I am removing an 8' span of a load bearing wall. The only thing the wall supports is the ceiling joists (overlapping 2x6s spaced 16" apart) and the roof overhead. There is no upstairs.

What size beam should I use to support the span? I am trying to show as little beam as possible in the space since this is being used to connect the living room and kitchen.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks for your help

You would need an engineer or architect to make the calculations but a building inspector can tell you what he will OK on a permit. Those joists also carry the weight or the roof.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

You would need an engineer or architect to make the calculations but a building inspector can tell you what he will ok on a permit. Those joists also carry the weight or the roof.

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Thanks for the response. I am looking for an educated guess here. We are still trying to decide if we are going to do this so I would like to know how much beam would be showing.

Thanks

Well if we use the basics here of window headers a 2x10 doubled here would do the trick for an 8 foot clear span to support rafters above.
Again it's a guess which we use in practice.

Hi gammaguy

U can set the header on the existing plate. This would make it flush with ceiling. Mount ceiling beams to header with teco hangers.

Use a double 2 x 12 with 1/2 inch plywood between. Bolt together with 3/8 carriage bolts. Use 2 bolts on each end. Set the bolts 2" in and 2" down. The next bolt set 1 foot and 2" down. The next 1 foot from there and 2" up. Continue this pattern to other end of header.

U will need a double stud under each end of header to solid bearing.

Good luck

Chuck