Replies

1. 
   Brent_ | Jan 05, 1999 07:48pm | #2

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   We have been discussing this as an option in our kitchen as well, but I am concerned about reducing the structural integrity of the wall. I am not sure if the wall is load bearing. I've thought about columns, etc.. Any comments or ideas??

2. 
   Scooter_ | Jan 05, 1999 09:59pm | #3

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   It is relatively easy to determine if the wall is bearing. Bearing Walls are always perpendicular to the joists. If the wall is upstairs, to the attic and look for the joists. If the wall is on the first floor, go to the basement or crawl space and examine the joists there.

   Hope this helps.

   Bearing through all the thick and thin,
   Scooter

3. 
   Guest_ | Jan 06, 1999 08:56am | #4

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   I will be cutting out part of my kitchen wall in order to "open up" the limited space in our small rancher.
   From the kitchen, the cut out will look into the living room and dining room, it will be aprox 6' long, turn 90* and go another 4' to the existing door opening. We have the 6'x4' wall now, but with no cut out.
   Any suggestions on height of the wall from the floor, and height down from the celling? My wife wants small cabinets above,( prob about 12" deep) and a shallow counter top/ cabinet combination below,( again prob about 12" deep).
   I just cant come up with a good rule to start with on the height of the opening and how much wall to save?
   This is not a bearing wall, standard 8' cellings, custom size cabinets and counter tops are not much of a problem for me.
   Any pointers on how to get this thing started would be most appreciated!
   Bill

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 05, 1999 07:39pm | #1

   *Counter height is a standard +/- 36". You may want to cut the wall at the cabinet top height and extend countertop over both cabinets and the wall for a bit deeper counter. I would probably not go too much above 42" for a finished height, so cut the wall height with what ever cap thickness figured into your final height. You might also figure height based on how you want it finshed, for instance, you find a tile that you want to use as a backsplash, add that to the counter height and how much you cap lip will extend down the wall and go from there.(hope that is not confusing).As for upper cabinets, no wall hanging(remove it), I would hang them from the ceiling, install blocking in the ceiling to give you plenty of attachment points. I'm 6'7" so I would not have more than a 15" cabinet hanging, but a 24" cabinet would have a bottom at 6' and would not close the space in too much, 24" would be a maximum as you are trying to open the space. I am also partial to cabinets of this type having glass doors on both sides and glass center shelves. Being so high the won't be real practical for everyday use, but you probably could store nicer showier items in them. They could really be dramatic. Also they can be a little deeper with one side flush with the back wall and the other with the front of the cabinets. This of course would probably mean custom work.Finally, don't forget lighting, I would definitly put recessed lights on the kitchen side and probably on the other side if I had glass doors.Just make sure the cabinets are hung or built so the doors can open.That's my 2 cents, maybe too much, can't see the house to tell.

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 06, 1999 08:56am | #5

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   We did this in our home, looks great. Just be careful of different ceiling heights. You laugh at this?

   Took me almost a full week to properly feather in the ceiling once the wall was gone.