Want to construct a patio cover approx. 20 feet long. Only want to use a 6x6 or 8x8 post at each end. What size steel i-beam would I have to use to carry the load???
consult your local building for the area design loads including, live dead and wind.many local steel supp;iers can design it for you.
u can buy a laminated wood beam that would hold the weight and look better but will be taller than a metal beam i dont know much about building with metal just thought id give u another idea i know other ways but would not look good on a patio good luck
Probably the reason some contractors don't like this idea is that your new built-up beam, being only 6 tall, is not going to allow the joists above to attach effectively. The triple microlam with steel plates is sooooooo overkill in strength, but doesn't have the height to allow the floor joists to proberly attach. Your span is not so great that a built-up beam wouldn't work great. Assuming that your second floor joists are 2 x 10, I would use 2- 2 x 10 with 1/2 plywood sandwiched between. This is all that you really need.
First of all is it a rule of thumb with carpenters and ironworkers never to set steel on wood. I would use a 14 tall (2) ply lvl header. *Laminated veneer Lumber. This will hold the weight of the structure between your posts. A steel beam would be quite costly today as prices on steel have skyrocketed, plus you would need a boom truck or small crane to set this beam, and you would need some sort of mounting bracket or holes pre-drilled in the beam ends to secure it to the posts. Plus you would need to have the beam delivered and if your patio is in the backyard - you would need another pc.of equipment to get it around back. Advice from me is to go with an LVL beam. They are 1+3/4 Thick and you would need a (2 ply ) beam, which means you set one pc. and then laminate another one into the first. Glue between layers (use heavy duty liquid nails) and then Lag screw them together. Use 5/16 x 3 lag screws with a washer on each one. Pre-drill holes about 3/16 smaller than lag screws - then insert lag screws and tighten up with an electric impact.
