Removing studs from a load bearing wall. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Russ25nys · 06-13-2009, 03:36 PM

Hey every one. My name is Russ and I live in GA. I have been a trim carpenter for about 10 years and have always used subs for any type of general constuction because this is not my full time job and I do it on side. I have a qusetion about removing studs from a load bearing wall. I have a 14' wall that sits between my kitchen and my living room. My living roon has cathedral ceilings and my kitchen has 8' foot ceilings. I'd like to remove 4 studs from this wall and make an opening to add a counter top with some bar stools so my kids can sit in the kitchen in the morning and watch TV while they eat and get ready for school. My question is if I build 2 temp walls on both sides of the wall I'll be removing the studs from can I just take two 2x6's and put a piece of half inch ply betwwen them and build a header with lets say 3 or 4 studs holding it in place? I've spoke to a few people about it and got different answers. I dont have the money right now to hire someone to do it so I'm gonna try and tacke it myself.
Any sugestions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Russ

neolitic · 06-13-2009, 03:43 PM

It's a bad idea.

Don't let the kids watch TV at breakfast.

willworkforbeer · 06-13-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ25nys

Hey every one. My name is Russ and I live in GA. I have been a trim carpenter for about 10 years and have always used subs for any type of general constuction because this is not my full time job and I do it on side. I have a qusetion about removing studs from a load bearing wall. I have a 14' wall that sits between my kitchen and my living room. My living roon has cathedral ceilings and my kitchen has 8' foot ceilings. I'd like to remove 4 studs from this wall and make an opening to add a counter top with some bar stools so my kids can sit in the kitchen in the morning and watch TV while they eat and get ready for school. My question is if I build 2 temp walls on both sides of the wall I'll be removing the studs from can I just take two 2x6's and put a piece of half inch ply betwwen them and build a header with lets say 3 or 4 studs holding it in place? I've spoke to a few people about it and got different answers. I dont have the money right now to hire someone to do it so I'm gonna try and tacke it myself.
Any sugestions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Russ

Go with a 2x12 header, better safe then sorry.

B.K · 06-13-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willworkforbeer

Go with a 2x12 header, better safe then sorry.

I second that motion.

Better to have 2x12 up there, that can support the weight, than have the ceiling make and unexpected visit on your counter-top, first thing in the morning.

3-2x12 with a post at about 7-8 feet should work.

-Bill

Mellison · 06-13-2009, 04:05 PM

Spend a few bucks and have a structual engineer provide a basic drawing.
Just my opinion.

greg24k · 06-13-2009, 04:07 PM

You cannot and 2 X 6 will not hold anything. You have to calculate the load that will be bearing on the header.i.e. DL, RL, LL. and figure out the header size to support that load. Hire an architect and you should get a permit. If not, this is what will happen. This guy did the same thing.
Click here to view the outcome of improper header size.
In addition, you will have a point load transfer to a different location in the basement, you have to make sure you have propper support there. In some cases you can get away with packing the girder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ25nys

Hey every one. My name is Russ and I live in GA. I have been a trim carpenter for about 10 years and have always used subs for any type of general constuction because this is not my full time job and I do it on side. I have a qusetion about removing studs from a load bearing wall. I have a 14' wall that sits between my kitchen and my living room. My living roon has cathedral ceilings and my kitchen has 8' foot ceilings. I'd like to remove 4 studs from this wall and make an opening to add a counter top with some bar stools so my kids can sit in the kitchen in the morning and watch TV while they eat and get ready for school. My question is if I build 2 temp walls on both sides of the wall I'll be removing the studs from can I just take two 2x6's and put a piece of half inch ply betwwen them and build a header with lets say 3 or 4 studs holding it in place? I've spoke to a few people about it and got different answers. I dont have the money right now to hire someone to do it so I'm gonna try and tacke it myself.
Any sugestions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Russ

Russ25nys · 06-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Are than any other options besides 2x12's? The reason I ask is I will be leaving a 36 to 40 " knee wall in place so if I come down 12"s plus sheet rock on the top and have 40" on the bottom I will not have that big of an opening.

Thanks guys.

Russ

willworkforbeer · 06-13-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg24k

In addition, you will have a point load transfer to a different location in the basement, you have to make sure you have propper support there

Excellent point. Though I'd say baring an usually large or two story house surely a triple 2x12 properly loaded over 8" would be a safe call no?

knucklehead · 06-13-2009, 04:14 PM

I( assume when you say 4 studs mean studs that are on 16"
That means you have 80 " hole there? they are right double 2x12 hdr or better an at least double trimmers on each side. Assunibg they will be sitting on a bearing point . If that wall is carrying the cathedral it should have a dbl Joist or better in the floor .
But never assume.

Russ25nys · 06-13-2009, 04:16 PM

Sorry I left out that this a ranch, so no second floor.

Ouch!! after looking at those pics I will with out a doubt look into a engineer.

Thanks guys.

willworkforbeer · 06-13-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ25nys

Are than any other options besides 2x12's? The reason I ask is I will be leaving a 36 to 40 " knee wall in place so if I come down 12"s plus sheet rock on the top and have 40" on the bottom I will not have that big of an opening.

Thanks guys.

Russ

You could bury it in the ceiling and bucket the joists to it, some work involved, do not attempt unless you know what you're doing or know someone who does.

greg24k · 06-13-2009, 04:25 PM

If he got 2X4 walls tripple will not work. in most cases 3 1/2" paralam will do the job and you can get that even in HD today, or 2X with a flitch plate, in any case he should consult an architect, it is very easy to calculate that load and come up with a beam size, but permit is needed for this work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by willworkforbeer

Excellent point. Though I'd say baring an usually large or two story house surely a triple 2x12 properly loaded over 8" would be a safe call no?

willworkforbeer · 06-13-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg24k

If he got 2X4 walls tripple will not work. in most cases 3 1/2" paralam will do the job and you can get that even in HD today, or 2X with a flitch plate, in any case he should consult an architect, it is very easy to calculate that load and come up with a beam size, but permit is needed for this work.

Consult an architect? Get a permit? On his own house? Its a one story ranch.

master of none · 06-13-2009, 04:43 PM

If your house is a single story I would go with 10'' lvls. You can got to your lumber yard and talk to someone there. They can give you a span and load chart that you will need to show the inspector when he comes.(if you get a permit) plus you can bet on having some electric work to do. once your done you will never regret doing it. That kind of project really can change the look and feel of your home. Go for it.

rbsremodeling · 06-13-2009, 04:55 PM

nEighter · 06-13-2009, 05:00 PM

:worship:

Russ25nys · 06-13-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by master of none

If your house is a single story I would go with 10'' lvls. You can got to your lumber yard and talk to someone there. They can give you a span and load chart that you will need to show the inspector when he comes.(if you get a permit) plus you can bet on having some electric work to do. once your done you will never regret doing it. That kind of project really can change the look and feel of your home. Go for it.

I plan on running electric for a few pendant lights to sit over the granite tops.
I bought this house a year ago and have been wanting to do this project since the day we closed on it but there was so much other stuff that needed to be done. It was a foreclosure that had not been remodeled since it was built in 78. I had mold issues in the laundry room, electrical issues in the crawl space, floors that needed to replaced down to joists, whole rooms that needed to be re-rocked, and my work shop wich is a 2 car detached garage that I finished and ran power too. So to sum it up I've spent all my money on other things that HAD to be done and yeah I would love to get this done and know I won't regret it.

rbsremodeling · 06-13-2009, 05:09 PM

willworkforbeer · 06-13-2009, 05:10 PM

Was load bearing bottom story solid wall, put in steel I-beam and window.

rbsremodeling · 06-13-2009, 05:13 PM

we some hijacking sonomabitches