Reclaimed Beams & Timbers
Massive old-growth timbers salvaged from warehouses, sugar mills, and historic structures — ready for their next century of service as exposed beams, mantels, and structural supports.
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Nothing Matches the Presence of a Reclaimed Beam
A reclaimed beam does what no other design element can: it anchors a room with scale, warmth, and a sense of history that feels earned rather than manufactured. These are timbers that held up cotton warehouses on the Mississippi River, spanned the rafters of Creole cottages, and supported the roofs of sugar mills across Cajun Country.
The wood itself is extraordinary. Old-growth cypress and heart pine beams exhibit grain density that modern timber simply cannot replicate — 20 to 40 growth rings per inch compared to 4 to 8 in plantation-grown stock. This density translates to superior strength, dimensional stability, and a visual richness that deepens with every year.
We carry beams ranging from small 4x4 posts to massive 16x16 timbers over 30 feet long. Every beam is de-nailed, cleaned, and inspected. We can deliver them raw for maximum character or finished to your exact specifications.
Quick Facts
- Size Range4x4 to 16x16+
- Max LengthUp to 40 ft
- SpeciesCypress, Pine, Oak
- TypeHand-hewn & sawn
- UseStructural & decorative
Size Ranges Available
Reclaimed beam dimensions reflect the original use of the timber. We carry a wide range of cross-sections and lengths to suit projects of any scale.
Small Timbers
Posts, braces, small mantels, furniture legs
Medium Beams
Exposed ceiling beams, headers, lintels
Large Beams
Ridge beams, major structural spans, statement pieces
Oversized Timbers
Commercial structures, timber-frame construction, monumental installations
All dimensions are nominal. Actual measurements may vary slightly due to the nature of reclaimed material. We can square, plane, or profile beams through our custom milling service.
Beam Species We Carry
Old-Growth Cypress
The premier choice for exposed beams in Louisiana. Naturally resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay. Many of our cypress beams were originally used as structural members in 19th-century sugar mills, cotton warehouses, and plantation homes. The heartwood ranges from pale honey to deep amber and develops a stunning patina when finished with a clear sealer.
Heart Pine (Longleaf)
Dense, resinous, and incredibly hard. Reclaimed heart pine beams often exhibit 20 to 40 growth rings per inch — visual proof of centuries of slow growth. The high resin content gives these beams a warm amber glow and makes them exceptionally durable. Excellent for both structural and decorative applications.
White Oak
Historically used for heavy framing in warehouses, bridges, and barns. White oak beams are extremely strong, dimensionally stable, and resistant to moisture. Their golden-brown color and cathedral grain pattern make them a favorite for exposed installations in high-end residential and commercial interiors.
Douglas Fir
While not native to Louisiana, reclaimed Douglas fir beams arrive from salvage projects across the West Coast and are prized for their straight grain, high strength-to-weight ratio, and warm reddish color. We occasionally stock these for customers who specifically request the species.
Where Reclaimed Beams Shine
From a single mantel to an entire timber-frame structure, reclaimed beams transform spaces with authentic warmth and scale.
Exposed Ceiling Beams
The most popular use for reclaimed beams. Whether your ceiling is vaulted, flat, or coffered, exposed beams add warmth, scale, and architectural interest. We supply both structural beams that carry actual load and decorative beam wraps that slide over existing framing.
Note: For decorative installations, we can hollow or halve beams to reduce weight. For structural applications, every beam is assessed individually for load capacity.
Fireplace Mantels
A single reclaimed beam makes a dramatic mantel. The character marks, grain variation, and aged patina create a focal point that anchors the entire room. We stock mantel-ready beams in various depths and can cut, sand, and finish to your specifications.
Note: Building codes typically require a minimum clearance between the mantel and the firebox. We can advise on compliant dimensions for your installation.
Structural Supports
Reclaimed timbers can serve as genuine load-bearing members when properly graded and engineered. We work with structural engineers to verify the capacity of individual beams for headers, posts, ridge beams, and floor girders.
Note: Structural use requires case-by-case evaluation. We provide documentation on species, origin, and visual grading. A licensed engineer should sign off on any structural application.
Timber-Frame Construction
For builders working in the timber-frame tradition, reclaimed beams offer both authenticity and superior wood quality. Our beams can be hand-hewn to match historical joinery profiles or precision-milled for modern mortise-and-tenon connections.
Note: Timber-frame projects require careful coordination. Contact us early in the design phase so we can source and reserve the specific sizes and species your frame design requires.
Pergolas & Outdoor Structures
Reclaimed cypress beams are ideal for outdoor structures — their natural rot resistance means they withstand Louisiana's humid climate without chemical treatment. We supply beams for pergolas, pavilions, arbors, and carport structures.
Note: We recommend cypress or white oak for any exterior beam application. Heart pine performs well outdoors when properly sealed but requires more maintenance than cypress.
Commercial & Hospitality
Restaurants, hotels, breweries, and retail spaces use reclaimed beams to create atmosphere and authenticity. We have supplied beams for installations across the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and Garden District.
Note: Commercial projects often require fire-rating compliance. We can coordinate with your architect on compliant installation methods, including fire-retardant treatments.
Finishing Options
Choose the level of refinement that suits your project. From raw and rugged to smooth and sealed — we handle it all in-house.
Raw / Unfinished
The beam arrives cleaned and de-nailed but with its natural surface intact — saw marks, hand-hewing texture, and aged patina all preserved. Many designers prefer this look and apply their own finish on site.
Wire Brushed
A steel wire brush removes loose surface fibers and dirt while highlighting the grain pattern. This process enhances texture without significantly altering the beam's character. It is the most popular prep method for exposed installations.
Sanded Smooth
Power-sanded to a smooth surface (typically 120–150 grit). Removes most surface character but reveals the fresh wood color underneath. Best for mantels, countertop supports, and applications where a refined appearance is preferred.
Clear Sealed
A penetrating oil or water-based polyurethane seals the surface against moisture and dirt while preserving the natural look. Available in matte, satin, or semi-gloss sheens. Recommended for any beam in a kitchen, bathroom, or high-traffic area.
Stained
We apply oil-based or water-based stain to shift the beam's color. Popular choices include ebony, dark walnut, Provincial, and custom-matched colors. Staining is often followed by a clear topcoat for durability.
Charred / Shou Sugi Ban
The Japanese technique of controlled burning creates a blackened, cracked surface that is both beautiful and naturally resistant to insects and decay. This dramatic finish works especially well with cypress beams.
Load-Bearing Considerations
Reclaimed beams can absolutely serve as load-bearing structural members, but they require more careful evaluation than new engineered lumber. Unlike dimensional lumber from a mill, every reclaimed beam is unique — its strength depends on species, grain orientation, moisture content, and the presence of defects like checks, splits, or insect damage.
We visually grade every beam in our inventory using criteria adapted from ASTM D245 (Standard Practice for Establishing Structural Grades and Related Allowable Properties for Visually Graded Lumber). Beams intended for structural use are evaluated for knot size, slope of grain, shakes, splits, and wane.
For critical structural applications, we recommend hiring a licensed structural engineer to assess individual beams and specify connection details. We are happy to work directly with your engineer, providing species identification, measured dimensions, and any relevant history about the beam's original use.
If you need a beam that is purely decorative — for instance, a non-load-bearing ceiling beam or a mantel — structural grading is not necessary, and you have more freedom to choose based on aesthetics alone. We can also hollow out large beams to create lightweight decorative wraps that install over existing framing.
Beam Dimensions & Weight Reference
Use this table to estimate weight, plan structural requirements, and specify the right beam for your project. All weights are approximate and vary by species and moisture content.
| Nominal Size | Actual (approx.) | Typical Lengths | Weight/Ft (lbs) | Load Capacity Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x4 | 3.5" x 3.5" | 4-12 ft | 3.5 - 4.5 | Posts, braces, small furniture legs. Not typically used as a spanning beam. |
| 4x6 | 3.5" x 5.5" | 6-14 ft | 5.5 - 7.0 | Light headers, porch posts, decorative accents. Can span up to 6 ft under light loads. |
| 6x6 | 5.5" x 5.5" | 8-16 ft | 8.5 - 11.0 | Medium posts, pergola columns, small mantel beams. Spans up to 8 ft under moderate loads. |
| 6x8 | 5.5" x 7.5" | 8-20 ft | 12.0 - 15.0 | Exposed ceiling beams, headers, lintels. Common choice for residential exposed-beam ceilings. |
| 8x8 | 7.5" x 7.5" | 10-24 ft | 16.0 - 20.0 | Ridge beams, major headers, timber-frame posts. Popular for open-concept living spaces. |
| 8x10 | 7.5" x 9.5" | 10-24 ft | 20.0 - 25.5 | Primary structural beams, long-span headers. Can span 12-16 ft depending on species and load. |
| 8x12 | 7.5" x 11.5" | 12-30 ft | 24.5 - 31.0 | Heavy structural spans, commercial headers. Often used in restaurant and brewery renovations. |
| 10x10 | 9.5" x 9.5" | 12-30 ft | 25.5 - 32.5 | Major structural columns and beams. Statement pieces for great rooms and grand entries. |
| 12x12 | 11.5" x 11.5" | 12-36 ft | 37.5 - 48.0 | Monumental beams, commercial structures, timber-frame main beams. Requires crane for installation. |
| 12x12+ | Varies | 12-40+ ft | 48.0+ | Custom sizes up to 16x16. Sourced from industrial buildings, warehouses, and bridges. Contact us. |
Weight ranges reflect variation across species (cypress is lighter; oak is heavier). Load capacity depends on species, grade, span, and loading conditions — consult a structural engineer for critical applications.
Installation Considerations
Installing reclaimed beams — whether structural or decorative — requires planning that accounts for the unique properties of aged timber.
Structural Engineering
- Any load-bearing beam must be evaluated by a licensed structural engineer before installation
- Reclaimed beams are graded visually — defects like checks, splits, and knots affect allowable stress values
- Species identification is critical: old-growth heart pine and white oak have vastly different structural properties than cypress or Douglas fir
- Connection details (beam-to-post, beam-to-wall) must be engineered for the specific beam size and load path
- Building code compliance may require documentation of species, grade, and allowable design values
Moisture Content
- Reclaimed beams from indoor salvage typically arrive at 10-14% moisture content — acceptable for most interior installations
- Beams from outdoor or ground-contact salvage may be significantly wetter and should be air-dried or kiln-dried before installation
- Large timbers (8x8 and up) dry very slowly — expect 1 inch of drying per year of air drying from each face
- Surface checks and end splits are normal as large timbers equalize moisture. They rarely affect structural integrity
- For heated interiors, target 8-12% moisture content to minimize post-installation movement and checking
Fastening Methods
- Timber screws (GRK, TimberLok, or similar) are the modern standard — no pre-drilling needed for most applications up to 10" length
- Traditional through-bolts with washers remain the strongest connection method for beam-to-beam joints
- For decorative-only installations, heavy-duty lag screws into blocking or a steel angle bracket concealed behind the beam work well
- Always pre-drill pilot holes when fastening within 3 inches of a beam end to prevent splitting in dense old-growth material
- Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners for any exterior beam installation to prevent rust staining and corrosion
Popular Beam Projects
From intimate residential renovations to large-scale commercial buildouts, reclaimed beams anchor spaces with scale, warmth, and history.
Vaulted Ceiling Ridge Beam
8x10 to 12x12A single massive beam running the peak of a vaulted ceiling transforms an ordinary room into a grand space. Typically 8x10 or larger, spanning 20 feet or more. Heart pine and cypress are the most requested species. The beam acts as both structural support and the defining architectural feature of the room.
Kitchen Island Support Beam
6x6 to 8x8An exposed beam running beneath a kitchen island or spanning the ceiling above it creates a farmhouse-meets-industrial focal point. Pair with pendant lighting hung from the beam for a designer look. Wire-brushed cypress or hand-hewn heart pine are top choices.
Rustic Fireplace Mantel
6x8 to 8x10A thick, character-rich beam mounted above the firebox creates the ultimate living-room anchor. Hand-hewn beams with visible axe marks are especially sought after. We can cut a beam to mantel depth (typically 8-10 inches deep by 5-6 inches tall) and finish to your specification.
Outdoor Pergola Frame
6x6 posts, 6x8 raftersReclaimed cypress beams are ideal for outdoor pergola construction — naturally rot-resistant and pre-weathered for instant character. A pergola built with 6x6 posts and 4x8 or 6x8 rafters provides shade, defines outdoor living space, and withstands Gulf Coast humidity.
Restaurant / Brewery Feature Beams
8x8 to 12x12+Commercial hospitality spaces use exposed reclaimed beams to create atmosphere and authenticity. We have supplied beams for installations across the French Quarter, Magazine Street, and the Warehouse District. Massive 10x10 and 12x12 beams create unforgettable dining environments.
Floating Beam Shelves
6x6 to 8x8 (hollowed)Hollowed-out beams mounted to the wall with concealed steel brackets create the illusion of a solid timber floating effortlessly. We start with a 6x6 or 8x8 beam, hollow the back face, and finish the three visible sides. The result is a shelf with massive visual weight but manageable actual weight.
Find the Perfect Beam for Your Project
Tell us the species, size, and finish you need — or just describe your project and let us recommend the right beam. We are always happy to send photos of available inventory.