Arga surround decorative or structural?

hi folks,

In our kitchen we have a floor to ceiling brick surround that used to enclose an Arga. The building is a period style extension that is about 30 years old. The ceiling has modern joists and exposed (decorative) beams. The Arga surround has a wooden beam across the opening and two big (12 x 6 inch) decorative beams running at 90 degrees into it.

Given that these two large decorative beams run parallel to the concealed modern joists, I don't think they are structural. My questions are:

• How can I be sure?
• Who would I need to check for me?

Thanks in advance

Mark

12 X 6 is an expensive piece of wood for a mere decoration. Could one or the other be boxing in for pipes? Have you tapped them with a handle of a hammer to see if they are hollow? A plan of the site with your hot water tank marked on it and any walls that sit across these joists could throw a light on their purpose.
Frank