Expert: Dave Johnson - 2/17/2009

Question
We have a garage with two sliding wooden doors with a post in the middle. The opening is roughly the standard 16 feet by 7 feet. Can the center post be removed without reinforcing the header? I do not know whether the post is load bearing or not and the new door installer doesn't know either. I cannot see the header completely but am guessing it may be 4"x10" and spans the garage opening in one piece. Thank you in advance for your response.

Answer
Hi Hideo,
If the opening is on the gable end of the building, there is little chance removing the post will make it sag.


If it's on a sidewall, you'll need a larger header. And, if the headroom is too low to allow a larger header, you'll be taking a chance with the existing one.
If there is room, go to your local bldg materials supplier and
ask for a micro-lam (or other) beam that will span 16 feet.
Also, if the bldg is more than 1 storey, that needs to be taken into account.

Best of luck, and mail me if you need more...

Dave