How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House

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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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How to Identify and Remove a Load Bearing Wall | Ask This Old House
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[@Chevy-fh2sx]

10 o’clock, can’t sleep...” how to identify a load bearing wall?” Yes sir!!

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Lol... Right there with ya

[@scotts.8972]

Same but it’s 1am.

[@borys444]

Same but it’s 2am

[@ericmszyco5369]

Same @2:35 am

[@seanmurphy4465]

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.....

[@25psitsi]

Tom Silva is a national treasure

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The truth

[@thaitichi]

@@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.

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Norm Abrahm same.

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The best demonstration of such project I've ever seen. 👍

[@zachweyrauch2988]

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.

[@tedz2usa]

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!!

[@mikekorsak373]

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!! 💪🏼 🏠

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

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.

[@GT-43]

I can simplify it even further for you. If it's bearing a load, it's a load bearing wall.

[@brad2290]

Just takes ittle brain power

[@kayroth8750]

I love the example house. It makes the explanation clear.

[@drewedwards8566]

I promise Tommy is the best at explaining things!!!! He is like Bob Ross 2.0!

[@weremodel]

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.

[@VP411Designs]

Is the steel beam weight cause the foundation to be protected?

[@eriksnider7189]

I will pay for a This Old House Model House Building Kit right now

[@mikemmikem2758]

This load bearing wall video is the finest explanation I've ever seen. The model is really cool. Thank you.

[@nickstarkey4976]

I cannot express how amazing this was. Thank you

[@mattabeln]

Absolutely EXACTLY what I needed to see for our first big project in our new home.

[@stephmo371]

Tom is an exceptional being. I love the model instructional.

[@LovethisNation]

I’ve been looking for years for a clear explanation and I’ve finally found the perfect video.

[@barbarasmith6414]

I love learning stuff on This Old House. I never understood what a load bearing wall really look like until now

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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!

[@miguelrodriguez-pf4wq]

This is the best video On KZbin about this subject I have ever seen!

[@ipaharpoon]

I've asked this question many times; thanks for the simple explanation.

[@evanstedman7405]

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.

[@cinders302]

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. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊

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I love Tommy! He's a great teacher. This is the best demo of load bearing walls ever!

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This is absolutely wonderful. What a teacher!

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Tommy is such a great teacher! Thanks, guys!

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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

[@migueltoj3188]

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.

[@wilmercastillo5968]

This is perfect, as a architect in training who loves framing this was very helpful to understand supporting a structure better

[@onelove6971]

One of the best teachers. Thank you for demonstrations

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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!!

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Been watching videos on load bearing walls all day and none came close to this visual example. Thank you guys 👍

[@salorsr119]

I ditto that: The best demonstration of such project I've ever seen.

[@MrAsm961]

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.

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This little model is ridiculous! I bet Tommy had a blast building it. Great demo guys!

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This looks like something my dad would have built to explain the concept to people. Nice work.

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This is a perfect example and explanation for a basic understanding. 👍

[@JD-bd5rd]

This was amazing! The model is what helped. Watching other videos of people walking thru actual houses was confusing

[@orbitring]

A great demonstration on how to identify, move and construct a Load-Bearing Wall. A picture is worth a thousand words.

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This is the best explanation of load bearing walls I've ever seen. Subscribed.

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This is the definitive video on this topic!

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Whoever built that model is the real MVP

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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

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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.

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That is the best demonstration I have ever seen. Thank guys.

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As a Dyslexic visual learner … this was the best video I’ve seen on this subject! Thank you!

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Excellent, direct and simple to understand description. Thank you!

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I was just thinking about this today. Serendipitous! Thanks!

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I LOOOOOOOOVED this explanation. Harder to see what's actually going on when it's life size. GENIUS!!

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Props to whoever built that fantastic model!

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Best example I’ve seen! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

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Reminds me of how Gaudi always had these beautiful mechanical models for all of his structures. Well done!

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Wow! That model framed house is incredible!

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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 💕💕💕

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Everything I ever needed to know about construction, I learned on, "This Old House"!

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Love the visual! Best explanation of this I’ve ever seen.

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Wow. This was such a helpful video. It was explained simply enough for me to understand. Thanks for the information.

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Mastercraftsman!!! Best visualization ever for home construction.

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What a fantastic visualization, thanks guys!

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Tommy is a true professional!

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What an amazing demonstration. Thanks so much!

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This is awesome - thank you for building that model!

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That model is impressive. Thank you!

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Love watching Tom.

[@tamerat3794]

Thank you for this video! It explains load bearing walls perfectly!!

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This is the Best explanation! Wonderful job on the home model! Thank You

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This is very well explained. Love how there was a model included.

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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.

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Very helpful to have a visual representation, good information!

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This gotta be the best video and the most easiest to understand load bearing wall thank you so much ….

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Brilliant demonstration and explaination!

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Best video explaining a load bearing wall.

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tom great person , very inteligent making such a model for understanding , again great person and wonderful teacher

[@meg-k-waldren]

Thanks for explaining 3:56. I hadn't gotten past 3:56 yet when I thought roof modifications weren't explained.

[@founderofgrandroyalty5813]

Thanks, this is good to know. The various ways to support a beam was very useful!

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OVER THE TOP, EXCELLENT SHOW AND TELL; TOMMY THE MAIN MAN, TYVM.

[@Prahphet]

Extremely valuable information, thank you so very much.

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excellent job on explaining the load bearing walls !!!

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Wow. Tommy is a beast. This was super clear and helpful.

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This was super easy to follow and made soo much sense…. Thank you

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Thank you so much! What a fantastic model you made! That is so awesome!

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This was so helpful! Thank you for that great detailed demonstration

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Step by step understanding !! I love it

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Pretty neat build of the little house . Thanks for the video. Everything was great!

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Wow! Excellent demonstration.

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Tommy...you're the best! Thanks!

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This is really awesome job and I understand great! Amazing job! Thank you!

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Very cool. I appreciate the effort with the model.

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This is amazing, thanks for creating the model!

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Best. Explanation. Ever.

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I love KZbin. Learned so much in less than 5 mins

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Thank you for sharing this. Great vid.

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Very cool, thank you! I learned exactly what you taught in this video!

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fantastic demo. wonderful job guys

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Excellent explanation. Thank you.

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Nice job explaining And nice job on the mockup Tommy

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Excellent explaination, Thank You

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Great explanation. Thank you!