“Nothing beats the real thing. You can try and replicate the look, but you can’t replicate a hundred and fifty years.”– Eric Freed
The mold that made every faux wood beam made thousands of others. The axe that shaped a reclaimed hand hewn beam made one. That single difference is what your clients will feel when they walk into the room, even if they can’t explain why.
Faux hand-hewn beams are manufactured from polyurethane foam using molds taken from real timber. While they can mimic the appearance of wood from a distance or in photographs, they remain a synthetic product.
In spaces where craftsmanship, authenticity, and material quality matter, the differences become apparent. No mold can reproduce the natural variation, depth, texture, weight, and character of genuine reclaimed wood. For homeowners, designers, and builders seeking authentic architectural elements, faux beams are simply not a substitute for real reclaimed timber.
Reclaimed beams were shaped one cut at a time with broad axes, adzes, early sawmills, and hand-drawn saws, leaving behind marks and texture that modern manufacturing cannot replicate.
These beams don’t reference history. They are history, reclaimed from barns, factories, and structures that stood for 100 to 200 years or more.
No faux finish or manufactured beam can replicate the depth, texture, and character of real reclaimed wood. The grain, patina, and aging found in authentic reclaimed beams were shaped over decades through craftsmanship and natural wear that modern manufacturing cannot reproduce.
E&K builds both solid and box beams from authentic reclaimed timber, custom made to the specifications of each project, including oversized beams, trusses, and architectural applications.
Contact E&K online or call (310) 306-6900 to discuss custom reclaimed wood beams for your project.
The unique surface and character of reclaimed hand hewn timber make it a standout choice for those looking to add the feeling of history and authenticity to their spaces.
The Irresistible Allure of Hand Hewn Beams
Reclaimed wood is a great way to add depth, character and a unique story to any space, whether used for beams, paneling, or flooring.
10 Ways to Elevate Your Next Project With Reclaimed WoodFor very high ceilings or quick turn around projects, they do the job. For upscale environments where quality is the standard, nothing replicates what a century plus of aging and hand-tooling actually produces.
They can be. The material is finite. Old-growth timber this dense and this seasoned doesn't exist as new wood. It has to be sourced, selected, and prepared by hand. You're not just paying for wood. You're paying for the expertise to bring it to market.
Yes. Box beams are built from the outer face of real reclaimed timber, the same surface, the same history, the same character. They're hollow, which makes installation significantly easier without giving up any character and warmth.
Yes, sizing, species, and surface preparation can all be tailored to your project. We specialize in large oversized beams, trusses, and custom stains.
