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Wooden beams are used as structural supports in buildings, with both sawn lumber and engineered wood products being used. They are designed to resist bending and distribute weight. The type of wood and size of the beam affect its strength. Engineered wood has advantages such as increased resistance to warping. Architects decide what materials to use for structural supports, and faux wood beams can be used for cosmetic purposes.
A wooden beam is a structural support made of wood. They are most commonly used in wood frame structures such as small houses, although they can be used in other types of construction as well. Both sawn lumber and engineered wood products are used to make beams, with engineered lumber having some distinct advantages including increased resistance to warping and twisting when done well. Contractors and architects are involved in the decision making process about the types of beams to use in a structure and how to install them.
The beams are designed to resist bending when subjected to weight or forces such as high winds. They are included in structural elements such as floors and roofs to distribute the weight of the structure and provide support. Historically, wood was the most common building material in many regions of the world, and solid wood beams were the preferred method of structural support.
The type of wood and the size of the beam both play a role in the weight a single wooden beam will be able to support. Dense, close-grained woods tend to be preferred due to their higher strength, as well as resistance to insects and rot. The wooden beam can be cut in a solid block, in an I or H shape, according to the construction requirements. In some cases, multiple pieces of wood are stacked and tied together to create a single beam. The wood must be fully cured before it can be used, as green wood will warp and twist once placed, compromising structural integrity.
In the case of engineered wood products, the wooden beam is carefully calibrated to determine how much pressure it can withstand. These beams can be used as soon as they are finished as they do not need to sit and cure. They tend to have more predictable performance, as the wood is not flawed with knots, hairline cracks, and other known problems occurring in sawn lumber. Engineered wood can also be manufactured in a variety of shapes to meet special building needs.
In the design phase of a structure, architects will determine what types of materials should be used for structural supports. There may be cosmetic issues where the supports will be exposed, and in some cases, faux wood beams can be installed over or around beams made from other materials such as concrete and metal. A faux wood beam is typically lightweight and can be made from veneers rather than solid wood.
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