Carpentry and Woodworking - Ceiling Beams

Any thoughts on this would be very much appreciated...

I'm really fond of the exposed celing beam look that you find in log homes and would like to do the same in my dining room. I have a very tall sloped ceiling and think adding beams would look great.

Where can I purchase these beams and are they very difficult to install? I have seen some beams that appeared to be made of three pieces of wood nailed together but I like to more rustic solid wood look. Are there beams made of non-wood material that are lighter and easier to install?

Thanks for the help

Bubba

I think what you're talking about are typically known as a Box Beams. They are constructed by nailing two pieces of 3/4" together to make a 1-1/2" piece. then screwing it to the ceiling joists. From there you would make a "u" shaped box by dadoing in the bottom side so it sits up off the bottom by about 1/2" then take that "u" shaped box and slide it over the 1-1/2" piece of plywood, then nail it to that. That is one of the easier ways to do it. "If that is what you're talking about"

I sent you an email in your Pm's bubbad