Reproduction Ceiling Beams

[Anonymous]

Hello there

We are purchasing a converted barn, which as well as having a number of original beams on the ceiling has a number of fake ones. It looks like they maybe cover an RSJ or similar but have been produced using modern style timber and are not in fitting with the rest of the conversion. Any recommendations for companies which produce reproduction ceiling beams (potentially hollowed out to hide RSJs). Ideas of costs also appreciated. We are in Yorkshire (Leeds area.)

Many thanks
Mrs J

 

[Anonymous]

If, as you say, an RSJ has been covered by "wood" planks, at least it is an honest way in trying to disguise the metal beam.

Maybe you could improve on this by covering it with new oak planks, I do not think you will improve it by fitting fibre glass mock beams.
They are aweful...!!!!.(only an opinion).

 

[Anonymous]

Try
http://www.oakeaf.co.uk
Have used this company before, the products were very good.
They will send out samples, they were very helpful and gave lots of advice.

 

[Anonymous]

Not just your opinion, Middi! Fibreglass "beams" are the pits!

 

[Anonymous]

You missed an "l" out of the URL (should be oakleaf).
I had a poke about on the website. Fake oak beams and artex ceilings... mmmm - nice.

 

[Anonymous]

I stayed in a holiday cottage recently that had plastic beams. I just couldn't understand why someone would go to the trouble of making and fitting something so dreadful.

 

[Anonymous]

"I stayed in a holiday cottage recently that had plastic beams"

That wasn't Evelyn's was it.....

Runs as fast as he can for cover <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/smile.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

 

[Anonymous]

where is Evelyn ?

No post lately

You don't suppose she has chained herself to an acient monument due to be demolished ?

 

[Anonymous]

We shall have to watch the national news tonight!!!

 

[Anonymous]

I reckon John Prescott has had her demolished.

 

[Anonymous]

"I just couldn't understand why someone would go to the trouble of making and fitting something so dreadful."

If you read the Oakleaf (!) website you'll see that they add "authenticity" to a building.

I hope that satisfactorily clears up that puzzle.

 

[Anonymous]

Talk to a local joiner and get them to make up one for you from wood of your choice.

Oakleaf were more expensive than the local joiner when we looked into it.

RSJ then has wood noggins wedged into them so the casement can be screwed into place.

We had exact same problem.

When ours were finished the dendro chap mistook them for real beams, so that just goes to show you can make them look good if you use real wood.

<IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

MJ

 

[Anonymous]

Do apologise, yes i missed out the L in OAKLEAF.
And yes artex ceilings are dreadful, as for the fake beams, it was my only choice in a bad situation.
The previous owner had constructed fake beams out of 4 x 2 timber and cladded in distressed plywood!!!!! this was a modern extension in an old cottage, with only 6ft celings we had little room for much choice. After removing the plywood cladding we were left with large holes in celing and 4 x 2 timber nailed and glued to the ceiling, so short of pulling the whole lot down and re doing the whole ceiling , oakleaf beams manadged to cover up the mess. I am quite fussy, but they truly looked fine, yes they werent cheap, but it was a quick fix and when we came to sell nobody noticed and they commented on the lovely features!! So for everyone who negs the beams have you actually seen them in situ?
This site can be very helpful but the one thing i dont like is the people who steam roller over others peoples suggestions if they dont actually like it themselves, i never comment if i dont like it, i just dont actually say anything.
You can listen to advice but you dont have to take it.
It can be quite intimidating for newcomers and put you off posting replies when your ideas get slated.
thankyou.

 

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine loved the artificial beams so much that it was one of the things that made him buy the house. They drove me demented after a few minutes - the beams were 9ft long, the room 13 ft wide - so there was a nice straight joint between the 9 foot and extra 4 ft lengths - and the joins were all nicely lined up down the room. Beside the kitchen the room was just over 9ft so there was a neat little 3 or 4 ins gap between ends of the beams and the wall.
He also liked the stone fieplace chimney breast - again the join in the "stones" in the middle of the lintel was very off-putting. But he loved it!
He couldn't understand my objections.
And this rustic period delight was in a 1970's semi in Brum!
He's an ex-friend now. I think it was the broad dado border that finally did it!

 

[Anonymous]

If you want plastic beams so be it, but I find it strange that Oakleaf, on the front page of their website say "Whether you require old oak beams to create a rustic cottage interior, or panelling trimmed by some of our ornate embellishments, for a more sophisticated atmosphere - we are sure you will find exactly what you need." Reading this one might be forgiven for thinking that this company sold beams made of oak. You have to dig a bit deeper to find that they are actually made of something else, and then it is only implied by phrases such as "light in weight" and "unaffected by moisture". It's as if they are a bit embarrased themeselves to admit that these beams are not made of wood.
I think if I had a house with an RSJ in an exposed position I'd be tempted to leave it bare, perhaps painted in red oxide. Honest, not fake.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your response - similar situation to yourself. Mix of original plus a botched job which I'd like to fix. Suprised to generate such strength of feeling on the subject but do appreciate your taking the time to respond.

Mrs J

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you - sounds like a good idea. Do you mind me asking how much did it cost? I really am playing absolutely blind here as it our first character property.

Thank you
Mrs J

 

[Anonymous]

£380 for two at 3.9 Mtr each if I have found the right paper work.

Oak boards.

MJ

 

[Anonymous]

"...one thing i dont like is the people who steam roller over others peoples suggestions..."

Come along, now - don't be such a delicate flower! <IMG SRC="http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/discussing/smileys/wink.gif" BORDER=0 ALT="">

If you like or dislike something, you have every right to say so, just like the rest of us! The fact that someone expresses a dislike of something that you might have done, or plan to do, is simply a good-natured challenge to you to defend your corner. A good, lively debate is fun!

OK - we get the occasional trouble-maker, but the best way to defuse them is to ignore them. You certainly mustn't let anyone intimidate you!

 

[Anonymous]

I also live in a converted barn (not listed). I have recently been using salvaged oak beams as facings where the building has been extended.

I have seen examples where the centre of a salvaged beam has been hollowed out to accomodate an RSJ. In order to accomodate an RSJ you would need a meaty beam, they are expensive , extremely heavy and hard to work. I purchased a 12 inch square by about 15 ft long beam for around £200 (SE prices). We are pleased by the effects we have achieved but supporting the weight of these beams is a major concern and we have had to add vertical supporting beams also.

How such a beam would be supported, that was covering an RSJ at ceiling height maybe a problem.

I apologise to the purists who I am sure would accuse us of "dishonesty" in the use of old beams, but internal breeze block walls need relieving. (Probably shouldnt convert barns anyway)