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Re: Building around a beam in the ceiling

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Carpentry and Framing
Date: 22 Mar 2000
Time: 21:11:48
Remote Name: 207.82.209.51

Comments

Depending on the size of the beam, you have a few options that could add interest to your new living room.

1) Sometimes a wood veneer, such as oak or birch, can be applied on along all 3-sides of the exposed beam. Make sure all the intersecting edges are mitered. Coupled with staining, this makes the beam look like solid wood.

2) Depending on the location of the beam, you could continue the theme by adding 2-3 more "false" beams that are equally spaced. This would give you that "open beam" ceiling look, which can cozy up an otherwise ordinary room.

Depending on what you decide, you must consider the ceiling height and overall aesthetic appearance you're trying to achieve. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, it may also be possible (though likely much more expensive) to restructure the ceiling above. Sometimes glulams or steel I-beams can be used to carry the required load and can be burried in the ceiling out of sight. Since this approach would require significant (and possibly prohibitive) structural engineering work, it's a last resort.

Finally, you can decide to simply cover the beam with sheetrock and paint it the same color as the ceiling. This is the least expensive approach, but it may be the least aesthetically pleasing.

Good luck and report back on what you decide.

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