How new beam is supported is as important as what it's made from. You will need 2 new piers. How deep piers must go depend's on your soil.

Thanks Klem1 yes, 2 piers I did further research and found to dig down 12" and make a form and pour concrete pier bringing the pour, up 4" above soil line. For a total of 16". That part I am clear on. It's the beam I would like more detail.

And Lazy...I completely agree, after calling one after the other, after another, no one called me back. And the one man who did speak to me, gave me this info but, is now retired. He was very kind and spoke to me on the how too over phone. However we didn't get the beam size, he referred me to someone who you guessed it, didn't call me back. So that's where we are at. And Lazy don't underestimate these strangers on this form, they are amazing.

When you make the beam,sandwiching 3/4tr plywood between 2xs double's strength with little added weight. Plywood also help's with overlap joints. If for some reason you can't use plywood,20 ga sheet metal has unbelievable strength when captured between framing.

Thanks klem1 ...so 2x10's lap joined (2ft in each direction for a total of 4 ft.) in the middle with 20 gauge sheet metal or 3/4" ply sandwiched in the middle the entire length. We have a large nail gun (10p?) should it be nailed together the length of the beam and also bolted too? We did a 2nd story deck and laminated the existing beam no lap joint to beef it up. I believe both fasteners were suggested, nails and bolts.

I can't thank you enough.

I have to look at nail gun again, don't remember specks, but I think we are good with it.

Glue is preferred over bolts. Call glue manufactur for approved types glue for your application.

Yes, If we go the plywood route, I forgot to mention glue. Thanks again...