Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 7/3/2009

Question
Hi Bruce.  I am finishing my basement and have a question regarding removing a support post.  I have a wooden beam made of four 2x10's stretching across two concrete walls that are 19'4" apart.  In between there are 2 steel support posts that are 8'8" apart from each other.  One post is 7'2" from one wall.  The post is 3'6" from the opposite wall, which is the one I want to remove.  If I remove it, the farthest distance the wooden beam will stretch would be 12'2" between the wall and the remaining post.  Do you think that would be a problem?

Answer
Hi Jarrett, there must be a reason for that post.  Do the beam's 2x10 break or join on top of the post?  Is there a concentrated load from above the column?  4 2x10's should span 12' without much movement.  I would bolt the four members together with 1/2" carriage bolts at 12" on center is a zig-zag pattern to help hold the beam together is I was to remove the post in question.  I always recommend that before anyone removes structural elements in a house or building they consult a local engineer to make a qualified recommendation based on actual physical evidence.   I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com