I have an unfinished basement that has a load bearing wall down the center of the basemant. It supports the center of the house. It runs 36 feet and perpendiculars into another load bearing wall. The 36 foot span has two 4 foot openings with 2 2x 8" headers in each opening. Both openings occur within 21 feet along the loadbearing wall. The house is 30 feet wide. The first 4 foot opening begins about 5' from the end of the wall, and the second ends at the 21' mark mentioned above. I want to expand the first 4 foot opening to 5 1/2 feet
. Can I still use 2x8 headers?
Thanks, Michael

The 2x8 is not large enough for a 5 1/2 foot opening. Should be at least a double 2X10. U should also have a footing under the post holding supporting header. The footing should be 2 x 2 x 1 foot deep.

Chuck

Chuck it right. I would probably go with a 4x10. This way you will not be concerned about properly straping/nailing this header together. If you don't have the room for a 4x10. You can go to a 4x8 paralam or gluelam if need be. These are stronger and allow you to use a smaller member