Woodwork

Tuscany has more woodland and a greater variety of trees than any other region in Italy. Although houses are built predominately of stone, wood is the element that creates a sense of warmth and beauty as well as a bond with the landscape. The timber-beamed ceiling is the most important feature in Tuscan construction. The typical ceiling for rustic homes is comprised of a long beam (about 10-12 inches in diameter), trave maestra, crossed by numerous secondary beams, correnti, which sustain the ceiling tiles. Chestnut, Rovere oak, elm and poplar are the most commonly used woods. Tree trunks for beams were traditionally left in their natural state, neither planed nor squared off. We believe that these antique beams, each with its unique character add great charm to the interior of a home.