On Feb 9, 8:58 pm, "Lawrence" wrote:
On Feb 9, 2:17 pm, (lp13-30) wrote:

I always want things like this to be many times stronger than actually
needed, but this is not going to require some 1/2" thick steel brackets.
Look at the weight a joist hanger will support vs. how light and flimsy
they look. Larry

A joist hanger works with gravity supporting the load from underneath
with multiple nails.

Say what? Gravity is supporting the load? You claimed a beam had
to be underneath a load to support it. That, obviously isn't true.
The most widely used joist hangers obviously support a load that is
attached to the side of the beam.

Other larger nails also hold the joist in
place. If you want to support the beam it from above then it must be
supported from above perhaps with steel cables and turnbuckles. It
would be more than unusual.

Go back and read the question. He doesn't want to support the beam
from above. He wants the beam to support the joists that will be
below it. Unusual yes, but certainly possible with the correct metal
brackets and without cables and turnbuckles.


Roof joists or collar ties are not usually large boards but they are
vital to the structural integrity and must be supported from
underneath and they should not be attached to the beam in the way
suggested. Rather, steel cable could be attached to the ridge beam
which could be beefed up would be a more likeley solution in this
unusual scenario.

If a beam can support the weight required by the joists, and a bracket
is used to connect them, then it can support the structure whether
from above or below. The obvious and very std joist hangers already
attach to the beam from the side, shooting your whole argument down.
And if that ain;t enough, here's a link to a supplier that has
something pretty close to what he's looking for:

http://www.expamet.co.uk/bp/products/batspee3.html

Notice the part about "underslinging joists"?



No, it is not impossible but a more conventional approach can most
likely be used.

Like turnbuckles and cables, instead of simple metal brackets? LOL


the OP insist one this wacky idea I suggest he
hire an experienced carpenter or engineer to OK the framing design.From a practical standpoint I think the beam could be inside the room

and made to look nice with some moulding. That is a more conventional
solution and easier to design and execute.