What Size Beam For A 30-Foot Span

You may wonder what size beam you need for a 30-foot span. The answer to that question depends on a few factors, such as the weight of the load and the type of beam you select. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right beam for your project.

What Size Beam For A 30-Foot Span

You need to consider a few factors when deciding what size beam to use for a 30-foot span. The first is the type of load that the beam will need to support. A smaller beam may be adequate if you’re only looking to support light loads. However, a larger beam will be necessary if you’re looking to support heavy loads. The second factor to consider is the span of the beam.

A longer span will require a stronger beam to support the weight of the loads. Finally, you need to consider the type of material that the beam is made from. Different materials have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose a material that can support the loads you’re expecting. With all of these factors in mind, you should be able to select an appropriate beam for your needs.

What Size Beam Can Span 24 Feet?

As per general thumb rules and guidelines, a 4 nailed 2×18 or 4-2×18 or 8×18 size of the wood beam can allow spanning 24 feet. Thus, for a 24-foot span, you will need at least 4-2×18 or 8×18 size wood beam.

It is always better and safe to have an extra 1/3rd length of the beam on each side of the support (ledge, column, or wall), which means you need an overall length of beam = 24 feet + 1/3rd length of the beam on each side. Suppose the length of the lumber is less than the required length, then two or more lumbers can be fastened together using nails and floor joists hangers to make a larger span width.

A professional must check the strength and stability of the joints before finalizing any arrangement. In some cases where a heavy appliance must be placed or rested on the beam, additional reinforcement like horizontal steel straps may be required along with brackets.

An engineer should be consulted before taking any final decision as they will be able to guide you better after analyzing all aspects like wind load, the weight that needs to be supported by the beam, including its weight, etc.

How Far Can A Beam Span Without Support?

The length of an LVL beam span without support varies between manufacturers. Some limit their beams to 60 feet due to transportation issues, while others can manufacture beams up to 80 feet long. The longest unsupported span possible using LVL would be 80 feet.

However, it is more common for a continuous LVL span to be between 20 and 30 feet. When designing a structure that will use LVL beams, it is important to consult with a manufacturer to determine the maximum span possible for the desired beams.

How Big Of A Beam Do I Need To Span 25 Ft?

As a general rule of thumb, for a 25-foot span, the size of the LVL beam or GLULAM should be 12-14 inches deep and 4 inches wide. This means that you would need something like a 12-14″ GLULAM or LVL to span a distance of up to 25 feet.

This is the size that is typically used for residential building projects. However, it is always best to consult a professional engineer to determine the best beam size for your project.

What Size Beam Do I Need For A 20-Foot Span?

When determining what size beam you need for a 20-foot span, you must consider the type of wood and the load capacity. For a 20-foot span, the wood beam has to be at least 16 inches in depth and 8″ in width (4-2×16) used for residential buildings or projects. The span is based on the length of the joist that the beam supports.

The lumber should also be grade-stamped by the span rating determined by the span and the wood species. The most common type of wood used for this purpose is Douglas fir and southern pine because of their superior strength properties. Usually, the beams come in two types: built-up and solid sawn.

The main differences between these two types are their weight, appearance, and price. Based on all of these factors, you can decide which type of beam is best suited for your project. However, if you are still unsure about what size beam you need, it is always best to consult a professional contractor who can help you make the best decision for your project.

The Bottom Line

So, what size beam do you need for a 30-foot span? Well, it depends on the weight of the load and the steel grade. A 10-foot steel beam will run you around $60 to $180, and a 30-foot steel I-beam will cost between $180 and $540.