That's old tech...glue lams have long ago replaced
that method. Look up I-joists, glue-lams, or LVL.

The old 2 2x12 method will work, but there are
much better methods for headers.

http://www.i-joist.org/home.asp

http://www.ufpi.com/product/lvl/

http://www.curtislumber.ca/products/gluelams.htm




Todd Fatheree wrote:

I'm working on a garage design. For a span greater than 9 feet, our local
code requires two 2x12s sandwiched around a 1/8" steel flitch plate. I'm
curious where one would obtain a 17-18' long steel plate 11.25" wide.