Expert: Dave Johnson - 11/26/2009

Question
Mr. Dave Johnson I have a 1500 sqft bungalow, and I want to renovate the basement.  The problem is I have a support post in the middle of a space which is in the way.  I would like to remove it by adding a beam which would span from the exterior wall (poured concrete) to the next support post.  The distance between the two is 23 ft.  What size of beam would be required (wood/steel) and is this something that i might be able to do myself.

thank you,
Chris  

Answer
Hi Chris,
If there is enough head room, you could use a glue-lam or micro-lam. Go to your local lumber dealer and they will have a chart for their particular maufacturer .
Or, you could build it in place yourself by laminating 2"x12" (4 layers) with 1/2" plywood between each ply... well glued and screwed. again, assuming there is enough headroom.

Best of luck,
Dave