How to distress a cedar beam?

[Mike Johnson]

I'd go at it with a big old knife, carving it down to be less than rectangular. Then I'd use a small plane to smooth it out a bit. I might hit it with a length of chain in a couple of places, and maybe make a couple light passes with a blow torch. Then I'd stain it and oil it and wax it with two different waxes, one clear or amber, the other a black patinating wax.

If instead you want a rough surface, get a couple handfuls of course sand, spread it out on the wood, and use a sanding block (with 60 grit paper) in the direction of the grain. That will tear the surface up in short order.

Edit: I just saw how expensive black patinating wax is -- you can make some yourself instead http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/popular-m...k-Wax.html