Hand-Hewn Process

Hand-hewing is an age old method of cutting and shaping a tree log into a beam by striking it with a hewing axe, often called an adaze.  Once fully seasoned, each timber is then hewn by hand. It is during this process and the custom finishing techniques that leads to each piece having checks and cracks, giving it an authentic, aged, and rustic look and feel, like it was plucked right out of a barn from the 1800s. It is these scoring marks that add to the rustic qualities of the wood beam, giving each one a variation of color and texture, and a true uniqueness - meaning no two beams are alike.

Natural Checking & Cracking

Checking and cracking occur naturally during the hewing process. However, often times during their first winter in use, beams will have additional checking. This happens naturally due to the the dry heat found inside homes during the winter. This is completely normal and does not in any way decrease the beam's structural integrity or durability. Touch-up bottles of stain are available at no cost if you wish to cover up any additional cracking.

Process for hand hewing reclaimed barn wood mantels and hand hewn beams

Our Craftsman

All of our barnwood fireplace mantels, floating shelves, corbels, and box beams are custom-made and hand-hewn deep in the heart of Amish country in Northeast Ohio. With over 30 years of carpentry experience, they have perfected the art of hand hewing timberwood to make each barn beam look reclaimed and antique using Amish-craftsmanship and old world techniques.

Made From Eastern White Pine

Due to it's light color, quick drying time, and durability, Eastern White Pine makes for a superior wood species to use for barn beams. It's overall appearance also lends itself to look more reclaimed than that any other wood, and only fresh cut (or green) timbers are used.

Air-Dried

Each timber is air-dried (or seasoned) for at least a one year, sometimes two. Air-drying allows the wood beams to be more durable and naturally dry out with minimal cracking or internal tensions that can often be found in kiln-drying, leading to a more fragile piece of wood.