The Secret to Turning a Rotting Beam into a $500 Light Fixture
There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a piece of wood that's been forgotten—left to rot in a field or collect dust in a barn—and giving it a second life. That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon this hand-hewn barn beam.
Most people saw firewood. I saw a centerpiece.
""The goal isn't just to make a light—it's to make a light that looks exactly how you want it.""
I wanted to create a lighting fixture that felt like it had always been there, something with history and grit. By combining the ancient texture of the wood with industrial black pipe fittings and a modern Edison bulb, I created a fixture that anchors the entire room. Here is how I turned a dusty old beam into a stunning DIY light fixture.
The Build: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find Your Beam
This is the hardest part. You need a beam that is structurally sound but has character. Look for hand-hewn marks, old nail holes, and a nice patina. I found mine at a local architectural salvage yard. It was covered in dirt and bird droppings, but I could see the potential.
Step 2: Clean and Prep
Scrub the beam with a stiff brush and soapy water to remove decades of grime. Let it dry completely. Then, lightly sand it to remove splinters without erasing the character marks. I used a wire wheel on a drill to get into the deep crevices.
Step 3: Route the Wiring Channel
To hide the wires, I used a router to cut a channel along the top side of the beam (the side that will face the ceiling). This allows you to run the electrical wire unseen to each light socket location.
Step 4: Drill Holes for Lights
Mark the locations for your pendant lights. Drill holes through the beam from the bottom up into the channel you just routed. Make sure the holes are large enough for your wire to pass through easily.
Step 5: Install Hardware and Hang
I used heavy-duty eye bolts and chains to hang the beam. Locate your ceiling joists and install the mounting hardware securely. This beam is heavy, so you must anchor it into the structure of your house, not just the drywall. Hoist the beam up (get a friend to help!) and attach it to the chains.
Step 6: Wire and Finish
Run your wiring through the channel and down to each socket. Connect everything to a central junction box. Install your Edison bulbs and turn it on! I finished the wood with a coat of matte clear coat to seal it and bring out the rich color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety is paramount. You MUST locate the ceiling joists and screw heavy-duty eye bolts directly into the center of them. Do not rely on drywall anchors. Use chains or steel cables rated for the weight of your beam plus a significant safety margin. If your beam runs parallel to joists and doesn't line up, you may need to install blocking in the attic or ceiling.
Look for architectural salvage yards, antique lumber dealers, or even check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for people dismantling old barns. Be prepared to clean them up, as they often come straight from the field.
If you are comfortable with basic electrical work, it is manageable. However, always ensure the power is off at the breaker before working. Use proper gauge wire (usually 14/2 or 12/2 depending on your circuit) and secure connections with wire nuts. If you are unsure at all, hire a licensed electrician to do the final connection.
Avoid harsh sanding which will remove the grey weathered look. Instead, use a stiff nylon brush with mild soap and water to remove dirt. For tougher grime, a wire wheel on a drill used lightly can clean crevices without removing too much wood surface. Seal with a matte clear coat to preserve the look.