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Discussion Forum

Can you shim new construction Lally Columns?

ttf5003 | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 10, 2021 10:16pm

This might be a pretty basic question but how do you handle not knowing exactly what the lally column height will be as far as ordering materials. I’m building a cabin this summer and I’m getting 8’2” Superior Walls with precast column footers whose tops should be set at the same height as the bottom of the wall. So the column heights should be 8’2” with 1 ½” still plate so 8’ 3 ½”. The beam they will be holding up will be in a pocket and is 4 2x8s. So it should be 8’ 3 ½”- 7 ¼”= 7’ 8 1/4”

So that puts me at a Akron 206 which is 7′ 6″ – 7′ 10″, $113 and has a long lead time from Lowes.

If I go with an Akron 205 it is 7′ 3″ – 7′ 7″ which is 79.98 and available in stock.

If I go with the shorter one is any type of shim acceptable by code? What material is best and where should I put it, between the column and the footer or the column and the beam?

Thanks for any help.

Reply

Replies

  1. user-6785380 | Jul 10, 2021 10:51pm | #1

    Not sure if the shimming will meet code. But, I’ve bought columns from these folks before and they are custom sized and adjustable. They ship fast and might not be as cheap as off the shelf, but they also aren’t crazy expensive:

    https://www.lally-column.com

  2. calvin | Jul 11, 2021 07:37am | #2

    https://mcsmag.com/small-but-mighty/

    Here, for beams they require steel or the above. Iron workers gave me a box of assorted thicknesses from real thin on up to 3/4”. Or find a steel beam supplier. They can supply plates for your needs.

  3. ttf5003 | Jul 14, 2021 06:19am | #3

    Thanks for the responses. I was able to order the size I think I need from Do it Best and they should be here next week. It's good to know about the quick shipping of the online vendor if they don't work out.

    Travis

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