My house (built in '86) has a family room (size 16' x 26') above a two-car garage. All that's supporting the floor across the span of the garage are 2x8 floor joists running across the 16' length. Because there are no supports in the garage, the family room floor is bouncier than I'd like. What I'm thinking of doing is putting a beam down the
26' length in the garage, supported at each end by a metal post. The floor to finished ceiling height in the garage is 10'. Anyone have any suggestions on what size beam to use? My first thought was a steel I-beam, but maybe I can do it myself with (say) three 2x12s bolted together. Of course, that might depend on whether I can find 26' long 2x12s. Think 2x12s will do the job and provide rigidity over that large a span? I guess manufactured beams would be another possibility. If so, what size?- posted
17 years ago