What are lumber beams?

Lumber beams are large pieces of dimensional lumber normally used for supporting roofs, ceilings and floors. Size varies based on the intended use, and some beams are used for decorative purposes.

The use of open-beamed ceilings in buildings has led to an increase in the popularity of large lumber beams. Some companies specialize in retrieving large beams from older structures and reusing them. Wood used for beams can be any type, but pine and oak are the most common. Some lumber beams are very valuable. Rare beams such as those from the nearly extinct American chestnut, sell for large sums of money.