Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 6/7/2007

Question
Is there a formula available that helps to calculate what is the maximum span allowed between 2 walls. Ex: New Addition on a Split Level Home.(added to the one-story side) Addition to be 26' wide, with a master bath/bedroom above giving it a   1 1/2 story effect. I would like to remove part of the wall (which is now an exterior wall) to make the kitchen area larger, but my dilemma is with a 2x6 exterior wall set 16" on center, how large can I make the Great Room/Country Kitchen without needing a support post or additional wall in between. I would like to have the area as open as possible. Is there a formula to calculate this number based on lumber size used, ceiling ht etc???

Answer
Coleen,

There's no one simple formula.  A calculation like this requires one to consider the anticipated loads and refer to various span tables and load capacity charts.

I would be glad to help you with this, except I can't fully envision what you are planning to do, without a sketch or blueprint.   If you can, please fax or e-mail a floor plan sketch and if possible an exterior photo of the part of the house that you will be adding on to.  

My contact info is:
info@majordesigngroup.com
fax: 866-636-2528

--Steve Major