"Hand-Hewn" means turning a round tree into a square beam using only hand tools. While water-powered sawmills existed in New England as early as 1630 (in Berwick, Maine), hand-hewing large beams was a technique favored by many American craftsmen to frame out barns and buildings: structures that have stood the test of time and borne patiently the worst of summer's blistering heat and New England's unkind winters. Today, I use exactly the same tools and techniques as 17th- and 18th-century Maine craftsmen to create classic beams and mantels: timbers that will transform your family's favorite space into a showcase for generations to come.

Pricing for finished hand-hewn mantels is between $15-$20 per board foot, depending on wood species, size, and finish options. Pricing for large hand-hewn structural or decorative beams is usually between $5-$10 a board foot depending on size, species, and other factors. A board foot is 12"x12"x1", or 144-cubic inches. To calculate board footage in a beam, multiple length x height x width in inches, and divide by 144. So a mantel that is 5-feet long and 6x6 inches would be 60"x6"x6"=2,160 cubic inches, divided by 144 = 15 board feet. Or $225-$300 depending on options. A big 8x8x216" beam would be $480-$960 depending on factors. (Photo credit Brian Threlkeld)

Hand-hewing is not just a fascinating historic craft. It is a very practical and relatively cost-effective way to turn trees into structural beams for timber frames or stick-built homes. Given the cost of engineered beams, laminated beams, or steel beams, a hand-hewn beam costs similar and looks better. In addition, it is a sustainable process with a carbon footprint of exactly zero.

Recently I hewed 30 structural beams for a new build in Harpswell, Maine. Working closely with the architect (who was also the client), the structural engineer, the arborist, the general contractor, and the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturer's Association (NeLMA), I used trees from the site of the house to hew into beams up to 12x12x240". NeLMA sent a field grader to pass all beams for structural purposes. Beams were installed while still green. If you are a homeowner, builder, or designer interested in learning more, give me a call or shoot me an email to see what's possible.

"Steve hand hewed beams for a custom-built house in Harpswell that I GC'd. His beams were used structurally. From start to finish Steve was an absolute pleasure to work with and his hand hewn beams are beautiful. The house is quite unique but Steve's beams really have become the hallmark, centering component of the house. I would highly recommend working with Steve and hope that I have the pleasure of doing so in the very near future. His professionalism and craftsmanship are truly singular in this day and age when builders utilize mass produced products. His work is reminiscent of the way things were built in the past and can imprint any project with an air of timeless beauty."

"Renaissance Timber brought our new home to life. The necessary felling of twenty White Pine trees became exciting when Steve began hewing them on site. His craftsmanship produced the rustic, old world elements we had dreamed about. All we needed was an engineer and the NeLMA grade approval to see our beams become the highlight of our home. We highly recommend Steve and Renaissance Timber!"

Custom books are currently closed except for mantels, beams, and beam furniture. If you have hand-hewn mantel or beam needs, I'm your man. If you need a custom farmhouse table, bookshelf, or some other item, I suggest finding a good local carpenter. As a small local business focusing on a heritage craft, I need to stay in my lane if I'm going to get these beams hewn. Thanks for understanding!

"After purchasing the Desert of Maine in 2019, we had grand ambitions to beautify a place that had fallen into disrepair. In the beginning, most of what we did we referred to as 'addition by subtraction'--we tore down fences and old buildings and cleared out decades of debris. It wasn’t until we started working with Stephen at Renaissance Timber LLC that we began to find the beauty that we would add. It was especially important for us to welcome families with children, so we engaged Renaissance Timber to build a natural playground. Stephen helped shape our vision for the project from the beginning, transforming a simple idea into an ambitious, one-of-a-kind design that eventually became the centerpiece and heart of our outdoor space. The project was complex. It required more than just great craftsmanship: it required estimating, planning, project management, regular communications, and follow-through. Remarkably, Stephen delivered every phase of the project over two years on time and on budget. The result is truly stunning. Kids (and adults) are blown away by his creation and we routinely hear people remark that it is the best playground they have ever seen. If you are looking to create beauty in your home or business, and if you have an appreciation for timeless, expert craftsmanship, we couldn’t recommend Stephen more enthusiastically."