Reclaimed Rough Sawn Beams

Reclaimed rough sawn beams showcase the authentic character of America's sawmill heritage. These remarkable timbers were cut at historic circular and band sawmills from the mid-1800s through mid-1900s, featuring distinctive parallel saw marks that tell the story of industrial-era craftsmanship. Each rough sawn beam displays the unmistakable texture of original sawmill processing—a character that simply cannot be replicated with modern equipment.

At Walter's Flooring, we source the finest rough sawn beams from historic barns, factories, warehouses, and industrial buildings throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. These beams offer slightly more uniform dimensions than hand hewn timbers while retaining authentic antique character, making them perfect for statement ceilings, fireplace mantels, exposed structural posts, and architectural focal points.

We also create Box Beams (Beam Wraps) from our rough sawn inventory by removing the insides of solid beams. These wraps cover existing structural steel or framing, providing the authentic look of a solid timber while being much lighter weight. This technique transforms any beam structure with a "solid looking" wooden beam while simplifying installation.

Beam Surface Styles

Click on any surface style below to learn more about each type of reclaimed beam finish:

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The History of Sawmill-Cut Beams

Rough sawn beams represent the transition from hand-crafted timber framing to industrialized lumber production. As circular saws became widespread in the mid-1800s and band saws followed in the late 1800s, sawmills transformed the construction industry. These mills processed massive logs into standardized timbers that built America's expanding farms, factories, and cities during the Industrial Revolution.

The distinctive parallel marks on rough sawn beams come from the circular or band saw blades used to process the logs. Circular saws leave slight curved marks, while band saws create straighter parallel lines. Both types create the authentic "rough" texture that distinguishes these beams from modern smooth-planed lumber.

Identifying Authentic Rough Sawn Beams

Knowing how to identify authentic rough sawn beams ensures you're getting genuine reclaimed material:

• Parallel Saw Marks: Genuine rough sawn beams display consistent parallel marks from the original sawmill blade, varying slightly in spacing and depth.
• Uniform Dimensions: Unlike hand hewn beams, rough sawn timbers have relatively consistent width and height along their length.
• Natural Checking and Patina: Authentic antique beams show natural checking (cracks) with aged, rounded edges and oxidized coloring.
• Old-Growth Grain: Most rough sawn beams come from old-growth timber with tight, dense grain patterns showing many growth rings per inch.
• Nail Holes and Character Marks: Original mortise pockets, nail holes, and hardware marks indicate authentic barn or industrial origin.

Some of Our Rough Sawn Beam Work

Rough Sawn Box Beams	Rough Sawn Beams	Rough Sawn Beams Coffey Brown
Custom Stained Rough Sawn Beams	Rough Sawn Beams Custom Stain	Rough Sawn Beams Solid
Reclaimed Rough Sawn Beam

Rough Sawn Beam Species

• White Oak – The gold standard for rough sawn beams with exceptional durability and rot resistance
• American Chestnut – Perhaps the most valuable species; all chestnut beams are antique due to the blight
• Eastern White Pine – Common in New England barns with beautiful wide grain patterns
• Douglas Fir – Found primarily in Western structures with reddish-brown coloring and tight grain
• Hemlock – A workhorse species for barns and industrial buildings throughout the Northeast
• Red Oak – Prominent grain patterns with warmer reddish undertones
• Walnut – Rich dark tones prized for fireplace mantels and accent beams
• Heart Pine – Dense old-growth pine with beautiful amber coloring

Best Applications for Rough Sawn Beams

• Ceiling Beams: The uniform dimensions of rough sawn beams make them ideal for consistent ceiling installations
• Fireplace Mantels: The saw texture catches light beautifully and adds industrial character
• Structural Posts: More uniform sizing simplifies structural connections and mounting
• Kitchen Range Hoods: Create rustic-industrial character contrasting with modern appliances
• Barn Door Headers: Perfect for framing sliding barn doors with authentic character

Finishing Options

• Water Base Poly Finish
• Tung Oil Finish
• Hard Wax Finish (Rubio/OSMO)
• Custom Staining
• Exterior Finish (for outdoor installations)

Contact Us About Rough Sawn Beams

Phone: 213-792-5908
Email: info@legnohardwood.com
Address: 9216 S. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044

Showroom Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment

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