WANTED -- I beams

I need a few I beams to finish my pool to pond conversion.  I am looking for lengths from 6 to 18 feet in length.  I need about 6 beams to support a deck over the pond and bridge.

Thanks guys.

Jim

I looked all over for used beams for my bridge and found them cheaper new at Alcoa in Valejo.

I looked all over for used beams for my bridge and found them cheaper new at Alcoa in Valejo.

Jim if you end up going the new route check out PDM steel.Their closest location is down in Stockton.

I have bought a bunch of structural steel beams from them in the past.

http://www.pdmsteel.com/index.html

Thanks guys, the project doesn't need the I-beams until December, but I'll definitely check out these sources for new beams.

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What size beams do you need?  Does it have to be I beam?  How about H beam or channel iron?

Jim, I didn't forget about you, but I did forget to get back to you. My work won't let me take the one I beam that would work perfect (even though its been sitting for about a decade).

Wow, that's going to be a heck of pond Jim!  Will you be raising Koi?  I have a friend who has a steel shop.  I'll ask him if he has anything he can spare.  If not maybe he knows where you can buy it cheaper.

Rey

They dont need to be I-beams, they just need to be strong enough to hold redwood decking over 12 to 20 foot spans (paired beams, 36" on center).

My biggest concern is that there is only 1 inch from the bottom of the deck to the water surface.  I figured that if I got steel, I would blast and paint, but I want the thinnest possible either way. I am confident that 4 inch I-beams would do the trick for the 12 foot span and 6 inch beams for the one long span with 4 inch beams 36 inches inboard, but am not a structural engineer...

No worries Bill, I figured it was that.

I currently have koi, and am working towards an Asian garden with the pool/pond as my centerpiece, tall bamboo surrounding it on 2 sides and a stream meandering through the bamboo from a "water tank" into the pond.  I dream kinda big...

Thanks for your interest and help guys, one of these days I'll get the garden done and have a big chill and grill day over here.


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This?

if you are looking to minimize cost and fabrication, have you thought about using an engineered wood product? if you Google "span tables for engineered joists" the first thing you come up with is "Wood I-beam joists by Georgia Pacific." (yeah I can't figure out how to link the PDF...) I don't often get a chance to use these, as most of my jobs are not Type 5 construction, but they are a really stable lower-cost alternative (not to mention easier to cut/fasten/finish etc.) it doesn't really matter that your pond is close to these, or even over these, wood works just fine IN the water (think docks) it is where wood meets earth or meets water (the wet-dry cycle) that tears things up. You get a good sealant and paint on these and you will be GTG.

PS. You can get a 9 1/2" joist to go 19' with these.

My biggest concern is that there is only 1 inch from the bottom of the deck to the water surface. 

You'll be surprised how fast the water evaporates...and how often you need to refill the pond. It will probably be difficult to keep it at max capacity--and you'll have plenty of room between the water surface & the bridge.

Sounds like a sweet project btw!

LOL Piski, urmmm, nope

Dude, I have thought about that but am really concerned with swelling of engineered wood.  But, thinking about it with your prodding, it might be cheaper...and boats...boats!  lol

Sin Coast, I keep it full right now with manual valve monitoring and opperation, but have an autofill device designed to integrate with the solenoid controlled valve once my decking goes on (mounting point for sensor)

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mat/3931210477.html

not sure if these would work or not

Thanks Jim, aside from me not having the money for that right now I think those might work. But at that price its going to have to wait until this fall

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I might have some stuff around the property that would work for you.  Won't get a chance to hack the weeds & berry brush back to see what is there till this weekend but I might have something (or a portion there-of) useful.

~Bill