Project Spotlight: Adding Character with Barnwood Ceiling Beams

When considering home upgrades, we often think of floors, walls, or furniture—but what about the ceiling? It’s easy to overlook, but ceiling details can completely transform a space. That’s what happened at our client's home in Fitchburg, where we installed Wisconsin-made hollow barnwood beams to add warmth, character, and architectural charm.

The homeowner had admired ceiling beams for years and knew they would bring the rustic-industrial feel she wanted. But they also served another purpose—her ceiling had some visible imperfections that weren’t structural, just signs of an aging home. Instead of patching and repainting (again), she saw an opportunity to turn the ceiling into a standout design feature.

Bringing the Design to Life

For this project, the homeowner chose 100-year-old traditional circle hollow box beams from Forever Barnwood, a Wisconsin-based company that custom-cuts beams to fit each project. These beams offer the look of solid reclaimed wood but are much lighter, making installation easier and more cost-effective.

The design included:

• Two ridge box beams running through the center of the main living area

• Four side box beams, two on each side of the room, forming “A” shapes

  
  

Once the layout was set, we installed the beams, ensuring proper spacing and alignment for a balanced, natural look. One key finishing touch was adding strapping to cover a seam in the center beam, making everything look seamless.

Why Hollow Box Barnwood Beams?

If you’re considering a ceiling upgrade, hollow box beams are an excellent choice because they:

• Are lightweight & easy to install – No need for structural reinforcement

• Look just like solid wood – All the charm, none of the heavy lifting

• Budget-friendly – A cost-effective way to get a custom, high-end look

• Can enhance any room – Not just for living rooms—beams add depth and character to kitchens, foyers, bedrooms, and basements

• Suit many home styles – From modern farmhouse and rustic to industrial and traditional, Forever Barnwood offers a range of finishes to match your aesthetic

Are you curious to see these colors and finishes in person? Contact us for a free design consultation, and we'll explore the complete Forever Barnwood sample kit in your space.

Raise the Bar (and the Beams) on Your Ceiling Design!

Ceiling details are often overlooked, but as this project showed, they can make a huge impact. Hollow box barnwood beams are a simple way to hide imperfections, add rustic charm, and bring architectural interest to your home. So next time you walk into a room—look up! If your ceiling could use a little love, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.