How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall

In this video, Tom Silva explains how to identify load-bearing walls and how to remove them.

What is a Load-Bearing Wall?

Load-bearing walls are an issue for many renovators today, as more homeowners are opting for an open concept layout instead of individual rooms. Unfortunately, these walls can’t be ripped out haphazardly as load-bearing walls play a vital role in the structure of a house. They distribute the weight from the roof, through the floors, and down to the foundation.

How to Know if a Wall is Load-Bearing or Not

To determine if a wall is a load-bearing one, Tom suggests going down to the basement or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load-bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it’s most likely load-bearing.

Consider Hiring a Pro

Removing a load-bearing wall by yourself can result in a lot of costly mistakes. It is best to consult a licensed engineer prior to beginning work on the project.

Steps for Identifying and Removing Load-Bearing Walls

Tom demonstrates two ways of removing these walls: the above-ceiling technique and the below-ceiling technique. These methods will prevent the floor above from sagging and can give you the open layout you desire.

Step 1: Determine Whether a Wall Is Load-Bearing or Not

• Check an unfinished basement or attic to see which way the joists run.
• If the wall runs parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load-bearing.
• If it’s perpendicular, it most likely is a load-bearing wall.

Step 2: Add Temporary Walls

• Start by adding temporary walls to either side of the wall being removed to hold up the weight while work is being done.
• Place the temporary walls close enough to the structural wall but far enough away to work on the structural wall.
• Remove the load-bearing wall.

Step 3: Redistribute Weight

• Add posts to either side of the wall to accept a beam to redistribute the weight above.
• Place them over the weight-bearing beam in the floor below.

Step 4: Use Either the Below-Ceiling or Above-Ceiling Technique

• Use one of the techniques Tom demonstrated in the segment: the below-ceiling technique and the above-ceiling technique.
• Both methods rely on redistributing the weight from the load-bearing wall to the walls beside it by creating point loads.

Step 5: Cut into Joists (Above-Ceiling Technique)

• In the above-ceiling technique, cut into the joists to allow a beam to be installed in between.
• The joists will be attached to the new beam and the beam will rest directly on the point loads, but be flush with the ceiling.

Step 6: Cut the Posts (Below-Ceiling Technique)

• In the below-ceiling technique, cut the posts slightly shorter and have the joists above rest directly on top of the beam across.
• The beam will be exposed, but it will keep the floor flush above.