Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | May 04, 2009 12:01am | #1

   At a sawmill.

   To get a more reasonable answer you need to give a location. Also if you want or will accept a recycled beam with all of it's "character" including maybe holes and dark spots from rusted hardware. Or want such a beam and are willing to pay the price.

   .
   William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
1. 
   robbiedawg | May 04, 2009 12:47am | #2

   Try this again-looking for 6x8 white oak beam approx. 14 ft.

   No significant holes or cracks.  West coast location.

   thanks for the advise.

1. 
   clinkard | May 04, 2009 05:33am | #3

   Location.... ?

1. 
   robbiedawg | May 04, 2009 07:16am | #4

   Project in No. CAL

1. 
   rlrefalo | May 04, 2009 07:50am | #5

   If you can't find it local call Bear Creek Lumber.

   Rich

2. 
   migraine | May 04, 2009 09:33am | #6

   is this structural or decorative?

   if decorative, how about making a box beam.  three pieces of 4/4 white oak and some mitre or lock mitre joints.  faster, easier, cheaper,and lighter.

   try higgins or aura hardwoods in Norcal area

   I don't remember seeing 14-16' white oak lately, but I haven't looked for it either

1. 
   robbiedawg | May 05, 2009 01:09am | #7

   Thanks, I will check those out.

   Guess I was trying to be too general.  I am going to

   cut across the beam to make "tiles" 1 inch thick to make

   a floor with the cross grain end cut showing.  Actually

   I don't need one beam 14 feet-just 14' of length..could be

   2 shorter etc. 

   thanks again.

1. 
   hipaul | May 05, 2009 07:34am | #8

   Sounds interesting....
   don't you think that's a recipe for some big gaps though with shrinkage...especially tangentially, assuming you're not getting quarter sawn?
   Interested to know how that's going to go together...what's the substrate, what kind of fasteners/adhesive?
   Not trying to pick your idea apart, just curious.

1. 
   Ted W. | May 05, 2009 08:00am | #9

   I understand the point about wood movement, but then I also know there are end-grain block floors. When I was working as a courier one of my regular stops was an industrial warehouse with end-grain block floors laid over concrete slab. I have to assume the blocks were sealed before laying it down. It was tight, no gaps or anything.~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netMeet me at House & Builder!

1. 
   hipaul | May 05, 2009 08:30am | #10

   Sounds pretty cool....I've been seeing lots of wood end grain countertops lately, but had never seen it on a floor myself. That's why I was more interested in the mechanics behind it rather than trying to shoot down someone's idea.
   It sure is a fun and exciting challenge working with wood. There's always something more to know about it!