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.
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
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.


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.
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
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.
Answers to the Most Common Questions For Property Owners, Contractors, and Developers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free initial consultation. No obligation. We typically respond within 24 hours.
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