THE determination of the suitable breadth and depth of a timber beam to carry a given load involves consideration of strength, of stiffness, and of the capacity of the material to withstand the ...

Q. Can you tell me a few things about the wood beam I uncovered while doing a plumbing repair? How is it possible for this beam to carry the load of everything above it? I'm worried it might not be ...

DEAR TIM: I’m getting ready to build a large room addition that needs a beam to support the floor joists. I’ve been told that a wood beam will work, but I’ve always seen steel I-beams in other houses.