If you want answers to some of the common questions we get asked about our imitation oak beams then you’ll find many of them below. We’re also very happy to answer your questions via email at enquires@imitationoakbeams.co.uk, telephone on 07986 130665 or 01483 320032 or by completing our online contact form on our contact page.
What are our imitation oak beams made from?
Our imitation oak beams are constructed from a basic timber frame, cased in with plasterboard. This is then covered in plaster. The plaster is crafted into a unique finish to create the grain, cracks and knots you would see on a real oak beam. Once the basic finish is achieved the final finish is achieved using a water based stain to achieve the colour and aging effect you want. Every beam we create is unique, just like they would be if they were real oak.
What are the alternatives to plaster imitation oak beams?
- There are a number of alternatives but we belive these are far inferior to the look and finish we can achieve with plaster imitation oak beams. The most common are resin or plastic moulded beams, but as you would expect, these are all identical as they are all produced from the same mould! Our plaster based imitaion oak beams are completely unique to your property with each beam having it’s own individual characteristics just like a real oak beam. This is crucial to creating an authentic look and finish that is in keeping with the rest of your decor…something that is just not possibnle with moulded plastic or resin imitation beams.
- You can also buy ‘hollowed out’ oak beams to cover unsightly areas or an RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist). However these are expensive by comparison as they have to be created from a full beam to begin. The hollowing process requires a lot of time and effort and the there is a lot of waste associated with the process so, whilst they may look good, they are a very expensive option
Why would I want an imitation oak beam rather than the real thing?
There are many situations where you might want to use imitation oak beams rather than real oak beams. A few examples are:
- Where you need the structural strength that cannot be achieved with real oak
- Where the location you want the beam makes it difficult to install a real oak beam but it’s possible to create an imitaion oak beam from plaster
- Where you need to have a fire resistant beam to aviod any safety risks
What situations make it better to have an imitation oak beam?
- When you want to keep the character of your property but you don’t want the time and expense of finding a suitable real oak beam from a specialist wood yard
- When the structure of your property means you need to install an RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) and you want to create a more attractive finish than just a basic ‘boxed in’ look
- When you want to cover an unsightly pipe or wiring that you would otherwise just have to ‘box in’ and paint over, imitation oak beams provide an ideal ‘character’ finish
Are imitation oak beams made of plaster safer than real oak?
Yes, there are a number of reasons we believe they are safer than real wood..
- Becasue they are made of plaster we can ensure they are heat and fire resistant up to very high temperatures making them safe to installl even above open fire places
- Because they can be used to cover RSJ’s we can ensure the strength you need to support the areas above without the need for complicated and expensive structural surveys
Do imitation oak beams look as good as real wood?
- We certainly believe they do when they’re made by us! Our imitaion oak beams create the character and look of centuries old oak you would expect in your old cottage or your village pub. You may not be able to recreate history but you can certainly generate the ambience of the past and make you feel as though your property is part of your ancestry.
- We will also provide an individual finish with every aspect unique to your beams, whereas a moulded resin or plastic beam will be exactly the same as the one in the property around the corner!
How long does it take to install an imitation oak beam?
- Imitation oak beams are much simpler to install than real oak beams and we can complete the work at very short notice. Beacuse they are constructed from a basic timber frame, covered with plaster and then charaterised to your desired finish and colour
- Because imitation oak beams are ‘made to measure’ there is no need for you to trawl the specialist timber yards to find a real oak beam that matches the style, colour and size you need. This can save you huge amounts of time and expense.