Load Bearing Interior Wall Header Size
I am looking to recess an electric fireplace into this wall, which would require crippling the two studs that are located on ether side of the cardboard box that is placed in between them in this picture attached. This should create a span of approximately 4’.
This is a load bearing wall on the 1st floor of a 2 story slab built home. Overall home measures 38’x44’, the room itself measuring 18’x19’. Snow load is less than 10psf.
My plan is to use (2) 2”x12” for the header, however there is only room for (1) king stud and (1) jack stud due to clearance of the unit being installed and the spacing to the other studs.
I would prefer (2) jack studs, so I was thinking it might be possible to use (2) jack studs on the interior of the existing studs, and then put another (2) king studs on the exterior of those existing studs.
All lumber being used would be southern yellow pine.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Replies
The bearing length of your header is what is in question. This decision should be considered along with whatever source you are using to determine that your header is strong enough.
For example, if you were looking at this: http://www.southernpine.com/app/uploads/SS_7-12L.pdf You could observe this note: A 3.0" bearing length is assumed...
This would require use of double jack studs. on each end of the header (or motivate finding different tables not based on this assumption.
You would want to pay attention to the grade of your header boards.
as long as the clear span is indicated in your choice, it really does not matter how you get from where you are to where you need to go. (remembering that you need to support the floor above during the transition from what is to what you will install)
Not clear what the actual spacing of your existing studs are, but they appear not to be regular. (it looks like the spacing varies)
You can feel free to cripple three of the existing studs instead of two, and install new jack and king studs at locations of your choosing that meet the structural requirements. You might end up with cripple studs close to king studs. This should be ok. If you want the new header to be longer, you might have to triple instead of double the boards used.
Support the floor above temporarily, giving you room to work.
Remove whatever studs are in the way.
Install the proper sized header up against the top plates above (wherever you want the fireplace) install your kings and jacks below header. Infill the cripples to the original layout.
One trimmer each side and.https://www.strongtie.com/facemounthangersssl_solidsawnlumberconnector/hh_hanger/p/hh
Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the responses and advice.