A Step-by-Step Guide to Replace Load Bearing Stud Wall

Once or more, homeowners go for removing a wall in their house due to several reasons. Either to create more room for new furniture, big screen TV's or to have more spacious rooms to appeal to the buyers and increase the resale value. However, there are a few things you need to know before removing a wall. The first thing is what type of wall is, a load or no load-bearing, brick or stud wall, or having a wooden or metal stud ceiling track.

Load bearing stud walls are the main structural element that supports the weight of the house. Load-bearing walls are difficult to remove as they support the weight of the above ceilings, hence require more techniques. You can remove the wall on your own too if you have ever done any carpentry work. But you still need to have some expert advice before starting to work safely and effectively.

So, don't be in a rush to do it yourself without a complete guide or else you will damage your home. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide for you about how to remove a wall and add beams or support.

1. Know the Situation and Plan Around them:

Removing a load-bearing wall requires more planning than the other non-bearing or partition walls. You are going to replace a wall carrying a heavyweight of the ceiling above it. A single mistake here could end up damaging your house. You need to check the joist direction and see for any electrical boxes, wires, pipes, or ducts inside the wall. Make a plan by keeping everything in mind and then review it with any local builder.

2. Stand Temporary Support Walls:

The joists above the wall support a lot of weight. So, you need to give temporary support to these while you remove the studs of the wall. And then to permanently replace studs with beams. For this, lay plates along with the ceilings and floor. Then place studs between the plates and line them according to the joists above. Add shims to make the studs support the ceiling. And finally, fix them up with 8d nails.

3. Prepare a Frame for the Beam:

The new studs that you require to put the beam in place are called trimmers. There are two ways in which you can install the trimmers. One is to install directly into the adjacent wall where they are out of sight and will leave the wall smooth. The other is to leave a small section of the old wall. This is only for looks as to give a hint of transition between two spaces. However, in either of the case, the trimmers should be supported continuously down the foundation to the other beam.

4. Stand the Beam:

For this step, you need a friend to help you lift the beam and place it on the set of trimmers you installed. But before setting up the beam, consult with the advisor to make sure your beam is strong enough. It is the most crucial step and care to be taken as the beam is heavy and dangerous. One person should stable the beam while the other drives the trimmers in place. After this, you have to give the finishing touches to the floor.