Question Supporting Interior Header in exterior wall
I am looking to remodel my kitchen downstairs which involves removing a load bearing wall. I hired a structural engineer to get the plans, but there is a bit of a language barrier. I want to replace the load bearing wall with a LVL header and keep the support in the exterior wall flush so not to obstruct kitchen counter. The plans are showing 3 7-1/4 LVL supported by 4 -2x4s. I asked how this is arranged and the response was “The beam and post is timber to timber, then it’s just toenailed, unless specifically noted”. This was confusing to me as I expected some sort of steel hanger given that 4-2x4s would not really allow for a traditional king/jack stud config. I sketched up what I thought it might look like assuming that the header is spaced out to match the 2×4 support.
What am I missing here?
Thanks
Adam
Replies
2 lvls at 1 3/4 is going to be 5 1/4. That's close enough to use a 4x6 instead of the 2x s. You could use a post cap, but I don't think the hardware is necessary.
Your header will just sit on the studs. No need for any jacks since all of them are performing that task. Nothing to stop you from adding a couple if you like. Since the load is all downward through the studs all you need to do is keep it from falling off while you're building.
If you have room on the outside wall you can put the header in the attic and hang the joist off of it.