subject: Using Reclaimed Wood And Glulam Timber Beams In A Remodeling Project [print this page] Reclaimed wood beams can be used in many types of residential and commercial remodeling projects. They are beautiful as exposed beams or you can use them to make something completely new. This article also explains the benefits reclaimed wood beams can offer.
There are many common sources for reclaimed wood beams, but one of the best places to find wood of this nature is in old barns that are about to be demolished. You can also look for reclaimed wood beams in old docks, abandoned warehouses, and in some cases even gymnasiums. These locations can provide entire, fully intact reclaimed wood beams.
Reclaimed wood beams are stronger than regular wood beams in most cases. That's because old buildings such as barns, warehouses, and docks were often constructed from surrounding old growth trees. Compared to younger generations of trees, old growth timber has a tighter grain and increased strength.
In other cases, reclaimed wood manufacturers can create glulam timber beams. Glulam is short for Glued Laminated Timber. Glulam is made from reclaimed wood by laminating several smaller chunks of reclaimed timber together. Using this process it is possible to include many generations of wood in glulam timber beams. One unique characteristic of glulam timber is that it can be formed into curves, which is not normally possible with regular wood beams.
Reusing timber in reclaimed wood beams and glulam timber beams is obviously good for the environment, but using reclaimed wood beams and/or glulam timber beams can also prove useful (and innovative) in the renovation of your home or property, as is further explored below.
Ideas for using Reclaimed Wood Beams and Glulam Timber Beams in your next Remodeling Project
Get creative. Reclaimed wood beams and glulam timber beams are great for just about every creative project you can think of. Shelving, countertops, and tables are ideal places for wood because it is a sanitary, durable material. Glulam is also a good choice for restaurants because of its amber hue, which is acquires over time. A bench, stool, or other horizontal surface might be another good choice for using reclaimed wood as well because of the sturdy feel these products often impart.
Steps. Glulam timber beams and reclaimed wood beams are good choices for steps. Again this is due to the sturdy and solid nature of these materials.
Structural Beams and Posts
It is very popular and practical to use reclaimed wood beams as roof and structural supports as reclaimed wood beams are strong enough to support a building and have the added advantage of design flexibility. You can leave the reclaimed wood or glulam timber beams just as it is for a traditional exposed beam feel, or you can paint them for a more modern look.
Non-Structural Beams and Posts
Beams that are not weight bearing can be carved into many kinds of shapes and designs, or you can add texture using custom band sawing or wire brushing techniques.
There are many possibilities for using reclaimed wood beams in your next renovation project. You can also add lighting to highlight the warm feel of old wood, along with the nuances of your design. You can also use other materials such as wood paneling, stone, or brick along with reclaimed wood when you design your next renovation or creative house project.
