Solid Beams Vs. Box Beams: Benefits And Drawbacks Of Each

One of the many choices that homeowners have to make is choosing between solid beams or box beams. Box beams are also referred to as wrapped beams and each option has benefits and drawbacks when used inside your home. Choosing beams for your home doesn’t have to be complicated, but here are some pros and cons for you to compare before choosing one for your home.

Cole Val Construction can help you make these decisions by providing expert advice and telling you what kinds of materials we have access to. Your custom home is completely up to you, but sometimes advice can be helpful when you have so many choices to make. 

Solid Beam Benefits

Made of completely solid wood, solid beams are much more durable than their box-beam counterparts. Solid beams will withstand dust and debris in your home. They also will withstand minimal damage during installation.

Real wood will look like real wood, so if you are looking for a rustic and authentic look in your home, solid beams are the best choice. Choosing a large slab of wood will also help limit seams that can come from box beams and will give you more character for the space. 

Custom homes often include these beams because they are an attention-grabbing focal point. Including them in your home can increase the value of your home if you look to sell in the future. 

Solid Beam Drawbacks

Because they are large and not hollowed out in the middle, solid beams are heavy to lift and could be harder to install. These heavy beams can require a large team to secure and could take longer to get installed in the ceiling. Make sure you work with a professional company when lifting and installing heavy beams. This project is not the best as a DIY project. 

Solid beams can be in multiple different sizes, but can be limited to certain sizes depending on the length of the wood or tree it was harvested from. Beams can be put together, but if you are wanting to avoid seams, solid beams can only be seamless until certain lengths.

Box Beam Benefits

Because box beams are not limited to the size of the tree or branch, box beams can be made to any length and mimic any wood species. This gives you the freedom to include any exotic wood or wood that may not be readily accessible to contractors. Mimicking the look of the wood is also easier than finding the right color and grain look you are going for. 

Solid beams bring some great characteristics to your home, but box beams can be more decorative than its counterpart. Box beams can come in unnatural wood colors, be painted or colored to fit your home decor, and even have intricate designs to add flare to your home. 

Box beams are hollow and easy to lift. This makes them easier to install than solid wood because they do not put as much strain on your body. Box beams should actually be quicker to get secured to your ceiling than solid beams.

Box Beam Drawbacks

Box beams are wrapped and often made of reclaimed wood. Finding wood scraps or quality reclaimed wood can be difficult. Some wood is starting to rot or has splintered in places and is not best to use for your box beams. 

Getting the right look depends on the skills of carpenters and their experience in mitering edges. Getting your box beams to look their best will depend on the carpenter and how they make them blend into your ceiling. 

Price Comparisons

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, painted box beams are the cheapest beam. Box beams that are built by skilled carpenters are still affordable and can help make your home look rustic. Solid wood will obviously be more expensive because of the sheer size and labor it takes to make them. Depending on what you want your kitchen, living room, or bedroom to look and feel like, will depend on if the investment in beams is worth it for you. 

Homes With Cole Val Construction

Cole Val Construction can make any idea for your home become a reality. When you hire us to build your custom home, you will get quality materials and efficient building times that help you get into your new home quickly. Our builders want to give families a safe space to call their own. Custom homes give you the freedom to design and decorate how you want and the pride of owning your home. 

No matter what budget you have, building a custom home can be a large benefit for you. If you are looking to build a home in the Northern Utah area, contact our specialists to get started!