Oak beams can make a stunning feature in any home, adding style and a beautiful, traditional ambiance, especially in large rooms with high ceilings. If you are considering having reclaimed oak beams incorporated in your new build or as part of a remodelling project, you'll be interested in the advantages and disadvantages they can offer.
What are the advantages of reclaimed oak beams?
Reclaimed oak beams offer many advantages to homeowners. If you decide to include oak beams as part of your interior design scheme, be sure to discuss your requirements with your preferred supplier; they will be able to cut and shape the beams to perfectly fit your rooms.
The specially engineered oak beams that are supplied by your provider to your building contractor will be air-dried or ready-cured. This ensures that, in addition to looking beautiful, the wood will be extremely durable and strong. Reclaimed oak beams are in fact renowned for their impressive load-bearing properties, making them perfect for use in projects where rotten timber supports need to be replaced.
In comparison to other types of wood such as pine, reclaimed oak is very cost effective.
Although oak is naturally aesthetically very pleasing, you can further embellish the look to complement your interior décor scheme by varnishing, staining or even painting your reclaimed oak beams to further individualise the effect.
Are there any downsides to choosing reclaimed oak beams?
Despite their many advantages, there are a few minor cons to choosing reclaimed oak beams.
Owing to the natural drying properties of most types of wood, including oak when used internally, reclaimed beams can develop splits and cracks over time. This can be exacerbated when the wood is exposed to the continual drying effects of air-conditioning and central heating systems in the home.
However, some people actually find these natural fissures very visually appealing and as they don't affect the beams' performance or load-bearing capacity, they can safely be left untreated. If you prefer, you can repair minor splits, simply by using a DIY epoxy resin kit. In the unlikely event that more extensive damage occurs, you'll need to contract an expert to effect repairs so that the structural integrity of the beams is not compromised.
Thanks to its natural oil content, oak does offer a degree of natural resistance to wood-boring pests. However, it is still a good idea to have any exposed timberwork treated preventatively periodically.
Exposed beams do have a tendency to gather dust over time and to attract spiders. This is not necessarily a problem, as long as you are prepared to carry out regular vacuuming of your beams.
In conclusion
Exposed reclaimed oak beams can add a real 'wow factor' to your property. Oak is strong, durable and very versatile, although it will require a little time and effort to keep dust at bay and keep it looking fresh and clean.
For more information on how reclaimed oak beams could benefit your new build or home remodelling project, have a chat with your local supplier and installation specialist.
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