skip to main content

Need advice on cleaning and finishing wood beams..

8 years ago

I live in Western North Carolina south of Asheville. This area is a rain forest. I live in a post and beam home. The ceilings and beams do not appear to have any poly finish on them. In certain areas of the home and especially in high corners the beams have mildew on them. Nothing dangerous. I've been told to spray a mold and mildew cleaner on them. Is this correct? Once they are cleaned can I put a satin poly on it to protect it from happening again?

Gail Canfield

Brevard, North Carolina

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

klem1
8 years ago
Assuming beams are unfinished you can put anything you like on them. You might find mildew treatment change's color of wood.
Gail thanked klem1
toxcrusadr
8 years ago
Satin interior polyurethane sounds good to me. It would not be shiny so you would hardly know it was there, but the smooth surface would make it harder for dust to stick and much easier to vacuum off webs and dust. Besides blocking the mildew.

Make sure the wood is VERY dry before putting it on. If you wash it, don't let it be wet very long, and let the surface dry a few days in dry weather before varnishing.
Gail thanked toxcrusadr
Related Discussions
Steel Beams??? Need Advice!!!
Q
Comments (11)
Steel is expensive, and right now lumber is really cheap. You might want to look into engineered wood beams. They have the benefit of large spans without the hassle and expense of steel. We decided to save $$$ by going with larger wood ceiling joists and got less than what I wanted. The 2nd floor over that area flexed so we asked the framer to put in some bracing to minimize the flex. It worked ok, but in the next house I build I will find the extra money to put in the engineered wood beams. With the engineered wood beams everything works just like it would if you used regular dimensional lumber. One thing you need to consider when looking at steel is the fact that it will restrict the location and routing of your electrial, plumbing and HVAC systems. Its not a good idea to cut through the web of a steel beam or a wood beam, but a wood beam is more forgiving. Stresses set up in the steel beam and multiple flexing over time can result in stress fractures and possible failure. Plus the steel is just hard enough to deal with where your contractor will ding you a little in the wallet for having to mess with them.
...See More
Color advice needed- high ceilings and rustic beams
Q
Comments (18)
That is a stunning room. I would absolutely not paint the walls. The white with the wood is utter perfection. Jan's suggestion for the windows will work out beautifully. Jhmarie's ideas are great too, but please, the contrast of the white walls with those beams and the gorgeous proportions should be allowed to stand alone. You have true architectural interest. Use color like that when you need to create interest (and I love color- not opposed to it at all.)
...See More
Advice: ceiling beam stain on cypress wood
Q
Comments (15)
Gosh I never even considered leaving it raw. Is that ok to do!? As far as I know there are no finish coat police so no one is going to throw you in the slammer ! ;-) We opted for an almost matte acrylic clear coat inside and out. Maybe it wouldn't have made any difference visually to leave them raw but my brain would have felt we missed a step. Your beams follow a flat ceiling ours are angled following a vault so someday when I get up on a ladder to dust them, the finish coat will make that possible. I'll sell tickets when that day comes.
...See More
Paint Finish Advice for Coffered Ceilimg Beams
Q
Comments (1)
same as your trim
...See More
Gail
Original Author
8 years ago
toxcrusadr, would latex poly work or would you think I should use oil base?

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever

By Mitchell Parker

If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will

WOODWORKING How to Clean and Care for Your Butcher Block

By R. Olson Design

Keep butcher block counters and boards looking sharp as a knife — and sanitized for safe food prep — with this advice from a pro woodworker

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

KITCHEN STORAGE Knife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently

COLOR PALETTES Crisp, Clean White Interiors to Start the New Year Right

By Jennifer Ott Design

Beginning with a blank-slate backdrop gives you infinite design freedom with accent colors, furniture styles and finishes

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Brick, Wood and Clean White Lines

By Becky Harris

A family kitchen retains its original brick but adds an eat-in area and bright new cabinets

KITCHEN DESIGN 3 Steps to Choosing Kitchen Finishes Wisely

By Vanessa Brunner

Lost your way in the field of options for countertop and cabinet finishes? This advice will put your kitchen renovation back on track

ART The Best Ways to Care for, Clean and Store Art

By Laura Gaskill

Keep your treasures on canvas and paper in top shape with this expert advice from two gallery directors

Sponsored

More Discussions

crown molding around range hood

9

White Oak Stain Wash Difference

10

Where do I find cabinets pulls for this?

4

Architecture/design help for open concept 1st floor

4

General Contractor questions

4