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Exposed beams

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2story

Structural
Sep 6, 2020
1
are exposed beams an accepted thing? I know old wood i.e. sawmill circa 1900s can be industrial modern, but tasteful is a hard balance. If it was a sanded, stained facia over the beam is this acceptable in a retail home environment?

Thanks!
 
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You are asking structural engineers about aesthetics? LOL
 
Exposed beams are fine if that is the look you are going for. While the presence of beams may be acceptable, the size or dimensions in relation to the size of the area can make them look better or worse. Many times I have seen houses with columns that are too beefy or too spindly for the height or dimension of the main building.

I really agree with XR250, this is like asking some child who just drew their first horse, to give you advice on purchasing a thoroughbred quarter horse.
 
This is a a question for real estate agents, who deal with the wants and desires of people buying homes. If you want to know what people think about the look when building a home, ask an architect. If you want to know the size of the beam to hold everything up, regardless of whether or not it will be visible, as a structural engineer.
 
Just be sure you cant see the deflection. What looks otherwise good is in the eye of the architect and Owner. They always seem to want 2x4 when we need 2x6, or v/v.

 
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