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Choosing the right building materials is like picking the right ingredients for a recipe — use good ones and the result sings; skimp and you'll be left with a bland final product. Whether you're refreshing a ceiling with faux wood beams, laying large-format tile, or installing carpet squares in a busy room, the materials you pick affect look, durability, and long-term cost. This guide walks you through popular options found at major U.S. retailers, highlights standout products, and gives practical buying and installation tips so you get confident results.
Faux wood ceiling beams give instant character to a room without the weight, expense, or maintenance of real timber. They're typically made from molded polyurethane or engineered resins that mimic grain, knots, and a hand-sanded look. You get dramatic visuals with far less hassle — they’re lightweight, paintable, and resistant to warping or insect damage.
When shopping for faux beams, size matters. Common options include 8" wide x 8" high x 18" long and 8" wide x 12" high x 18" long pieces for shorter spans or decorative runs, and larger units like 12" wide x 6" high x 22" long for heavier visual impact. Think in inches for ceiling accents — smaller rooms typically benefit from narrower beams to avoid overwhelming the space.
Faux beams are lighter, making them easier to mount on drywall ceilings without heavy structural reinforcement. They’re also more consistent in appearance and come prefinished in colors like premium mahogany, natural ash, burnished honey, and premium hickory. If you want that rustic, reclaimed look without the upkeep, faux beams are a great route.
Walmart stocks a range of building materials suitable for DIYers and pros alike, including several Ekena Millwork faux beam profiles and sizes. If you’re hunting for a ready-to-install decorative beam in common sizes — like 6" x 12" x 22", 8" x 8" x 18", or 10" x 10" x 20" — Walmart often has inventory at competitive prices and with nationwide availability.
At big-box stores, check product specs for material type (polyurethane vs. real wood), surface finish, and internal reinforcement. Many faux beams are offered in 3-sided U-beam profiles for attaching directly to an existing joist or surface. Read dimensions carefully — the W x H x L listing uses inches, and small differences change the visual scale quite a bit.
Large-format tile, like 24" x 48" porcelain slabs, is in demand for creating a modern, seamless look on floors and walls. These tiles reduce grout lines, making cleaning easier and spaces look larger. For heavy-traffic areas, opt for high PEI-rated porcelain that resists wear and staining.
Brands such as Tigers Tile Corp offer 24" x 48" tiles that are suited for open-concept living rooms, bathrooms, and even exterior spaces if rated for outdoors. When installing large-format tile, substrate flatness is critical; the floor should be within 1/8" variance over a 10-foot span to avoid lippage.
Carpet tiles — like 18" x 18" squares — are perfect for rooms where you want warmth plus the ability to replace only worn sections. They’re often used in basements, home offices, and rental properties because they speed up installation and lower repair costs. Look for tiles with strong backings and stain-resistant fibers for the most longevity.
18" x 18" carpet squares are a handy, modular option. You can create patterns or a uniform field, and they work well over most flat subfloors. Use an appropriate adhesive or modular locking system per manufacturer guidelines to prevent movement in high-traffic areas.
Underlayment is a layer of defense between your subfloor and finished flooring. For areas prone to moisture or temperature swings, choose self-adhering ice-and-water shield-style underlayment in roll formats. Products like MFM IceBuster come in 3-foot wide rolls and are designed to adhere and provide waterproofing for decks, roof edges, and critical floor transitions.
A 3-foot (36") roll width simplifies installations on many roof and deck details and allows for fewer seams on typical residential spans. Always overlap seams according to manufacturer specs and use primer when recommended to ensure adhesion in cold or hot conditions.
While Walmart provides an accessible baseline selection, other US retailers expand choices for pros and serious DIYers. Home Depot and Lowe’s carry a wide variety of faux beams, underlayments, and tile lines, often with in-store pickup and tool rental. Floor & Decor specializes in tile and natural stone, and typically offers deeper selections of large-format porcelain and installation materials. Don’t forget local lumberyards and specialty millwork shops for custom or real-wood beams when authenticity is key.
Big-box stores: consistent stock and competitive pricing, good for bulk buys and standard sizes. Specialty flooring stores: superior selection of tile, grout, and installation accessories, plus expert staff. Local suppliers and millworks: best for custom solutions and unique finishes, though often more expensive per linear foot.
Good materials still need good installation. For faux beams, ensure your ceiling anchors can support the lightweight units and that you fasten them into joists or use toggles rated for the substrate. For tile, prep the subfloor or wall so it’s flat, dry, and free of contaminants. Use the correct thinset mortar for porcelain or natural stone and pick a grout color that complements the tile scale.
For beams: stud finder, drill, screws rated for your substrate, adhesive for added hold, and a level. For tile: a large-format tile cutter or wet saw, notched trowel sized to the tile, spacers if desired (less necessary with rectified edges), a grout float, and a tile leveling system for big slabs. For carpet tiles: a straight edge, knee kicker if transitioning to broadloom, adhesive specified by the tile manufacturer, and seam sealer where needed.
Material costs vary widely: faux beams can be a cost-effective focal point compared to real timber, but high-end resin-molded beams still carry a premium. Large-format tile tends to be pricier per piece but can save on grout and labor if installed efficiently. Always add a waste factor: 10% for straight installs, 15% or more for patterned or diagonal layouts. Factor in tools, underlayment, adhesives, trim pieces, and any necessary subfloor remediation.
Buy from a mix of retailers: use big-box chains for common consumables and fast shipping, specialty stores for unique tile looks, and local shops for custom millwork or reclaimed wood. Sign up for retailer newsletters or loyalty programs — seasonal promos or clearance sections often hide real bargains.
Maintenance needs differ by material. Faux beams usually only need dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Porcelain tile resists staining and is easy to mop; grout should be sealed if it’s color-sensitive. Carpet tiles require regular vacuuming and periodic spot treatment; replace individual squares if damaged rather than ripping up the whole floor.
Use area rugs in high-traffic zones on tile to prevent grit abrasion. For faux beams near kitchens, wipe away grease and smoky residues periodically. For carpet tiles, invest in good entrance mats to trap dirt before it gets to the floor surface.
If sustainability matters to you, look for materials with recycled content, low-VOC finishes, or certifications like FloorScore for indoor air quality. Some faux beam manufacturers now use recycled resins and offer beams that are recyclable at end of life. Likewise, porcelain tile made with locally sourced clay and efficient manufacturing processes lowers the carbon footprint compared to products shipped long distances.
Where was the product manufactured? Does the product include recycled content or low-VOC finishes? Can packaging be recycled? Answers help you weigh environmental impact alongside cost and appearance.
Want a modern farmhouse or a Spanish-inspired interior? Mixing faux beams with large-format tile or carpet squares can create contrast and depth. Use color and texture to tie elements together; for example, match a warm burnished honey beam to a wood-look tile or to an area rug with similar undertones. Keep finishes consistent across sightlines to maintain harmony.
In small rooms, choose narrower beams and smaller tiles or carpet modules. For open plan spaces, larger beams and 24" x 48" tiles can hold their own without feeling lost. Always take samples home and view them at different times of day under natural and artificial light.
Don't underestimate subfloor prep; many install failures trace back to uneven or contaminated substrates. Avoid choosing a product solely on price — cheaper materials may cost more in the long run through replacement and repairs. Finally, don’t ignore manufacturer installation instructions; they’re often the difference between a floor that lasts decades and one that fails within a few years.
Choosing the right building materials is a balance of aesthetics, budget, and performance. Whether you’re shopping Walmart for accessible faux beam styles like Ekena Millwork, picking up 18" x 18" carpet tiles, rolling out MFM IceBuster underlayment in 3-foot widths, or investing in 24" x 48" large-format tile from specialty vendors, planning and preparation are key. Shop smart, compare retailers, and prioritize proper installation — your finished space will reward the effort with lasting beauty and function.
| Building Materials - Other | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Candy Hard Hat Decal | $ 4,- | |
| Free Candy Hard Hat Decal | $ 10,- | |
| Shaw Tenacious Hd Bamboo 1-3 4 In. X 94 In. T Mold Floor Transition | $ 89,84 | |
| Badajoz In Honeycomb White Glass Mosaic Floor And Wall Tile Pack Of 11 | $ 125,- |
