Beam size

Try the Canadian Wood Council's online design tools or an engineered lumber manufacturer's web site, such as Trusjoist. Both have span tables for their products.

It would be a bit unusual for a basement wall to be load bearing. I suspect you have a beam/girder already and the 2x6 wall was used to conceal the i beam and /or columns. You can't just yank the wall out and hope that the beam is there, but I would sure do some extra research.

Your local lumber yard would help. T.

on 4/4/2008 11:30 AM Dave said the following:

Above my head right now, I have a triple 2x10 beam that spans 11 feet across an alcove and supported at the ends by being embedded into concrete walls. The joists run perpendicular across this beam. There is a kitchen above and it has been there for 25 years.

You really should seek information on the _maximum_ distance between supports. The minimum is always 0'-0" ;)

If you Google

wood beam span tables

you will get all the info you need, and more.

James

Dave-

If you can calculate the load that the beam will need to handle (lbs per ft). you could use a span calculator to size it.

Depending on the load & the span you might be able to get away with a multiple 2x10 or 2x12.

If the loads are high & you want to minimize beam depth you might consider a glulam.

here is a link to glulam load / span tables depending on service condition & wood species

Maybe, maybe not. The span tables don't give you the load calculations nor factor in all of the adjustment factors that apply to wood structural members.

Matt

And the key statement here is "Specific beam designs should be reviewed by a licensed design professional."

Matt

fo on

Dave-

As Matt points out, unless you can correctly determine the load & pick a serviceable beam, you might want to consider using a designer, engineer or experienced contractor.

cheers Bob