Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jtpistol's Avatar
    jtpistol Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Oct 8, 2011, 07:24 AM
    What size laminated beam do I need to span 20' for my basement beam?
    I have a one story ranch and want to eliminate the columns in a section of my basement. The beam will need to support the 2x8 floor joists which are 12' 6" from column to wall. What size beam will I need?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Oct 9, 2011, 08:14 AM
    If you contact a supplier of laminated beams, they will give you specs for span tables. Are you going to sister against the existing support beam?
    the.carpenter's Avatar
    the.carpenter Posts: 11, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Sep 29, 2012, 01:51 PM
    Hey! Hopeully u completed replacing the beam, as u submitted it 10/8/11 and today is 9/28/12. What did u do/use ? Oh? I wondered what your posts size are? Thanks!
    electricfy's Avatar
    electricfy Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Oct 13, 2012, 01:32 AM
    I'm not 100% possitive, but I do not believe there is any such beam that can span 20' without any support, not even steel.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Oct 14, 2012, 03:46 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by electricfy View Post
    I'm not 100% possitive, but i do not believe there is any such beam that can span 20' without any support, not even steel.
    Thanks for your answer but please note the post was made 1 year ago.
    jefferson17's Avatar
    jefferson17 Posts: 17, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Oct 18, 2012, 08:18 PM
    Yes this is completely do-able. What you'll need is a "parallax" or similar engineered beam - also known as LVL. BUT... what SIZE you need? Hmmmmmm... that IS a good question. To answer this, one would need to know the LOAD that it must support.

    We did something very similar to this, and installed a 16 foot 12" x 3.5" LVL to span our kitchen. Our architect spec'd it out, and was pretty conservative, as one would expect, as they are "on the hook" if it fails (assuming proper installation). Hopefully, you have a window that you can slide it into, to get the thing into your basement :-)

    Would the same beam be good for you? Only an engineer or architect can actually calculate the applicable load for you, and provide the appropriate construction notes that must be followed to ensure the assembly is proper. It's not rocket science but it must be done right.

    Good luck!
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #7

    Oct 18, 2012, 09:07 PM
    Hey Jefferson, welcome to AMHD. Great answer but please note the OP was 1 year ago. Look at the date of the original post.
    jefferson17's Avatar
    jefferson17 Posts: 17, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #8

    Oct 18, 2012, 09:45 PM
    Oh I know but I figure that perhaps someone would still be interested in a proper response, as no one else talked to the OP's question.
    Stanrae's Avatar
    Stanrae Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #9

    Nov 7, 2013, 12:34 PM
    Aitc-glulam.org has charts for Glulam beams spans. From there you can select the beam you need. A 20ft clear span can be fitted with a 5-1/4" x 13-1/2" GLB and can handle about 750 lbf
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

What size lam beam header is needed to clear span a 30 feet? [ 2 Answers ]

The beam is needed in a 30x40 garage. We are using trusses that are speced to clear span 40 feet but want the extra support in the center.

What size Laminated Beam [ 5 Answers ]

I have a small walk in closet extending 6' into the garage attic from my master bedroom. The garage is 22' wide and I would like to extend the closet to a depth of 16' - 20'. The garage roof and ceiling is built with trusses. I want to add a laminated beam under the 2" x 4" ceiling joists across...

Beam span [ 2 Answers ]

What is the usual span for two 2x8 nailed side by side. Im building a new deck 24' x 24' I don't know if I need this much support (2x8) nailed side by sdie

What size laminated beam? [ 3 Answers ]

I removed A door and a window from the back exterior wall of my home exiting into a sunroom. They both had separate headers meeting on a supporting post of three 2X4's. I want to remove the supporting post and put one 9' laminated beam under the headers but do not know the width and thichkness...

Laminated beam as header [ 1 Answers ]

What size laminated beam should I use for a 15 ft. span supporting the back wall of a house as well as an extension with a shed roof thank you

View more questions Search