Frankly, unless the placement of the beam is ideal in the room I would not highlight it. I would wrap it and paint it to match the ceiling. If it is placed right and based upon the layout of the room actually makes a decorative statement, then you could wrap it in alder and stain it. You probably want to use a sanding sealer on it before you stain.

Options probably depend on the design of the beam. If you want a stained beam rather than painted drywall or wood, it's more work

If you want the beam to have a reveal on the bottom of the beam like the picture in your collection ( [https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-traditional-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~333303[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-traditional-kitchen-minneapolis-phvw-vp~333303)) then you'll probably need to purchase 4/4 (1") birch at a hardwood supplier ( http://www.woodfinder.com/ ) and stain to match the floor.

If you don't need the reveal at the bottom of the beam, ( like this http://www.fauxwoodbeams.com/beams-custom-tuscany.php ) you could either buy hardwood plywood, or purchase the finished beam from a commercial supplier.

Insist on a quality installation for either option.

a) I hope that your contractor will work with you on this by buying a small amount of the hardwood or plywood and offering several stain options before committing to the project.

b) use proper joinery rather than just nailing the three sections together. depending on the design of the beam, the beam with the reveal, use a groove and the second option splined miter.

c) Make sure that the contractor scribes the beam cover to both the ceiling AND the walls for a tight fit. Don't allow a big caulked gap at the ceiling and wall.

Thank you both for your advice!

Personally, I like the beam as is! It's authentic and pure. Just take a wire brush to areas where you need to clean it up and then leave it as is. It's perfect!