Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 1/15/2009

Question
I recently jacked up my cabin and had a 8' concrete basement installed.  I am trying to get rid of posts in my basement that are in the middle of my planned rec. room.  I have two 2x8's x 16' laminated that help to support my roof-they werre the orginal supports for the outside wall but I extended the place by 6' and added a new roof that is now supported by both the outside wall plate and the original wall-my question is what is the greatest distance that I can span this beam without support.  My next question is if I laminated three more 2x8x16 beams and placed them underneath the current two would I need supports along the beam or only at the ends.  I forgot to mention that my place is a story and 1/2

Thanks

Ray

Answer
Hi Ray, I'm sorry but I really don't understand what you want to do here.  2x8's no matter how many you nail together are not the best beam material the span will eventually sag.  16' is a good span and a wood beam about the size of a 6x12 would be needed.  You can get laminated beams, LVL's that can be engineered to meet just about any need.  Call your local truss manufacturer and see what size LVL you may need to accomplish your goals.  Sincerely bruce e johnson