JohnW - 1/3/2016 13:55 I think you need to find a structural engineer or else buy some engineered beams and let the seller calculate the size of the needed beam. They probably have a handy bit of software to solve your problem. Another factor is how deep the beam can be for needed head room. There are several types of manufactured wood or steel beam that can be used in this situation. It just takes money. And you have to get it right the first time. If you watch the This Old House series on PTV they are always doing extensive remodels that involve removing a bearing wall and installing a steel or manufactured wooden beam to hold up the roof and upper floors. Google "removing a bearing wall" and you will get a bunch of hits. Or "This Old House" for videos. They recently installed a beam that was a combination of steel and wood in an old house in Boston. http://www.familyhandyman.com/walls/how-to-install-a-loadbearing-be...

Just watched TOH where Tommy Silva installed a "Flitch Beam" which is a lamination of LVLs sandwiching a steel plate to make a very strong beam of minimal height.

Structural engineer fees would be money well spent to assure proper strength and prevent the waste of overbuilding.

Edited by Jim Naden 1/3/2016 13:44