Local Lumber: Beams
Here are some common answers to questions about the beams we sell for timber frame and post-and-beam projects.
Do you cut beams for timber frame and post and beams projects?
Yes, we specialize in large beams for timber frame projects and buildings.
Do you cut boxed heart or free-of-heart (FOH) beams?
Yes, we do both.
What species do you cut or recommend for timberframe buildings?
We cut mostly Southern Yellow Pine for timberframe buildings and components. We will source and cut red and white oak upon request.
What’s the maximum length that you can cut?
The maximum beam length we cut is 26’6”.
Do you have a minimum order for lumber orders?
Our minimum order size for softwood lumber is 400 board feet. Our minimum order size for hardwood lumber is 200 board feet. Our minimum order size for millwork packages is 400 board feet. After you’ve made your order, we will cut whatever small quantities you need to finish.
Do you provide grade-stamping or inspection services?
We hire a third-party company, Timber Products Inspection, to do lumber grading and/or inspections. Note that a licensed architect or engineer often has the authority to require specific (ungraded) dimensions in a residential or commercial construction project.
Are your beams graded?
No, off-the-mill, they are not graded. However, we aim to provide lumber that exceeds grade-stamping standards.
Can you deliver?
Yes, we can arrange for your beams to be delivered to your job site. If your jobsite is in the Triangle/Triad area, and your beams are 20’ or under, we often deliver. If your jobsite is farther away, or your beams are longer than 20’, we often work with a local heavy hauler.
Will you arrange for delivery to a site outside of North Carolina?
No, we do not arrange for inter-state shipping. You can send a truck that we will load.
Do you allow for returns?
Yes, if you are unsatisfied with your lumber upon pick up, we will replace it at no charge. Once the timbers leave our facility, we don’t offer returns.
Will you cut our timbers to length?
No, we provide rough cut timber lengths only. Typically, we add 2-6” for your builder to cut off.
Will you cut the joinery on our timbers?
No, we do not do timberframe joinery. We do ship beams to Harmony Timberworks in Boone, NC, which does cut joinery.
Can you kiln-dry the beams?
Yes, we can kiln-dry beams at $1 per board foot for the first two weeks, then $1 per board foot per week thereafter. Note that our minimum for a long-term kiln charge is 800 board feet.
Can you plane the beams?
No, we do not plane beams.
Can you recommend local timberframe and/or post-and-beam builders?
Yes, I work a lot with the following builders who commonly incorporate large beams into their designs: Red Dirt Design Build, Spatial Design Build, Mountain Works Sustainable Development and Overlook Projects.