Should I use timber or steel to build a support beam?

[jasace1971]

Hi all,

converting a 6m x 6m shed to a music studio.

removed a-frame cross member to allow a higher peaked ceiling.

am lining the ceiling and walls with villa board, gyprock, over 90mm pine frame.

want to place a support beam of som kind up against the peaked ceiling with supports on either frame to make sure the removal of the a-frame cross member doesn’t see the peaked ceiling doesn’t droop and spread the walls.

what size and what material beam should I use? Almost 6m long.

ta.

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jasace1971. We're pleased to have you with us and look forward to seeing your music room take shape.

Our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts will be happy to assist as much as they can, although I suspect this might be a case where you need to engage a professional to ensure a safe and compliant structure. 

Thanks,

Jason

[MitchellMc]

Hi @jasace1971,

I'd agree with @Jason that this sounds like a case of needing to engage the services of an engineer to provide solutions. Until you do, it would be advisable not to use the structure as you typically wouldn't remove a structural cross member before first installing the replacement structural component.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell