Open Up Your Home: The Power of Flitch Beams in Additions & Renovations

One of the biggest trends in home remodeling today is open concept living. Whether it’s combining the kitchen with the dining area, removing a wall to expand the living room, or creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space, homeowners are looking to remove barriers and bring more light and flow into their homes.

But opening up a home—especially an older one—often means dealing with load-bearing walls. That’s where flitch beams come in.

What is a Flitch Beam?

A flitch beam is a hybrid structural element made by sandwiching a steel plate between two (or sometimes more) layers of wood, typically dimensional lumber like LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) or standard framing lumber. The result is a composite beam that combines the strength of steel with the workability of wood.

It’s a time-tested engineering solution that offers an ideal balance of rigidity, load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation—especially useful in residential construction where fully steel beams may be overkill or too invasive.

Why Use Flitch Beams in Home Additions or Renovations?

✅ Open Larger Spans Without Columns

Flitch beams allow you to remove long stretches of interior wall while still supporting the weight of the floors and roof above. Compared to wood-only beams, flitch beams can span longer distances without sagging or requiring mid-span support columns that interrupt your open layout.

✅ Slimmer Profile Than All-Wood Beams

A flitch beam can carry the same load as a much larger solid wood beam but with a smaller profile. That means more ceiling height and cleaner lines—great for modern, minimalist designs.

✅ Ideal for Tight Spaces or Retrofits

Because of their strength-to-size ratio, flitch beams are often easier to integrate into existing framing—particularly in renovations where ceiling heights are fixed, or where fully steel beams would be difficult to install due to access or cost.

✅ Better Integration With Wood Framing

Unlike steel I-beams, flitch beams can be nailed, screwed, and bolted into standard wood framing. This makes them faster and easier to install, especially when tying into existing joists or rafters.

When Should You Consider a Flitch Beam?

• You're removing a load-bearing wall but want to avoid dropping a bulky wood beam or adding posts.
• You're doing a second-story addition and need hidden structural support in the floor system.
• You’re working with limited headroom (like in basements or low-ceilinged additions).
• You want the strength of steel without the look or installation complexity of full steel beams.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go Flitch?

Flitch beams are a clever solution for homeowners and remodelers looking to maximize open space without compromising structural safety. They provide strength where it’s needed most, while still fitting in seamlessly with traditional wood framing.

Whether you're designing a new addition, reconfiguring an older home, or just trying to open things up, ask your contractor or structural engineer about whether a flitch beam might be the right choice for your project.

Need Help With Structural Planning?

We specialize in smart structural solutions that bring your home design vision to life—safely, affordably, and beautifully. If you're considering a home addition or remodel, contact us today for a consultation. We partner with licensed engineers and architects to ensure your vision comes to life, designed to the highest safety standards.