When you picture a home with solid structure, you’re picturing great bones – beams to be specific, custom beam fabrication is how those bones are built: engineered for strength and designed to match your style.
At J&B Contracting, we will walk you through how beams are fabricated, how to choose, and how to get it done right.
Why Custom Beam Fabrication Matters
Strength that fits your home
Every home carries a load differently, and not all spans, rooflines, or floor systems are built the same. Custom beam fabrication takes into account the beam size, type, or engineering (for LVL/steel) that matches your loads, spans, and bearing points.
Being precise means fewer errors, better performance, and a longer-lasting structure.
Safety that exceeds code
Beams do more than just hold up ceilings and floors; they protect your investment and every person in it. Fabricated beams are designed to meet or exceed local building codes, resist deflection and creep, and remain sturdy in any temperature and humidity.
Style without compromise
Beams are the backbone when it comes to styling without compromising =. With custom fabrication, you can select materials, profiles, and finishes that meet your structural needs without compromise.
The Main Beam Types You May Encounter
- Solid Sawn Wood Beams
This type is classic and beautiful. Solid sawn beams are milled from a single piece of kumbar. They are ideal for isible applications and moderate spans. A few downsides would be:
- Weight
- Potential for seasonal movement.
- Limited span compared to engineered options.
- LVL Beams (Laminated Veneer Lumbar)
Laminated veneer lumbar (LVL beams) are engineered by bonding thin wood veneers under heat and pressure. These beams are straight, stronger for their size, and more predictable than solid wood.
These beams are ideal for long spans and tough loads and are the go-to for many remodels.
- Steel Beams
Steel beams have high strength in a relatively compact profile. These beams are usually used when spans get long or loads are complex. Steel can also be concealed within ceilings or paired with a wood wrap for a warm look.
- Decorative (Non-Structural) Beams & Box Beams
If you need beams that are purely for aesthetic purposes, decorative ceiling beams can be fabricated as hollow box beams or faux beams in wood, MDF, or lightweight polyurethane.
They deliver character to your space without added structural responsibilities and are easier to install.
How Custom Beam Fabrication Are Fabricated: Step by Step
- Site Evaluation and Load Assessment
We begin by confirming spans and assessing loads. If you’re removing a wall or replacing damaged beams, we verify whether the beam is load-bearing and what it currently supports.
- Engineering and Sizing
Based on our load assessment, our engineers specify beam type, size, and any special requirements like fitch plates, posts, or hangers.
- Material Selection
- LVL Beams for strength, straightness, and long spans.
- Soli Wood for visible application and traditional appeal.
- Steel is used when spans or loads exceed the wood comfort zone.
- Decorative Ceiling Beams are mainly for style and are usually lighter and hollow.
- Custom Fabrication
J&B Contracting orders or fabricates to specs: Cutting to length, adding a chamber if needed, pre-drilling or routing for hardware, and preparing any box beam wraps or finish wood cladding.
For steel, we coordinate shop drawings, plate weld details, and primer coatings.
- Installation and Connections
We lift beams into place and install bearing points. Next, connectors are secured per the engineer’s drawings. We ensure proper load transfer down to the foundation.
- Finish Work & Inspection
In case the beam is exposed, we handle cladding and finishing, then coordinate inspection to close the permit.
Replacing Dmaged Custom Beam Fabrication
If you notice sagging ceilings, cracked drywalls, obouncy food, or visible rot/termite damage, it’s time to take action. Reinforcing damaged beams can restore structural stability and give you a chance to improve the space
What J&B Contacting Checks:
- Source of damage
- Extent of failure: Is the problem local or systemic?
- Best replacement approach
The Installation Process
- Inspect, measure, and engineer
- Shore the area safely.
- Remove the damaged beam
- Install the new Custom Beam Fabrication and connectors.
- Address root causes
- Restore finishes and paint so it looks as if the problem never happened.
Costs & Consideration
The cost of getting Custom Beam Fabrication can vary based on the following factors.
- Span and Load: Longer spans and higher loads demand deeper or engineered beams.
- Material: LVL, steel, and solid wood – each has different material, fabrication, and installation costs.
- Access and Logistics: Tight spaces, heavy lifts, or complex shoring can increase labor.
- Finish Level: Exposed architectural finishes require more time and craftsmanship
- Permits and Engineering: Required for load-bearing changes and replacements
How to Prepare Your Home for Beam Work
- Plan for Dust Control: We use proper containment, floor protection, and negative air when needed.
- Expect some noise: Demolition, fastening, and lifts can be noisy – but we try to keep it as brief as possible.
- Coordinate Utilities: if wires or ducts get in the way of beams, we plan rereotes.
- Fresh Sequencing: If your beam is exposed or wrapped, we coordinate staining/painting after installation and inspections.
Why Homeowners Choose J&B Contracting
- Engineered, code-compliant solutions
- Clean, precise fabrication
- Seamless project management
- Design a forward result
- Respect for your home
FAQs- Custom Beam Fabrication
How long does beam installation and fabrication take?
Smaller decorative projects can be completed quickly, while structural replacements or wall removal can take a few days to a month.
Can I keep my existing finishes?
For most cases, yes, we carefully remove and reinstall trim and drywall where possible.
Are LVL Beams better than solid wood?
For many structural applications, LVL beams offer superior predictability, longer spans, and less movement.
Do decorative ceiling beams add value?
A well-designed decorative beam adds quality and character, especially in living rooms, kitchens, and primary suites.
Ready to Build Stronger, Safer, and More Stylish?
From how beams are fabricated to the final finish, J&B Contracting delivers key solutions that make homes safer and enhance beauty. Whether you’re replacing damaged beams, opening up your floor plan with LVL beams, or elevating a room with decorative ceiling beams, we engineer it tight, install it cleanly, and finish it beautifully.
Let’s design the beam that makes your space unforgettable.Contact us to get a site visit and a clear plan and estimate for your project.
