FAUX WOOD CEILING BEAMS - MOLDED SERIES - 3-SIDED - RUSTIC TIMBER (Quick-Ship)
The following is a list of questions we get asked the most about our Faux Wood Ceiling Beams & Trusses . If you can't find the answer to your questions in this section just give us a call at (800) 396-6410 or use our Contact Form or send us an Email and we will be happy to provide you with the information you need.
Are Faux Wood Beams Easy to Install?
Yes. Due to the lightweight nature of the HDU material they are made from, faux wood beams are very easy to handle and install compared to solid wood beams.
For recommended best practices and required materials, view our faux wood beam installation videos or download our faux wood beam installation manual.
Are Faux Wood Beams Durable?
Yes. Faux wood beams are dense and highly durable, especially when installed in ceiling applications where they are not exposed to physical impact.
Unlike real wood, faux wood beams will not warp, crack, split, rot or attract insects. Made from high density urethane (HDU), they provide long-lasting performance with little to no maintenance required.
Are Installation Materials & Hardware Included With Faux Wood Beams?
It depends on the beam series you order. Molded Series Faux Wood Beams include a free installation kit, while Artisan Series beams do not.
All Molded Series Faux Wood Beam orders come with a FREE Installation Kit. The kit includes the hardware required to secure the beams using our recommended installation method, and it is automatically added to your cart when a Molded Series beam is purchased.
Artisan Series Faux Wood Beam orders do not include a free installation kit. Installation materials can be purchased separately or as a complete kit through our Installation Products section.
Can Faux Wood Beams Be Cut?
Yes. Faux wood beams can be cut very easily using standard woodworking tools such as a hand saw, circular saw, or miter saw.
We recommend ordering beams at least 1 foot longer than your required finished length. The installer can then trim the beam to the precise size needed during installation for a clean and accurate fit.
Can Faux Wood Beams Be Made Fire-Rated?
Yes. Our Artisan Series faux wood beams are available with an optional Class A fire-rated treatment to help meet applicable building and fire code requirements.
This fire-rated option is commonly specified for commercial projects and residential applications where local codes require a Class A flame spread rating. If your project has specific code requirements, we recommend confirming with your local building official to ensure compliance.
Learn more about our Artisan Series Faux Wood Beams and available options.
Can Faux Wood Beams Be Painted or Stained?
Yes. Faux wood beams are available with a paint- and stain-ready primer, allowing them to be finished with any high-quality latex paint in your preferred color and sheen. This gives you flexibility to match trim, cabinetry, or wall colors for a cohesive interior design.
The primed surface can also be finished with a waterborne semi-transparent stain, such as this option from Sherwin Williams, to achieve a natural wood-look finish.
For those who prefer a professionally applied finish, we also offer six (6) factory pre-finished stain colors. These factory finishes eliminate the time, labor, and variability of on-site finishing while delivering a consistent, durable result that is difficult to replicate in the field.
You can explore available textures and stain options by visiting our Faux Wood Beam Texture and Color Chart .
Can Faux Wood Be Used To Cover Existing Structural Beams Or Mechanical Items?
Yes. Faux wood beams can cover existing structural beams, steel supports, plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts. Because they are lightweight and hollow, they wrap around exposed elements without requiring structural reinforcement. This makes them a practical solution for improving ceiling appearance during remodels or renovations.
Can Faux Wood Beams Be Used or Installed Outside?
Yes, faux wood beams can be installed for both interior and exterior applications. Because they are manufactured from High Density Urethane (HDU), they are resistant to moisture, insects, rot, and mold, making them suitable for use in virtually any climate.
Unlike real wood, HDU beams will not absorb water, split, or warp when exposed to humidity, rain, or temperature fluctuations. This makes them a reliable solution for covered patios, porches, outdoor kitchens, and even fully exposed exterior architectural features.
If the beams will be exposed to prolonged or direct sunlight, we recommend applying a UV-protective clear coat to help preserve the finish over time. This coating can be factory applied for an additional fee or applied on site by your installer.
Can I Get a Faux Wood Beam Sample Before Ordering?
Yes. We offer a variety of faux wood beam sample kit options so you can see the texture, color, and finish quality in person before placing your full order.
You can explore available options here: Faux Wood Steel Ceiling Beam and Truss Sample Kits .
Reviewing a physical sample allows you to evaluate stain tone, grain detail, and overall appearance under your room’s lighting conditions, which is especially important when coordinating with flooring, cabinetry, or trim.
*The cost of the sample kit you purchase will be credited toward your final faux wood beam order.
Can Light Fixtures Be Installed In or Hung From Faux Wood Beams?
Yes. Recessed and puck style light fixtures can be installed directly into faux wood beams.
However, hanging light fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lights must be properly supported by structural framing or blocking located behind or inside the beams. Faux wood beams are decorative and are not designed to carry significant weight on their own.
We recommend coordinating with your contractor or electrician during planning to ensure proper structural support and safe installation.
Can Tilton Install The Faux Wood Beams I Purchase From Them?
No. Tilton Coffered Ceilings does not provide installation services. The company focuses exclusively on manufacturing high-quality ceiling beams and architectural products. However, all faux wood beams are designed for straightforward installation and can be installed by experienced DIY homeowners or professional contractors.
Can Tilton Provide Technical Help For The Faux Wood Beams I Purchase From Them?
Yes. Tilton Coffered Ceilings provides installation videos, a written installation manual, and additional technical resources for all faux wood beam products. If you cannot find the information you need, their team is available to assist you by phone or email.
You can view the installation video, read the installation manual, or explore other technical resources. For direct support, call (800) 396-6410 or email [email protected].
Do Faux Wood Beams Expand and Contract Like Real Wood?
Faux wood beams are significantly more stable than real wood. They will expand and contract about half as much as solid wood when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.
Because faux wood beams are made from high density urethane (HDU), they resist warping, cracking and splitting, making them a more dimensionally stable option for both interior and exterior applications.
Do Faux Wood Beams Look Realistic?
Yes. Faux wood beams are cast from natural wood forms to precisely replicate real wood grain, texture and surface detail for an extremely realistic appearance.
Each beam captures the character of authentic timber, including knots and saw marks, while providing the durability and lightweight benefits of high density urethane (HDU).
Do You Offer 2-Sided, 3-Sided and 4-Sided Faux Wood Beams?
Yes. 2-sided, 3-sided and 4-sided configurations are available in our Artisan Series Beams.
You may also convert a 3-sided Molded Series beam into a 2-sided beam by removing one side during installation. Our 4-sided beams are manufactured with three sides fully assembled and the fourth side pre-mitered and fitted, but left unattached so it can be secured easily on site.
How Far Can A Faux Wood Beam Span Without Needing Support?
As a general rule of thumb, a faux wood beam can span 1 foot for every 1 inch of beam height without additional support. For example, a 6-inch-high beam can span approximately 6 feet when secured only at its two ends, without being fastened to the ceiling or requiring an internal structural member.
How Is The Word "Faux" Pronounced And What Does It Mean?
“Faux” is pronounced like “foe,” rhyming with “go” or the name “Joe.” It sounds exactly like “foe.”
The word “faux” comes from French and means not real or not genuine. In design and construction, it typically describes a material that looks like something natural but is made from a different, often synthetic, material.
When referring to faux wood ceiling beams, “faux” means the beams are designed to look like solid wood but are manufactured from a lightweight synthetic material. They provide the appearance of real wood while being lighter, easier to install, and more cost-effective than traditional solid wood beams.
How Much Do Faux Wood Beams Cost?
Faux wood beam pricing varies based on the series, dimensions and length selected.
Our 3-Sided Molded Series Beams typically range from $130 (6”W x 4”H x 8’) to $680 (10”W x 10”H x 20’) each. The 3-Sided Artisan Series Beams range from $70 (4”W x 4”H x 4’) to $6,890 (30”W x 30”H x 30’) each.
Compared to solid wood beams — which often require additional structural support and higher installation costs — faux wood beams provide a more economical solution while offering lightweight construction, easier installation and consistent factory finishes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, visit our Faux Wood Ceiling Beams category page.
How Much Do Faux Wood Beams Weigh?
The most popular faux wood beam sizes typically weigh just 1–2 pounds per linear foot. For most standard beam lengths, that translates to approximately 10–40 pounds per beam, depending on the dimensions.
This is a substantial difference compared to solid wood beams of the same size, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and often require additional labor, structural reinforcement, or even lifting equipment to install.
Even when compared to real wood hollow box beams, faux wood beams made from High Density Urethane (HDU) weigh significantly less. Their lightweight construction makes them easier to handle, safer to install, and more versatile for both residential and commercial applications.
What Are Faux Wood Beams Made Of?
Faux wood beams are manufactured from High Density Urethane (HDU), a durable foam polymer engineered to replicate the look and texture of real wood. In density, HDU is similar to White Pine, but it offers several performance advantages over natural lumber.
HDU can be cut, sawed, shaped, routed, nailed, glued, and screwed using standard woodworking tools. However, unlike real wood, it is significantly lighter in weight and will not crack, split, flake, blister, or warp over time. It is also impervious to moisture, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
Because HDU does not absorb water and resists temperature fluctuations, faux wood beams provide a low-maintenance alternative to real wood beams while delivering the same architectural character.
HDU products are also an environmentally responsible option. Every HDU beam used in place of solid timber helps reduce demand on natural forest resources.
What Are the Available Faux Wood Beam Finishes and Colors?
Faux wood beams are available either in a paint- or stain-ready primer, or in one of our six factory pre-finished stain colors. This allows you to customize your beams on-site or choose a professionally finished option that is ready for installation.
Our available pre-finished stain colors include:
Dark Walnut
Espresso
Gray
Light Walnut
Mahogany
Oak
To explore all available textures and see detailed color examples, view our faux wood beam texture and color chart.
What Are The Available Faux Wood Beam Sizes & Lengths?
Faux wood beams are available in a range of sizes and lengths depending on the series you choose. Molded Series beams offer standard preset dimensions, while Artisan Series beams provide expanded sizing flexibility.
Molded Series Beams are available in the following visible exterior sizes: 6"W x 4"H, 6"W x 6"H, 8"W x 6"H, 8"W x 8"H, 10"W x 8"H, and 10"W x 10"H. Standard lengths include 96" (8ft), 120" (10ft), 192" (16ft), and 240" (20ft). All listed dimensions represent the visible exterior of the beam. For interior dimensions, please contact us for guidance. Beams can and should be cut down to exact length by the installer.
Artisan Series Beams are available in sizes ranging from 4"W to 30"W and 4"H to 30"H. Available lengths range from 48" (4ft) up to 360" (30ft). All sizes listed represent the visible exterior of the beam. For interior dimensions, subtract one (1) inch for each side of the beam. These beams can also be cut to exact length during installation.
What Are the Available Faux Wood Beam Textures?
Faux wood beams are available in a variety of realistic wood grain textures to match both traditional and modern design styles.
Available textures include:
Douglas Fir (Molded & Artisan Series)
Hand Hewn (Molded & Artisan Series)
Rough Sawn (Artisan Series Only)
Sandblasted (Artisan Series Only)
Tuscany (Artisan Series Only)
Smooth (Artisan Series Only)
To explore all available textures and see detailed finish examples, view our complete faux wood beam texture and color chart.
What Are The Interior Dimensions Of The Faux Wood Beams?
Interior dimensions vary depending on whether you select Molded Series or Artisan Series faux wood beams. The calculation method is different for each series.
Molded Series Beams: Interior dimensions are irregular due to the molded construction. In most decorative applications, interior clearance is not critical. However, if you plan to use the beam to cover an existing structural beam, duct, pipe, or wiring, we recommend contacting us for guidance to ensure proper fit.
Artisan Series Beams: Interior dimensions are calculated by subtracting 1 inch for each finished side of the beam. For example, a 3-sided 8"W x 8"H beam would have interior dimensions of 6"W x 7"H. This is calculated by subtracting 1 inch from each of the two vertical sides (8" − 2" = 6") and subtracting 1 inch from the bottom (8" − 1" = 7").
What Is The Availability / Lead Time For Faux Wood Beams?
All faux wood beams are made to order. Molded Series beams typically have a 2-week manufacturing lead time, while Artisan Series beams have a 4-week manufacturing lead time from the date the order is placed.
What Is the Difference Between the Molded and Artisan Series Faux Wood Beams?
Molded Series Beams are cast in one piece from a mold and are available exclusively in a 3-sided configuration. They are offered in either our Douglas Fir or Hand Hewn textures and are produced in a select range of our most popular sizes and lengths.
Artisan Series Beams are hand-crafted with mitered corners by our experienced beam fabricators. They are available in 2-Sided, 3-Sided, and 4-Sided configurations. Artisan beams are offered in all five of our available textures and come in an extensive range of sizes and lengths for greater design flexibility.
Both Molded and Artisan Series beams are available in a paint- or stain-ready primer, or in any of our six pre-finished stain colors.
For a side-by-side breakdown of specifications and options, view our faux wood ceiling beam comparison chart.
What Is The Material Thickness Of The Faux Wood Beams?
The material thickness of faux wood beams depends on the beam series. Molded Series beams and Artisan Series beams have different construction profiles.
Molded Series Beams have material thickness that varies from 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inches, depending on the portion of the beam. The vertical side walls are thinner at the top and gradually become thicker toward the bottom for added strength and structure.
Artisan Series Beams have a consistent 1-inch material thickness on all sides, providing uniform construction throughout the beam.
What Is The Warranty On Faux Wood Beams?
Tilton Coffered Ceilings provides a Limited Five (5) Year Warranty to the original purchaser of its materials and any products fabricated from those materials at its manufacturing facilities. This warranty applies specifically to the original buyer and covers qualifying products manufactured by Tilton Coffered Ceilings.
What Sizes Are Faux Wood Beams Available In?
Faux wood beams are available in a wide range of sizes, including multiple width and height combinations as well as various standard lengths to fit both residential and commercial applications.
Beam dimensions are typically listed as width by height (W x H), allowing you to choose proportions that match your ceiling height, room scale, and overall design style. Length options are designed to accommodate common room spans, with the ability to cut or customize as needed.
For a complete breakdown of available beam sizes, dimensions, and configuration options, review our detailed Faux Wood Ceiling Beam Options Chart.
What Tools & Materials Are Needed to Install Faux Wood Beams?
Faux wood beams can be installed using standard carpentry tools and materials.
Common tools include a tape measure, level, miter saw or circular saw, drill/driver, screws, construction adhesive, and appropriate blocking or mounting cleats.
For step-by-step guidance and a complete materials list, review our installation video or download the installation manual.

