Author: MacIntosh Jennifer

The Benefits of High-Quality All-Wood Engineered Box Beams

In the world of home design and architecture, the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials is ever-growing. Sonoma Millworks offers reclaimed and FSC all-wood box beams which feature a multitude of benefits that go beyond their aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for various construction and design projects.

1. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
   Using reclaimed wood is an environmentally responsible choice. It reduces the demand for newly harvested timber, thereby helping to preserve forests and reduce deforestation. We repurpose wood from historic buildings, barns, wine production inner staves, fallen tree slabs, and other structures. We give new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. 
2. Unique Character and Aesthetic Appeal
   Reclaimed wood beams carry a historical provenance and uniqueness that new wood cannot replicate. Each piece has its own distinct texture, grain pattern, and color variations, adding character and charm to any space. The weathered look and rich patina of reclaimed wood can create a warm, rustic atmosphere. Additionally, we customize all-wood engineered box beams to achieve a more contemporary or traditional look, depending on your design needs. We offer custom stain options along with finished beams that are modern or rustic per your design preference. 
3. Strength and Durability
   We offer high-quality reclaimed wood, available from old-growth trees, which are denser and stronger than many new timber sources. The all-wood engineered box beams from Sonoma Millworks, are designed to provide superior structural integrity, for long-lasting use. 
4. Versatility in Design
   Reclaimed wood and engineered box beams are incredibly versatile. They can be used in various architectural styles, from rustic and farmhouse to modern and industrial. We custom-cut and fabricate custom box beams and column wraps to fit specific design requirements, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including ceilings, walls, and exterior design elements. 
5. Cost-Effective
   While the initial cost of high-quality reclaimed wood or engineered box beams may be higher than some other materials, their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements can lead to cost savings over time. Additionally, the unique and high-end look they provide can increase the overall value of your property.
6. Easy Installation
   Engineered box beams from Sonoma Millworks, are designed for ease of installation. They are lighter than solid wood beams, making them easier to handle and install. This can reduce labor costs and time on construction projects, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits.

Whether it’s for you or your clients, opting for high-quality all-wood engineered box beams can add functionality and beauty for those who value sustainability, unique aesthetics, strength, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. Handcrafted FSC and reclaimed all-wood box beams not only enhance the visual appeal of your space but also contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts. Whether you’re renovating a home or designing a new building, these box beams and tapered column posts offer a blend of beauty and functionality that is hard to match.

For more information about where to purchase high-quality custom box beams near Sonoma County, Healdsburg, Marin County, Easy Bay, South Bay, Monterey Peninsula, Bay Area, and more Click Here

Salvaged Bay Laurel is a wonderful choice for your custom countertop or table

One characteristic which makes this wood particularly special is how slowly it grows, taking centuries for the trees to reach full maturity. The wood of the myrtle is exceptionally dense and fine-grained. Myrtle wood has many faces from big ribbons to tight fiddleback , and it goes by many names locally here on the North coast such as California Bay Laurel, California Pepper Wood or Myrtle. Depending upon your chosen finish, the tones can be rich and vibrant or warm and neutral. 

The California Bay Laurel is a distinctive tree in California. The only native species in the ancient family Lauraceae to occur in the state. Its range runs from the Umpqua River in Oregon along the Pacific Coast ranges where it reaches its greatest size and into the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. It is a companion tree found in redwood and mixed conifer habitats. 

Example: The below Bay Laurel slab was taken from a wind fall on the border of Sonoma and Mendocino County. Its age was estimated at 110 years.

Tell us about your custom Bay Laurel Countertop or Table Top needs for an estimate presentation.

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Reclaimed from Beaulieu Vineyard with historical provenance

For decades the barrel room at Beaulieu Vineyards contained large redwood tanks (over 100 years old) which at one time were used for fermenting large lots of wine. These were stored all the way up until around 2017 when they were finally removed. It was at this time that Sonoma Millworks was able to reclaim their redwood tanks as a means to give them new life.

Old Growth Redwood 

At Sonoma Millworks, our old growth, Patina Redwood Wine Tank reclaimed wood is in rare supply. Old growth Redwood comes from very large vintage trees that grew over centuries in relatively undisturbed forests. These 900+ year old trees grew slowly due to shade and competition from larger trees. As a result, they have tighter growth rings and denser wood.  Today, old growth Redwood is scarce after extensive logging from the 1850’s up until the 1980’s. Due to its availability at the time, Redwood was readily used as a vessel to transport wine on ships up the coast of California.

LINK to our Redwood Wine Tank Barn Door on our website for reference

LINK Beaulieu Vineyard