Understanding the Differences Before You Buy
If you've been shopping for a fireplace mantel, you've probably come across three different types of beams:
- Solid real wood beams
- Hollow wood beams
- Faux concrete beams
At first glance, they can all look similar in photographs, but they are built very differently and each has its own advantages.
At Anthony Shields & Sons, we currently build solid reclaimed wood beam mantels and hollow reclaimed wood beam mantels. We do not currently offer faux concrete beams, although they certainly have their place in some homes and design styles.
The best choice depends on your budget, your installation, and the look you're trying to achieve.
Solid Real Wood Beams
Nothing compares to a genuine reclaimed wood beam.
Every beam carries decades of history in its grain, knots, weathering, saw marks, and natural imperfections. No two are ever identical.
Because they are carved from real reclaimed timbers, solid beams have incredible presence and authenticity that instantly become the focal point of a room.
Advantages
- Authentic reclaimed wood
- Maximum character
- Extremely durable
- Completely unique
- Can last for generations
Considerations
- Heavier to install
- More material required
- Large beams can become quite heavy
For many homeowners, the weight is simply part of owning a true reclaimed timber.
Hollow Wood Beams
Many people hear the word "hollow" and assume it means lower quality.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
Our hollow wood beams are built entirely from real solid wood.
We use thick 1-inch boards, not thin veneers or composite materials. We also install real end-grain pieces on both ends of the mantel instead of simply covering the opening with another flat board, creating an authentic appearance from every angle.
Years ago we assembled our hollow beams using traditional 45-degree miter joints. While this looked attractive initially, distressing the edges to create a naturally aged appearance often revealed the joint.
Today we've adopted a much better construction method.
Our boards meet with straight joints, placing the seams on the top and bottom of the beam where they are far less noticeable. Because the joint follows the natural grain of the wood, it virtually disappears after finishing while creating a cleaner and stronger assembly.
The result is a beam that looks remarkably similar to a solid timber while remaining lighter and easier to install.
Why Aren't Hollow Beams Much Cheaper?
This surprises many customers.
A hollow beam uses less wood than a solid beam, so people naturally assume it should cost much less.
In reality, the opposite happens during production.
A solid beam requires more material.
A hollow beam requires considerably more craftsmanship.
Every board must be selected, milled, assembled, reinforced, fitted with authentic end grain, sanded, distressed, stained and finished before it ever resembles a reclaimed timber.
Because of the additional labour involved, the prices of our solid and hollow beams remain relatively close, especially in smaller sizes.
As beam sizes increase, however, hollow beams begin to offer greater savings because much less reclaimed wood is required while maintaining the same appearance.
Do Hollow Beams Look Different?
Not once they're finished.
Both our solid and hollow beams receive the same attention to detail.
They are distressed using the same techniques.
They receive the same stains.
The same finishes.
The same hand craftsmanship.
Most visitors to your home would never know which version you selected simply by looking at it.
Faux Concrete Beams
Faux concrete beams are an entirely different product.
Rather than using wood, these mantels are manufactured to resemble poured concrete.
They've become increasingly popular in modern, industrial and minimalist homes.
Although we don't currently manufacture concrete mantels, they certainly have advantages depending on the style of the room.
Advantages
- Modern appearance
- Lightweight
- Consistent finish
- Excellent for contemporary interiors
- No wood movement over time
Considerations
- No natural wood grain
- No reclaimed wood character
- Doesn't provide the warmth that real wood offers
- Limited to concrete-inspired designs
If you're designing an ultra-modern home, a concrete mantel may be exactly what you're looking for.
If you're looking for warmth, history and natural character, reclaimed wood offers something concrete simply cannot replicate.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Solid Wood Beam if you want:
Maximum authenticity
A true reclaimed timber
The greatest amount of natural character
A centerpiece built to last generations
Choose a Hollow Wood Beam if you want:
Real reclaimed wood
The same handcrafted appearance
Easier installation
Less weight
Better value on larger sizes
Choose a Faux Concrete Beam if you want:
A modern architectural appearance
A concrete aesthetic
Contemporary or minimalist design
Our Philosophy
At Anthony Shields & Sons, we don't believe there's only one right answer.
That's why we offer both solid reclaimed wood beams and hollow reclaimed wood beams.
Both are handcrafted by our family using authentic reclaimed wood.
Both receive the same finishes, distressing techniques and attention to detail.
Both become beautiful centerpieces that add warmth, character and history to your home.
The only real question is which one is the better fit for your project.
Which One Would We Choose?
If someone asked us whether we'd install a solid beam or a hollow beam in our own home, our answer would be simple.
Either one.
Both are made from authentic reclaimed wood.
Both have the same character.
Both are handcrafted the same way and finished with the same care.
For smaller mantels, many homeowners choose solid simply because the price difference is small. As the beam gets larger, hollow wood beams become increasingly attractive because they offer the same appearance with less weight and often a lower price.
Whichever option you choose, you'll be getting a handcrafted reclaimed wood mantel built one at a time by our family, designed to become part of your home for generations.