Northern Wide Plank (NWP) is introducing Reclaimed Box Beams. Crafted from centuries-old timbers reclaimed from North American barns and historic structures, the company says these beams are not merely architectural details; they are pieces of history, preserved and reimagined for contemporary spaces.
“These reclaimed beams not only bring history and warmth into a space, but they also serve a functional purpose,” says Shawn Peebles, CEO, Northern Wide Plank. “They can be used to cover existing structural elements or conceal wiring, offering an easier installation than traditional solid beams, all while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of true reclaimed wood.”
The new offering includes three distinct surfaces that honor the evolution of craftsmanship itself: Allegheny (Original Face Softwood Thresher), Legacy (Hand-Hewn), and Keystone (Original Circle-Sawn). Each tells a story of the era and technique that shaped it.
A Heritage Restored
Every reclaimed box beam carries the essence of its original form; the axe and adze marks, saw lines, and natural patina that reveal the passage of time. Through a meticulous restoration process, each joint, peg hole, and imperfection is respectfully filled and stabilized, restoring the timber to its former beauty while preserving the authenticity that defines true reclaimed wood.
Three Chapters, One Story
Allegheny is reclaimed from the thresher floors of Pennsylvania bank barns, where the rhythms of agricultural life once echoed. The wood bears the soft warmth and organic texture of timeworn softwood, its surface shaped by generations of farm life. Each reclaimed beam retains its naturally worn patina and time-softened surface, offering a sense of quiet endurance and rustic refinement.
Legacy hand-hewn box beams embody early 19th-century craftsmanship, when builders carved structural timbers entirely by hand using axes and adzes. Each surface carries the unique rhythm of human touch, handcrafted from dense, old-growth timber, bringing an unmistakable sense of heritage and authenticity.
Keystone captures the shift to the early 1900s, when circular sawmills transformed the landscape of woodworking. The curved saw marks left by spinning blades remain visible, marking a pivotal moment when tradition met innovation.
A Continuation of Craft
“Every plank, and now every beam, tells a story of craft, time, and place,” said Jamie Peebles, director, Northern Wide Plank. “It’s about connecting people to materials that feel honest, and that belong in the finest and most thoughtfully designed places.”
The Reclaimed Box Beam Heritage Collection is available through Northern Wide Plank showrooms and website.