Hand Hewn Beams value

[dgapilot]

I just took our porch apart and found that the structure was 6 beams resting on the surface. A couple feet at the end of each of the beams were rotted, but the majority of them are good. Each beam is about 18 to 20 feet long and about 8" X 10". The biggest problem is that there are nails from the old porch flooring in them. Any ideas as to value? By the way, the house is about 1860 vintage, so I would guess these logs are about this age.

 

[msquared48]

Usual practice is to assume the worst case for the stress grade (#1 for 6X and above) if you know the species of wood.

Probably a lot better than that if from 1860, assuming no other deterioration or allowable stress reducing problems.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[hokie66]

I think dgapilot meant the salvage value of the old timbers, if any.

 

[ornerynorsk]

Can you determine the species of wood? I have seen black walnut used in old barn beams.