Bark Edge Antique Oak Timbers

The photo above shows a recent installation in one of our ranch projects. These unique timbers were sawn or hewn to function as heavy floor joists in 100 year old barns. Because they were laid flat, only the wide faces were “dressed” leaving the original log surface on the sides. Advantages resulting from their function is that when turned vertically they have virtually no wane and because they were not part of main timber frame they have little or no mortise pocketing. This material lends itself well to “elegant rustic” styles.

A wonderful choice for more informal projects, beams can be used flat as originally intended (at right) or set vertically to play up their irregular appearance as in photo above. Sizes on larger timbers are 8″ (+/-) thick and 12″ up to 14″ wide. Smaller beams are available 8″ (+/-) thick and approx 10″ wide.

The timbers at right are decked with Eastern White Pine slabs which we can provide as straight edge or bark edge in widths up to 24″. It doesn’t get more authentic than that!

As you can see in photos below we have access to a great selection and can satisfy fairly long lengths. Again, these are all 100 year old Oak and are sold pressure washed to patina finish, de-nailed, treated for insects and kiln dried (on lengths up to 20′-0″). Please contact us with any inquiries.

Texas Architectural Timbers supplied Perma-chink siding for an 1850s-era pioneer-style getaway cabin in the Texas hill country. The home was featured in the October 2009 issue of Residential Design & Build magazine.

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The Janka scale rates the relative hardness of wood. We have listed some of the most popular choices in wood flooring and included some more exotic species for your reference and comparison.

The higher the number, the harder the wood. These ratings were determined using the Janka Hardness Test which measures the side hardness measure of the force required to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. This is one of the best measures of the ability of wood species to withstand denting and wear. It is also a good indicator of how hard a species is to saw or nail.

This should only be used as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. Depending on where the wood is harvested the results may vary. Plank construction and finish are also important factors when determining the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor.

JANKA RATING – WOOD SPECIES (Hardest to Softest)

3684	Brazilian Walnut /Ipe
2345	Mesquite
1820	Hickory and Pecan
1450	Hard / Sugar Maple
1360	White Oak
1320	White Ash
1300	American Beech
1290	Northern Red Oak
1260	Yellow Birch
1225	Yellow Heart Pine
1010	American Walnut
1000	Teak
950	American  Cherry
900	Cedar
870	Southern Yellow Pine (Longleaf)
860	American Red Elm
770	Sycamore
690	S.Yellow Pine (Loblolly & Shortleaf)
660	Douglas Fir
540	Chestnut
540	Poplar
380	Eastern White Pine

Bamboo flooring is becoming more popular as a sustainable and “green” alternative to wood materials. Is bamboo better? Treehugger.com explains:

Tipster Brad installed a bamboo floor and says “The environmental benefits are great, but the flooring itself is awful”. We have had mixed experiences with it ourselves and decided to look more closely.

Before we look at the environmental issues, let’s look at its utility- is it all it is cracked up to be? One of the major benefits touted by vendors is how hard and tough it is. It’s Not.

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New Kiln Dried Eastern White Pine Timbers milled to your specifications

New Kiln Dried Douglas Fir Timbers – #1 and Select Grades. KD Southern Yellow Pine also available at very competitive pricing.

Factory milled decorative cuts and finishes are available on Kiln Dried Products
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Antique wood has many advantages over traditional building materials. Check out our list of reasons to consider antique timbers for your next project! (more…)