Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Support Beam

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 28 Nov 2002
Time: 12:39 AM

Comments

Q. I am looking for the correct size of beam to build for my project. I am taking out the support wall between two rooms in my house, the opening is 11 feet. I am planning on making a beam of two 1x12x16 with plywood in-between. Is that sufficiently substantial?

A. No. You must know all the loads that are being transferred to the beam, including roof or 2nd story loads, ceiling loads, point loads, seismic and/or wind/snow loads, etc. Only then can you estimate the appropriate size of the beam. In general, we do not recommend "home-made" beams servicing structural applications. High quality products such as engineered LVLs, Glulams, or even sawn timber provide a more consistent, structurally measurable product. Built-up beams are subject to too many variables that make it difficult to understand the real structural value without detailed analysis. Stick with proven products and hire a structural engineer to run the load calculations based on an actual on-site inspection of your home.

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