BEAMS / ANTIQUE HAND-HEWN BARN
Reclaimed Antique Hand-Hewn Barn Beams
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Hand-hewn beams were shaped with a broadaxe and adze, tools that left faceted surface marks that make these timbers immediately recognizable. The work was done by hand, one timber at a time, from old-growth trees that no longer exist in modern supply. The result was a structural system built to last centuries, which is exactly how long many of these barns stood before being reclaimed.
These are mixed species timbers, sourced from whatever species grew locally where the barn was originally built, with a hand-hewn surface and weathered patina that give the beams a remarkably consistent character regardless of species. Because they come from vernacular barn construction across the American Midwest and Northeast, each beam reflects the building traditions, available materials, and working methods of its region. We carry hand-hewn timbers up to 30 feet in length, with common face dimensions including 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12. All beams are heat-treated. Specified tallies, custom sizing, surface cleaning, and finishing are also available depending on the application and project requirements. The broadax marks, checking, weathered patina, and evidence of previous joinery are all part of what makes these beams irreplaceable. New material can approximate the look, but it cannot replicate what a century or more of structural use and exposure leaves behind. |
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SPECIFICATIONS
Most of the antique hand hewn beams that we provide are square but have variation in face dimensions +/- 1”. Offered as unfinished or prefinished. Briwax prefinish colors include Tudor Brown, Ebony, and Limewax. Beams are kiln dried and pressure washed. Common sizes are:
Lengths range from 6’-30’ and longer (check availability). Antique hand hewn barn beams contain a wide range of variance in the amount of notches, mortise holes, peg holes, nail holes, color variation, etc. Not structurally graded. |
