Is it normal for interior ceiling beams to show some cracks?

Question

This is happening in our new construction. We noticed a few cracks in the wood beams. The beams are quite thick.

They are in our vaulted living room. The house is almost completed. They are exposed and were just stained. The stain covered the cracks.

Answer 1

We have a log home with many exposed beams. The cracks are called "checking" It is natural for exposed wood beams to do this as they dry out. If the beams are structural support then you may have an issue if the cracking is excessive. It sounds like these are decorative since they were stained. Make sure you have proper humidity in your home year round to minimize the checking. Our beams are all Douglas Fir in varying sizes from 4x8 to 6x12.

Answer 2

If it is a rough finish beam, the cracks are just part of the look. The beam is not an important member for structural integrity so much as it is there more for looks. It is drying out. Needs some linseed oil to slow down the dry out speed.

Answer 3

Cracks are common with heavy beams. Unless they are extreme they shoud not affect the strength of the beam.

Answer 4

Wood beams ? Decorative? Floor joists? When wood dries over time it will naturally split. There is moisture in the wood when it is installed. As time (and the furnace) goes on, the wood will dry and SHRINK, this will cause wood to split

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Yes. If its exposed / raw wood all you can do is fill them with a matching color wood dough / putty. If its painted just fill with spackle or filler of your choice and touch up or repaint.

Answer 7

Can you be more specific? Are the beams in your finished area, or in the basement/attic?