All About Faux Wood Beams (Plus 35 AMAZING Examples)โฆ
Today, youโre going to get the scoop on faux wood beams. Weโll discuss the faux beam โwhat,โ โwhere,โ โhow,โ and โwhy.โ
Although, Iโm pretty sure you already understand the โwhyโ. And that is if youโre a person who canโt help but beam ๐every time you catch a glimpse of a ceiling beam, then you already got that โwhyโ figured out. And boy, can I relate! You and I are in the same ceiling beam gawking boat, friend!
Of course, thatโs not the ONLY โwhyโ. The other important reason why faux wood beams are something that you may want to consider is that they cost a FRACTION of what a real, solid wood ceiling beam will cost you. Thatโs right. Faux wood beams will cost you on the order of 5 times LESS than what a solid, wood ceiling beam would cost. Am I piquing your interest in exploring this faux variety of ceiling beam?
If you already know youโre planning to install some beams in your own home, then make the project easierโฆ
Get a free printable copy of the faux beam supply list and installation tips & tricks sent to you now.
First, hereโs a peek at some of the REAL gorgeous-ness that faux beams can offerโฆ
What are faux beams?
The term โfaux beamโ is used to describe any ceiling beam that is not a true, structural member of your home. There are faux ceiling beams that are made of wood, as well as ceiling beams that are NOT made of wood.
1. WOOD faux ceiling beams
Creating a faux beam using real wood is very common. Faux beams have several possible shapes, and ALL of them are hollow (which makes them lighter and easier to install than a real wood beam of comparable size). Faux beams are constructed in one of several ways. These include: U-shaped (3-finished sides), L-shaped (2-finished sides) or box beam (4-finished sides).
Making DIY faux beams using wood is a pretty popular and common DIY project. In fact, many of the ceiling beam ideas shared in this post are DIY projects (and are noted as such).
DIYโers typically make their faux beams from off-the-shelf lumber you can pick up at your local home improvement store. Many people also make faux beams from reclaimed wood (be still my beating heart).
Faux beams made from wood are not always DIY, of course. You can find gorgeous faux beams available for sale, as well. Many of the examples below are beams that were purchased. These, of course, will come with a higher price tag, but for those without the DIY confidence or time, this may be a great option.
2. NON-WOOD faux beams
The other variation of faux ceiling beams is the kind NOT made from wood. โWell then what the heck are they made of?โ you ask. HDF.
Faux wood beams that are NOT made of wood are made of High-Density Foam.
YES, foam.
And that material is one of the biggest PROS (in my opinion) for opting for this variety of faux ceiling beam. โBecause?โ you ask. Because they are SOOO much lighter than wood.
And THAT means less back pain and less likelihood of taking a painful blow on the head when youโre installing said beam ๐.
How are faux wood beams made?
1. Ceiling beams (made of wood)
Faux wood beams are typically made using basic lumber (often 1ร6โs) that can be purchased at your closest home improvement store. The off-shelf lumber is often distressed using things like chains, hammers, nails, even saws. This gives the lumber a more rustic appearance, and thereby closer to the look of a real wood ceiling beam.
The lumber is then stained to whatever color/shading that you like. Often, several different stains are used in order to make the beams look more realistic since real wood doesnโt have a uniform color.
Donโt forget to grab your printable supply list & installation tips & tricks guide. Itโs free!
Once the store-bought lumber is sufficiently distressed and stained, it is assembled into either a โUโ โLโ or box, depending on how many sides of the faux wood beam will be visible when installed.
If the faux beam will be installed in a corner, then an โLโ will be used, as only two sides of the ceiling beam will be visible. If the ceiling beam will be tight to the ceiling, then an โLโ will be constructed, as three sides will be visible after installation. Finally, a โboxโ beam, with 4-finished sides is used when the beam hangs below ceiling level. This is often used on cathedral ceilings or vaulted ceilings.
As mentioned before, faux wood ceiling beams can also be made using reclaimed wood. This wood is often harder to work with because it is warped, thick, knotty (i.e. all the reasons itโs gorgeous). Because of this, itโs more common to see reclaimed beams purchased instead of DIYโed.
2. Faux Wood Beams (made of HDF)
There is a great video lower down in this post that describes the process of high-density foam ceiling beams being made. But the gist is that a mold of an ACTUAL wood beam is taken, and a foam beam is created from that mold. Then, just as with faux beams made of wood, these faux beams made of foam are stained and made into varieties of the same shapes (L, U, and box).
Creating a faux wood beam from HDF is not a DIY project. And for someone like me, who is ALWAYS on the DIY train, this product and project is a bit of a divergence. But hereโs the deal. I donโt know about you, but Iโm guessing if youโre anything like we are here, 9 times out of 10, you choose to DIY in order to save money.
What if I told you that often, faux wood beams or HDF beams that you purchase will cost the same if not LESS than the DIY variety made from wood?
YES! So, as thatโs the case, then sure, Iโll take back the hours upon hours Iโd spend buying, distressing, assembling, and staining the wood. PLUS, in my opinion, many of the foam ceiling beams look MORE realistic and prettier than the wood versions. But that is purely subjective. I will let you form your own opinion on that front (and NONE of the ceiling beams shown in this particular write-up is anything short of very attractive).
So letโs move into some GORGEOUS photos of beams we can beam at togetherโฆbut donโt forget!
Grab the free guide for the faux beams project now! Click here or on the pic belowโฆyour guide will be sent immediately!โคต๏ธ
35 Gorgeous Examples of Faux Wood Beams
Youโll be able to analyze these faux ceiling beams in two different groups. First, weโll look at the ceiling beams made with HDF (foam). Following these, there are examples of ceiling beams made from real wood. Any project that is a DIY will be noted as such.
Also note: Many of the examples shown in this post come directly from vendors. The reason for that? There are LOTS of images of gorgeous ceiling beams on the internet. That said, there is NOT an over-abundance of images that give us detailed information about the ceiling beams.
In order to be sure that you are getting reliable, accurate information, I am sharing ONLY images that specifically state WHAT the material is from which the ceiling beams are made. A great place to find information like this is from companies who sell faux ceiling beams!
I do not have any relationship with any of these companies listed. If I include a companyโs products in this post, it is only because I like the look of their beams!
Faux Wood Ceiling Beams: High-Density Foam Examples
1. Heathered Nest (thatโs us!)
Yep. These are the beams were the product of mine and my husbandโs mutual obsession with beams. Our love beam, if you will. I am highlighting a close-up shot here to show you how realistic this HDF beam looks. Even with your eyeballs on top of this beam, it looks nothing short of real.
Friends are continuously bowled over in shock when we tell them that the beams arenโt real (and that a 12โฒ beam weighed less than 10 lbs!).
Weโve written a detailed tutorial on how to install faux ceiling beams (made of HDF) if you want to check that out. Bottom line? In our opinion, this material is not only economical and realistic, but it was VERY easy to work with as compared to the alternative (real wood faux beams or real wood beams). Weโd use these ceiling beams again in a hot second.
2. Ekena Millwork
Ekena is one of the manufacturers for this type of ceiling beam, and this particular shot was found on their Instagram account. I love the look of these faux beams, donโt you? The color and rough-hewn type finish make the beam look like something that was just taken off a barn today, even though the beam is actually made of foam.
3. Finish Carpentry TV (YouTube Video)
This YouTube video is very helpful in terms of showing you how faux beams are installed. It also shows you a type of HDF faux beam that comes UNSTAINED so that you can completely customize your color and finish. It shows the process of staining the fake beam, which I found very interesting since that wasnโt something that we had to do with our own beam installation.
4. Beneath My Heart
Traci used ceiling beams in her master bathroom not only because they look amazing, but also because they had a structural element in the ceiling they needed to mask. These high-density foam beams became the perfect solution in more ways than one!
5. KGD Designs
I left the caption in this gorgeous Instagram post from KGD Designs because it totally captures the essence of these products. She also shares the vendor info for this particular beam used on a cathedral ceiling, which is stunning.
6. OWT Faux Wood Beams
This is the same faux beam manufacturer that made the ceiling beams in the image above. And this is another gorgeous and very rustic-looking beam.
Do you see how the cross-beams are hanging below the ceiling? This would be an installation that likely calls for a box-beam or 4-sided beam in those spots. That said, if the ceiling is high enough, you could also get away with a 3-sided, or U-shape beam in this situation if a visitorโs line of sight canโt get high enough that theyโd see the top of the beam.
7. Volterra Products
Get ready for a slew of HDF faux wood beam options from this manufacturer. They carry a BUNCH of beautiful beams with a really wide array of styles and looks.
The image below is one of their commercial installations featured on their Instagram account, and not only are the faux beams lovely, but I ADORED the design concept! Isnโt that such an interesting and swoon-worthy ceiling thanks to the installation pattern?
8. Volterra Products
Rustic, but not overly-so beamsโฆmore modern lines in this modern farmhouse-vibed living room.
9. Volterra Products
I love these before and after shots shared in their galleryโฆdonโt the beams take this space from kind of builder-grade, dated 1990s to a super sleek, modern update? But the beams provide so much warmth and visual interest coupled with that concrete fireplace. Such a pretty look.
10. Naked Kitchen Ceiling No More
Another great before and after if I do say so myselfโฆand I do say so, since this is my own before and after ;). Itโs almost like you donโt realize how naked a ceiling can look before you add some ceiling beams. The faux beams not only warm up the room and add a ton of visual appeal, but they actually make the space look more spacious.
11. Volterra Products
I wish there was a before shot for this one, too because I think the impact would be unreal! These faux wood beams make this lovely outdoor living area look so rich and luxurious, donโt they?
12. Volterra Products
Create a coffered ceiling with faux wood beams. Isnโt this ceiling head over heels breathtaking?
13. Volterra Products
The ceiling beams absolutely make this space. Without them, there would be such a huge expanse of boring, white nothingness. These beams are the perfect color to coordinate with the floor. The scale is perfect as well. Theyโre big beams, for a big space.
14. FauxWoodBeams.com
This company is not sponsoring this post (nor are any others mentioned here), but I think this promotional video is helpful in that it describes how faux beams made from foam are fabricated, as well as discusses some other aspects of the product such as durability and how they are finished.
15. Laundry Room Gets Some Love
When we updated our kitchen, we decided to give the laundry room a little love, too. How? Added a few faux beams, for one thing. Look how much this one item elevates this otherwise kinda boring space.
16. Architectural Depot
Muted farmhouse decor accented beautifully by these faux ceiling beams.
17. Architectural Depot
The ceiling beams in this kitchen have such a huge impact. They not only make the space look larger, but taller as well. And they draw attention toward the pretty pendant lighting which would have gotten lost in the shuffle if they were hanging below an all-white ceiling
18. AZ Faux Beams
Donโt these ceiling beams create such a rich, bright look here in this kitchen, installed to create a coffered look?
19. AZ Faux Beams
Faux wood beams in an office with more of a sleek, modern look. Holes can easily be cut in this material in order to hang lighting/electrical under the ceiling beams, as seen below with this glass bubble chandelier, similar to the one we have in our foyer.
20. The Handmade Home
The Handmade Home uses beams from time to time in their renovations, and I love the results whenever theyโre used. These faux beams are in their own kitchen redo, and they are from AZ Faux Beams. They mention in their write-up that friends comment all the time on their beams, and when they hear they are fake, they canโt believe it. I know that story well since itโs the same exact thing that happens here.
21. Innovative Beam Concepts
In the draft of this post, I had placed these ceiling beams in the wrong category, thinking they were wood. Nope. They are HDF as well. So hard to tell, right?
22. Innovative Beam Concepts
Isnโt this a great idea for creating a more defined, dramatic outdoor space? YES, these beams can be used outdoors, too!
Faux Wood Ceiling Beams: Examples Made of WOOD
Now letโs move on to some faux beams that are actually made using wood. If the project being shown is a DIY project, it will be noted so that you can check out the tutorials.
23. Prodigal Pieces | Simple DIY Ceiling Beams
Larissa and her husband show you exactly how they made (and you can, too) beautiful faux ceiling beams from regular pine 2ร6โs. No box or U-shape needed. This option is perfect for situations with lower ceiling heights.
24. My Vintage Porch | DIY U-faux beams)
Natalie will teach you how she and her family created these faux U-beams using 1ร8โs for her gorgeous master bedroom. Definitely check out the finished project, because itโs stunning, but I like this in-process shot because it shows you the process of installation.
A piece of lumber is fastened to the ceiling into the joists, then the faux beam is screwed into that piece of wood. You can see in this shot how the ceiling joists have been marked off with painterโs tape so itโs easy to know during install where they are.
25. Angela Rose DIY Home
Itโs hard for me to tell for sure from this pic, but if that beam is located in a corner, then it could be an example of an L-shaped faux beam as only 2 of the sides are visible.
26. Blesser House for Remodelaholic
My friend Lauren and her hubs framed out the doorway between their kitchen and family room with a faux beam and surround. Their tutorial is over at Cassityโs blog, Remodelaholic.
27. Schrockโs Custom Woodworking
Isnโt this amazing? These box beams are crafted from real woodโฆangles, curves, and all.
28. Sers Woodwork
Big, chunky, hard to ignore faux beams, likely a U-shape crafted from wood.
29. KGD Designs
Adding faux beams to a cathedral ceiling is such an impactful way to draw the eye up. Gorgeous design by KGD.
30. Jenna Sue Design (DIY kitchen faux wood beams)
Jenna Sue writes a tutorial on creating and installing U-shaped faux beams made from1x6โs on her kitchen ceiling in a previous home. She liked them so much, she decided to add them in another space, as well which youโll see below.
Iโm including an in-process shot here so once again you can see the installation process in full swing. But you have to head over to her blog so you can see the reveal for both this space and her master bedroom, which is next. They turn out so beautifully.
Pssstโฆdonโt leave here empty-handed! Grab your copy of our free faux beams project guide now! Click here or below on the image. Your guide will be sent immediatelyโคต๏ธ
31. Jenna Sue Design (master bedroom DIY faux ceiling beams)
Hereโs Jenna Sue again, this time installing faux beams, also made of regular old, off the shelf lumber, into her old master bedroom. She uses wainscoting/beadboard on both ceilings. The faux beams create a great, aesthetically-pleasing way of covering up the seams between sheets of beadboard.
32. Fraser Wood Elements
Substantial, gorgeous faux ceiling beams crafted from reclaimed barn wood.
33. Schrocks Custom Woodworking
Lovely, rustic detail on these wood faux beams.
34. Ashley Beseda
An easy way to visually set off and separate one area of a home with an open floor plan from anotherโฆa simple faux ceiling beam.
35. Waters Edge Woods
Beautiful woodwork here on a vaulted ceiling with beams.
36. Bakers Nest
Pay attention to the caption of this Instagram post by Katie! She details an entire tutorial for creating this DIY faux beam look at home!
And there you have it, weโve covered all the โwhat,โ โwhere,โ โhow,โ and โwhyโ bases on the topic of faux wood beams. I hope this post has helped you understand the world of ceiling beams a bit better.
Looking for more beautiful (and budget-friendly) home decorating ideas? Be sure to check these out, too!
And hopefully, the visuals have helped you decide which path youโd like to pursue in your own faux beam quest! Adding ceiling beams is such a great way to add depth, warmth, interest, and texture to your home on a budget.
If you decide to add some beams, Iโd sure love to hear about it! Drop a comment below, or tag me on social media. You can even add a picture and comment on the Pinterest pin! Thanks so much for stopping in!!
Pin this post for later! And if decide to use a faux beam, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this project, too!
Pssstโฆbefore you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of โBuilder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!โ Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be sent right away!
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