Everyone praises smooth finish but I think leaving a little saw texture on visible beams gives a place way more character

I did a living room beam install in a 1920s bungalow in Portland last month where I left the circular saw marks on purpose, and the homeowner actually teared up because it matched the old exposed joists in the basement, so why are we all chasing that glass-smooth look when it makes new wood look fake?

3 comments

3 Comments

andrew8541mo ago

1920s bungalows in Portland rarely have actual exposed basement joists since most were plastered over, but bandsaw marks can definitely look great in the right setting.

the_jessica1mo ago

Bandsaw marks catching the light" sounds way better than my sanding dust giving me a new hairstyle.

maryh961mo ago

Did a friend of mine have a similar thing happen with some oak beams in a old farmhouse? She told me she told the carpenter to leave the bandsaw marks alone and just clear coat them. The guy was all set to sand them down to glass and she had to stop him twice. When he finally saw them finished with the natural grain and those slight tool marks catching the light, he actually admitted it looked right for the house.