Tag: real wood beams

What to Expect When You Design With Natural Wood Beams

Posted on by Volterra

Natural wood beams are a timeless addition to any home or business, adding warmth and character to any space. Whether you’re looking to create a rustic, traditional, or modern look, natural wood beams are a versatile option that can be customized to fit your unique style.

At Volterra Architectural Products, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality natural wood beams that are handcrafted to meet the specific needs of each project. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what to expect when you design with natural wood beams and share some tips for making the most of this beautiful design element.

Types of Natural Wood Beams

One of the first things to consider when designing with natural wood beams is the type of wood you want to use. At Volterra, we offer a wide variety of natural wood beams, including:

  • Poplar: Poplar is a lightweight and affordable hardwood known for its light, creamy color and straight grain pattern. Poplar beams are a popular choice for modern or contemporary designs.
  • Doug Fir: Doug Fir is a versatile and cost-effective wood known for its straight grain pattern and light color. Doug Fir beams are a popular choice for designs that require a cost-effective, yet high-quality material.
  • Rift White Oak: Rift White Oak is a high-quality hardwood known for its light to medium brown color and unique grain patterns. Rift White Oak beams are a popular choice for designs that require a high-quality, durable material.
  • Knotty Pine: Knotty Pine is a lightweight and affordable softwood known for its light color and distinctive knots. Knotty Pine beams are a popular choice for rustic or traditional designs.
  • Knotty Alder: Knotty Alder is a sustainable and eco-friendly wood known for its warm, reddish-brown color and rustic look. Knotty Alder beams are a popular choice for traditional or rustic designs.
  • Superior Alder: Superior Alder is a sustainable and eco-friendly wood known for its warm, reddish-brown color and rustic look. Superior Alder beams are a popular choice for traditional or rustic designs.

Each of these woods has its own unique characteristics and can be customized to fit your specific design needs.

Design Considerations for Natural Wood Beams

When designing with natural wood beams, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this beautiful design element:

  1. Size: The size of your natural wood beams should be proportional to the size of the room and the other elements in the space. Large, heavy beams can overpower a small room, while small beams may look out of place in a large room.
  2. Color: The color of your natural wood beams should complement the other colors in the room. Lighter woods like Maple or White Oak can help brighten a room, while darker woods like Walnut or Cherry can add warmth and depth.
  3. Texture: The texture of your natural wood beams can also play a role in the overall look of the space. Smooth beams can give a modern and clean look, while combed or rough-sawn beams can add a rustic or traditional touch.
  4. Placement: The placement of your natural wood beams should also be carefully considered. Beams can be used to define different areas of a room or highlight architectural features like archways or windows.
  5. Installation: Finally, the installation of your natural wood beams should be done by a professional who has experience working with wood beams. Proper installation is important for the structural integrity and visual appeal of the beams.

Benefits of Natural Wood Beams

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, natural wood beams offer a range of practical benefits for your home or business. Here are just a few of the benefits of using natural wood beams in your design:

  • Durability: Natural wood beams are a durable and long-lasting design element that can stand up to daily wear and tear.
  • Sustainability: Many natural wood beams, like Superior Alder, are harvested from sustainable sources, making them an eco-friendly design choice.
  • Soundproofing: Natural wood beams can help absorb sound and improve the acoustics of a space, making them a popular choice for restaurants, bars, and other commercial spaces.
  • Increased Home Value: Adding natural wood beams to your home or business can increase the value of the property and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.

At Volterra Architectural Products, we’re committed to providing our customers with the highest quality natural wood beams. Our beams are handcrafted using the finest materials and techniques, ensuring that they will stand the test of time and add beauty and character to any space.

Find Your Perfect Natural Wood Beams With Volterra

Natural wood beams are a versatile and timeless design element that can add warmth and character to any home or business. By carefully considering the type of wood, size, color, texture, placement, and installation, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your unique style.

At Volterra Architectural Products, we’re proud to offer a wide range of natural wood beams that are handcrafted to meet your specific design needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you create the perfect space with natural wood beams.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Steel I Beams

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Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Steel I Beams

Many interior design trends come and go, but some show no signs of ending anytime soon. Of the trends that are here to stay, it seems that homeowners are continuing to gravitate towards minimalist, industrial, or modular design. We’re seeing more steel and metals being incorporated into interior design to make a statement in both form and function. 

 

Steel ceiling beams are a staple in modern industrial design, but not every home requires this type of structural support. That’s where Faux Steel I Beams from Volterra Architectural Products come in. With 

these decorative ceiling beams, homeowners can incorporate industrial appeal to their space. To learn more about Volterra’s faux steel ceiling beams, continue reading as we answer some frequently asked questions.

What Are Faux Steel Beams Made Of?

Each decorative steel beam is constructed of real Poplar hardwood. The planks are painted to replicate the appearance of real steel. This wood is not only light and long-lasting, but it’s also rust-free and susceptible to corrosion like real steel beams. Once they are installed, it will be very difficult to tell that they are wood and not steel!

I beam images in an industrial beach house

How Much Do Steel Beams Cost?

The most popular sizes of Volterra decorative steel beams are 6×6 and 8×8, with the starting cost for 48” beams ranging from $225 to $290 per beam. The cost of each beam is decided by the measurements and extras chosen, as well as delivery. Choosing these easy-to-install faux steel beams can help you save a lot of money, considering what it would cost to install real steel ceiling beams with a lot of the expense coming from labor.

What Sizes Can Faux Steel Beams Be Ordered In?

Volterra manufactures faux steel beams in nine different sizes and 20 different lengths ranging from 48” to 288”. This makes ordering faux steel beams for the space you want to install them in very easy. Simple measure the space beforehand and you should have a good idea of which sizes you’ll need. If you want assistance choosing the right beam dimensions for your project, contact a Volterra customer care representative.

faux steel i beam

Can These Be Used In Place of Structural Steel Beams?

Volterra’s faux steel beams, and other architectural details, are not designed to be used for structural purposes. These decorative steel beams are perfect for individuals who want to replicate the look of real steel ceiling beams without having to deal with the expense or difficulty of installation.

Faux Steel I Beams from Volterra are a great way to add new life and modern, minimalistic, and industrial style to any home or building without spending thousands on renovations. To learn more about these faux steel beams and other products manufactured by Volterra Architectural Products, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Wood Vigas

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Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Wood Vigas

Vigas have become a popular exterior architectural detail, especially in adobe and Southwestern-style buildings. While vigas intended for structural support are constructed from real wood, homeowners can create the illusion of real wood vigas with unique products that are purely decorative — faux wood vigas from Volterra Architectural Products. 

 

Volterra’s selection of decorative vigas are manufactured to replicate the beautiful characteristics of real wood logs, but do not require maintenance and don’t decay, split, rot, or deteriorate. If you’d like to learn more about our faux wood vigas, continue reading as we answer some frequently asked questions.

What Are Faux Vigas Made Of?

The faux vigas we provide at Volterra Architectural Products are manufactured with high-quality urethane foam. Each decorative viga is created from a mold of a real wood viga to ensure the wood texture and grain are reproduced accurately. You’ll be forgiven if you can’t tell them apart from genuine wood, as they appear to be the real thing!

doug fir ridge and rafter faux beams in dining room

Can Faux Vigas Be Used Outside?

Although Volterra faux wood vigas are manufactured with urethane foam and are lightweight, they are incredibly durable and are designed for exterior use. They can withstand the elements and aren’t susceptible to splitting, rotting, or deterioration after a few years like real wood. What’s more, faux wood vigas are also resistant to termites and other insects, moisture, and ultraviolet rays.

How Much Do Vigas Cost?

The cost of Volterra vigas is determined by a variety of factors, including the type, size, finish, and whether they are solid or hollow. The cost of each viga is determined by your specific demands and installation criteria. An 8″ x 12″ hollow Flat End Viga without a flange and unpainted finish costs around $40 per viga. A 12” x 24” solid Tapered End Viga with a back plate and a dark walnut finish will cost just under $140.

How Do You Install Faux Vigas?

Volterra faux wood vigas are lightweight and easy to install for DIY homeowners who want to add the appearance of wood vigas without all the hassle. Our decorative vigas can fit onto existing rods or be installed with Volterra’s Viga Mounting Plate. Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to drill a hole in the center of each viga so that it will fit on the rod properly. It is recommended that adhesive is used to ensure a secure fit.

Volterra wood vigas are a great way to add new life and Southwestern-style to any home or building without spending thousands on expensive renovations. To learn more about faux wood vigas and other polyurethane architectural details manufactured by Volterra Architectural Products, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Faux Wood Beams For Popular Rooms

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Faux Wood Beams For Popular Rooms

Enhance Home Interior Design With Decorative Ceiling Beams

Installing wood ceiling beams is a great way to add interest and detail to the rooms in your home. Incorporating solid, natural wood ceiling beams into your interior design is not a cheap project, however. Fortunately, Volterra Architectural Products manufactures faux wood beams that offer the same look and interior enhancement of solid natural wood beams, but at a more affordable cost and without the installation and maintenance hassles. 

Volterra’s decorative ceiling beams are available in a wide selection of different styles, types, and finishes. This makes it easy to find faux wood beams for virtually any room interior. Below, we share some great options for the most popular rooms to install faux wood ceiling beams.

Master Bedroom

The look of exposed beams can bring a warming and comfort-boosting effect to a master bedroom.  The best faux wood beams for a master bedroom will be dependent on the interior design style and color scheme. For modern bedrooms, you can’t go wrong with Volterra’s Doug Fir or Majestic faux wood beams in a light or dark finish. Certain collections, including Rustic, Rough Sawn, and Hand Hewn faux wood beams look great in traditional or rustic spaces.

An image of Volterra’s faux wood beams installed in a bedroom.
An image of Volterra’s faux wood beams installed in a kitchen.

Kitchen 

The kitchen is often the most valued space in a home. Many people dream of having an elegant, open kitchen and faux wood beams can help you head in the right direction. Installing faux wood beams in the kitchen adds visual appeal to the space, creates balance, and helps improve functionality. Depending on the interior design goals of your kitchen, Rustic, Doug Fir, or any of the faux wood beam collections offered by Volterra should fit nicely.

Living Room

Living or family rooms are perfect for faux wood beams, especially those that have high cathedral ceilings. Installing them will add a sense of comfort and help contribute toward creating a space that is perfect for any occasion, from hosting guests to having a family movie night. When trying to determine which faux wood beams are best for your living area, consider the surrounding decor, the lighting the space receives, and your style preference. Volterra will have the perfect option.

An image of Volterra’s faux wood beams installed in a family room.
An image of Volterra’s faux wood beams installed in a hallway.

Hallway

Hallways aren’t really thought of when it comes to the interior design of a home. Sure, you can hang some photos or art on the wall and incorporate unique accent lighting, but other than that, there isn’t too much going on. However, installing faux wood beams is a great way to bring some depth to these long and narrow spaces. If you have a main hallway that has a lighter color scheme, any of Volterra’s faux wood beams in a darker finish will look great.

No matter what room you are wanting to enhance, faux wood beams from Volterra Architectural Products are a great way to transform the interior design of any space. Shop our collection of faux wood beams today or check out our faux steel beams or natural wood box beams. 

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Faux Ceiling Beam Ideas for Any Interior Design Styles

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Faux Ceiling Beam Ideas for Any Interior Design Styles

Enhance Your Interior Spaces With Decorative Ceiling Beams

Let’s face it, some things won’t ever budge from your dream home wish list, and ceiling beams are one of them. Exposed ceiling beams add textural detail and visual appeal in addition to a framing quality that makes other interior elements pop. If you have always wanted to incorporate ceiling beams in your home, decorative ceiling beams from Volterra Architectural Products are just what you need.


Volterra’s non-structural ceiling beams are available in a selection of different types and styles. Choose between faux steel ceiling beams, faux wood ceiling beams, and natural wood ceiling beams, each of which is available in different textures and finishes. With all the different options available, Volterra makes it easy to find faux ceiling beams for virtually any interior space! Here are some ideas to help you find interior-enhancing decorative beams no matter what the style is.

An image of dark Volterra faux wood beams in a modern farmhouse kitchen.

MODERN FARMHOUSE

If you think back to a few years ago, farmhouse-style interior design was all the rage. That style, however, has evolved into something that is a bit more modern. Modern farmhouse interior design is all about incorporating rustic elements in a fresh and airy way—think Joanna Gains! Both faux wood beams and natural wood box beams can help bring out the best elements in modern farmhouse design.

INDUSTRIAL

An urban look with an edge, industrial interior design is characterized by raw textures, exposed elements, and metal fixtures and finishes. It is a look that is popular in lofts and warehouses. The style emphasizes ample use of exposed steel with distressed wooden elements, frequently complemented by exposed brick walls. Volterra’s faux steel I beams can help you achieve an authentic industrial look. If steel isn’t the vibe you’re going for, decorative wood beams will look great too.

An image of Volterra’s faux steel I beams.
An image of Volterra’s rough sawn faux wood beams in an espresso finish.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional interior design is one of the industry’s most well-known styles. Traditional interiors use ornately detailed tables and chairs made from dark wood, drawing inspiration from 18th & 19th Century England and France. Decorative wood ceiling beams are a perfect addition to these spaces. They help bring out the underpinning elements and important pieces that are incorporated into the overall design of a space.

SOUTHWESTERN

Southwestern interior design encompasses the look of the “Wild West”. While the style melds together elements from multiple cultures and periods of history, it’s translatable to modern homes today. Southwestern interiors gather their inspiration from the soft lines of adobe houses, Spanish textiles, ironwork, and nature. It features various textures and warm color palettes as well. Any of Volterra’s decorative ceiling beams — faux steel, faux wood, or real wood — can be easily incorporated into Southwestern interiors.

An image of Volterra’s faux wood beams in Southwestern style interior design.

No matter what type of interior style you’re looking to enhance, Volterra’s collection of decorative ceiling beams are sure to bring depth and appeal to the space. Shop our selection today to find beams that will compliment your interior design and contact Volterra’s customer support team if you need assistance.

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3 Ways to Bring Natural Elements Into Your Home

Posted on by Volterra

Spending time in nature has the ability to ease the mind, reduce stress, and refresh the body. But depending on where you live, you may not be able to get to spend as much time immersed in nature as you would like. If this sounds all too familiar, adding natural elements into your home can help you bridge the gap between your abode and being outdoors.

Not only are natural elements a fantastic way to refresh your interior design, but they also can create a fresh, welcoming feel to your home. In this blog, we’ll share some great ways that you can bring natural and organic elements into your interior theme.

Purchase Houseplants

One of the easiest ways to bring nature into your home is to purchase houseplants. Introducing more greenery will enhance any space — not only do they add a decorative touch, but they can also improve your mood by filtering noxious pollutants from the air. Here are some great houseplants to consider incorporating into your interior design.

  • English Ivy – A glossy-leafed, dark green ivy plant can bring elegance and charm to any space. 
  • Fiddle-Leaf Fig – Easily recognizable and loved for its distinctive foliage, the Fiddle-Leaf Fig has very large, heavily-veined, violin-shaped leaves that grow upright.
  • Snake Plant – A snake plant is very easy to care for. Its architectural nature fits well with modern and contemporary interior designs.

There are so many different houseplants that would be great additions to your interior theme! Each has different care requirements regarding watering, sunlight, and temperature. Make sure you choose houseplants that you will be able to maintain to ensure that the spaces in your home are always fresh and vibrant.

Use Marble

Whatever your style, using marble elements is one of the easiest ways to refresh any space with a touch of natural, unexpected flair — plus a whole lot of class. Marble boasts a sophisticated color palette expertly refined by nature. Adding marble countertops in the kitchen, or a marble vanity in the bathroom, are both great ways to add an elegant-yet-natural finish to the most used spaces in your home. 

Install Real Wood Ceiling Beams and Planks

The look of natural wood can drastically enhance your interior spaces. Installing real wood ceiling beams and Tongue and Groove planks is a great way to create visual interest and bring a unique flair to your home. Whether used in the kitchen, living room, or the master bedroom, installing real wood beams on the ceiling is sure to bring a distinctive, austere elegance to any room. 

You can purchase real wood ceiling beams and planks from Volterra Architectural Products. Volterra’s selection of real wood beams are hand fabricated from natural timber. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your interior spaces. Additionally, if your space or budget cannot support natural timber beams, Volterra also manufactures a wide selection of durable, lightweight faux wood beams. 

If you enjoy being in nature and want to incorporate it into your humble abode, start with these three suggestions! If you’re interested in adding real wood beams to your interior spaces, check out the selection offered by Volterra Architectural Products today.