replacing basement bearing wall - DIY Chatroom

roger843 · 10-19-2009, 05:55 PM

I am remodeling our basement and want to open a bearing wall to create a clear span. The current wall consists of 8'6" tall 2x6s. The floor above is the mainly open flooring with a column supporting a cantilevered corner of the second floor hall. I would like to use laminated beams. The open span will be 16'. Does anyone have any idea what size beams I should use? I can use 3 beams up to 14" in depth if necessary.

Daniel Holzman · 10-19-2009, 07:24 PM

I assume you are referring to glue laminated beams (Glulams). You can probably get the beams sized by the supplier. You will need to bring in a dimensioned sketch plan showing the clear span required, and the location of the column you plan to support. You will also need a detail of the proposed means of connecting the Glulams to the foundation, maybe bring in a few photos. The supplier needs to be familiar with your local codes, since you are probably going to need a permit for this, and local code will determine the floor loading the beam needs to support.

Salem747 · 10-19-2009, 08:36 PM

Many codes would require a stamped engineered design for this kind of thing. Poke around with your supplier and with your local code and see if an engineer is required, it can be surprisingly reasonable for a simple design.