How to Make a Beam for a Supporting Wall

Load bearing support walls carry the load of the building above them and cannot be removed without potentially serious damage to the structural integrity of your home. Beams are installed across the top of a space formerly occupied by a support wall, so that the wall can be safely removed and the space can be opened up for use as a doorway, etc. The process of making a beam for a supporting wall requires some carpentry skill, a few basic tools and a helper or two.

Tape measure
2-by-12 inch pressure treated lumber
Pencil
Circular saw
1/2-inch plywood
Straight edge
Construction adhesive
Hammer
3-inch nails
Work gloves
Eye goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the two ends of your support wall. Stretch your tape measure between the jack stud at either end of the wall. This will indicate the required length of your beam.
- 2
  Cut a piece of 2-by-12 inch pressure treated lumber to the measurement you have taken. Use your tape measure and pencil to mark the wood and use your circular saw to make the cut. Use this cut beam as a guide and mark a second 2-by-12 to the same length. Use your circular saw to cut this piece as well.
- 3
  Cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the same size as the 2-by-12's you cut in Step 2. Use your tape measure, pencil and straight edge to mark the wood, and use your circular saw to make the cuts.
- 4
  Lay one of your 2-by-12's flat side down on the floor. Apply construction adhesive to one side of the plywood you cut in Step 3. Lay the plywood, glue-side down onto the 2-by-12. Apply construction adhesive to the other side of the plywood and lay the remaining 2-by-12 onto it. Use your hammer and nails to fasten the three pieces together by driving nails through the pile from both sides.

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