How to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall

Moderaterequires mid-level carpentry skills

$40 to $60

6 to 8 hours

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to safely cut open up a wall.

Steps for Removing a Load-Bearing Wall

Install temporary 2×4 braces on either side of wall to support the ceiling above.
Use reciprocating saw to cut through wall plaster.
Carefully cut away wood lath to reveal bare wall studs.
Use reciprocating saw to cut through wall directly above each wall stud.
Remove the wall studs from the opening.
Build header from two 2x8s sandwiched around filler strips.
Nail filler blocks to jack stud, screw jack stud to king stud.
Apply construction adhesive to back of plaster, and along header opening.
Install header into the opening.
Use hammer to tap new jack studs into place.
Nail jack studs to king studs on each side of the new opening.
Remove the temporary braces from each side of opening.