Hi…I am in the process of installing a fireplace/ hearth and the weight is starting to concern me. The fireplace is centrally located over a large girder which should be to my advantage but wanted to see if anyone had an opinion. Figuring the fireplace and hearth will weigh in at 1700lbs over a 29sq ft area…so I guess that puts weight around 59lbs a sq ft.
The construction is 12” TJI floor joists with a 14” x 3.75” girder that spans 10”. The fireplace is also located on an exterior wall so figure that is also an advantage. The fireplace/hearth is over this girder, figure 3” to each side. Wondering if any additional support or blocking within the TJIs is needed or lally columns. Thank you for any input. Tom
![[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/290/290510-6b3cf78303b9a5fb43a06d71befdf01b.jpg?hash=eXsukuSgcf "[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support")
![[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/290/290511-aac9aba6a6f7aa404be0abbf47bd4277.jpg?hash=2eaEt7A2nS "[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support")
![[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/290/290512-138ea9f2e8eaa109fe60f46033d9dc16.jpg?hash=H3b6YNndL0 "[Hearth.com] Hearth weight and support")
The construction is 12” TJI floor joists with a 14” x 3.75” girder that spans 10”. The fireplace is also located on an exterior wall so figure that is also an advantage. The fireplace/hearth is over this girder, figure 3” to each side. Wondering if any additional support or blocking within the TJIs is needed or lally columns. Thank you for any input. Tom
