Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/6/2010

Question
I want to take a wall down between the kitchen and living room, approx. a 14 foot span with an upstairs. The span in the kitchen to wall is 11 feet 3 inches and in the living room to wall is roughly 16 feet. If I have to put up a beam where the existing wall will be coming down , I just would like to know what size beam to make, how long can I go and what size board to use , 2x10 or 2x12             Thank you JOE

Answer
Hi Joe, I wouldn't use less than a double two by twelve with no splices in it.  In other words use full length boards.  That would be minimum and the wood would have to be southern yellow pine or douglas fir #2 grade or better.  Preferably, if you have access to them, a double 1 3/4" x 14" LVL beam would be more suitable.  Also you need to make sure that you have a sufficient amount of support for the ends of the beam in question.  Remember you are taking a load which was spread out over a 14 foot area four inches wide which transfers that weight down to the foundation which probably has a strip footing built into the slab. After you install a beam you are concentrating that same load to two points, each end of the beam. Therefore be sure to size your column support or beam hangers appropriately.  Most lumber yards handle LVLs now and definately any truss manufacturing plant.  You will find them easy to work with, they are like dense laminated plywood with straight grain and good bending strength. I always advise that a structural engineer be consulted prior to removing any load bearing walls.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com