beam flush with ceiling

[dsutton]

I'm trying to find some information (online or off) about the process for installing a header (longer that 12 feet) that would be flush with the ceiling in a 1 story house.

I want to remove a load bearing wall that separates my kitchen from my living room, and I don't want a standard beam with columns -- the columns would be in the way.

Any guidance is appreciated.

[mjpliv]

What is the span of the proposed opening and what does the existing wall support (length of joists each side, roof loads, any concentrated loads)?What will be supporting the ends of the new beams? Are the footings large enough or thick enough to carry these new loads?

Removing/altering a load bearing wall requires a very carfull analysis of the loads. Not only the loads you have to carry with the new beam, but what loads are you creating at the ends of the new beam that have to be carried downward through the structure. On a long span it is not unusual to exceed 10,000 pound point loads generated at the ends of the beams.

My standard answer for these questions is "spend a few bucks and talk to an engineer". It is not that expensive and offers some peace of mind.