Reclaimed wood beams add character and charm to any space. Whether exposed and left unfinished or distressed and whitewashed, large beams from reclaimed wood evoke a sense of history, luxury, and nostalgia. 

Below we’ll explore the top five factors you should take into account when considering reclaimed wood design to upgrade the look of your home. 


1. Types of Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood beams can be salvaged from different types of structures, giving you many options for the look and style you want to achieve. 

Barn beams, reclaimed from old barnwood and other agricultural buildings, are popular and tend to have a rustic, rural feel. In contrast, beams salvaged from industrial buildings like old factories and warehouses have an urban industrial vibe. Other sources of reclaimed wood include deconstructed houses, old railway ties, wine barrels, and boats.

When shopping for reclaimed wood beams, look for wood varieties like pine, oak, and Douglas fir, which have natural durability and insulation properties. Dense hardwoods like oak and tropical woods like teak are best for structural beams that support weight. 


2. Styles

These are a few popular styles of wood beams that create different effects in the home: 

  • Box beams have wood slats enclosing all sides of the beam. Overall, they have a more finished, cleaner look.
  • Exposed beams are installed so their sides and bottoms are visible. This style creates a rustic, structural look and is common for load-bearing beams. 
  • Faux beams use boards fastened together to create a beam shape. This style gives the visual appeal of a solid beam for less cost but lacks authenticity and structural capacity.

In addition to these styles, beams can have different finishes:

  • Milled beams have planed surfaces and straight edges for a neater appearance.
  • Distressed beams retain marks from previous use for a timeworn look. 
  • Whitewashed or gray-washed beams have muted wood tones. 
  • Beams treated with various stains and finishes, such as polyurethane, will have a range of colors and sheens.

3. Ideal Locations

Reclaimed wood beams add character to many rooms, so consider beam placement to maximize visibility and enjoyment. 

Living rooms benefit from beams on the ceiling that add warmth and interest. In particular, exposed beams over a seating area create an intimate feel. 

Beams in a hallway or entryway ceiling exude a rustic style when you enter the home. The kitchen is a natural spot for reclaimed beams that pair nicely with other farmhouse or rustic elements. 

One of my favorite looks is exposed beams on vaulted ceilings in bedrooms, which provide visual appeal and a natural look. Porches and patios can also utilize reclaimed beams as support structures and aesthetic elements. 


4. Installation Considerations

Proper installation of reclaimed wood beams requires expertise and specialty tools so the beams can be integrated safely and effectively. 

Structural engineers should assess the load capacity needed if beams will provide support. Proper sizing and spacing are crucial. For example, a carrying system must be engineered for load-bearing beams to distribute weight properly. A professional must also coordinate access panels if concealed wiring or if lighting is routed through beams. 

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Remember, fire codes may impact the placement and finishes of exposed beams. 

I strongly recommend leaving the installation of reclaimed beams to the professionals. Hiring specialists in reclaimed beams ensures code-compliant and safe results. Start by asking builders for referrals and research companies that source high-quality reclaimed lumber.


Get Your Estimate From a Professional Home Builder
Match with an expert to help you with your new home.

5. Costs

Faux wood beam installation costs are typically between $900 (for DIY installation) and $7,000 (for high-end professional installation)

As with new lumber, reclaimed wood beam pricing depends on factors like the wood type, size, source location, and processing. Rare woods like teak cost more than common ones like pine. 

Wider and longer beams cost more per linear foot. For example, a six-inch-thick, 10-foot-long beam in domestic oak may run $15 per linear foot. In contrast, a larger 12-inch-thick teak beam could cost $50 or more per linear foot


So, is Adding Reclaimed Wood Beams Worth It?

If designed and installed properly, reclaimed wood beams create an impressive focal point and undeniable aesthetic appeal. The natural texture and depth of character in aged, salvaged wood make a striking design statement that new wood can’t duplicate. Reclaimed beams also lend a sense of history and authenticity.

Reclaimed wood beams offer tremendous design value and satisfaction for the investment and effort required. As long as sound construction principles are followed, adding this special architectural detail is well worth the splurge. 


FAQs About Reclaimed Wood Beams

Are reclaimed wood beams cheaper than new wood?

In most cases, no. The labor involved in deconstructing, transporting, milling, and finishing reclaimed lumber is significant, so reclaimed wood beams cost at least as much as, if not more than, new wood beams. The premium pricing comes from the uniqueness and aged character new wood doesn’t have.


Do reclaimed wood beams add value?

Reclaimed wood beams typically add character and aesthetic value to a home. In certain real estate markets, the added value may translate to a higher sales price when it comes time to sell. The main value of beams is enhancing the enjoyability of the space while you live there.


Can you install reclaimed wood beams yourself?

As a knowledgeable DIYer, you can install reclaimed beams, but you must take extreme care. Proper structural engineering is a must for the safety of you and your family. I recommend hiring professionals to ensure the beams are properly sourced, sized, mounted, finished, and adapted to conceal lighting or wiring if needed.


How thick should reclaimed beams be?

A structural engineer should determine the appropriate beam thickness based on the span length, spacing, and load capacity required. Most residential reclaimed wood beams range from four to 12 inches thick, but the beam depth and material strength needed varies by project. I recommend consulting a professional to determine the ideal beam depth and material strength.


Should reclaimed beams be sealed?

Sealing reclaimed wood beams is not mandatory but is recommended to protect them from moisture, stains, UV damage, and pests. Polyurethane and penetrating oils are common sealants. Always double-check that all coatings are nontoxic and safe if beams are in living spaces.


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Amy DeYoung

Amy DeYoung

Contributor

Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

Learn More

photo of Lee Ann Merrill

Lee Ann Merrill

Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

Learn More