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Question

what size beam needed to support a patio 18 feet wide

Submitted: 56 days and 8 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 56 days and 8 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi XXXXXXXX
I need more info before I can take a crack at your question. What is the size of the deck? What is the clear span? what size floor joists are you using? where is this beam in relation to the rest of the deck, on the end? in the middle?

56 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

not a deck.It's a patio 18 feet wide . I want to take out the center 4x4.

Posted by Rick 56 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

A patio by definition is on the ground. If it is supported by the ground no beam is necessary for support.

56 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

ok. it's a roof for a patio attached to the house. it currently has 3 4x4s holding it up. I want to take out the center 4x4 and just leave the two end ones

Posted by Rick 56 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

I still need the info I asked for initially except I need the size and length of the rafters instead of joists. Can I assume this beam is at the end of 18' long rafters or is the roof 18' wide? Also since it's a roof I also need to know where you live (what part of what State)

56 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

the beam at the end of the rafters 18 ft long. I live in yakima wa.

Accepted Answer

A beam that long unsupported in the middle needs to be an LVL or micro lam beam. A steel beam would work also. These should be sized by the lumber yard where you buy the LVL or at the steel yard where you buy the beam.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	9/27/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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Question

what size beam needed to support a patio 18 feet wide

Info Request

Hi XXXXXXXXI need more info before I can take a crack at your question. What is the size of the deck? What is the clear span? what size floor joists are you using? where is this beam in relation to the rest of the deck, on the end? in the middle?

Reply

not a deck.It's a patio 18 feet wide . I want to take out the center 4x4.

Answer

A patio by definition is on the ground. If it is supported by the ground no beam is necessary for support.

Reply

ok. it's a roof for a patio attached to the house. it currently has 3 4x4s holding it up. I want to take out the center 4x4 and just leave the two end ones

Answer

I still need the info I asked for initially except I need the size and length of the rafters instead of joists. Can I assume this beam is at the end of 18' long rafters or is the roof 18' wide? Also since it's a roof I also need to know where you live (what part of what State)

Reply

the beam at the end of the rafters 18 ft long. I live in yakima wa.

Accepted Answer

A beam that long unsupported in the middle needs to be an LVL or micro lam beam. A steel beam would work also. These should be sized by the lumber yard where you buy the LVL or at the steel yard where you buy the beam.

Related Home Improvement Questions

Hi XXXXXXXX
I need more info before I can take a crack at your question. What is the size of the deck? What is the clear span? what size floor joists are you using? where is this beam in relation to the rest of the deck, on the end? in the middle?