Before lumber and steel were mass produced, large timbers were used to support homes, schoolhouses, warehouses, and more. Though these timbers are no longer necessary in the modern age, hand-hewn or rough-sawn beams can bring an authentic and rustic touch to a home. What are the differences between hand-hewn and rough-sawn beams, and which should you pick? Let’s explore your options.
Hand-Hewn Beams
Hand-hewn barn beams are changed from the natural round shape of timber so that they’re roughly rectangular in shape, with flattened sides. When hand hewn, these timbers can be two- or four-sided.Before lumberyards or sawmills, these beams were carved by hand using broadaxes and adzes. Such craftsmen had unmistakable expertise. The time and labor left behind unique marks in the beams, further adding to their authenticity and creating a sort of character that modern beams cannot achieve in their uniformity.
Hand-hewing is a lot less common these days as an art, which only further drives demand for hand-hewn beams in the reclaimed lumber markets. Getting your hands on hand-hewn beams will add undeniable value and appeal to your home, as they provide something distinctly unique yet elegantly simple.