Designing Your Vaulted Ceiling With Beams

Vaulted ceilings are extremely popular among homeowners these days. They help your home feel open and airy, and they work well with today’s modern open floor plans. However, many people want to decorate that big open space instead of leaving it plain. That’s where ceiling beams come in handy. There are many ways to design a vaulted ceiling with beams to enhance the look of your room. 

 

Ridge and Rafter Ceiling Beams

  

Perhaps the most common way to finish a vaulted ceiling with beams is simply to create a ridge and rafter system.  This design features a ridge beam that runs the full length of the vault’s peak.  Rafter beams are installed on the angled ceiling and run from the base of the ceiling, to the peak where they meet the ridge beam.

  

Parallel Beams

 

If you’re looking for something a little less common, you could try parallel beams on your vaulted ceiling. In this design, the beams actually run horizontally across the full length of the room, creating a tiered look on either side. This design style is good for rooms that have a shallow vault or rooms that are not very long, because the horizontal orientation will make the room feel larger.

  

Painting vs Staining

 

Another important question you need to ask yourself is whether you want your ceiling beams to be painted or stained. Many industrial and modern style homes use plain white beams that fit into the sleek monochromatic theme of the home. However, using a bit of dark coloring can actually enhance your vaulted ceilings a great deal. For this classic style, choose a wood beam in a medium to dark toned stain that matches well with the other colors in your room. If you have other wood trim or wood floors, choose a color to match that. This will tie the whole room together well. With faux wood beams, you can find a wide range of color options that closely match the grain pattern and coloration of your existing wood trim. 

 

Vaulted ceilings with beams are all the rage. If your vaulted ceilings are feeling bare, it may be time to consider adding your own faux wood beam design. Visit Volterra online today to see our full gallery of ceiling beams and how we have used them to create some stunning results.

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How to Add Decorative Beams to Low Ceilings

If your home has low ceilings, you may think that adding decorative beams is out of the question. After all, you don’t want to add a beam that will make the room feel any smaller than it already is. The good news is that there are quite a few ways to use decorative beams, even if your ceiling height is low. You just have to get creative.

Frame Your Ceiling

living room beams

Instead of using decorative beams to create a criss-cross pattern or ribbing your ceiling, use them to frame your ceiling instead. When you do this, the faux wood beams make the same bold impact along the ceiling lines without feeling obtrusive. Essentially, you are adding a very deep frame that forms a coffered look in the middle. You can paint your beams to match your other trim, or you can use them to provide a rustic touch around the room.

Frame Your Doorways

If you have open doorways leading from your kitchen to your living room, or into hallways, you have a perfect opportunity to add some decorative beams. Faux wood box beams can fit securely around your wall and provide a strong focal point in the room. You can do this in addition to framing your ceiling with beams, or you can just do the doorways and let them serve as accents to an otherwise modern room.

hallway beams

Use Shallow Beams

shallow beams

Another option available is to use shallow beams. Faux wood beams can be ordered in most any width and height so they can be ordered to suite a low ceiling. They come a bit longer than needed so the length can be trimmed to perfectly fit the space. The shallow beams can be arranged and installed in the same criss-cross or ribbed pattern that you would normally. In this case, the beams still make a bold impact on the ceiling, but they only affect the ceiling height by an inch or two. This is a great option if you’re willing to do a little extra work or if you’re in love with the idea of a decorative ceiling, but you don’t have height on your side.

Sometimes Less is More

Finally, remember that less is often more when dealing with low ceilings. Overcrowding the space with too many beams might make the room feel cramped. Instead, carefully curate a few key pieces for maximum impact. Strategically placing the beams to accentuate architectural details, like a fireplace or a beautiful chandelier, can add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

faux beams

These are just a few ways that decorative beams can be made to work in a space with limited ceiling height. You don’t have to give up on your favorite design styles. You just have to rethink how beams can fit into your room. To see all of your options for buying faux wood beams, shop our online store now!

Turn Your Guest Bedroom Into a Beautiful Escape

A guest bedroom is the perfect place to try your hand at some creative DIY projects and decor themes that you like. There are many ways that you can turn your guest bedroom into a beautiful retreat that will impress your guests. We’ve put together some ideas to help you get started and plan your room. With Volterra, you can transform your room in no time, and ensure that your guests have a cozy place to retreat to after a long day. 

 

Add a Wood Plank Surround

 

Wood planks, sometimes called “shiplap” or “T and G”, make a beautiful backdrop or replacement for a headboard. They are easy to install and they come in a wide range of colors and textures. You can even mix and match the colors to give them a weathered look. This is perfect if you want a rustic look, or if you want the more modern look of reclaimed wood without all the trouble of sourcing the materials and refinishing them on your own. If you already have a headboard, you can use the planks on either side to create a surround that will frame the bed perfectly. 

 

Create Your Own Entertainment Center

 

Entertainment centers are bulky and expensive, but you can create the same look with faux wood beams. Choose a wall where you want your TV to go. Then, add a faux wood mantle with hidden or exposed brackets. You can put artwork or flowers on the mantle, or you can leave the space open to hold a TV. If you’re comfortable with tools, you can also mount your TV directly on the wall above the mantle, giving it a recessed look that is sleek and clean. Use panel moulding or small sections of trim to frame out the area around your TV and beneath your mantle. You can make it look like a traditional fireplace, or you can think outside the box and create any design you like. Add contrasting colors or patterned wallpaper to the mix to really make it pop.

 

Faux wood beams and wood planks are a great way to transform any room. They are easy to work with and they are extremely durable, so you won’t have to worry about them getting dinged up. To see more ideas for your guest bedroom, visit Volterra online and check out our complete gallery. We have tons of wood products that are ideal for DIY projects and creating your own unique guest room.

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How Do HDF Beams Stack Up Against Real Wooden Beams?

faux wood vs. real wood beams

 

Ready to add texture, warmth, and dimension to your home? Do you have a room where you want to draw the eye upward and define the living space? Sounds like you’re looking for faux wood beams and trusses.

 

Perhaps you’re someone who doesn’t love the term “faux”. That’s okay. Some people feel that way at first. However, once they start researching the real costs and benefits, they start to appreciate the concept more. Here at Volterra, we offer both HDF faux wood beams, and natural wood box beams. This guide is meant to help you compare your options and find the right one for you.

 

First off, let’s be clear about terminology. Many people get confused about the different terms used to describe decorative beams. “Faux beams” refers to any beams or trusses that aren’t integral to a room’s stability and functionality. So, if the beams aren’t a part of your original architectural plan, then they’re faux beams. That’s right, if you don’t already have some beautiful old-world beams hidden underneath layers of plaster ceiling then it doesn’t matter if the material you’re using is reclaimed wood pried off of an old barn in Provence, France. They’re still called faux beams, because they’re not needed to keep the roof up; they’re simply decorative.

 

What Kinds of Decorative Beams Are Available?

 

The thing is, there are a lot of different ways to go faux. Here’s a summary of your options:

 

Different kinds of decorative beams

 

What Are HDF Beams?

 

Here at Volterra, we’re big fans of #4 (as you might have guessed). We’ll tell you why in a bit, but first, let us SHOW you why…

 

decorative faux wood beams

Decorative wood beams

 

That’s right, those are faux wood beams used in the images above. They’re hollow, constructed from high density polyurethane foam, and fashioned to look exactly like solid wood beams.

 

Now, when we say foam, you’re probably picturing something soft, spongey, and great for sleeping on, right?

 

HDF is foam of a different sort. It’s strong, solid, extremely dense, and able to capture specific textures at a near-microscopic level. If you ran a hand over it, you would feel the distinct ridges and planes of a rich, weathered wood grain. And if you picked it up, it would be surprisingly light.

 

HDF faux wood beams are made by pouring the foam in liquid form into a mold, which was constructed using the exact cast of a real piece of wood. This allows us to duplicate the original external appearance of wood, right down to the graining, knotting, and even the worm holes.

 

How Do HDF Faux Wood Beams Compare to Real Wood?

 

Alright, so HDF beams look convincing. But how do they really perform in action? How do they wear over time, and how do they stack up against real wood for your house, your maintenance plan, and your remodeling budget?

 

Here’s a comparison chart that will let you understand your options better:

 

HDF beams vs real wood

 

How Does Installation Work?

 

Although it has the most impact on your time and sanity, few people fully consider the process of installation when they choose which kinds of faux wood beams to use in a room. A major installation process will monopolize your space for months, putting every other project on hold. Shoddy installation jobs will ruin your aesthetic and cause major challenges down the road. Individuals who think ahead about installation enjoy the benefits of manageable timelines, not to mention the peace and quiet that comes with having your home to yourself again. So let’s talk a little bit about the installation process for different kinds of beam & truss installations.

 

We’ll start with this picture…

 

Woman lifting hdf beam

 

That’s a massive faux HDF beam of 14”x22”x20’, which only weighs 113 lbs.

 

A real wood beam of the same size weighs nearly one ton. This is precisely why you’ll never use solid wooden beams merely for decorative purposes on the ceiling–they’ll have to be structural. But what about hollow box beams made of real wood? This is a compromise between the solid wood and faux wood option. However, it will still be more than twice the weight of an HDF beam.

 

Because they’re so lightweight, they’re easy to install. Often, two people can complete the project in just one day. For some projects, it’s only a matter of a few hours. See for yourself in the video below.

 

 

Ready to Go Faux?

 

Volterra was founded in 2002, and has since become a leading provider of specialty architectural design materials. We’re most well-known for our huge range of beautiful faux wood beams and trusses, which have transformed award-winning restaurants, featured homes, and four star hotels. We also offer natural wood beams as part of our woodworking line. Shop our product selection online and browse our galleries for more ideas.

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Achieving the Exposed Ceiling Beam Look On Your Own

exposed ceiling beams

The exposed ceiling beam is in these days, lending an industrial look to otherwise modern rooms. In fact, the fad has grown so popular that many people are looking for ways to add exposed beams to their homes as well. Some people want to know if they have to buy beams to achieve this look, or if they can simply remove their existing ceiling to expose the beams that are already there. Here’s what you need to know before you take on this project.

 

Joists vs Beams

 

The first thing you need to know is that the joists used in the construction of your house are not the same as the exposed beams you see in popular restaurants and home renovation magazines. First of all, those joists were never meant to be exposed, so they are often unfinished and unsightly. Instead of giving you a clean industrial look, they will probably just look ragged and in need of finishing. Secondly, it would take forever to clean up your wiring and plumbing to make it look good in your newly exposed space because these things were probably routed in the quickest fashion during the building of your house, not the most aesthetic. By contrast, the exposed beams you see in pictures are likely finished and installed over hidden joists and supports. This allows you to enjoy the look of a finished beam that has been painted and coated for longevity without having to look at the real guts of the building. Even those open ceilings that do have plumbing and wiring visible often use painted pipes and conduit to conceal much of the mess. These beams are made to be artfully added to any space and they are lightweight so they can be easily installed and removed if necessary. They also tend to be larger and made with a variety of wood grain looks to give you an authentic look and texture so you won’t be stuck with the dull, unfinished look of your interior joists.

 

Spacing

 

Another problem with exposing your existing joists is that they are spaced very close together and they only go in one direction. If you want to create a decorative look to your ceiling, you need to use ceiling beams sparingly and decide which direction you want your beams to run so that they can add to the look of the room, rather than making it look cluttered. Even large rooms typically only have a handful of beams spread across the span of the ceiling.

 

 

If you’re interested in creating an exposed beam look in your home, visit Volterra online today. We sell finished faux wood beams in a range of colors and sizes to fit any installation. These products are made to be a decorative enhancement to your home that easily fits onto your existing ceiling without a hassle.

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Why Use a Decorative Truss Kit

truss kit

You’ve probably noticed that more and more builders are returning to a rustic look these days. One common element among houses old and new is the appreciation for decorative exposed trusses on the interior. Trusses add an interesting layer of texture to a room and help bring together the rustic look. You may have even considered adding decorative trusses to your own home at some point. If so, the truss kit is just the product you’ve been looking for. Here’s why.

 

Made to Fit

 

A decorative truss kit is the complete package. This means that all of the components in sizes that accommodate your space, are ready to install you won’t have to do any extensive work trying to design your own truss pattern or make sure all the pieces fit together properly. In addition, decorative truss kits have available matching hardware so you can get an authentic look without having to piece together hardware from your local big box retailer.

 

Easy to Install

 

A truss kit also makes this upgrade a simple weekend project for an experienced carpenter. With faux wood beams and mounting instructions, you don’t need any heavy equipment to lift the trusses into place. Instead, they are lightweight and made to be anchored directly to your ceiling using a concealed mount, according to provided instructions.  The high density foam material also means that you don’t need any special drills or drill bits to get the job done. Once you have the first one up, it’s as easy as measuring equal distances to each of your new truss locations and repeating the process.

 

They Look Great

 

Truss kits can give you the look you’re going for in no time. The durable finish is made to look like natural wood in a wide range of stains and grain patterns so you can match your trusses to any other natural wood accents in your house, or even match it to your new trim if you are completely updating your home. The stained finish is made to last without any chipping, scratching, or refinishing. Trusses are a timeless element of architecture, and they are coming back into style. If you would like to add beautiful trusses to your home, start by checking out Volterra’s decorative truss kits online. We make it simple to order your trusses and have them installed without spending a fortune. These kits are made to give you everything you need to transform your ceilings with simple tools and a little bit of time. Check out our online gallery to see all of our truss designs.

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Save Money on Your Next Faux Wood Beam Purchase

faux wood beam manufacturer

While many big box stores are starting to carry a small selection of faux wood products these days, the truth is that there are much better ways to get your hands on premium faux wood products for your home. The best way is to go straight to your local faux wood beam manufacturer and choose your products directly from their catalog. Why? Because they can save you money and open up a whole world of possibilities that aren’t available off the shelf.

 

Custom Faux Wood Beams

 

In general, big box stores are only able to accommodate space for the most popular colors and textures. If they do offer a wider selection, it usually requires placing a specialized order that can take weeks to arrive, and likely comes with additional shipping costs. By contrast, when you contact a faux wood beam manufacturer directly, you will find a much larger selection of colors, styles and finishes to match your home. This means that you can get exactly what you’re looking for and won’t have to worry about any additional work when it comes to making your faux wood blend into the rest of your decor. In addition, a faux wood beam manufacturer can help you order custom lengths and sizes of beams, as well as providing you with all of the information you need to properly mount and install your beams.

 

Saving You Money

 

Everybody knows that big box stores mark up their products significantly so that they can turn a profit. Oftentimes, the prices they display are much higher than what you would pay if you ordered directly from the manufacturer. This is because you won’t be paying the big box store’s shipping and handling fees, plus you won’t have to overbuy based on the limited selection of products they have in store. Instead, you can order the right quantity the first time, and have them sent straight to you without any extra fees. You can also find all the right mounting hardware already in stock, so it can be delivered alongside your beams for seamless installation. Check out our video below to see the installation process.  

 

 

As faux wood beams grow in popularity, you are sure to see them popping up in your local hardware stores. However, it pays to do your own research and contact a faux wood beam manufacturer directly if you want to save time and money, and get the right product every time. Don’t forget to visit Volterra online to shop our new online store!

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The Secret of Truss Design

truss designWhen you look up and see a beautiful truss system gracing the ceiling of a structure, how much thought do you give to the design? For most of us, the visual effect of the design draws us in, but we never stop to appreciate how or why a truss works. Let’s break down some of the secrets behind truss design so you can fully appreciate how each truss adds to a structure.

The Science of Triangles

Early in human history, it was discovered that the triangle is an especially stable shape. The triangle form allows us to distribute weight over a great distance by creating a solid base with two supporting legs. This is why you see bridges and buildings relying so heavily on triangle trusses to hold them up. Today, we still rely on this discovery to hold our roofs over our heads, but we also find ways to incorporate triangles into our aesthetics as well.

More Triangles or Less?

One thing you’ll notice about modern truss design is that they typically feature a variety of cross braces and beams added to the basic triangular structure. This is important because it creates a bold visual effect, but it can also affect the strength of a particular truss. Adding additional beams that create smaller triangles within the main structure can have a profound influence on the amount of weight that a truss is able to bear. For decorative purposes, you may choose to add more beams to create a distinguished look, even if your trusses will not actually be supporting additional weight. The invention of early trusses made a big impact on how humans could build. Triangle truss design is still a staple of the construction industry today, and we have become so used to seeing these triangles all around us that we often feel drawn to add them to high ceilings after the fact. If you are looking for creative decorative truss designs to add to your room, visit Volterra online.]]>

Incorporating Mediterranean Design in Any Home

mediterranean designMediterranean design is popular throughout the world, but too often we feel like we can’t pull it off in our own homes because of its complexity. The truth is that the Mediterranean region is quite large and encompasses a wide range of lifestyles. As such, there are many ways to incorporate the concepts of Mediterranean design in your home without having to go way overboard.

Aquatic Colors

One of the major staples of Mediterranean design is rich aquatic color schemes that feature blues, greens and purples. These are also accented by bold gold and some deep browns and light beiges. An easy way to do this in your home is to pick an accent wall and splash it with bold color, while leaving your trim a natural wood color that will tie the whole room together.

Complex Textures

The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most extravagant construction featuring natural materials. Much of Mediterranean design features rough cut stones and naturally textured woods. With faux wood beams, you can mimic the look of these beautiful elements easily. There are also a number of faux stone options that can give you the perfect hue for your room. Texture can also be added to your home with unique plaster finishes that infuse your home with traditional-looking natural warmth. Browse our Italian Lime plaster gallery to get some ideas. As you can see, Mediterranean design is all about creating a space that takes advantage of the seaside appeal of the region. You can replicate this by bringing in bold colors mixed with strong natural elements. Volterra has a wide selection of faux wood and stone products to help you recreate the rooms in the magazines.]]>

How Durable Are Faux Beams?

faux beamsWhether you’re planning on adding faux beams to the interior of your house, or you want to use them to build a gazebo or other structure outside, understanding durability is an important part of your planning. You don’t want to invest in products that will not stand up to the test of time, so it’s important that you know your faux beams are virtually maintenance free.

Heavy Duty Construction

Faux beams are made of a high density foam product that is both lightweight and extremely hard. This allows it to mimic the look and feel of real wood beams while making it significantly easier to work with in construction. High density foam is poured into a master mold and when extracted is very dense.

Durable Finish

Beams are available in a variety of textures that mimic natural wood. Once the beam has been formed, a finish coat is applied to the outside, or the beam can be left primed for a custom faux finish application. Faux beams are a great option for updating your home’s interior and exterior without having to worry about future maintenance. These beams are made to last, and they come in many varieties so you can order exactly what you want the first time. To see more options, visit Volterra online today and check out our gallery of colors and designs.]]>