The general terms timbers and beams are used to describe building with heavy timbers rather than with lumber cut to dimension. Traditional timber framing is the method of creating structures using heavily squared-off, carefully fitted, and joined timbers with joints secured by wooden pegs. This look is highly sought-after for its charm and traditional rustic appearance. The aesthetic of timbers and beams add a raw depth of the natural world and look great in any space.
Rocky Mountain Forest Products provides customers with mill-direct, quality materials. This one-step distribution means huge savings on timbers. As many folks in the industry know, timbers are the bread and butter construction material. They’re frequently used by contractors, landscapers, and home builders of all kinds. The longing for quality and affordable timbers extends even further and is in high demand among designers, house flippers, and DIY homeowners. With so many prospective buyers, timbers and beams can be difficult to find in the dimensions and quantity you need. Not to mention, they’ll often be quite expensive given their popularity. That’s why RMFP strives to change the way traditional distribution functions, and provide customers with materials straight from the mill. This allows us to get you what you need for a price you’ll love!
What is the one-step distribution process?
Normally, the distribution process starts at the mill, then proceeds to a wholesaler, then to a lumberyard, then is available to contractors and the general public. Our one-step distribution process looks similar, but won’t hurt your wallet. The process begins at the mill, then goes to a wholesaler (RMFP), then is available directly to you, the consumer. By cutting out the middleman, the timbers are shipped directly to us and are accessible to the public directly. Working directly with mills gives RMFP full control over which materials are imported. We can order on demand and source anything our customers are looking for exactly. We’ve been in business with mills since 1974 and have an unparalleled buying power that we encourage everyone to take advantage of. We offer several different grades and serve the needs of residential and commercial customers anywhere in the United States.
What are RMFP’s options for wood beams?
Engineered Beams
- LVL Beams
- Glulam Beams
- Cross Laminated Timber
- Microlam
- Paralam
- Versa Lam
- Timberlam
- PSL (Parallel Strand Lumber)
- LSL (Laminated Strand Lumber)
- OSL (Oriented Strand Lumber)
Natural Species
- Southern Yellow Pine Pressure Treated Beams
- Douglas Fir Beams
- ESLP (Engelmann Spruce Lodgepole Pine Beams)
- Western Red Cedar Beams
- Alaskan Yellow Cedar Beams
- Ponderosa Pine Beams
- Eastern Hemlock Beams
- White Cedar/ Incense Cedar Beams
- Port Orford Cedar Beams
- Beetle Kill Pine/ Blue Stain Pine Beams
- Multiple Variations of Spruce Beams
- Exotic Hardwood Beams
Mill Direct Custom
- Lengths up to 48’
- Width and thickness up to 36’ x 36’
- Bridge Planking
- Trailer Decking
- Finished Textures on Beams
- Appearance Grade or Structural Grade
What’s the difference between Rough Sawn (RS) vs. Smooth Sawn (S4S) Beams?
Rough Sawn, RS, means that the timber will be rough on all four sides and be the full measurement of the timber. For instance, an 8x8x8 will measure approximately 8 inches by 8 inches by 8 inches for a true 8x8x8.
Smooth Sawn, S4S, is timber that is smooth on all four sides that has been milled to provide a smoother surface than other options for the end consumer. An 8x8x8 timber would be a nominal size of 7 ½ inches by 7 ½ inches by 7 ½ inches.
What species of beams are available?
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is a very popular material for builds of all kinds. For locations like Colorado, Douglas Fir performs very well and is used by many local construction workers. This species of wood is known for its incredible structural strength and breathtaking appearance. Structural timbers will be knotty and graded for structural uses available in RS and S4S.
Western Red Cedar
Probably the most well known and sought-after building material throughout the world, Western Red Cedar timber is one of the best options out there. Naturally resistant to rot and decay, this species is great for outdoor projects that can hold up in harsh conditions. These timbers come in a clear or knotty appearance grade with the ability to weather to a silver grade appearance if left untreated.
Eastern Hemlock
Eastern Hemlock timbers are sourced from the trees in New Hampshire and milled to order. This species is exceptionally durable and great for projects of any kind. Hemlock timbers provide homeowners great value and unique looks to stand out from the crowd.
For any other questions or to get your hands on some of our awesome timbers and beams, reach out to our specialists in person or over the phone and they’ll get you what you need!