75
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
The opening you want to create has to be framed like a window as shown*.
Notice the addition of a header to carry the load of the cut stud (cripple stud) to the sides, and the added jack studs which ...
- 1,359
51
votes
Accepted
Is this a load bearing column?
We can never be certain from pictures but I'm going to stick my neck out a bit and say "yes", it is load bearing.
Given the open design of both the lower and upper floors, it would be ...
- 45.4k
49
votes
How do I repair a split stud in load-bearing wall
You didn’t split the stud. You’re looking at one normal stud (on the right) with another board perpendicular to it (on the left).
There’s nothing to repair except the drywall.
- 7,116
28
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
It is absolutely UNSAFE! - this will damage the structural integrity of the wall! The load in a load-bearing stud wall is carried by the studs.
Your options are:
Surface mount the cabinet
Flush ...
27
votes
ICF home -- are columns in the photos load bearing?
In a concrete wall (which is what an ICF house is built from) those are certainly load-bearing concrete columns. It would have required some very deliberate design to make the header over that space ...
- 226k
26
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
No, it’s not acceptable to cut the joist hangers.
In order to determine if they are acceptable anyway, there are several issues to review: 1) hangers are notched, 2) incomplete nailing, 3) wrong ...
- 23.5k
25
votes
Accepted
I think my electrician compromised a loadbearing stud
That is a little rough. It's not a problem.
Any stud is part of a system, which includes many other studs, wall plates, wall sheathing, the roof structure, etc. You could take just about any common ...
- 149k
22
votes
Will my wooden bridge withstand the weight of my small truck?
From conventional Hemlock Span tables it seems your 4x6s are only good for about 10' span at 40LBS live load. Your load is much higher when the trucks out in the middle of the bridge.
I think this ...
- 2,295
21
votes
Will my wooden bridge withstand the weight of my small truck?
For a good answer you'd have to do the engineering calculations but maybe just do a sanity check before digging into that.
You could think about this. A single 4x6 standing on edge is not that much ...
- 25.3k
19
votes
What's the purpose of this lumber resting on top plate of the wall?
That's standard practice to create backing for drywall (or plaster lath) where walls are parallel with ceiling framing members. It's reasonable that the carpenter would've used extra subfloor material ...
- 149k
17
votes
How do I repair a split stud in load-bearing wall
Should I put in several braces or do I need to remove the drywall and completey replace the stud?
I'd say none of the above.
You're looking at 2 individual pieces of lumber, you didn't split anything....
- 16.9k
15
votes
Closet Wall, is it Load Bearing?
The framing above the pantry door is not load bearing. The doorway to the left of the pantry in the middle picture is load bearing. You can tell by the solid header.
- 698
14
votes
Resolve argument on load bearing walls
You really want to hire an expert. A house is probably the most expensive thing you will ever own; don't risk it if there is any doubt.
Usually, walls which run perpendicular to floor joists are ...
- 33.2k
14
votes
Trying to make a 1 or 2 car garage opening through a shear wall
The back wall provides the bracing that keeps the garage from collapsing sideways like a house of cards. You're taking about removing some of that. You need advice on how to retain the needed strength....
- 33.2k
13
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
Cutting a hanger is never a good idea and should never be accepted. It's shoddy workmanship by the contractor and there were numerous solutions that could have avoided this (starting with properly ...
- 141
13
votes
Is it unsafe to remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
Can I safely remove one stud from a load bearing wall?
Yes, but you need to properly support the gap with a header. If you aren't willing to do this then don't remove the stud, period.
Will this ...
- 16.9k
12
votes
Accepted
Should I be concerned about the structural integrity of this 100-year-old garage?
That beam and post seem to be quite oversize/built for what is needed. The cracks are not that worrying.
The electrical cables on that post will probably need some work.
Cables should have protection ...
- 30.3k
11
votes
How can I locate a shower valve in a load bearing wall?
There are a couple of options that don't involve a structural engineer and major work.
If this is exactly where you want to put the shower, the easiest path forward is to frame out the wall with ...
- 12.7k
10
votes
Load bearing steel post rusted
Load bearing makes life a bit more difficult.
Replacement of the whole post is probably the best option, but a licensed welder should be able to cut out the bad section and weld in a new piece.
Will ...
- 30.3k
10
votes
Should I be concerned about the structural integrity of this 100-year-old garage?
(Speaking from a UK perspective.)
That kind of natural splitting is quite normal for wooden support beams in my experience. Character is usually what it's ascribed to.
Looking towards the roof, it ...
- 291
9
votes
Contractor cut joist hangers to make them fit
You never cut hangers unless they are made for cutting. Call in a inspector who will advise you or the engineer who done the design but don't under any circumstances let this go without it being ...
- 91
8
votes
Is a vertical crack in a wall stud okay as long as the wall isn't load bearing?
There is no need to replace it. Just put in couple of 2 inch screws to tighten it up. ( your could squirt some wood glue into the crack for good measure before hand )
We can not see further down the ...
- 13.7k
8
votes
Is a vertical crack in a wall stud okay as long as the wall isn't load bearing?
Use a Simpson Strong-Tie 16-Gauge Galvanized Stud Shoe for 2x material.
Picture Source
The stud shoe also offers a equivalent of a protection plate for the pipe.
- 81
8
votes
Accepted
Are the walls of my garage closet load-bearing?
I don't believe that it's load bearing for these reasons. I can't provide 100% certainty, however.
There's no indication in the attic that the walls transfer load to the roof framing.
You have a very ...
- 149k
8
votes
Is this a load bearing column?
Semi-retired structural engineer here (but caveat emptor anyway)
The column is almost definitely load-bearing (though to my eyes it looks pretty flimsy even if it has stood the test of time). The ...
- 181
8
votes
How can I locate a shower valve in a load bearing wall?
That's effectively a rim joist and you can cut it out such that what remains is equivalent to the studs above and below it. It was only installed as a matter of convenience for the carpenter and isn't ...
- 149k
7
votes
Is my closet load bearing?
No. The front of your closets are not load bearing. The back of them could be - probable.
Upon updates of the red Xs...
Left one (front) - no way in the world unless it is a metal beam (it isn't)....
- 50.4k
7
votes
Will my wooden bridge withstand the weight of my small truck?
Note this answer is only based on basic engineering knowledge and not on experience in building bridges or using wood as structural elements. There are probably more things to consider using wood as ...
- 171
7
votes
I'm using 2x12 for steps. At 4 feet, do I need a center support?
2009 IRC and just about everything else in the US specifies 18” on center spacing for stringers with 2xwhatever treads.
So yes, you need at least a center stringer; maybe 2 if your treads overhang the ...
- 23.3k
7
votes
How can I locate a shower valve in a load bearing wall?
If it's important for you to put the shower right there, consider a surface mounted shower panel instead of an in-wall system. They are insanely easy to install, you get way more bang for the buck ...
- 45.4k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible