Questions tagged [load-bearing]

A load bearing wall supports the structure above it, and thus cannot be removed without replacing that support. Use with the [walls] tag

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Are there ways to determine if a wall is load bearing?

Other than looking up blue prints, which many homeowners may not have, are there ways to determine if a wall is load bearing? Methods I can think of might include: Going up in the attic to check if ...
Doresoom's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
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Can I build a pergola on an existing deck, without digging more footers?

A couple of years ago I built a deck onto my house. It is 32' x 14' I used a cantilever design at 12' with 2x8" floor joists, with 2x6" decking boards. The Cantilever beam was set on 6x6" posts that ...
Derek's user avatar
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9 votes
2 answers
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Proper size of header to support new door in load bearing wall?

We're going to install a new linen closet off the hallway next to our recently(ish) remodeled bathroom. The wall in question is load bearing. I know how to properly build out the King and Jack studs,...
The Evil Greebo's user avatar
28 votes
5 answers
41k views

Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?

I need to cut a hole for a recessed medicine cabinet. This wall is at the end of the house. I only need to cut one stud to make a frame for the cabinet. Will this damage the integrity of the bearing ...
Sonia Leon's user avatar
19 votes
3 answers
190k views

How to calculate the maximum safe load on a horizontal wooden beam?

I am thinking of constructing a wooden bed/desk/roof/shed/ship/bridge/rocket How can I calculate the maximum load a rectangular horizontal wooden beam of dimensions L x H x W can safely support if ...
RedGrittyBrick's user avatar
16 votes
5 answers
19k views

Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit

(edited with additional info re. header) We are removing a couple of load bearing walls as part of renos in our home. The engineer specified a W8x21steel beam to replace the load bearing wall. The ...
user105375's user avatar
14 votes
4 answers
66k views

Why mate two boards instead of using one thicker board?

I need to build a footbridge across a creek and, due to soft and low land around it, will need a long span crossing the creek. I found this tutorial by Ron Hazelton where he makes a bridge with a 12' ...
Tango's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I modify a load bearing triple stud?

I am installing a small safe in a wall and when I cut the opening in the drywall I noticed that the studs were in an unusual distribution. The stud on the right was normal but then there were multiple ...
b-p's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
6k views

Is it OK to drill one or two 2 inch holes into a load bearing header in my basement?

tl;dr: Is it OK to drill one or two 2 inch holes into a load bearing header in my basement made of doubled-up 2x10s on top of 2x6s? This area is in the center of my two-story house, and bridges over ...
Kaypro II's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
16k views

what is the design load limit for a jack stud and header plate?

Assuming an over-strength column composed of one jack and two king studs - how much load can a single jack stud support - assuming #2 stud grade SPF for the header and jack. I've found a table that ...
pathfinder's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
673 views

What would a calculation be for the weight bearing capacity of 6 x 2 studwork?

I'm building a campus board (a training aid for rock climbing) and my landlord wants to know how someone can be sure a person's body weight can be supported from it. I'm at a loss on how to give him ...
Mia's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
4k views

How to estimate the load bearing of MDF plates on a wood/beam construction?

I have a 2000mm x 1400mm x 15 mm MDF panel (green) which I want to use on a to be constructed high plane for a bed and some space around. The depth should be 1600mm. The room is not rectangular which ...
Kalle Richter's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
382 views

Is this wall load bearing? See photos

I'm looking to tear down the wall between my kitchen and dining room, and I'm wondering if it's load bearing. If so, it's a 9' section that I want to remove. Would two 2x10s with 1/2" plywood ...
user43859's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
116 views

Need help evaluating damage to pergola post

I have a 10-year-old cedar pergola (see picture) and I just discovered some moisture and carpenter ant damage in the base of posts. The damage had been hidden beneath decorative base caps. I scraped ...
Darryl's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
67 views

Trying to see if wall I removed 1.5 years ago was load bearing [duplicate]

We bought a house awhile back and removed a wall we think was there to divide the kitchen from the dining room. We wanted a more open concept. Just want some assurance the wall was not load bearing. ...
Brady's user avatar
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