Should you? Could you? Wood you?
Exposed beam ceilings have become a popular way to add dimension and character to many styles of homes, from traditional to Scandinavian to farmhouse and beyond. When done well, this approach can elevate any space and pack a major design punch. “In different ways, beams can be successfully integrated into nearly every traditional and modern design style as each style has its own way of using them,” explains Steven Ginn, principal at Steven Ginn Architects in Omaha, Nebraska. melamine blockboard
To learn the basics of exposed beam ceilings, we tapped Ginn and another seasoned architect: Rafe Churchill, cofounder and creative director of Hendricks Churchill, an ELLE DECOR A-List firm. Read on for their expert tips, plus pros and cons of this design decision.
Essentially, exposed beam ceilings are those that have some kind of exposed structural element. “Historically, most floors and roofs were framed with wood beams, and then the floor or roof was placed on top of the beams, which were left exposed. It was straightforward and economical,” says Ginn. “Today, we leave the beams exposed as an expression of structure. These exposed beams can give us a more comfortable feeling of a secure shelter. It can also add architectural interest and be more pleasing to the eye.”
Joists, on the other hand, are there only to support a floor or roof, versus beams, which enable the building to stand up. “Joist ceilings are simply the narrower framing members that span across a ceiling,” Hendricks explains. “They are typically hanging or sitting on a beam. It is possible to fully expose the supporting beams that support the joists, but most often only a portion of the beam is exposed, while most of the timber is actually within the wall and contributing to the overall structure.”
Basically, there are two ways to get the look of exposed beams. Churchill shares: “My preferred approach is by simply exposing the actual framing of a structure. This can be done with the post-and-beam frame of a building, or floor joists, ceiling joists, rafters, or simply wall framing.”
Another option is to apply reclaimed materials to replicate the look of exposed timbers. “This second approach is increasingly common but unfortunately not always done well,” cautions the architect.
Homeowners can consider exposed beams whether they are building new or refurbishing a historic home. Regardless of your renovation, the conversation needs to happen early on in the design process. “If the beams are structural, they are solid members that are actually doing the work of holding up the house,” says Ginn. “If they are aesthetic, they are typically hollow and composed of several pieces of wood to make them look like solid beams.”
Homeowners should work with their contractors and/or designers to best handle common concerns for converting to or incorporating exposed beam ceilings, such as HVAC and plumbing placement, wiring, and insulation. “While electrical wiring can be easily concealed with little compromise, it’s the HVAC and plumbing that present the real challenge,” Churchill adds.
He elaborates, “It can be easier to use exposed timbers in a new construction [build]. One way to do this is by selecting framing members that will actually be part of the primary structure but also be exposed. This approach can be done with newly milled framing that can either work as an actual structure or be applied as an entire layer of decorative framing.”
This approach also works for reclaimed timbers or aesthetic beams, though reclaimed wood will always tell multiple stories. Overall, “it’s all about the selection of materials and workmanship,” Churchill says.
To better understand exposed beam ceilings, let’s explore some of the positives and negatives for both structural beams and nonstructural or aesthetic beams.
“What people need to understand is that replicating the look of authentic timbers requires a high level of skill and understanding,” says Churchill. “To truly pull off an applied timber, the selection of material is key. You’ll need to select the right wood species, dimensions, and condition of the material. Compromising during the selection process can result in what will look like a decorative ceiling.”
Overall, exposed beam ceilings—whether real or faux—can be an amazing way to add a sense of history to your home’s spaces. Just be sure to work with a skilled team for the best possible end result. As Churchill reminds us, “Well-considered design and execution are the most important part of the process.”
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