Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a wall between my kitchen and living room. It is a load-bearing wall I think because it's the main interior wall in the house and runs perpendicular to the ceiling and floor joists. What I'd like to do is remove the plaster, then respace the studs within part of the wall so that I can recess the fridge, build in a pantry, and have a dishwasher and microwave area. I plan to build three short walls perpendicular to this load-bearing wall, then a wall behind it about 2.5 feet away. I plan to put in the new studs (two 2x4's each), then remove the original studs in the load-bearing wall to make room for the fridge and pantry and such. So, the spacing will be wider than 16 inches, perhaps like 24 to 30 inches between studs.

I can put headers between each if necessary.

Will this preserve the integrity of the wall and the load it holds? I'm actually giving more support by the three short walls and new back wall. Will respacing these studs cause me any problems?

Thanks,

Jennifer

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer, yes you can put headers in the areas you want to cut out the bearing wall studs.  For these small of openings you can go double 2x6 beams..you will need a shortened stud under the header on each side called a "cripple". Allow enough room in your openings for drywall etc and some wiggle room to get the appliances in.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Mr. Johnson,

What would you say is the maximum span for the header in the solution you describe?

Thanks,

Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer, the rule of thumb for headers is one foot of width per inch of height in a 4x? or a double 2x?..In other words a 4x4 will span four feet, a 4x6 six feet, 4x8 eight feet etc...same with a doubled up 2x4=4', double 2x6=6' and so on.  So if you have a five foot wide opening a 4x6 or double 2x6 will suffice.. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com