Whether structural or non-structural, Beams are spectacular features for custom homes. They are popular and admired by homeowners, architects, and designers. Their style ranges from modern to rustic, and they can take up residence in about any part of the home, such as the kitchen, hallways, great rooms, and even bedrooms.

Beams are a popular and widespread design element used by architects because of their versatility and durability. Because of its natural beauty and sustainability, and its accomplishment in delivering aesthetic and architectural goals, depending on the architects’ ideas and nature of the space, reclaimed timbers inspire innovative ways to create dynamic environments.

A truss is a collection of timbers or beams that are fastened together to form a structural bridging system over an open space. The horizontal tie beam keeps the whole thing rigid, and the diagonal rafters, beneath the wood ceiling or sheetrock, do most of the gravity-defying work. But timber frame trusses do more than offer structural support; they are aesthetically pleasing and are frequently exposed while modulating a space to give it scale and rhythm. Due to the beautiful artistic design, trusses can be a focal point of a room. Queen post, king post, and scissor trusses are common in Texas hill country homes to accentuate the design style.

The King post is the most common truss type.  It is used primarily to support an expansive roof’s weight and therefore gets its name, the king because it keeps the bottom horizontal tie beam from sagging.

How to use it: A king post truss is often used in vaulted spaces. It can simultaneously achieve the vault’s spaciousness and establish a lower horizontal line of tie beams, providing an intimate space.

The King and Queen Post truss share the same anatomy, but the Queen post system is used when a more extensive span is needed to be covered (30-45 feet and possibly up to 60 feet).  Like the King post, the Queen post helps keep the tie beam from sagging.

How to use it: Architecturally, a Queen post truss is more suitable for a roof that does not rise to a point but to a flat area, defining the flat area to give order to space. This system can provide exceptional structural support and can be combined with other roof truss systems.

The Scissor truss appearance is similar to an open pair of scissors, where it receives its name. This popular style of wood truss is excellent for vaulted ceilings.

How to use it: The scissor truss reduces the need for a bearing beam by using lower chords that slope inward instead of horizontally, which creates lovely Cathedral and Vaulted ceilings.

Wood ceilings can make a room feel warm and inviting or cool and charming, depending on color and style.  No longer a design element just for underfoot, reclaimed wood is now used as a premium finish on ceilings that can make a room aesthetically and acoustically pleasing.  Reclaimed wood adds a rustic charm and an authentic look to most spaces.

Reclaimed barn wood can create a welcoming contrast between old and new within modern custom build homes.  Barn wood is appealing due to its wide variance in character, color, and weathering.  This is all dependent on if the wood is painted or stained, and the type of exposure it experienced.

When planning to add reclaimed wood to your ceilings, it is essential to consider the weight. Reclaimed wood also needs to be prepped before installing it into your home. After disassembling and de-nailing, the weathered planks will need to be thoroughly cleaned and kiln-dried to remove moisture and impurities. Next, the wood will need to be checked for bugs and treated if necessary. And before applying any paint or stain, the wood needs to be primed to protect the wood from termites or other insects. If you purchase reclaimed wood from Timber companies like Texas Timber Frames, they can source reclaimed wood for your project, ensuring the former tasks are completed so your timber will be safe and ready for your new Custom Home.

Reclaimed wood is an excellent material to add character and charm to your home. Its imperfections heighten its beauty quality, emanating history as it brings warmth and individuality to its respective room.