Speaking of beams, I cut and use walnut in my woodworking projects as well. Got a 12' x 10" x 6" slab from a farmer who had stored it in his chicken house for around 30 years. He said I could have it if I'd take it away. It had accumulated a nice thick layer of chicken crap on it over the years from the chickens roosting on it. The urea was absorbed into the wood naturally. Potential mantle piece???
Upon cleaning it off and planing it...holy mother of God...you should see the colors in that wood from the urea, etc! Unreal.
Good luck with your project....can't wait to see the finished product!
