Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Steel Beam for Deck
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09-18-01, 08:41 AM
Anyone know of a chart and/or website showing correct steel I-beam or tube steel sizes for deck beams? Maybe even a conversion from wood 4x's to steel.
I am replacing existing 4 x 12's that span 14 to 15 feet. I believe they were undersized to start with and instead of adding posts, thought I'd look at the option of steel beams.
I am replacing existing 4 x 12's that span 14 to 15 feet. I believe they were undersized to start with and instead of adding posts, thought I'd look at the option of steel beams.
09-19-01, 04:16 AM
I went through this a few months ago, and I doubt you'll find one. The steel manufacturers apparently won't claim any specific strength over a beam span for liability reasons. I couldn't even find strength data in my old engineering texts. It would have to be manufacturer specific unless you know the exact composition of steel from the supplier. I've looked, and found nothing. Even the lumber yard I ordered from wouldn't tell me how much the beam should hold. A lot of it depends on the load distribution anyway. The beams are sold by height and lbs per linear foot - an 8 x 18 beam is 8 inches tall and 18 lbs per foot, not 8" x 18" in size. 8 x 18 is typical for house support beams.
I'm pretty sure that 4 x 12 is strong enough to span 15', but it's close and I'm not so sure anyway. For a steel beam, I'd consider a 10" beam, maybe 18 - 24 lb/ft. You're gonna need some help setting it in place, and expect to pay around $10 per foot.
PS - I'm a mechanical engineer, but I'm not qualified to tell you specifically what you need (liability reasons, of course). E-mail me if you'd like more info, I'll be glad to share with you what I know.
Good luck!!
Matt
I'm pretty sure that 4 x 12 is strong enough to span 15', but it's close and I'm not so sure anyway. For a steel beam, I'd consider a 10" beam, maybe 18 - 24 lb/ft. You're gonna need some help setting it in place, and expect to pay around $10 per foot.
PS - I'm a mechanical engineer, but I'm not qualified to tell you specifically what you need (liability reasons, of course). E-mail me if you'd like more info, I'll be glad to share with you what I know.
Good luck!!
Matt
09-28-01, 02:39 AM
Originally posted by WA Joe
Anyone know of a chart and/or website showing correct steel I-beam or tube steel sizes for deck beams? Maybe even a conversion from wood 4x's to steel.
I am replacing existing 4 x 12's that span 14 to 15 feet. I believe they were undersized to start with and instead of adding posts, thought I'd look at the option of steel beams.
You may want to consider a beam from betterheader.com. They have charts, with steel of various sizes between the
2x12's. (www.betterheader.com)
Anyone know of a chart and/or website showing correct steel I-beam or tube steel sizes for deck beams? Maybe even a conversion from wood 4x's to steel.
I am replacing existing 4 x 12's that span 14 to 15 feet. I believe they were undersized to start with and instead of adding posts, thought I'd look at the option of steel beams.
You may want to consider a beam from betterheader.com. They have charts, with steel of various sizes between the
2x12's. (www.betterheader.com)