What You Need to Know About Wooden Beams

Wooden beams are one of the most common building materials used in today’s world, but many people are not aware of how strong and versatile they are. They have been around for thousands of years but have only recently started to take off as a popular material due to their simple yet reliable design. They are called “beams” because their shape is similar to an actual beam, wide at the top and tapers down into a point at the bottom.

In this article, we will go over some of the basics of wooden beams to give you a better understand on their proper use.

What are the functions of wooden beams?

A wooden beam serves two functions – to support heavy objects or transfer weight from one spot to another using leverage. A single beam does both simultaneously, depending on how it is used.

When a beam is placed underneath a heavy object, it spreads the weight and allows someone to stand or walk on top of it without sinking through the surface like they would on snow or sand. A leverage beam transfers weight from one area to another using its position and shape to amplify force.

Why are wooden beams strong?

Wooden beams are strong because they are designed as such. They come in various shapes and sizes (thickness, width, length) that allow them to handle more pressure than you might think. For example, an 18 x 18 ft wood beam can hold up to 4 tonnes of weight at maximum capacity.

Wooden beams are stronger than steel beams because they are not as dense. Steel is hefty but does not spread its weight as wood does. It is also much more likely to crack or split once it has reached its maximum capacity.

How do you treat old wooden beams?

Old wooden beams are usually treated with a preservative to help waterproof them, preserve them from bugs and rotting, and protect the wood fibres. For example, using linseed oil on an old wooden beam will reseal it for many years.

Treating your old beams is highly important. Good thing there are companies like bespokebeams.co.uk that provide expert treatment and renovation at an affordable beam renovation cost. They will ensure your wooden beams are treated the right way. This will prevent you from more costs in a renovation.

How do you care for new wooden beams?

New wooden beams should be protected just as old ones because they can still crack or warp if not handled correctly. They need protection from moisture to prevent warping, cracking, swelling, shrinking, moulding, or any other damage that can occur when there is too much exposure to water.

New beams should be cleaned by wiping them down with a damp cloth often (dust build-up), resealing them every eight months or so with natural oil (linseed, tung, etc.), and waxing every six months to keep the surface smooth.

Conclusion

Wooden beams are versatile and can be used in many different home decorating styles. They also add warmth to any room, with little insulation or material blocking sound. Moreover, wooden beams are easier to maintain and last longer than other materials.

Image: www.pixabay.com/photos/wooden-construction-wooden-beams-bar-4813315/

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