Load bearing wall?

Question

How can I tell if a wall is load bearing? I know that seeing 'if it sounds hollow' isn't necessarily enough!

Ben · Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, if the wall in question is solid (made of brick or block) and runs perpendicular to the floor joists above- there’s a good chance it’s load-bearing.

If you aren’t sure which way your joists run, the floorboards/sheets upstairs will run perpendicular to the joists. 

So essentially, if your floorboards above run the same way as the wall you’re looking at, there’s a strong chance your joists above are sat on it.
This is not a hard and fast rule and there are always exceptions, so please seek professional advice in person before removing potentially load bearing walls as it is impossible to say without a physical in person  inspection

Gordon · Answer

it is solid ie brick wall, not plaster board meaning its the main supporting wall

Sam · Answer

The first step is to actually locate and identify which walls in your property are load-bearing.  The chances are you won’t have your property’s original blueprints, so you’ll have to search for them.

Here are some quick tips to help you on your way: –

Start in the basement

The first place to start is in the lowest point of your house.  This will either be the basement or the first floor.  In any case, the aim is to locate what is known as the lower concrete slab.

Next, look for walls that feed directly into the foundation – these are the load-bearing walls.

Check for floor joists

Floor joists are horizontal structural members that support floors covering an open area (i.e. basement).

Walls that are parallel to the joists are not considered load-bearing, whilst walls that are perpendicular to the joists are usually load-bearing.

Central Walls and Pillars

Any walls or pillars that are situated at the centre of the house are most probably load-bearing, as much of the support of a house’s framework rests in the centre.

Garry · Answer

You have to see what way the floor joists run, or if the wall is solid you find put what’s above it by lifting a couple of boards or a visit to the loft

Kirk · Answer

Hiya you can check which way the floorboards are running then the timbers will be running the opposite way

Nicola · Answer

It can help to look at your house plans as well, to see if there’s another wall following the same alignment on the floor above, or if the loft is above, working out which way the joists run.

Otherwise, it’s a chat with a structural engineer, and maybe taking the wall finishes off to get a closer look!

Ashley · Answer

Go into your attic or basement and look in the direction of your floor joists. Generally, if a wall is a load-bearing, these joists will be perpendicular to the wall. Go upstairs and see if the wall continues from below. Load-bearing walls often have walls above them.

Darnel · Answer

If a wall runs at a perpendicular angle to the joists, it is load-bearing. Any wall that doesn't support another wall is most likely not a load-bearing wall. If a wall provides direct support to the structure of a house, it's a structural wall that you should not remove.

Steve · Answer

A good way to see if the wall is load-bearing is to find out what’s going on above it I.e the direction of the floor joists or if any transfer of load is coming directly onto it from the roof above.

Hannah · Answer

Your joists above will most probably be supported by it

Load bearing wall?

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