Ceiling beams come in various materials, shapes and sizes.
Beams are essential parts of roof and wall structures. They are typically built in parallel rows to support the top and sides of buildings and can be hidden, exposed or a combination thereof. All buildings require beams for support, and there are various types and designs to complement various decorating styles.
Basic Types
Beams used strictly for support are often concealed by drywall, plywood or ceiling tiles. Concealed beams are commonly made from standard grade lumber treated to resist moisture and termites and built to accommodate heating, air conditioning and plumbing hardware. Exposed beams add drama to room decor and are especially attractive in rooms with high or peaked ceilings. Depending on the style of the structure, beams can add a homey or ultra-modern touch to the room design.
Rustic Beam Ceilings
Beams cut from large slabs of cedar, pine and other woods add a country feel to rooms. They are especially pastoral when left unfinished with rough, natural bark intact. Depending on the ceiling style, rustic beams can be installed side-by-side on flat ceilings or in cathedral styles that curve or angle upward to form a peak in the center of the room. The space in between the beams is filled with drywall or plastered surfaces.
Modern Beam Designs
To give a room a sleek, modern appearance, use steel ceiling beams. They can be arranged in various geometric designs with I-beams and trusses and incorporated into exposed ductwork and pipes. Modern metal beams can be left unpainted for a warehouse/loft effect or painted to complement the walls, floors and furnishings.
Faux Beams
If authenticity is not an important construction factor, faux beams are a good alternative to wood or metal ones. Widely available at home improvement centers, these beams are made from urethane or plastic and closely resemble authentic wood or metal, especially when viewed from the floor to the ceiling. Attached by screws to the open ceiling, faux beams are economical and easy to install.
Beam Ceiling Layouts
Although the layout of ceiling beams is up to the homeowner or designer, two layouts are more common than others. In large structures such as churches, cathedrals and seats of government, hammer beam ceilings are favored as they are thin, unobtrusive and draw attention to the other details of the room design. Boxed-beam ceilings have bold crisscrossed designs and make the ceiling the focal point of the room.
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