When it comes to adding drama and charm to a space, exposed ceiling beams are a popular choice. The natural beauty of wood beams has the power to transform the look and feel of any room.
However, deciding when to use faux ceiling beams instead of solid ceiling beams can be a challenge. While solid wood offers a traditional feel, faux beams often provide a versatile, easy-to-install, and more affordable alternative.
Whether you're updating a space or starting new, knowing the advantages of each option will help you decide what's best for your next project.
In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of faux wood beams versus solid wood beams to help you achieve the perfect balance of style, function, and cost.
What are Faux Wood Ceiling Beams?
Hewn Faux Wood Beams in Log
Made from high-density polyurethane foam, faux wood beams are hollow, decorative beams that are meticulously finished to mimic the look and texture of real wood.
Our collection of faux beams is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, with great attention to detail. Then, each beam is hand-painted by in-house artisans to be practically indistinguishable from real wood. Designed to be easy to install, faux wood beams have become a popular alternative to solid wood beams.
What are Natural Wood Beams?
Real wood beams in a bedroom
Natural wood beams are made from real solid wood. Like faux beams, solid beams can completely transform the look of a room, change the perspective of a room, or enhance a room’s best features.
A hollow real wood box beam can cost less than a solid wood beam. However, real wood beams are generally more expensive than faux wood.
When it comes to installation, solid wood beams are very heavy and will require a professional to install.
Pros and Cons of Faux Wood Beams vs. Solid Wood Beams
Often, solid wood beams are too heavy and expensive for homeowners or business owners to even consider. But, before you decide whether faux beams or solid wood beams are right for your project, read through the pros and cons of each.
Pros of Faux Beams
The benefits offered when using faux beams include:
- Low-maintenance. Faux beams do not need to be stained or painted; they retain the look of natural wood without any alteration. They’re easy to clean and don’t require routine sealing or maintenance.
- Pest-resistant. Unlike solid wood, faux wood is not consumable by wood-boring pests.
- Weather-resistant. Faux wood is durable enough to withstand normal weather conditions, and won’t crack, chip, or fade in the sun.
- Budget-friendly. Compared to solid wood beams, faux wood beams are cheaper to purchase, ship, install, and maintain.
- Lightweight. Faux wood beams are lightweight, making it easy to lift them on your own.
- Easy to install. Installing faux beams is a simple, DIY project for anyone looking to save money on a contractor.
- Functional. Hide unsightly electrical wires, ductwork, and structural beams inside a hollow faux beam.
- Available in several styles. Faux beams come in 8 different styles. Whether you’re looking to achieve farmhouse chic or a contemporary minimalist design, there's a beam to suit your unique taste. Need help deciding which one? Check out our helpful comparison tool.
- Available in authentic colors. Every available color highlights the nicks, notches, and wood grain texture of the beam. If you don’t see the color you want, order your beams unfinished. Unfinished beams arrive at your doorstep ready to be painted or stained.
- Customizable. Faux wood beams are custom-made to your exact length, width, and height specifications. This allows you to select the dimensions that complement your room's proportions and architectural style.
- Versatile. Because of their design, faux beams have a variety of uses. Install them along your vaulted ceilings to give your space a dramatic effect, or position them horizontally for a comfortable, welcoming feel.
Cons of Faux Beams
In very few applications, you may find some disadvantages of using faux beams:
- Do not offer structural support. Faux beams are not designed to support anything heavy.
- May not be appropriate in historic homes. Installing faux wood beams in a historical home could make the home look and feel historically inappropriate.
Pros of Solid Wood Beams
The advantages of using solid wood beams may include:
- Can provide structural support. Solid wood beams are strong and can provide enough support to stabilize a wall or even a foundation.
- Natural beauty and authenticity. Solid wood has true character, featuring distinct grain patterns, knots, and textures. These elements add depth and warmth to any space, making them a popular choice for those seeking a truly unique aesthetic.
Cons of Solid Wood Beams
Be aware of the drawbacks to choosing real wood, like:
- Difficult to install. Very few homeowners are prepared to install a solid wood beam on their own and need help from a contractor.
- May require more maintenance. Over time, you may need to repaint or restain a solid wood beam. While real wood is strong and durable, it requires a lot of added attention. This includes annual sealing, periodic re-staining, and re-painting, as well as other treatments to stay healthy.
- Vulnerable to wood-boring pests. Real, solid wood attracts wood-eating pests. This can become a dangerous situation, especially if the beam provides structural stability.
- Expensive. Solid wood beams can be expensive and cost-prohibitive.
Installing Faux Wood Beams vs. Solid Wood Beams
Whether you install solid beams or faux beams, the final product is going to be impressive. However, the installation process itself is important to consider when comparing faux wood beams and solid wood beams. Understanding the differences in installation methods can help you decide which option is best for your project.
Faux Wood Beams Installation
One of the notable advantages of a faux beam ceiling is that they are lightweight, which makes them much easier to handle during installation. Because of their hollow design, faux wood beams are significantly lighter than solid wood beams, reducing the physical strain and manpower required for installation.
Faux wood beams often come with user-friendly installation options, including DIY solutions. AZ Faux provides detailed beam installation instructions and sells faux beam accessories like faux iron straps and caulk to add authenticity to your installation.
Solid Wood Beams Installation
On the other hand, installing solid wood beams presents some unique challenges.
Compared to faux wood beams, solid wood beams can weigh hundreds of pounds. Given their weight, solid wood beams require professional installation, especially for larger or more complex projects.
One of the most important considerations with solid wood beams is the impact the additional weight will have on the structure of your home. If you use solid wood beams, consult a structural engineer to ensure that the building can withstand the additional load safely.
The installation process is crucial to determining the feasibility and practicality of incorporating beams into your project. Faux wood beams offer a lightweight and accessible installation process, making them suitable for DIY enthusiasts, architects, and designers alike!
Faux Beams or Solid Wood Beams: Which Is Best?
Old Tuscan Beam in Walnut
Solid wood beams are best when there is a need for real structural support. To offer support, the beam must be installed at the time of construction.
Talk to your building contractor and structural engineer if you're building a home and would like to include exposed wooden beams.
Installing solid wood beams after the home has already been constructed is difficult and would require help from a contractor who knows how to do the job safely, without damaging the structure, or your property.
In an already existing home, faux beams are usually the optimal choice. They're easier to install, and they cost far less money. They're also the best option if the home doesn’t need structural support.
The same is true of commercial businesses. Often, the best non-residential structures for wooden beams are places like restaurants, banquet halls, churches, and retail stores. Wood is warm, comforting, and can make guests and patrons feel at home.
In existing commercial buildings, faux beams are easy and inexpensive to install. As in homes, they draw the eye upward and create a sense of loftiness. They can decorate a ceiling, or reinforce a sense of beauty in the structure.
Faux Wood Beams: The Smart Choice for Stunning Interiors
Old Barn Faux Wood Beams in Cappuccino
At AZ Faux, we provide high-quality faux wood beams to business owners and homeowners just like you. Our products are nearly indistinguishable from solid wood.
They offer all the characteristics of solid wood, including texture, wood grain, warmth of character, and bold, dark beauty. And, on top of looks, you'll never have to worry about damage from pests or time-consuming maintenance.
Click below to view our faux wood beams and start envisioning your room transformation!