There is a big difference between cleaned beams stored inside and dirty beams stored inside or worse outside. In the process of cleaning each beam gets inspected for nails, soft spots, bugs, stains, and value. All of which are hard to spot if the beam is left dirty and if left outside they will accumulate moisture, warp, splinter, and the hewn adze marks will begin to curl up and deteriorate. Worse the bugs will come and infest the wood once the moisture level is up. Don’t buy dirty reclaimed lumber especially if left outside for more than a few weeks. Picture for comparison. Not the same beams.
Our company hopes that the great American barn will remain an icon in the United States. We congratulate the owners who take the effort, time and expense to preserve these beautiful buildings.
