Most of the time, especially for ones along your ceiling, you’ll never be able to tell the difference. Typically, box beams have a clean-cut appearance.
Solid wood beams: These supports offer a completely seamless aesthetic, and can be cut to highlight their vintage qualities or smoothed over for a cleaner look. It’s not uncommon to find axe cuts, mortise pockets, or the remnants of joinery in your beam, depending on its original purpose. You can leave these marks open or fill them in with end grain wood or patches of similar grain.
Design Uses for Each
Sometimes it’s hard to picture new styles in your home. We get it! Tackling a home project is daunting, but here are some creative ideas for how to use box beams and solid beams in your space.
Ceiling Beams
Elevate your space—literally—with the timeless appeal of reclaimed wooden beams. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic retreat or a modern-meets-traditional vibe, these beams bring a sense of warmth and depth to any room. But they don’t just add old-world charm; they showcase their unique history in every knot and groove.
Wall Framing
Think beyond paint and wallpaper—hand-hewn beams can turn your walls into works of art. Installed vertically or horizontally, the striking frames can introduce a bit of texture to an otherwise plain surface. Imagine using wood to frame an entryway, a gallery wall, or even a built-in bookshelf. Each beam’s weathered finish creates a one-of-a-kind look, ensuring your walls stand out for all the right reasons.
Mantels and Shelves
Almost any living room could be improved with a wooden beam mantel. The rich texture offers instant character, and it’s that final piece that ties the entire room together. For shelving, reclaimed beams offer the perfect mix of rugged and refined. Use them to display books, pottery, or decor, or go bold with sturdy wine racks and pantry storage.
Posts
Do you love natural wood? Install distressed beams throughout your home! Their weathered charm is the ideal companion to cottagecore or modern farmhouse design styles. Next, take this charm outdoors by using reclaimed beams as porch posts. Rain or shine, these beams will hold up beautifully while complementing your home’s architecture.
Hide Flaws
Have unsightly pipes, cables, or support beams disrupting the flow of your home? Hollow wood beams have you (and those pipes) covered. Not only do they conceal imperfections, but they also provide architectural interest in otherwise overlooked spaces. When wrapped around features you’d rather not see, box beams add a decorative touch without the extra weight, transforming problem areas into the highlights of your home.
Why Choose Our Hand-Hewn Beams?
Our reclaimed wooden beams don’t just add style to your home. They’re also a sustainable alternative to traditional wood beams. Because of their age, they come with unique characteristics you can’t find anywhere else and give your home a sense of history. In addition, our team at VWFI has in-depth knowledge about our products that will help you as you continue with your project.
We offer hand-hewn beams for sale at our lot in Lancaster County, PA. Our inventory changes, so give us a call to see what we have available. Enjoy any of the following beam variations: hand-hewn, circular sawn, band sawn, or resawn. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or designer, our high-quality beams are the solution you’re looking for. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life!