Thread: Hanging beam and ceiling joists

That's the way.

Instead of joist hangars, you could use Universal Framing Anchors (also called 'multigrips') on all sides, with the flanges bent up over the bottom of the hangars to give extra support. They'd do the same job.

Question1: Yes you can move the beam, My tables show the following
110x30 F17 grade will span 2800 @ 450 centres.
110x30 F14 grade will span 2700 @ 450 centres.
Question 2: Most likely your house is built with F14 grade hardwood if it was built with seasoned timber or it may have been built with unseasoned grade F8 and has dried out with normal ageing.
Question 3: My tables show for hanging beams with ceiling joist span of 1800 ( they don't go lower)
you need 245x45 F14 grade to span 5900 and for F17 245x35 will span 5700.

Oh and don't forget to prop the ceiling underneath when you go to move the beam

Haven't found the time to do the job yet, but I've had another thought - why not take out the ceiling completely and create a cathedral ceiling with a couple of skylights? If I was to remove the ceiling joists and hanging beam from the kitchen (this is possible without affecting adjoining rooms), is there anything I need to do to the roof timbers and/or eaves? There are a couple of strutting beams extending from the interior kitchen wall to the roof and these would obviously have to remain. Also all electricals would need to be moved but that's no big deal.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cashy

With the proper engineering it could be done.
I'm considering putting a pyramid shaped ceiling leading to a skylight in my kitchen.

The ceiling joists usually provide a tie between opposite outside walls, and lock opposing rafters together to prevent them spreading, but if the ridge is propped, and perhaps a suitable perimeter beam is securely fastened together, then it can be done.

I'd certainly refer you to an engineer first though.

Edit: I might start a thread with photos, outlining my proposal and how I would intend to tackle it. It would then be less hassle for an engineer to certify my design.