No, I didn't see any signs of decay. I just don't prefer to have to have them run through a kiln..lugging them to someone, and then the cost of the service. If I wanted to treat beams at home, what method would I use? I am familiar with sprays like Sevin that I use in my vineyard (yes I have a nice vineyard in Illinois). I'm also familiar with using Stylett oil on trees in early spring to prevent hatch of any insect eggs. I do plan on finishing the beams with some sort of darker color and urethane. I actually have to do research on finishes as I am a relative newbie to wood -steel no problem.