MATERIALS

You could say that America was built on heart pine. Because of its density, it was an integral structural material in the buildings that sprung up during the Industrial Revolution. Long ago, millions of acres of the majestic species – also known as longleaf pine – blanketed the southeast. The trees stood tall for centuries and grew to great widths. Developers took note of heart pine’s strength and dispatched loads of it across the United States. They transformed the timbers into beams and joists that supported the weight of bustling textile mills, warehouses, and factories. Philadelphia in particular has an abundance of heart pine due to its once thriving manufacturing industry. In the 1800s, the city was dubbed the “workshop of the world” and looms spun out everything from stockings to fine lace.

By the 19th century, many heart pine groves had been deforested. In fact, only a small percentage of original growth trees remain today. We’ve left the rugged surface of our old face beams untouched, allowing the knots, whorls, and nail holes to tell the story of the past.

Provenance treats its beams like a work of art, putting each one through a rigorous process before they reach you. We whisk debris from the surface, remove hardware left over from the original structure, and then kiln dry them to eliminate insects. We also offer a variety of finishes to suit your project.

Reclaimed beams are 100% FSC-certified recycled and eligible for LEED Credits.