Shoring up the beam in the front room

Preparation for the beams: 

We have known since the demo guys first took down the drop ceiling in the front room that our main beam needed some support. We have had some temporary supports in place while Patrick got the details worked out with the structural engineers. The plan calls for a steel beam to be placed under the current beam, which will be held up by large wooden posts. 

Yesterday I removed some framing and plaster from the walls so that there would be a flat surface for the posts rest against. Patrick removed the wood floor and subfloor where the two posts will be installed. 

2 x 4 wall removed, subfloor removed

Wall next to front door, 2x4 framing removed,
plaster removed from brick wall

                

                          Close up of floor and subfloor removed for posts

Steel, posts, and plates arrived

Today the steel beam, the douglas fir posts, and the steel plates arrived! We are slowly getting closer to getting our ceiling shored up.

Steel plate which sits on subfloor and supports and secures the wooden posts.

These are our gorgeous Douglas Fir posts!
Aren't they beautiful?

another view of the soon-to-be installed beam

Here's the steel beam!
It is really impressive!









Stay tuned for news and pictures of the beam installation!