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Can a Parallam Beam Span a Distance of 16′?

Asked by Bill on November 27, 2017

We’re planning to open a Kitchen/Dining demising wall and wanted to use exposed timber for detailing.  Contractor’s have suggested spanning the opening, aprox 16′ with a paralam beam. It would support a pony wall to the roof peak above.  Is it possible the timber beam could span this distance?

Answered by Caitlin
Timber Country Home Interior

Timber Country Home Interior

Hello Bill,

This is always a difficult question to answer without knowing more about the project (location, loading requirements, load paths, etc.). However, parallams and microlams are quiet strong, and come in a wide variety of depths and thicknesses (up to 18″ deep). With that being said, and only spanning 16′, you should definitely be able to find a size that work for you.

If you know the loads or structural requirements for the beam, a lot of engineered-wood companies publish their design values for mircolams, parallams, TJIs, etc.

Hope this helps.

Thank you,

Matthew McGinnis

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