Beam Design in Phoenix, AZ — LVL, Steel & HSS Engineering

When you remove a load-bearing wall, span a wide opening, or support a heavy load, the beam is the structural element that makes it possible. ENE Structural Engineering designs beams for residential and commercial projects across the Phoenix metro area LVL, steel wide flange, and HSS — engineered for your specific loads, spans, and building conditions. Every beam design is backed by sealed calculations from a licensed Arizona PE.

Who This Is For

  • Homeowners removing load-bearing walls and needing a replacement beam designed

  • General contractors who need an engineer to size and specify beams for their residential or commercial projects

  • Architects incorporating long spans, open floor plans, or clerestory designs that require engineered beams

  • Remodeling contractors working on kitchen and living area renovations with wall removals

  • Commercial property owners adding mezzanines, modifying floor systems, or changing interior layouts

Why Proper Beam Design Matters

A beam is not something your contractor should size by rule of thumb. Every beam in a building carries specific loads — the weight of roofing materials, floor systems, walls above, furniture, occupants, and sometimes snow or equipment. Those loads must be calculated according to current building codes and transferred safely through the beam to its supports and down to the foundation.

An undersized beam will deflect excessively, causing cracked drywall, uneven floors, bouncy ceilings, and potentially dangerous structural compromise. An oversized beam wastes money on unnecessary materials and may complicate the framing around it.

Proper beam design accounts for the actual loads, the span length, the beam material properties, the support conditions, and the deflection limits required by code. In the Phoenix metro area, these designs must comply with IBC, AISC (for steel), and the National Design Specification for wood — all as adopted by your local jurisdiction.

This is engineering work. It requires a licensed Professional Engineer — and it is exactly what we do every day.

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Our Beam Design Process

Step 1: Project Details

Tell us about your project. Are you removing a wall? Spanning a new opening? Adding a floor or roof system? We need to understand the application, the span, and the loads your beam will carry.

Step 2: Load Analysis

We calculate the actual loads your beam must carry — dead loads (structure weight), live loads (occupancy), and any other applicable loads per ASCE 7-22. We also verify the load path from the beam through its supports to the foundation.

Step 3: Beam Selection and Design

Based on the loads and span, we select the most appropriate beam type — LVL for most residential applications, steel wide flange for longer spans or heavier loads, HSS for specific architectural or structural conditions. We size the beam to meet both strength and deflection criteria.

Step 4: Sealed Calculations and Details

You receive sealed beam design calculations, connection details, and bearing specifications — everything your contractor needs to install the beam correctly and everything your building department needs to approve the permit.

What Your Beam Design Includes

  • Gravity and lateral load analysis for the beam application

  • Beam sizing and material selection (LVL, W-shape, HSS, or other)

  • Deflection analysis to meet code limits (typically L/360 for floors, L/240 for roofs)

  • Support reaction calculations for post and foundation design

  • Connection detail specifications

  • Bearing plate or pad requirements (for steel beams)

  • Sealed structural calculations by a licensed Arizona PE

  • Coordination with wall removal reports or construction documents when applicable

Need a Beam Designed for Your Project?

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Whether it is an LVL for a wall removal or a steel beam for a commercial span, ENE Structural Engineering delivers accurate beam design -- fast and sealed by a licensed PE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answer by our experts

Answers to the Most Common Questions For Property Owners, Contractors, and Developers

What type of beam is best for a residential wall removal in Phoenix?

LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams are the most common choice for residential wall removals because they are cost-effective, readily available, and strong enough for most residential spans. For longer spans or heavier loads, steel wide flange beams may be required. We evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate option.

How much does beam design cost?

Beam design pricing depends on the complexity of the project. A single beam for a wall removal is priced differently than multiple beams for a major renovation. We provide clear quotes before work begins.

Can I use an LVL beam instead of steel to save money?

In many cases, yes. LVL beams are less expensive than steel and do not require welding or specialized connections. However, LVL beams have span and load limitations. If your span is too long or the loads are too heavy, steel may be the better — or only — option. We help you make the right choice.

Do I need a separate beam design, or is it included in a wall removal report?

Beam design is included in our wall removal reports. If you are removing a load-bearing wall, the beam design, support calculations, and connection details are all part of the wall removal report package. Standalone beam design is available for projects that do not involve wall removal — such as new construction, additions, or floor system modifications.

What is the difference between an LVL beam, a W-shape, and an HSS beam?

LVL beams are engineered wood products made from laminated wood veneers — strong, lightweight, and commonly used in residential construction. W-shape (wide flange) beams are the classic steel I-beams used for longer spans and heavier loads. HSS (hollow structural section) beams are steel tubes — rectangular or round — often used where a compact profile is desired or in exposed applications.

ENE Structural Engineering

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