Ripping Down a Support Wall and Installing a 16 Foot Beam

[@369dusty]

I like the teamwork between the two. Your son is building memories he will have forever. These are the times you cannot get back.

[@williamwinter2638]

I am glad to see that you are working with your son. Years ago my oldest son work with me in our small Remodeling company. Some of the most rewarding years of my life.

[@skunkedagain]

I watch a lot of construction videos, and this ranks at the top of the list for quality of information, process steps, and clarity. Thank you!

[@AtHomeDIY]

One of the most thorough videos on removing a load bearing wall I've seen. Very well done.

[@StudPack]

Wow, thanks!

[@braenickeen6006]

and no bulshit fillers that waste time. great job guys

[@berettaboi]

Only thing I would have added is a quick mention of making sure the floor below can handle the added stress on those two points. That's more up to the engineer really to make sure that is proper. Has to be planned out differently if this is a wooden base - floor joists below - as opposed to concrete base

[@justinjr1623]

Nothing better than father and son working together as a team .

[@sams5155]

Great stuff men, to see a father and son team working together is a beautiful thing..👍💪

[@StudPack]

It sure is

[@JMjayesim]

You have no idea how satisfying it is to see that great bond even in the new generation.

[@oldpcgamers7450]

As a contractor I have to mention some things about pricing. Ina addition to the work you are paying for the contractor assuming all risk. How do you quantify that? You are also paying for the movement of the project. Notice how this contractor mentions that he spent some time thinking about how he was going to transfer the load. I have a similar project in the works and I am visiting the site again before I proceed to finalize my approach. I will sit in the attic and take a couple more pictures and ruminate about how I will proceed too. That all adds up to a smooth project that flows. It's not all wood and screws. Kudos to the contractor.

[@LightGesture]

You factor that in, as you're doing the bid. You spend 4 hours contemplating, and probably another 4+ doing your bid work, plus time there. That's all an additional day or more on the final proposal.

[@sheldonharvey8306]

Thank you for that comment. I'm learning.

[@sherpaderpdingo3405]

@@zefrum3 Im in Canada, no seismic stuff, and we had to jack hammer up the pad and pour a big footing under each post.

[@ragtop63]

From what I gather, the guys in the video are the homeowners.

[@joefaiola2564]

​@@LightGesture In nearly every field we think about work when we're "off the clock". As an engineer I'm often thinking about the best design approach for an ongoing project while I'm at home (showering, eating, relaxing, etc). If i started billing my projects based on my "thinking" time I'd probably be brought into a meeting very quickly.

[@curmudgeoniii9762]

Great to see a father and son working together ... That does not happen that much now a days. You both are lucky and more importantly you both have worked to make your relationship so great. Wish all young men had great fathers like you sir and you son is great also probably due to having a great father and mother. Best wishs to you all. Regards.. enjoy your videos.

[@bryansmith9816]

Very cool! I like how you used the framing square to guide your skill saw. Also liked how your son stepped back to allow you out first! Very respectful! Great job I’m always intimidated on load bearing walls but this helps with my confidence so ty! 💪🏻

[@iserod2206]

I caught that too!

[@curtiswortham9889]

Guys! STUD PACK! I grew up working with my dad in the construction industry. (Flooring) I was raised on job sites. Your videos bring me joy and nostalgia, they warm my heart and they have taught me so much. Thank you for this channel and all of the work you have put in to making these videos. I truly hope this message reaches you.

[@maddawg4599]

man i am getting ready to have to do this exact same thing to my grandmothers home that i acquired! it was built in 1953, with a hip roof and a load bearing wall between the kitchen and living room and watching this helped tremendously!

[@tedmcnair9709]

Best LVL demonstration I have seen! I keep my job site clean as well. I noticed y’all did that throughout the day!

[@carlmax46]

he never showed how they lifted it into place. that was the difficult step.

[@joelethalcruz4417]

@@carlmax46 we latinos lift it up..lol.

[@wellreadbeef]

Great job on taking the load wall down. Explanations on the process were very informative, thanks. Knowledge mitigates alot of remodeling fears.

[@jostylze9661]

Thank you so much for sharing, as a female designer I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot, Top Men, father and Son duo!🧡

[@waynefox5768]

It's awesome that you are working with your son on this and that he shows great enthusiasm- definitely a great bond between you two!! You both are a great team!!! Loved the video and I did learn a few things for sure!!!

[@StudPack]

Thx Wayne 💪👊

[@fredrickkehoe9817]

Fantastic job. And just as great is the father/son working together. I worked with my son for many years in our own company. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@bradhoward8950]

This guy reminds me of the guy's that taught me everything I know about building houses. Very good at his job.

[@stevereilly1848]

Great detail on the process, nice job and I'm buying a palm nailer.

[@victeixeira9022]

The most satisfying part is when you remove your temporary wall and you get that first feel of how open you just made the room! Great job fellas I’ve always used screws in any temporary wall just cause it’s easier to take apart and no nail pulling and NO WASTE!

[@StudPack]

You're right Vic! My wife loves that part too - when we finally take down the temporary wall.

[@RLL-ty3uo]

Loved it!!! And love you make it look so simple when it’s really a complex task. The bond between you two it’s heart melting 😍

[@StudPack]

Thank you for the kind words Lina!

[@bonoman1987]

I have seen a palm-nailer before, many times, but I have never seen how one was used, or the purpose of it.....and I gotta tell you, it looks absolutely invaluable. THANK YOU!

[@StudPack]

You got it 👍

[@charlesmauney3998]

Things done well. Starting with an engineering approved plan and following the plan. Working with son to teach valuable skills. Explaining the purpose of each existing support. Showing how to build a temp support that will remove the load from the existing structure that is to be removed. Showing how each support to be remove no longer has a load on it, thus safe to remove. Professional teaching tutorial, covers all important tasks well, video organized and even shows importance of keeping area cleaned up. Son also shares his experiences on skills. Apparent that son/father have great respect for each other. Great life lessons. Things not done well...You didn't make the video all about you (; ......Thank goodness.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Charles!

[@TheRealDadJokes]

I wanted to write a comment like this one but it’s already done :) You guys are a GREAT team and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you two and I learned a lot!!

[@Designbuild828]

I feel like a daughter learning too. Thank you

[@gillamachster]

Nice. Like how you are so simply serious about the critical aspects at the end.

[@sandracartica4932]

Absolutely fascinating 👏 Wish you guys were in eastern Tennessee so I could have you build my medium size tiny home! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!

[@nrehberg]

Clean up the mess? You must be far above an average carpenter. Great video.

[@kingfishstacy]

You always have to clean up your mess.

[@dodgeguyz]

Most hacks just trample it through the entire house! Always stop and clean up after a step that makes a big mess. It's worth it in the end.

[@thebigmacd]

Work like a pro...clean as you go.

[@andrewcarr2431]

done a couple before during renovations, you make it look so easy and simple.

[@kevinwaycaster]

Great instructional video! Proud that you involved your son. Excellent work on the beam AND the video.

[@StudPack]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bmcdonald7303]

After this being the third video I have seen, I subscribed. Seems like very knowledgeable people that actually care about the customer and the quality work performed.

[@joeywagner2140]

I really appreciate videos like this. I’ve added beams in new construction but I’ve always been curious how beams can be added while still supporting the weight of the roof

[@johnhiggins3084]

Thanks for the instructions I'm a contractor small contractor and want to remove a parcel load bearing wall to extend a kitchen at my daughter's home this will definitely help me build my confidence .

[@StudPack]

Thanks John, good luck on your project👍

[@carloscardona8238]

Great job from a long time Pro!!! Refreshing to see you and your son working together so well. Too many young men are NOT wanting to learn the trades bc they don’t see it as glamorous. The sad part is they opt for many other careers that won’t pay nearly as well as a very good professional contractor making money running his own business!! Great job

[@StudPack]

Thx Carlos, much appreciated sir!!

[@tysonw2417]

Great video, Thanks! My son is very interested in building and specifically interested in beams. So we wanted to show him what it takes to install a support beam. Your video had good details and explanations of why. I loved how you answered the viewers questions without having to be asked. You're a natural teacher and what a cool project for you and your son. The only thing I would do differently is to slow down the camera a little so we can take it all in. Looking forward to more videos. :) Take Care

[@StudPack]

Thanks Tyson, we appreciate that very much! We apologize for the camera work. This was only our 4th video and we've recently upgraded to a GoPro as well.

[@tysonw2417]

@@StudPack Wow! That is really impressive for a 4th video! Again, looking forward to seeing more.

[@normsayle677]

Basically did the same application but with 3 LVL's. When I install these, 2 or more, I laminate them together by applying PL premium, (liquid nails) onto the surfaces to be joined before screwing them together. I install one, apply PL to one surface, then install the second one and temporarily fasten them with screws until all 3 are installed. Then to permanently fasten them together, I use 1/2" threaded rod with lock nuts and washers in a "W" pattern. I buy long lengths of threaded rod and cut to the length required. I then mark out 16 inch centres on the beam before drilling, so the threaded rod won't interfere with the ceiling joist hanger placement. Depending on the thickness of the existing cement floor, in my case, I had to cut out the cement in 2 ft. squares where the support posts would sit. The existing cement floor pad was removed and I then dug out a 2 ft. deep footing, filled them with cement to create a much stronger pad for the support posts to sit on. In some applications I install steel jack posts instead of using wooden supports.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Norm, that's a very strong installation. I've done footings before also when I lived in southern California. Had to epoxy rebar into existing slab with a $150/hour third party inspector looking over my shoulder to be sure the holes were proper diameter/depth, clean holes with brush/compressed air, proper epoxy, etc. etc. Same size as yours too. 2 x 2 x 2 then go get a yard of cement in a pull behind trailer. Can't remember the name of that place but you could buy cement by the yard - kinda nice sometimes.

[@seeqr9]

I’ve heard that adhesive between beams is actually weaker than just putting them together as they act more like a single beam without the layer between them.

[@normsayle677]

The adhesive when applied is very thin. Like when installing engineered floor joists, it's a building code requirement to not only screw but glue the floor sheathing to the joist creating one solid structure. Screws applied alone have a tendency to loosen over time when the floor flexes from weight traveling over them. The glue prevents this from happening. The same holds true with the LVL application. If you don't screw then bolt the beam together before the glue cures your theory may hold true. Then there would be gaps between the boards being affixed together. No screw could draw them together properly. This is why it is a must that they be screwed together before the glue has time to cure. If you want to stiffen up floor joists that meet the bare minimum code for their application, I glue and screw 2x4's or 2x6's to either side of them and it works perfectly. Even affixing them to one side makes a substantial difference. I've also screwed and glued 3/4" plywood to the sides of the joists, which works wonders, especially if you have limited working space. Just try taking two boards apart after gluing them together. Don't even screw them. Ain't going to happen. They come apart in sharp chunks. To make a room, like a home theatre more sound proof, I've glue drywall over drywall. No screws to apply. Saves a substantial amount of time and labor. Works like a charm. That's why they call it liquid nails. Have a good one. I may not be handsome, but I'm handy. Right honey? I bought my spouse a 12" miter saw for her birthday, so I could borrow it. :-) Honey, mind if I use your saw?

[@abvazquez90]

I was looking for a long time for a video that really explained a difficult job and the professional installation. Thank you for sharing your experience You are a master in construction 💪🏽

[@realitycheck5383]

that was very informative. i want to do this to my house, although it will be awhile before i can. showed me all the things that i probably wouldnt have thought of. well done!

[@BuddyTobyTV]

Just decided to go back to watch some old StudPack for fun. I feel like this is the first video your Dad wasn’t completed annoyed with the KZbin thing and his personality started to shine through. That pipe video was rough. iPhone, shaking, your dad not wanting anything to do with it 😂😂😂. Now his presentation skills in front of the camera are incredible and rivals any TV host. Paul is the next generation’s Tom Silva or Bob Villa, and is 100% authentic. So awesome to see.

[@juliogarrido1193]

Is great having people like you training the new generations. CLEAN UP YOUR MESS!!👍🏾

[@lisabaginski9155]

Wow! What a difference! It makes it stunning. Great job 👏 👏👏👏

[@mauricechestang8828]

Love the video.. I like the using of the speed square to cut the rafters 👌🏽

[@brentrobinson9671]

I really appreciate the tip about watching the blade as you cut the supporting studs.

[@miltonwelch8619]

Thanks! I've done construction, but each job has its own tricky characteristics. Besides, it's been years! Your video helped.

[@chefigo]

Very helpful video. I am putting a 14' beam in my load bearing wall to open it up. This gave me all the info I needed and the project was a success!

[@jackoshea687]

Good video job well done,the old guy is a classic and knows what he’s doing.

[@StudPack]

What old guy??:)

[@Thebowzer221]

Old guy! Where? That comment must of came from a young whipper snapper! I'm 70!

[@jackoshea687]

The Bowzer didn’t mean any disrespect you did a fantastic job,I watched the whole thing,im 67 myself,electrician I’ve heard them referring to me on the job so you fit the bill,but I can outwork some of the younger guys,use the brain like you did to make it easier,nice job .

[@Thebowzer221]

@@jackoshea687 not ah problem. I was going up a long flight of stairs when this guy in maybe in his 40's went running up the stairs and said "behind you pop's"! I laughed like hell. Cracked me up!

[@ChuckDude61]

Great video gents, super informative, clear and concise instruction and descriptions, a great father son combo!

[@ArmandoRios-uo9vn]

Your dad is awesome dude!!! Seriously bad ass work. When that old wall came down in one piece like that 🍒 very cool.

[@sripadmaja]

Great Video, which is really helping to get an idea what to do. Which engineer will give the suggestion on what beam size is required and the plan on installation, appreciate your help

[@MrJoeAllert]

Great to see a father and son working together to build something. Subscribed. :)

[@StudPack]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Paul-jp8zz]

This was fun to watch. I just did something similar in my house to span a room that also opened to a cathedral ceiling (two story house).. had to stack together 4 LVLs, each 18" wide and 20' long!

[@JCC56]

Very good informative video, great attention to detail and good workmanship. I've done many load bearing wall removal to open up kitchen area. Lots of planning and labor involved for sure. Enjoy all the videos.

[@lucasled5049]

I am a contractor in Maryland and I like what I saw. Finally a true pro doing exactly what I do to earn an honest dollar.

[@Warkive]

Your work and safety ethic really shows, both in your effort and that of your sons. Great job.

[@StudPack]

Thank you very much!

[@TheRealBozz]

I pretend that I enjoy doing this stuff on my house. Sometimes I recall with fondness the work I had the pro's do on it, and then remember how much it cost me. And then I started doing it all on my own and realized it's not really that hard, and it costs a LOT less than having the pro's do it, AND i know it's done right. Then I pretend Harder that I enjoy doing this stuff to my house... [edit] Let's be clear: this 'stuff' is hard work. The pro's get what the pro's get because they are willing to do hard work. But if you live in a hundred year old house, and plan to be there for a while, it can be rewarding both intellectually and emotionally. p.s. you'll find the lumber they used back then was... so much better. Old Growth.

[@dariohernandez8953]

Now that Im older, I really enjoy working with my dad and having that feeling of getting things done right as a team

[@juanmartinez-ku5ze]

Excellent work. Your helper is very good, helpful, obidient and resoursable with the tech video stuff. Great work, very clear and transparent.

[@wellingtonmiddleton3739]

I need to remove a 15 foot block wall to make a bigger kitchen in a single story house. I noticed that splice Joists are resting on the wall and I need to replace it with a 15 ft beam to support the joists. I plan to use treated pine and would like to know what size ( 4+4 or 6+6 ) would be best? You guys did an awesome job in this video. Thanks.

[@BrianBoudreau12]

Loved the fire after effect when Paul went up into attic. Hilarious touch 😂

[@yodaiam1000]

The main issue with seismic is that you are removing a wall. The more walls you have, in general the more stable the house will be seismically. You can compensate by adding plywood to the remaining walls. Even partition walls add to the seismic stability of a house. Many of the old houses in the north west do not have footings (just foundation walls) since there is a lot of glacial till. When adding beams, you have to add footings since it is no longer permitted not to have footings.

[@JR-bn4ur]

Great video.. so informative and simple.. great to see you passing the knowledge to your son.. awesome

[@alvarosolano6569]

Lucky guy looks like your Dad has a lot of experience keep up the great job 👏

[@christiancenturion9895]

Good job. An engineer in training will appreciate seeing this. Its not just putting it on paper.

[@SeansODAATRecovery]

Awesome video. What a great father you have. Cherish that man

[@franciscodiaz1898]

Great I like remodeling. Customers always asking to do things like this project very good video thanks real and well done

[@VP411Designs]

Great video, very helpful. For existing home with load bearing wall, Can you join two small beams using metal connector between the two together to make one long beam to get rid of a column holding up the weight?

[@alonzofarmer3994]

Nice work👌🏽just old school tools make things go a little slower!

[@shyyamkhan9558]

This was just amazing, thorough and you worked well. I want to put an addition in my house and this was what I needed. thanks

[@nely426]

You 2 are too cute, love father son projects but mostly the attntn to detail. Thanks for the video

[@StudPack]

Our pleasure thx 👍

[@josemartinez780]

Love the father/son teamwork. Hope I can do the same with my son.

[@kraut5011]

I need to do a job very similar to the job y'all did in your video. It will help me a lot. The difference is that my house is 100 years old. Much of the lumber is full size and is hard as a rock. Thanks.

[@normsgonz8539]

You the man brother like the way you explain everything and made sense of everything! I have a home similar wall and had a fake contractor suppose to put a beam to open up the area between living room, kitchen and dining room, contractor took wall down and I never seen him again, now it’s sagging. From your experience what would be the cost of a job like this if you don’t mind me asking I have to find someone ASAP and don’t want to get gotten. Thanks, nice job and wish you was in my area I would of definitely hire you.

[@aanm7]

Hey team great video, thanks for sharing Learned a few tricks for the renovations I'm planning to do, still waiting for the Engineering drawings Keep it up

[@armandotobar2495]

Great job! very detail oriented workers thank you very much for sharing God bless you guys

[@classicalmusic2425]

What material did you use to connect the beam to studs, and the rafter verticle support to the beam? Was it angle clips? Structural nails? What type of nails? Was there a peice of solid wood between jack studs and beam? Or LVL direct to jack studs?

[@armanflint]

Note to self... buy a palm nailer! Thanks for showing this. I had no idea this tool existed.

[@StudPack]

It's a life saver👍 thanks Derek!!

[@matthewson1000]

A Gen 3 Milwaukee M18 FUEL impact driver with a high output battery will drive those structural lags ALL DAY!!! Love your content guys.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Aaron, about to switch to Milwaukee platform 👍

[@sheldonharvey8306]

Thank you both, for taking the time to produce the video. I am also observing your commitment to quality.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Sheldon!! Much appreciated

[@marydavis2289]

@@StudPack I have a problem underneath in my basement the flowing I guess is 10 so its deteriorating okay deterioration is that a foundation problem or do I just need to have the floor listed in the in the pool that deterioration it out because it's starting to leak water it comes up on my front steps partially help if you can

[@remushaynes2693]

greetings hard workers; yall never cease to amaze me. thank yall for the tasks yall perform and the explanation along the way. may God bless all your endeavors..................g

[@JH-ot5mn]

I'm getting ready to do this, my beam will be spanning 11 feet, how much different is this process when you have a second floor?

[@StudPack]

You must support the additional load of the second floor plus the roof. Ask your engineer to design the temporary load bearing walls as well. Tremendous amount of weight you're dealing with.

[@ClayAutery]

I'm up in Bossier Parish and need to do something very similar for the central load bearing wall that extends from an under-hang header spanning the split between the kitchen/living room. It ends right at the corner common to the bath and hall entry. We are going to renovate the bath and will be adding Eclisse pocket doors in 4 places (hall entry, MBR entry, and 2 x shower alcove entries from the end 1/2 BA on each side of shower/tub room. To get the free span for the hall entry to the guest 1/2 BA, I need to extend that header (1982 vintage 2 x 2x 12 with unknown filler plate). At this point, I am just about convinced to replace the existing hanging header that is under the double top plate with joists lapping over with a continuous flush beam spanning the entire ridge area from garage ridge to hip transition and to the outside wall at the other end of the house (tapered to the hip) and put it all in the attic. Hang all the ceiling joists from it and break the span up where there is available places to put in posts, and then at the ends. This will accommodate the free-span requirements for the BA entry pocket door, and the future pocket door to the MBR entry. Additionally, it will provide a means to correct the (what I consider) sub-standard 1980s support for the ridge board and rafters. Seeing how y'all did your project convinces me that this is a doable and preferable option to keeping the double top plate and extending that underhang header. Now to work up a proto design for the beam and column locations/sizing, the temp support procedure, and finding a PE to do the "magic math" and supply me a stamped design and a mats spec for the bureaucrats. Thank you, and you have a new sub!

[@StudPack]

Thanks Clay, much appreciated👍 Best of luck on your project! Check out our other beam video if you haven't seen it already.

[@kimmiles3071]

Right on time Im ready for temporary walls next week mine is real similar almost same size Thanks and thanks again

[@lucasb7555]

You guys did amazing job I wish I know someone in Orlando could remove my load bearing wall in my house

[@bend4852]

Could you just use structural screws for the temporary wall so that its easier to take apart?

[@lilianacordoba9215]

Very good team work. It was a detailed explanation. I will need to do a job similar to this one in my house. Do mind to share the average labor cost for this work?

[@iamamish]

Is this the same house you guys are working on now, with the big renovation?

[@meanpicker]

Excellent video. I'm looking at doing this exact thing on my next project. Appreciate you all sharing this, nice to see it executed well.

[@StudPack]

Glad it was helpful!

[@silosvince]

interesting you were not required to cut the slab where the footings were.and pour a foundation for the support posts. Inspector here in Palm Springs CA required that We cut the slab and pour a footing 24 x 24 x 24... just for a 12' wide span. we used a triple microlam

[@BIZorder]

Really appreciate how you well you work together and that you take time to keep the job site clean! I do the same and my friends and family appreciate it too!

[@anthonygarcia2267]

Wow....that palm hammer is such an awesome tool...I gotta get one😊😁

[@duanes1060]

You make it look so easy. Excellent.

[@alexgriffin6785]

Man that speed square trick blew my mind! So simple I should have thought if it

[@johnbarker5009]

This was a good video. Moved along at a nice clip but it showed the pertinent details. Thanks.

[@Sean-Aviation]

great job as usual. can a supporting beam be installed on top of the joists then hooked with hangars to joists? its a lot easier without cutting the ceiling joists. is it not per code?

[@taylorgang4392]

Great video. Would you guys also be able to explain how to do things in detail? Every step? That’ll help us a lot. For example making the temp wall.

[@gottabighit1]

Did you guys wrap your support column(s) with some fancy wood / lumber? Or did you just drywall them? What about the beam? Drywall also?

[@brazillionaire9702]

I have a tip for you, my friend. Next time the LVLs are cupped, face the cups and sandwich them together with a few spikes. That will correct the cup, and it will not cur from the left or the right.

[@StudPack]

We tried that first. They wouldn’t pull together. A combination of clamps and screws did it though 👊👍

[@Veto_]

I've learned a lot from you. Best on KZbin man thank you from Scotland

[@robch8473]

RCH Handyman here... once again , i applaud the detailed descriptions .

[@christopherbush4912]

I know this will fluctuate between location and engineer, but what’s an approximate cost to get an engineer to come out and spec a load bearing beam for a job like so?

[@StudPack]

Our engineers have a nominal fee of $500.00

[@phonessamsung]

Hello! Quick question, I wanted an open concept kitchen on our one story home but there is a 13 feet long load bearing wall that needs to be removed. I was wondering how many laminated veneer Lumber (lvl) I would need? I was thinking of getting 2 of the 1 3/4 × 9 1/2 and 14 feet long with two 4×4s on each side to hold it up. Please advise thank you 😊

[@jmaddesignsdiy3569]

Thanks for posting this. The only thing missing is when you created the studpark to transfer the load to the foundation. Did I miss that?

[@noahvalenzuela4494]

Nicely done. I liked the attention to detail. If you needed the working space some adjustable jack post would work and it would make it easier to transfer the load. It might be nice to update you tools to cordless options especially with the battery power avaliable. One last option, green line lasers are awesome too. Great job.

[@StudPack]

Thanks Noah! Jack posts are great, I think I can rent them locally. Cordless tools, yeah I know. Been trying to decide on a platform, think I'll go with Milwaukee. I purchased a Bosch green line laser in April, it's a game changer. Check out some of our more recent videos and you're bound to see it👍