I’m considering doing a kitchen remodel for my brother and he’s asked if a wall is load bearing or not. Now, I’m no engineer, but my rule of thumb has been to see if the plane of the wall is perpendicular to the plane of the ceiling joists: if they’re perpendicular, it’s load bearing, if they’re parallel, the wall is not load bearing. Is this a valid approach and if not, can someone offer some suggestions?
Our plan is to create a peninsula from an existing wall by cutting off the top portion of the wall, leaving the bottom 36 inches (or whatever is appropriate) and then install a countertop (and probably some cabinets underneath). The current wall is 7 feet long and 8 feet high and is made of plaster.
As you can see, we’re still in the planning stages; any guidance will be appreciated greatly.
Replies
If they're perpendicular, it's load bearing, if they're parallel, the wall is not load bearing.
That's almost always true. But there can be cases where a beam holds up part of some joists, and bears on a perpendicular wall. It's better to get up in the attic and check out all the framing.
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"The current wall is 7 feet long and 8 feet high and is made of plaster."
If the wall is made entirely of plaster, it isn't load bearing.
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(Sorry - Couln't resist)
I'm still not sure if I understand ambiguity.
Thanks; we'll climb up and have a look for any bracing (and keep our eyes open for more of those Plaster Walls!! If it were only that easy!)