Faux Ceiling Beam Ideas

As you prepare for your next home improvement project, you may want to consider updating the ceiling in your home. There are a lot of great faux ceiling beam ideas that can be used to make a big impact for an affordable price.

Add Interest to a Vaulted Ceiling

Whether you have a traditional vaulted ceiling or a barrel-vaulted ceiling, the lofty heights of that ceiling can make a room feel vast and empty. Fake wood beams can make the room much more cozy and inviting. In addition, faux beams can be conveniently installed because they are much lighter than real wood. They are often used in contrasting colors to the rest of the room or in the same color scheme; either way the beams bring a cozier feel to the room.

Paint Wood-Tinted Beams for Impact

Faux beams are often chosen because they can be painted very easily. The beams can be painted white to lighten up a room or black to provide an interesting contrast with the lighter colors of the rest of the ceiling. Imagine the fun contrast of brightly painted faux beams against the white ceiling and walls of a play room.

Play to a Traditional or Southwestern Theme

The faux ceiling beam is the perfect choice when you want to create a rustic, traditional feel. Southwestern décor often features open ceiling beams, as well. The rugged texture of sandblasted ceiling beams contributes the look of natural wood and contrasts with white plaster walls to create the comfortable feel of Southwestern home design. An antiqued stain on the beams can create a vintage feel in the home.

Play Up Interesting Architecture

Faux beams are often used to accent interesting architectural elements or to create a sense of continuity. If the home has very little architectural interest, then fake wood is the way to go to add some without breaking the bank. Many homes do not have the structure necessary to support solid wood ceiling beams. The faux ceiling beam is lightweight and can be used to create architectural interest, such as a coffered ceiling. Whether you install one long ceiling beam or create a geometric pattern with multiple beams, the lightweight convenience of faux beams makes them appropriate for almost any situation. For more faux ceiling beam ideas or to learn more about the fake wood beams available at Volterra, call 602.258.7373 today.

What Is Faux Wood Made Of?

You see them on elegant homes and rustic cottages. You can find them adding a touch of tradition to a family home or creating sleek, modern lines in a converted warehouse apartment. The fact is that faux wood ceiling beams are used more often than you may think, and they provide an affordable and convenient way to transform the look of any building. Delivering the look and feel of real wood, these beams can be used even when the home’s structure won’t support real wood or when the budget can’t accommodate the expense of wood beams.

Lightweight Foam Construction

Quality durable foam ceiling beams are actually made out of high-density, rigid polyurethane. Hollow on the inside, the foam beams weigh much less than real wood. Unlike wood, the foam beams won’t become discolored if they are exposed to sunlight or humidity and won’t warp over time. They are light enough to be added to older homes without the necessary structure to support heavy wooden beams. The rigid foam is easy to maintain and resists many of the dangers of rot that could be a problem with real wood from harsh weather and insects.

The Look of Natural Wood

Just how realistic can faux wood beams look? Until you have seen the beams up-close, you won’t truly appreciate the realistic texture and color of the grain patterns that make these beams so popular among homeowners and contractors. Quality manufacturers like Volterra use molds crafted from real wood to create realistic-looking foam beams that are much more durable and affordable than the real thing. In this way, the original textures and patterns of natural wood can be accurately mimicked. Some popular faux wood textures include:

  • Doug Fir
  • Tuscany
  • Rough Sawn
  • Sand Blast
  • Hand-Hewn

Turn Your Dreams into Reality

If you have ever considered adding the beauty of wood ceiling beams to your home, but have been deterred by practical questions concerning the structure of your home or your remodeling budget, then take a look at faux ceiling beams. Start your home remodel today by improving the look of your ceilings. Your dream home may be within reach. To learn more about the faux wood products available at Volterra, call 602.258.7373 today.

Tips for Installing Faux Wood Beams

There are many benefits to using faux wood beams in place of natural wood beams, and these benefits do not only relate to the aesthetic appeal of the beams themselves. Installing faux wood beams is quite easy, and contractors and homeowners alike will find they will have no trouble learning how to install these beams. There are several steps that should be taken in advance of the installation process, as selecting the best faux wood beam is just as important as properly installing it. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, ensuring that there is a beam that is suitable for the needs of any homeowner or contractor. Selecting the Ideal Faux Wood Beam When it comes to selecting the ideal faux wood beam, there are many things to consider. It is important to evaluate the space that the faux beam will be added to, and to choose a wood type and cut that will best suit the style of the space. There are many standard options available, but it is also possible to have the beam custom-made to fit any space. Consumers are therefore able to have a wide variety of options at their disposal, choosing between a number of different wood grain details and surface textures. Considerations for Installation of Faux Ceiling Beams When installing faux wood beams, there are a number of important considerations to keep in mind. All that is necessary for the installation of these beams is the availability of tools and fasteners that are considered standard in woodworking, and also the availability of high-grade adhesives. It is important that the adhesive used is urethane-based, as this will help to ensure that your beams are securely affixed to a solid backing. If the beams are being affixed to studs, they should be 16” on center or less. Additional blocking may be needed based on the size of the beam, and all that is then necessary is for the beam to be nailed or screwed in place using galvanized or zinc-coated fasteners. Call 602.258.7373 today to learn more about installing faux wood beams from Volterra in your home.

Affordable Ceiling Beam Ideas From Volterra

Faux ceiling beams give homeowners a way to add beauty and interest to their home’s architectural style. Faux wood beams are generally available at less than half the cost of real wood beams. In addition, they are much lighter, bypassing the need for large installation teams and specialized equipment. Volterra offers some gorgeous ceiling beam ideas to enhance almost any home.

Amazing Realism

Although fake wood beams are made of high-density foam or HDF, a polyurethane material, they look like the real thing, even on close inspection. Homeowners can match existing ceiling styles, or choose finishes to achieve any natural wood effect they desire. The wood finishes available include:

  • Primed
  • Mahogany
  • Oak
  • Walnut

Perhaps the feature that most adds realism to the faux beams is the texturing. Beams are cast in molds taken from natural wood beams. They can be customized with the following real wood textures:

  • Douglas fir
  • Tuscany
  • Sand blast
  • Rough sawn

The grain, knotholes, and other natural imperfections of real wood give the faux beams an amazing realism.

Flexible Design

HDF beams come in standard lengths of 16’ and 20’ and a thickness of 1”. However, they can be customized to almost any size necessary. Standard styles include the following:

  • U-shaped
  • Corbel-cut end
  • Arched, for a hammered truss
  • Mantel
  • Full box beam with removable plank

Visit the Volterra Online Store

Although most customers will enjoy visiting the Volterra showroom at some point during their remodel, they can easily get started by visiting our online store. There, they can discover ceiling beam ideas limited only by their imaginations. We carry a large portfolio of beam installations in both residential and commercial applications. They’ll also find examples of designs that cover the spectrum from country rustic to modern sophisticated. Homeowners can find the examples that best represent their own personal tastes and arrange to receive samples to test in their own homes. Finally, they can work with Volterra to finalize the design, and to arrange for professional installation. Most homeowners are amazed at the results they get by adding faux wood beams to their homes. Call 602.258.7373 today for more ceiling beam ideas or for additional information about the faux wood beams available from Volterra.

Save Money on Your Remodeling Project With Artificial Ceiling Beams

The cost of a home remodeling project can quickly spiral out of control. The fact is that unforeseen problems and unexpected costs are just par for the course during any remodel. Finding ways to save money on materials is a good way to create a buffer against unexpected expenditures. Artificial ceiling beams are an excellent choice for homeowners who to save money on their home remodeling projects – without sacrificing style.

The Look of Real Wood

The faux wood beams available at Volterra are cast from real wood and made of durable, high-density polyurethane foam. Volterra uses state-of-the-art technology in conjunction with tried-and-true molding techniques to create ceiling beams with the look of rough-sawn or rustic wood. Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, these beams are available in a variety of wood finishes, including mahogany, oak and walnut, so you’re sure to find the perfect color to complement your home décor. If you want the look of real wood for a fraction of the price, you owe it to yourself to give Volterra a call.

Ease of Installation

Volterra’s faux beams are extremely lightweight, making them much easier to install than their real-wood counterparts. Available in standard lengths of 16 feet and 20 feet, these beams can also be custom built to any measurements in order to meet the specifications of your project. Time is money on any remodeling job – so saving time on the installation of your ceiling beams will end up saving you money on the overall cost of the project. Artificial ceiling beams from Volterra are a great way to save money on your upcoming remodel. They are durable, offer the look of real wood, and are much easier to install than traditional wood beams, making them an excellent choice for savvy homeowners. Call 602.258.7373 today to learn more about the extensive selection of artificial ceiling beams available at Volterra Products.

Create a Dramatic Effect With Exposed Ceiling Beams

Have you been looking for an affordable way to transform the look of your home? One of the most dramatic style elements you can incorporate into your home is exposed ceiling beams. Not only do they draw the eye upward, giving the impression of extra space, they also add warmth and texture to any room. Here are a few design ideas to consider when shopping for ceiling beams.

Beams That Make Scale Sense

With so many size, texture, and finish options for wood ceiling beams, it may be difficult to decide which look to choose. One guiding principle to help in your selection is scale. A smaller room with lower ceilings may be better suited for lighter, smaller beams to help promote the feeling of space and openness. Beams with dark finishes may make a small room feel closed in. Larger rooms or rooms with vaulted ceilings may accommodate darker, more dramatic beams without closing in the space.

Styles Galore

When you think of exposed ceiling beams, you may envision straight, rectangular beams that run across a ceiling. While these standard beams are beautiful, there are so many more options to choose from to make the space unique. Some of these include corbel-cut end beams (which is a style of beam that includes a decorative structural support on either end of each beam), U-shaped beams, and arched beams.

Go Faux

There are some noteworthy reasons to choose faux wood beams for your home. Not only are they less expensive, they are also easier to transport and install. They weigh considerably less than real wood beams and, therefore, put less strain on the structure of a ceiling. Many types of faux wood are just as durable and have the same detail and look as real wood.

Beams for Any Room

Ceiling beams can be beautiful additions to any space in your home—the kitchen, family room, dining room, entry way, etc. They can make spaces appear bigger while lending a cozy, rustic feel to the room. There are many textures, finishes and materials to choose from to create a look that is uniquely yours. Call 602.258.7373 today for information about the many styles and sizes of faux ceiling beams available at Volterra.

Faux Wood Beams for Minimum Maintenance and Maximum Efficiency

The modern house is a marvel of architectural advancement, able to sustain life, technology, age, and an incredible amount of weight. Ceilings and walls decorated with accessories like chandeliers and ceiling fans or with functional speakers or sprinkler heads look much more clean when wires can be hidden within hollow faux beams. As any professional contractor knows, wires, cables, even unsightly structural beams can be difficult to hide.  Using beams can add a decorative flair while providing a useful function. Smart homes with automated security and in-home sound and entertainment often have extensive equipment and wiring that needs to be hidden. U-shaped faux beams can hide internal wires, and fixtures can be installed directly onto the surface of the beam. Another advantage of the faux beam is that it is excellent for indoor or outdoor applications because it is resistant to many of the factors that wear down natural wood products, such as weather, moisture, heat, insects and rot which can cause warping and breakage. If you are considering implementing faux beams into the building of a house, you should only trust the experts with the finest materials, such as Volterra Architectural Products. Volterra manufactures faux wood beams that are made from high-density polyurethane foam, all of which are created to duplicate the beauty and fine details of natural wood beams. The material used to build these beams ensures that each and every one is of the highest possible quality.  Additionally, the installation process is easy, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. Their catalog includes standard beams, box beams, arched beams, and decorative beams, along with planks and corbels to match. All of these fixtures are reasonably priced and require little to no maintenance, allowing you to focus on more urgent matters. These faux wood goods are created for residential and commercial building, and the natural look they imitate guarantees universal application, regardless of the details. If you are interested in purchasing faux beams, call Volterra Architectural Products at 602.258.7373 today.

Are Faux Wood Trusses Right For Your Home?

While vaulted ceilings can add an old-world charm and grand appeal that makes any room more striking, they can also come across as outdated and feel like a huge waste of space. If you have a room inside of your home with an open area ceiling, you may have already wondered if there is anything that you can do to add character to the otherwise unused space. Faux wood trusses are a great way to add rustic charm that is both timeless and eye-catching in an otherwise uninteresting ceiling space.

At Volterra Architectural Products, we are a leading manufacturer of faux wood trusses and other polyurethane architectural details. Our lightweight decorative truss kits are an easy way to transform the look of an open ceiling area without breaking the bank.

Volterra Faux Wood Beams

What are Faux Wood Trusses?

Faux wood trusses are a collection of faux wood beams that interconnect to replicate the appearance of natural timber structural frames. Unlike natural wood roof trusses that bridge the space above a room and provide additional roof support, faux wood trusses are decorative. Even though decorative trusses do not provide any additional structural support they can easily add character and beauty to your ceiling space. The natural color and gorgeous look of wood grain are sure to create a warm and welcoming feel to your home.

The faux wood trusses from Volterra are manufactured with a lightweight urethane material using molds from natural timber beams. Our decorative trusses give you the aesthetic benefits of natural wood trusses without the immense labor and material costs of installation.

Why are Faux Wood Trusses a Good Choice?

In addition to costing a lot and being incredibly heavy, there are other drawbacks of natural wood that faux wood trusses are not susceptible to. Faux wood trusses will not crack, split, rot, mold, or degrade with the proper care — and believe us, very minimal care is required. Because these are long-lasting, they are well worth the investment.

There are also a wide variety of styles, textures, and stains to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect option to match your taste as well as your home’s architectural style. Compared to truss systems manufactured from natural timber, which is costly no matter the size or type, faux wood makes it easy to get the ideal exposed trusses that your interior space requires.

What Decorative Truss Design Options Does Volterra Offer?

As mentioned, Volterra’s faux wood trusses come in different options that replicate the color and grain of natural timber. Whether you prefer a smooth or rough-cut look, there are plenty of texture types to choose from — the choice is yours! Our truss kits are available in Doug Fir, Hand-Hewn, Rough-Sawn, Tuscany, and Sand Blast textures. You can also select a stain to fit the style of your space.

When it comes to decorative truss designs, Volterra has a lot to choose from. Both the King Truss Kit and the Huntsman Truss Kit are popular among homeowners looking for something simple that adds the look of exposed beams to your open ceiling. Those who are looking for something a little more complex should check out the Aspen Truss Kit, the Oxford Truss Kit, or the Hawkeye Truss Kit. In total, we offer 12 decorative truss designs, each with the ability to be personalized with the above-mentioned texture and stain options.

How Do You Know What Size Truss Kit to Get?

When you find a decorative wood truss design that you like, you’ll be able to choose the beam size, pitch, and room width so that you can ensure you order the right faux wood truss system for your space. If you aren’t sure of the exact specifications that you need, our team is happy to help! Contact us today and an experienced member of our team can walk you through the process.

Faux wood trusses are a cost-effective and easy way to add depth, character, and charm to rooms with vaulted or cathedral ceilings. If you’re interested in shopping Volterra’s selection of decorative truss designs, shop our online store!

Introducing Faux Steel I Beams from Volterra

Steel is a part of our country’s history of industrialization, playing a significant role in America’s most prominent architectural designs. While steel has historically been used to build the skyscrapers that dot the skylines in cities across the country, the material has become an asset in interior design for its stunning, modern look that works well with almost any style of decor.

 

In the mid-century modern era, homeowners and designers are incorporating steel and other metals into interior design to make a statement in both form and function. The aesthetics of steel cannot be denied and it’s why the material is ideal for interior architectural details, such as steel beams. However, don’t expect steel beams to come at an affordable price point. If you have always wanted decorative steel beams, but don’t want to go through the hassle and financial-burden to install them in your home, Volterra Architectural Products has the ultimate solution. 

 

Benefits of Faux Steel I Beams from Volterra Architectural Products

Volterra is renowned as the largest faux wood beam manufacturers in America. Our faux wood beams look identical to real hardwood ceiling beams but are manufactured with high-quality, high-density foam material. Now, to meet the needs of spaces that feature a minimalist, industrial, or modular design, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our faux steel beams. Unlike our collection of faux wood beams, our faux steel decorative beams are constructed from poplar hardwood and they perfectly replicate steel I beams. 

 

One-of-a-Kind

Volterra’s faux steel beams are one of a kind. There have not been many options available when it comes to decorative steel beams that are easy to incorporate into your interior design. With these faux steel beams, you can now add the classic, iconic, and beautiful look of steel in your kitchen, finished basement, or any space in your home!

 

Easy-Installation

Incorporating real metal beams in your home is typically something that needs to be done during the design and building process. Real steel beams are extremely heavy and your home will need to be able to support them. Plus, without question, you would not be able to install them yourself — you would need a team of people if you were going to try to pull it off. Comparably, faux steel beams are lighter weight and a licensed contractor can easily install them. 

 

Looks Real

The look of real steel or metal will complement natural materials like wood and create balance and definition in any interior environment. Our hardwood I beams are built and finished to look like authentic steel beams. If you were to have a faux steel ceiling beam installed next to a real one, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference unless you studied each beam closely or touched each one.

 

Versatile 

The timeless versatility of decorative steel beams has made them so popular for a variety of today’s interior design styles. Because our faux steel beams are lightweight compared to steel, they are far more versatile than real steel beams. You won’t have to worry about maintaining the structural integrity of your home — you can install them wherever and however you want to be in line with your vision.
 

Durable

Steel is a very durable material and can withstand the test of time. Our faux steel beams are manufactured with poplar hardwood, so they are more durable than you would expect. You won’t have to worry about rust or any other issues that come with real steel beams. Whether you want to use faux steel beams in the kitchen or in your outdoor living space, these beams are are durable and maintain their beauty over time.

 

Affordable

As mentioned earlier, the cost of faux steel beams is significantly lower than the real ones. The cost to install steel beams alone is going to be steep. Because faux steel beams are lightweight, easy to install, and require little maintenance, you can save a significant amount of money when incorporating them into your interior design. If you have always wanted to achieve a minimalist, industrial, or modular look inside of your home with steel ceiling beams but have never had the budget for it, you are in luck! The cost-effectiveness of faux decorative steel beams will help you get the look you want while keeping more money in your pockets. 

 

Order Faux Steel Beams for Your Home

Considering its look, durability, and versatility, it is no wonder why steel material has become increasingly popular when it comes to interior design. If you have been itching for ways to incorporate the look of steel in your home, these faux steel beams are the ideal solutions. Incredibly versatile, affordable, and unique, these faux steel beams are a great way to add a stunning, modern touch to your home interior. 

If you are interested in ordering or learning more information about the selection of faux steel beams we offer at Volterra Architectural Products, contact us today!

 

]]>

How to Install Faux Wood Beams

If you want to turn an ordinary room inside of your home into something exquisite, installing faux wood beams is a great way to do so. At Volterra Architectural Products, we are a leading manufacturer of faux wood beams and other high-quality polyurethane architectural details. Our faux wood beams are manufactured with a high-quality HDF material and molds created from real pieces of wood to replicate the natural appearance of wood right down to the texture.

There are many benefits offered by faux wood beams — they are easier to install, more durable, functional, and cost-effective. Simply put, Volterra faux wood beams are an easy, affordable, and fast way to enhance any room inside of your home. 

How to Install Faux Ceiling Beams

Whether you are installing faux wood beams in your kitchen or your family living area, our collection of faux ceiling beams comes in a variety of textures and finishes which makes it easy to find the right options for your style and space. What’s more, installation is an easy DIY project for a handy homeowner. 

In this blog, our experts share how to install faux wood beams from Volterra in a simple grid pattern. You can also check out our step-by-step video for these instructions. In the video, you can see a five-hour job accelerated in seven minutes.

Step #1: Measure Layout and Chalk Lines

First things first, you’ll need to measure your ceiling as well as the layout of the grid pattern for the faux wood beams. Start by measuring to determine where the two main beams and purlin beams will go. For a clean application, use a pencil to lightly mark the ceiling where the beams will be installed. 

Step #2: Install Cleating Material & Find the Proper Beam Cut Length

Next, it’s time to install the cleating or mounting material. Start with the two main beams. Using a drill, mount the material to the ceiling. You’ll also want to measure to ensure you cut your faux wood beams to the right length, and ensure that the angle between the wall and ceiling is square. 

Step #3: Pull in Wire for Recessed Lighting

If you want to install recessed lighting inside of your faux wood beams, it is important to pull the wiring through the ceiling before installing the beams. Start by finding the proper spots on the cleating material and then drill a hole through it and into the ceiling. Have someone help you feed the wiring through each hole before moving onto the next step. 

Step #4: Install the First Beam

We’re starting to make some progress! Next, you can dry-fit the beams. If you measured and cut properly, you should be able to dry-fit the first beam in its proper location. While the beam is dry-fitted in its proper position, you can use a urethane adhesive to bond the beam to the ceiling. The adhesive should be applied to the two edges that will be attached to the ceiling. 

Step #5: Secure the Beam With Screws

After the adhesive for the beams has been applied, secure each of the faux beams with galvanized or zinc screws. Keep in mind, the longer the beam is, the more screws you’ll need. Placing one screw every 2 to 3 feet should keep your faux wood ceiling beams more than secure. 

Step #6: Install the Second Beam

Following steps four and five, install the other main beam. Start by dry-fitting it into its proper position, applying construction adhesive, and using three to four screws on each side to secure it.

Step #7: Install Cleating Material for Purlin Beams

If you didn’t in step number one, make sure you measure and map out where the purlin beams will be going. Once you have the lines marked on your ceiling you can install the cleating material. You’ll need cleating between the two main beams as well as on the other sides of each one. 

Step #8: Install Purlin Beams

Again, if you measured properly, you should be able to dry-fit the purlin beams between the two main beams as well as between each beam and the nearest wall. Use adhesive and screws to secure the beams to the ceiling. 

Step #9: Apply Finishing Touches

It’s a good idea to touch up the areas where the main and purlin beams connect. This will ensure that your faux wood beams maintain the appearance of natural wood without anyone being able to tell the difference. 

Step #10: Admire the New Look

Once you have finished installing the main beams and purlins, you can now take a step back and appreciate the elegant, natural-looking architectural detail that you just added to your space.

Installing faux wood ceiling beams is not as tough as you may initially think and is definitely easier if you have a helping hand or two. The great thing about these faux wood beams is that they will last for decades while requiring no maintenance. Once installed, they’ll be an architectural detail that will be appreciated by all who come to visit. ‘

Buy Faux Wood Beams From Volterra Today

If you are interested in adding distinctive, austere elegance to your home interior, make sure you check out Volterra’s collection of faux wood beams. Our beams are manufactured to look like real wood and are available in Doug Fir, hand hewn, and other popular textures. If you have questions about installing faux wood beams in your home, feel free to contact us!

]]>