When old buildings or sheds are demolished, old pine beams are often released.
The beam wood usually comes from the supporting structure.
Removing the old beam wood is done with extra care these days.
This is because an old beam is highly sought after in the construction and remodeling industry.
Large lots of used beams
An architect or contractor often prefers a batch of beam lumber of similar size and appearance.
A large stock of old pine beams is stored in the factory halls of the old brick factory.
The stock lies dry and includes large, uniform lots of beams.
For example, there is a large lot of old purlins 11×22 cm from Fontainebleau, a lot of 20×25 cm beams from an old tobacco drying plant and old beams 20×20 cm from a demolished hangar.
Hand-hewn beams
Until about 100 years ago, chopping logs with broad axes was the only way to work a felled tree into a beam.
The blows of the axe can still be clearly seen on some of the old beams.
This unusual detail is an indication to us of the age of the wood.
Old pine beams
If old pine beams are needed for a construction or renovation project, we can probably help.
A wide variety of sizes are available.
Pine is a bit darker in color than spruce; its volumetric mass is also a bit higher.
The wood may have a slight reddish tint to it.
Old pine beams
In the Netherlands, spruce is the most commonly used type of wood, so scrap wood is also regularly spruce.
Spruce is lighter in color than pine and easy to work with.
Old American pine beams
Centuries ago, wood was already being traded between continents.
American pine, for example, is regularly found in old canal houses.
Click here to learn more about old American pine beams.
Can old beams be reused in a construction project?
Yes, most pine beams are used in a construction project: the renovation of a farmhouse or the new construction of a home.
The used wood is strong enough to be reused as construction lumber; the reused beams can function well as support beams.
For larger projects, we offer uniform batches of beam lumber.
If an architect or contractor is working with reclaimed materials, it is advisable to first find out about available beam lumber so that it can be taken into account in the detailed drawing.
So visit us in Doorwerth at an early stage of the building process to view beams without obligation.
Canopy or porch made of old wood
Old beams are also suitable for constructing a canopy or veranda, for example.
In addition to wooden beams and uprights, old purlins are available.
Interior old beams
An ornamental beam in a home or office space can create ambiance.
Old oak beams are beautiful, but old pine beams are also a common choice.
Re-sawing old beams
Some renovation projects require a certain size.
The old beams can be re-sawn to most desired sizes for this purpose.
For example, an old 20×20 cm beam can be cut to 17×19 cm.
Brushing old wood
Old pine beams lend themselves to brushing.
The outer layer is brushed clean with steel and the beam comes back to life.
This operation can be done quite easily by anyone, but of course we can also do it in our workshop.
Another option is to clean the pine beam with just water and a hard brush or broom.
Old pine beams prices
Prices vary by beam.
A heavy, long beam is pricier than a small beam.
A raw beam is more economical than a brushed beam.
Prices can vary from lot to lot.
It depends on the exact type of wood, processing, head size, length and origin. Want to know more? Provide us with the required dimensions and we will contact you about prices.
Tip: There are always piles of old beams on sale.
These can be leftover beams from a particular demolition project.
Drop by to see if there is something suitable among them!
Cup sizes
Old beams 15×15, 20×20 or 20×25 cm
Most old pine beams are uneven-sided: one side of the beam is narrower than the other.
An example is an old beam of 20×25 cm or 15×18 cm.
Heavier head sizes such as 24×28 cm or 25×30 cm are also in stock.
For a smaller construction or a shorter span, smaller head sizes are usually sufficient.
An old beam of 10×15 cm, 15×15 cm or 12×15 cm is a good choice in this case.
Give us the desired head size, and we will check our stock to see if it is available.
If not, it is always possible to re-saw a beam to the desired head size.
What head size for a particular span?
A rule of thumb in construction is to take 5 cm of head size for every running meter of span.
Thus, for a 4-meter span, an old beam with one 20-cm side would have sufficient load-bearing capacity; a 15×20-cm or 20×20-cm beam should be strong enough.
A longer span requires a heavier gauge.
To span a length of 6 meters, a beam of 25×30 cm or 30×30 cm is easily indicated as the minimum size.
These are guidelines; always have the required dimensions calculated by the contractor or structural engineer.
Lengths
250cm
300cm
450cm
500cm
550cm
600cm
800cm
900cm
1000cm
1100cm
1200cm
1300cm
1400cm
1500cm
1600cm
Long wooden beams
The lengths of old beams or trusses vary with each demolition.
Our specialty is supplying long old beams of 10 meters, 11 meters or 12 meters.
Need certain lengths?
Tell us and we will see which beams are available.
Lengths: 3 meters, 4 meters, 5 meters, 6 meters, 7 meters, 8 meters, 9 meters, 10 meters, 11 meters, 12 meters, 13 meters, 14 meters and 15 meters
