what size i beam should i use for a 36 ft span in garage?

Question

what size i beam should i use for a 36 ft span in garage?

Answer 1

If you purchase a glue laminated garage door header, that would more than carry the load. they are readily available. otherwise, you could do as someone else suggested and ask at your lumber supplier. they have charts to tell what loads can be carried by a certain size beam. I'm not sure where mine are, or I could figure it for you. You'll need a beam the will carry about 500 pounds per linear foot uniform load at your 14' span. that would allow 40 pounds per square foot live load and 10 pounds per square foot dead load, which is code in most places.

Answer 2

Here are literally thousands of organized woodworking projects in a members area and all you have to do is get them off your computer any time you want. Go here https://tr.im/BBY4V

There are thousands of plans so decide which one you are going to tackle next. The choice is yours to make so just click on the proper button for the specific project and then they are right there for you to pick one. The diagrams and instructions will be right there in the computer for you to access at any time or if you prefer you can print them out.

Answer 3

36' is too long a span for any wood beam, including Lvl's, parallam,Tji's,Truss joist.

You need to have a structural engineer design a center beam supported by steel columns resting on a poured footing. You will also need to construct a beam pocket in the front and back walls for the ends of this center beam to rest on.

Then you can install floor joist sized also by the engineer. I would suggest floor trusses as they have open webs for ductwork,wiring,plumbing.etc.

Answer 4

You need to goggle LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams for that length. Unsupported solid beams of that length would be huge.

Answer 5

Try these tables.



Design Guides/Residential Steel Load & SpanTables



http://www.toolbase.org/PDF/DesignGuides/ResidentialSteelLoad_SpanTables.pdf