How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Tom Silva explains what load bearing walls are, how to identify them, and what needs to be done in order to safely remove them.
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Tom Silva explains how to identify load bearing walls and how to remove them. Load bearing walls are an issue for many renovators today, as more homeowners are opting for an open concept layout instead of individual rooms. Unfortunately, these walls can’t be ripped out haphazardly as load bearing walls play a vital role to the structure of a house. They distribute weight from the roof, through the floors, and down to the foundation. Tom shares tips on how to determine if a wall is load bearing or not. He suggests going down to the basement or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it’s most likely load bearing. Tom then demonstrates two ways of removing these walls, the above-ceiling technique and the below-ceiling technique. These methods will prevent the floor above from sagging and can give you the open layout you desire.
Cost: $1,000 - $10,000
Skill Level: Expert
Steps:
1. Determine whether a wall is load bearing or not. Check an unfinished basement or attic to see which way the joists run.
a. If the wall runs parallel to the joists, it’s probably not load bearing.
b. If it’s perpendicular, it most likely is a load bearing wall
2. Start by adding temporary walls to either side of the wall being removed to hold up the weight while work is being done. Place the temporary walls close enough to the structural wall but far enough away to work on the structural wall.
3. Remove the load bearing wall.
4. Add posts to either side of the wall to accept a beam to redistribute the weight above. Place them over the weight bearing beam in the floor below.
5. Use one of the techniques Tom demonstrated in the segment: the below-ceiling technique and the above-ceiling technique. Both methods rely on redistributing the weight from the load bearing wall to the walls beside it by creating point loads.
6. In the above-ceiling technique, cut into the joists to allow a beam to be installed in between. The joists will be attached to the new beam and the beam will rest directly on the point loads, but be flush with the ceiling.
7. In the below-ceiling technique, cut the posts slightly shorter and have the joists above rest directly on top of the beam across. The beam will be exposed, but it will keep the floor flush above.
8. Removing a load bearing wall by yourself can result in a lot of costly mistakes. It is best to consult a licensed engineer prior to beginning work on the project.
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How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House
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10 o’clock, can’t sleep...” how to identify a load bearing wall?” Yes sir!!
Lol... Right there with ya
Same but it’s 1am.
Same but it’s 2am
Same @2:35 am
I’m in a rental apartment. Its a Tuesday. It’s 12 midnight. Why am I watching this? 🤯 this is not my beautiful house.... and you may ask yourself..... how did I get here.....
Tom Silva is a national treasure
The truth
@@roccocroce Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to come and say. I would say he deserves a presidential medal of freedom, but it kind of lost its worth.
Norm Abrahm same.
Maybe you can cash him in for some moolah?!
@@thaitichi For building houses?
The best demonstration of such project I've ever seen. 👍
I agree. I read a whole article confusing me about the simple fix that was demonstrated here in minutes. 'This Old House' is an institution.
Anyone who knows EXACTLY what they are talking about can simplify it in seconds and succinctly communicate it to many. So much respect for how well this was explained, depicted!! 💪🏼 🏠
I read a quote from a philosopher somewhere at one point that said “anyone of reasonable intelligence can make something work, but it takes a genius to make it simply” or something to that affect.
I can simplify it even further for you. If it's bearing a load, it's a load bearing wall.
Just takes ittle brain power
Maybe he should be hired to design and build a new international space station?
@@brad2290takes more than a little brain power my friend… there’s plenty of people in my company (General Comtractor) that think of solutions and apply basic math to solve/resolve certains things but none of them can explain what they’re doing… they usually say “I’m fixing it” which is great but I’d like to know in detail what needs to be fixed and how it’ll be fixed. It takes a lot more brain power than one might think to actually explain things correctly and easy to understand for the average Joe. I usually understand them because I got 5yrs in the field… but the client does not and neither designers that they hired that insist on having a pony wall 🫠
That wasn't just a pretty mini dollhouse, it was a fully functional demonstration tool that illustrated the motivation, and pros and cons, and structural consequences of different actions on the dollhouse. Amazing!!
You must be really young!
need more carpenters, plumbers, and electricians. drop the science crap and do something that will make a real impact on society.
I promise Tommy is the best at explaining things!!!! He is like Bob Ross 2.0!
I ditto that: The best demonstration of such project I've ever seen.
This load bearing wall video is the finest explanation I've ever seen. The model is really cool. Thank you.
Doing the exact same thing but with steel for the beam. Customer asked everyone of the same questions. He now has the link to this video. Tomorrow with me less stressful thanks to you, Tom.
Is the steel beam weight cause the foundation to be protected?
This is the most underrated channel on UA-cam!
Absolutely amazing demonstration that really clearly demonstrates the process of properly completing the process and the problems that can occur if it isn't done right. Thanks Tommy you are a brilliant educator.
This is simply the best demonstration of this concept I have ever seen. If you ever see this sir, my upmost respect and congratulations. Very well done.
As a Dyslexic visual learner … this was the best video I’ve seen on this subject! Thank you!
I love the example house. It makes the explanation clear.
Been watching videos on load bearing walls all day and none came close to this visual example. Thank you guys 👍
This is a perfect example and explanation for a basic understanding. 👍
Tommy is great guy, not just because of this video. This is a very simple process for a pro but the way he explained it, the DIY guys feels like they are pros now. He explain in such a beautiful way, everyone can learn it at first time. Tommy, thanks a lot man ! Looking forward to meet you next year.
A great demonstration on how to identify, move and construct a Load-Bearing Wall. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Thanks for explaining 3:56. I hadn't gotten past 3:56 yet when I thought roof modifications weren't explained.
Whoever built that model is the real MVP
This is gotta be one of the simplest, informative videos on load bearing walls that I’ve ever seen. That model, and explanation is just awesome!
Did you know that this man can fly really fast and make the world turn backward?
And he can leap tall buildings in a single bound!😮
Great explanation. Word of advice for homeowners is to have a structural engineer first to look at the loads and supports that transfer live loads underneath the house and give you a recommendation letter on what additional support may be needed, what size and how many ply LVL will be, what size of beams will sit on, tying specs for simpson ties and what kind, adding possible piers underneath, etc.
I have removed so many load bearing walls and each one is different. Just something to think about before starting.
I love Tommy! He's a great teacher. This is the best demo of load bearing walls ever!
This is probably the best video for non enginner/tradie audience to explain the situation
This is a masterpiece of instruction. Thanks to the TOH crew as always.
This little model is ridiculous! I bet Tommy had a blast building it. Great demo guys!
Tom hope you know I’m a master builder because of you . Really awesome explanations whenever I’m doubting something I’m working on always can count on the true professional, thanks!
This is the best explanation of load bearing walls I've ever seen. Subscribed.
Excellent presentation. I, my wife and boys have watched you guys for years, just for this reason.
Props to whoever built that fantastic model!
This was great 💕 Love the balsa wood visual, that helped so much 💕 This was the first video I found that actually shows two different methods for installing a load bearing wall 💕 Thank you thank you thank you 💕💕💕
Absolutely EXACTLY what I needed to see for our first big project in our new home.
Extremely valuable information, thank you so very much.
What an awesome demo model. I understood the principles behind removing a loaf bearing wall, and have seen them done in real time, but this is the best training example Ive yet to see. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊
This is really awesome job and I understand great! Amazing job! Thank you!
One of the best teachers. Thank you for demonstrations
I've watched plenty of videos and have a very good understanding of the concept now and this is one of the best explanations of the challenges and options. Thanks.
I wish all videos were this clear and concise
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST UA-cam CHANNELS OUT THERE. THANK YOUUUUU
This looks like something my dad would have built to explain the concept to people. Nice work.
to some, famous sport or movie stars are their idols, to me, Tom is XD. i am a new home owner and discovered this channel. i'm very grateful.
Mastercraftsman!!! Best visualization ever for home construction.
tom great person , very inteligent making such a model for understanding , again great person and wonderful teacher
I love learning stuff on This Old House. I never understood what a load bearing wall really look like until now
amazing demonstration. This is my favorite channel for anything and all things home. The time it takes to make this little model. Perfect example of working hard to help others. Thanks for all your team does
This is the best video On UA-cam about this subject I have ever seen!
This is perfect, as a architect in training who loves framing this was very helpful to understand supporting a structure better
I have looked at so many videos and all I have to say is,
This video explains it All.
Very well explained thank you so much
I’ve been looking for years for a clear explanation and I’ve finally found the perfect video.
I LOOOOOOOOVED this explanation. Harder to see what's actually going on when it's life size. GENIUS!!
I will pay for a This Old House Model House Building Kit right now
Oh, brother!
Tommy is such a great teacher! I love the show!
This is absolutely wonderful. What a teacher!
Reminds me of how Gaudi always had these beautiful mechanical models for all of his structures. Well done!
Tommy is a true professional!
This was amazing! The model is what helped. Watching other videos of people walking thru actual houses was confusing
This is the definitive video on this topic!
I've asked this question many times; thanks for the simple explanation.
Wow. This was such a helpful video. It was explained simply enough for me to understand. Thanks for the information.
I love UA-cam. Learned so much in less than 5 mins
Wow! That model framed house is incredible!
That is the best demonstration I have ever seen. Thank guys.
My definition of elegance usually involves simplicity. Tommy makes it look easy.
Tom is the best!! he has helped me soooo much with my diy repairs around the house I just wish I could thk him personally. Been watching TOH for years love this show keep up the good work guys!!
I cannot express how amazing this was. Thank you
This is very well explained. Love how there was a model included.
This gotta be the best video and the most easiest to understand load bearing wall thank you so much ….
Genius. As good an instructor as he is a carpenter.
Brilliant demonstration and explaination!
This is the Best explanation! Wonderful job on the home model! Thank You
tom is a great teacher , this project is very nice and very simple to understand
OVER THE TOP, EXCELLENT SHOW AND TELL; TOMMY THE MAIN MAN, TYVM.
That model is impressive. Thank you!
Beautiful and to the point, love these guys
What if you're only cutting a section of the wall like a window type opening?
Everything I ever needed to know about construction, I learned on, "This Old
House"!
Best example I’ve seen! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤
Do you have a video on load bearing posters?
Tom is an exceptional being. I love the model instructional.
Thank you for this video! It explains load bearing walls perfectly!!
Couldn't be explained better! Thank you!
Wow! Excellent demonstration.
This is awesome - thank you for building that model!
Wow. Tommy is a beast. This was super clear and helpful.
This was so helpful! Thank you for that great detailed demonstration
Wow, wow and wow, AWESOME explanation, thank you so much!
Dang, I'm ready to go out and build my own house, this was great!
An excellent demonstration. It would great to expand into the other variations such as additions and truss construction modifications. Often a contractor encounters prior "harry the homeowner" work that was not done properly.
Love this show. Wish I can hire them to build my custom home.
You can hire them. Silva Brothers is a contractor in New England. Just don't expect to pay under 300k for your remodel.
You can hire em. They are still in business. But you're absolutely gonna pay for the expertise.
Love the visual! Best explanation of this I’ve ever seen.
Hang on, making cutouts of stuff is Richards job.
(that being said, nice job Tom!! very cool)
Thank you so much! What a fantastic model you made! That is so awesome!
Very cool, thank you! I learned exactly what you taught in this video!
I was just thinking about this today. Serendipitous! Thanks!
Yes love love love
Great explanation for the folks who don’t understand building
What a fantastic visualization, thanks guys!
Tommy is such a great teacher! Thanks, guys!
Best video explaining a load bearing wall.
Very cool. I appreciate the effort with the model.
Love these guys. Thank you for posting.