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Best Supports for Beam in Timber Framed House?

Posted by Peter Macdonald, on
At the moment, we are considering removing a load bearing wall to create a single larger room out of two smaller rooms. The house is 1.5 storey 1978 timber framed house, the load bearing wall is made from 4" timbers, and runs perpendicular to the first floor joists. We are planning on replacing the wall with an appropriate steel beam (all calculations to be carried out by appropriate engineer, Building Control will be informed, and Building Warrant applied for etc), but at this stage there are a couple of things we want to know before we engage structural engineer & builders (want to go in with our eyes open). 1) The distance that we will be spanning will be about 3.9m, will this need an RSJ/steel beam, or is a timber solution possible? Are there other options? 2) In the information that we have seen, it looks like a beam needs to be supported by brick piers with padstone at the top - is this the case in a timber framed house? Seems unusual to have some brick columns in the middle of a timber house, or can the beam be supported on heavy timber? There is a dwarf wall below the current load bearing wall at the moment. Any advice and pointers would be very much appreciated at this stage, just so we know what we are looking at. Thanks,
Peter Ruddick

Peter Ruddick

Hello A few points Find a structural engineer that understands timber frame alterations, timber frames flex and settle - a little , brick and steel do not . You have to be very careful not to cut out any of the designed in stability of the 'Box' for want of a better description . You may be able to use a Gluelam type wood beam with a structural up stand in timber , but it would need to be braced and designed into the original design , not easy . Looks like your design is for an independent beam and support inside the timber frame , lateral stability would be an issue as it may be independent from the timber frame . Any new supports would need to be off the actual foundations,[ or wall ] not any concrete floor slab or oversite . What ever you do have it signed off / inspected/ by Building Control and your engineer before it is covered up ! I worked for Barratt Homes building lots of timber frames in the 70/80s Good luck Peter R. Beamish Const Services
David Barron

David Barron

I have completed the same job as yours recently and was very successful Yes structural engineer will give size / strength of rsj / support steel etc and building control will sign off etc As far as work goes it needs to be steel rsj, timber will never do Best job is to secure new joists on either side of H beam (rsj) Then support ceiling either side with planks and support with acroprops Cut current joists width of new rsj Slide rsj into position / slot Secure joists to new timber on rsj with joist hangers Support both ends of rsj with suitable vertical steel box section secured to concrete floor and rsj ( will need plate welded both ends of box section and bolted ) . Can be cut into wall depending on size After rsj etc in place can be plaster boarded / skimmed over, best to skim complete ceiling . When finished should look seamless as if original wall was never there if completed properly
Rafal Kaczynski

Rafal Kaczynski

Hi Peter Everyone has knowledge to respond to a question but every trade person can do a job in different way. We always recomend to post a job on main website because some of a job needs to be seen bedore any advice is given. Our service is free of charge with no obligation quote and our tradesmans are happy to help with every aspects of jobs. I would strongly recomend to post a job on Rated People home page then 3 companies will get in touch then you would be able to choose the right person as you would receive an e mail with a link to tradesman account where you would see a pictures and you will read revious from previous customers. I hope this will help Best regards Rafal
Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams

Hi Peter. You best bet is to get Professional advice. Every Property is different and unless you are totally confident, dont even try messing with main supports. Goodluck

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