Once you've confirmed a wall is load-bearing and you want to open it up, the next question is technical: what should replace it? The load previously carried by the wall must be transferred through a replacement beam. The choice of material isn't just about price — it depends on span, load and the available space. Here are the common options.

The main options

LVL (laminated veneer lumber). An engineered wood made of thin glued veneers. Economical, light, easy to handle on a renovation site, it suits many common residential spans. It's often installed as several plies fastened together.

PSL (Parallam). Another engineered wood, stronger than LVL, able to carry higher loads or longer spans. It costs more, but sometimes avoids adding an intermediate column.

Steel beam (W-shape or HSS tube). When the span is large, the load heavy or the available height very limited, steel offers the best capacity for the smallest depth. In return, it's heavier to handle and requires carefully designed connections and supports.

Built-up dimensional lumber (an assembly of 2× members) can still be appropriate for small loads and short spans.

The selection criteria

The right material is the one that satisfies all the parameters at once:

  • the span to cross and the load to carry (floors, walls, roof, snow);
  • the available height: too deep a beam can drop below the finished ceiling;
  • the allowable deflection and vibration: a strong enough beam can still deflect or vibrate unacceptably;
  • the supports: where will the load come down, and is a column to the foundation needed?
  • installation: access, weight, lifting on site;
  • exposure: in damp environments, galvanized steel or treated wood is a must.

The engineer's role: more than the beam

Choosing the beam is only the visible part. Above all, the engineer calculates the complete load path down to the foundations: a new beam concentrates forces on its supports, which may require a column and sometimes reinforcement of the foundation below. For steel beams, designing the connections is an integral part of the work.

It's all delivered as plans prepared, signed and sealed by an OIQ engineer, according to the code and permit requirements applicable to your project, and ready for your permit. See our load-bearing wall opening and removal service.

Planning an opening? Contact our team in Quebec City and Lévis.