Dangerous beams?

[Staffans2000]

In the top picture, one of the beams seems to have two indentations with a gap that could be interpreted as clear marks from rails laid without a baseplate, thus worn down into the beam. But it could also be something else.

You mean the one on the right? If so, it doesn't look to me at all like a rail foot has rubbed, as the wear spot should be completely straight and much deeper.

 

[Staffans2000]

A shame and take a chance. I buy glulam and put in effort so they get an old appearance

It will never look as good.
Take out the beams and place them outdoors under a roof so they can air out a bit, and you'll see that the smell will diminish.

 

[Marcussjogren]

Ordinary clean timber should not smell particularly as it is usually spruce. If it's pine, it may smell like turpentine, a slightly sweet and quite pleasant scent (in my opinion).
However, the turpentine smell fades quite quickly after you've cut into it.

If it smells aber, then it’s something else.

Getting some timber from an old barn or something doesn't have to cost a lot if you really want it

 

[Hennke85]

Ordinary clean timber shouldn't smell anything special since it's usually spruce. If it's pine, it might smell like turpentine, a slightly sweet and rather pleasant scent (in my opinion). The turpentine smell diminishes quite quickly after you cut it.

If it smells aber, then it's something else.

Getting some timber from an old barn or something doesn't have to cost a lot if you really want it

I agree with the previous speaker, head out to older farms and ask the owner if there are any old timber beams they don't need. But you must satisfy my curiosity if it's really sleepers as well.

 

[Staffans2000]

For my small extension, I bought barn beams from this company. I think I paid a hundred kronor per meter.

http://www.nygardsbygg.com/