Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 6/29/2004

Question
How can one tell whether a structure(i.e. a pillar) is load bearing or merely cosmetic?

Answer
Loki:

Thanks for your question!

Generally, structural loads in homes are distributed from the roof and floors and beams down through the walls and/or columns, to the foundation.  Let's get a few terms straight first:

Rafters - sloped members that create the roof shape
Ceiling joists - horizontal members that create the ceiling
Floor joists - horizontal members that create the floor
Studs - vertical members that create the walls
Beams - horizontal members that support rafters, ceiling joists, or floor joists
Columns - vertical members that support beams

To determine whether a column (pillar) is load-bearing, you must trace the load path from the floors and roof, to the beam(s), and finally to the column.  To do this, you must know the direction that the rafters, ceiling joists, floor joists, and beams are running.  Often the beams are dropped below the ceiling and are easy to spot.  Rafters are visible in the attic, as are the ceiling joists.

Floor joists are usually covered with an interior finish on both sides, with the possible exception of the basement.

Usually, all floor joists and rafters run the same direction so if you can see some of them, you have a strong clue to how the rest are running.

Once you know which direction the rafters and joists are running, follow them to their support - a beam or wall at the end, but possibly also in the middle of the span somewhere.  The beam or wall will run perpendicular to the joists.  Then follow that beam to it's support - possibly the column you're looking at.

If the column supports a beam, and the beam supports joists or rafters (or if the beam supports a wall that supports joists or rafters) then the column is load-bearing.

Please note that this is a description of a simple situation; your situation may be more complex.  If you have any doubt at all, call an architect or engineer to review it for you.  Mistakenly removing a load-bearing column can be very dangerous!

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com