How to Tell the Difference Between Hand-Hewn Beams and Rough Sawn Beams
Timber posts and beams (including hand-hewn and rough sawn) have been used in construction since 2000 BC, and not only are they long-lasting, but they are beautiful. Many timber post and beam dwellings from Europe in the Middle Ages are still standing, as are 18th and 19th century North American structures.
The solid wood structures of America’s settlers were built from trees that they had cut down in order to clear the land. Access to nearby mills was rare, so many settlers had to use the materials they had available to them.
Without access to sawmills, the settlers hewed fallen logs by hand, using an adze which is a broad ax. The term ‘hand-adzed’ was used to describe the hand-hewn beam process to shape the logs into construction beams.
Initially, there was no other option for settlers than hand-hewing, but once steam-power was invented, rough sawn beams became more readily available and a much faster option to build dwellings.
A testament to the strength and superior quality of hand-hewn beam construction is that many old barns and factories across North America are still standing.
The Difference Between Hand-Hewn Beams and Rough Sawn Beams
Before we look at the differences between hand-hewn beams and rough sawn beams, it is worth noting the similarities:
- They are strong and offer great support
- Both work well as mantels and exposed ceiling beams
- Both can be resawn
- The skins can be used for faux beams
While there are similarities in how the beams can be used, it’s the differences that really set them apart. The major difference, of course, is how they’ve been processed.
Rough Sawn Beams
Rough sawn beams are made from circular saws as opposed to axes, either by machine or hand. They have distinct saw marks, which give them a rustic and raw look.
These beams are typically made from fir or longleaf yellow pine and were neither smoothed nor finished after being processed, so they were mostly used in factories and warehouses.
Hand-Hewn Beams
As hand-hewn beams were made from round logs that were squared by hand, the process leaves distinct marks where the broad ax removed the round edges.
Each piece is different and still has the original marks from being hand-hewn. Softer woods were favored as they are easier to cut with small axes and then trim to the right size and shape using hand tools.
They have a distinctly rustic look where the final cuts of the rounded log were hand-planned by the adze. No two pieces are exactly alike, and it’s for this reason that hand-hewn beams are so widely sought after.
Hand-Hewn Beams — How Do You Know the Real Deal?
Because there’s been such a rise in the popularity of reused beams, some unscrupulous dealers are selling knock-offs as the real thing. So how do you know you are being sold genuine hand-hewn beams?
1. Examine the Beam in Good Light
A beam needs to be carefully inspected in natural light. All grain patterns need to be visible so you can confirm if it has the unique markings that show it is a hand-hewn beam.
Rough sawn beams have a finer texture and a more smooth and blended finish.
2. Look for the Marks of an Adze
The adze is about 10,000 years old and was initially made from elk antlers. This versatile tool leaves marks on hand-hewn beams that are very distinct.
A genuine hand-hewn beam will have adze or ax scoring cuts, with no two pieces being the same. The hewing adze cuts will be visible in the rough surface of hand-hewn wood structural beams.
3. Test the Weight
A hand-hewn beam is always heavier than a rough sawn beam that a machine has cut, so make sure you pick it up and check the weight.
4. Check the Edge
The edges of a hand-hewn beam will not be smooth or straight. They won’t have any right angles or sharp edges as they were cut by hand.
Hand-hewn Beams–Timeless Beauty
Hand-hewn beams have made a comeback for very good reasons; they are beautiful, long-lasting, versatile, and highly individual.
At Reliance Timber, we are passionate about fine-crafted timber, and we spend our lives sourcing and producing the finest timber beams available. We use high-quality timber sourced in North America, much of it local to North Carolina.
We are the timber experts, and we have the perfect hand-hewn beams for your home. Contact us today at Reliance Timber.
