We have designed a semi-open floor plan in our house that will require some beams and a post according to some people we've shown the drawings to. The "best" suggestion we've received involves placing a post somewhat inconveniently in our kitchen.
We are not too fond of that suggestion, so I sat down and tried to come up with my own beam solution that would feel better. Mainly, it would allow the post to be moved out of the way or replaced by making an interior wall load-bearing.
I don't have much expertise in beams and constructions, but shouldn't it be possible to do as in the attached image where the horizontal beam rests on an exterior wall and a load-bearing interior wall, and the vertical one rests on an exterior wall and the other beam? (The beams are silver-colored in the drawing.)
If you're wondering what the beams are for, they are to "support" a high ceiling over the living room area.
Another question I have is whether beams are generally expensive. What's the cost of a "solid beam" that measures about 5 meters long and 0.3 meters wide? Maybe an I-beam, or something
Is only steel suitable here, or could something be made of concrete? The house's other construction is in lightweight concrete if that matters.
Thank you in advance!
We are not too fond of that suggestion, so I sat down and tried to come up with my own beam solution that would feel better. Mainly, it would allow the post to be moved out of the way or replaced by making an interior wall load-bearing.
I don't have much expertise in beams and constructions, but shouldn't it be possible to do as in the attached image where the horizontal beam rests on an exterior wall and a load-bearing interior wall, and the vertical one rests on an exterior wall and the other beam? (The beams are silver-colored in the drawing.)
If you're wondering what the beams are for, they are to "support" a high ceiling over the living room area.
Another question I have is whether beams are generally expensive. What's the cost of a "solid beam" that measures about 5 meters long and 0.3 meters wide? Maybe an I-beam, or something
Is only steel suitable here, or could something be made of concrete? The house's other construction is in lightweight concrete if that matters.
Thank you in advance!
I think you need a constructor who can calculate it for you.
Generally speaking, sure it's possible, just look at a larger exhibition hall or so and it's quite clear that you can have large free distances with a lot of weight on top, but then it becomes a question of what it costs.
Generally speaking, sure it's possible, just look at a larger exhibition hall or so and it's quite clear that you can have large free distances with a lot of weight on top, but then it becomes a question of what it costs.
Glulam is quite a common alternative. Glulam to have at the ridge is not particularly expensive, at least not so that it significantly affects the total cost. I don't really remember what my large beam cost, but let's say you can manage on 5-7 thousand. Steel is probably cheaper, I think.zachris said:Another question I have is whether beams are generally expensive. What does a "substantial beam" cost, about 5 m long and 0.3 m wide. Maybe an I-beam or something
Is it only steel that applies here, or can something be made in concrete? The rest of the house's construction is in lightweight concrete if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance!