A load-bearing wall is a wall that supports the weight of the structure above it and transfers that load down to the foundation. In a typical two-story home, roughly 50% of interior walls are load-bearing.
In practice
You'd see this when a Battle Ground, WA homeowner wants to open up their kitchen by removing a wall between the kitchen and living room.
Why it matters
Homeowners planning open-concept remodels encounter this term frequently.
Common questions
How can I tell if a wall is load-bearing?+
Common indicators include walls perpendicular to floor joists, walls in the center of the house, and walls directly above a beam. Never assume.
Can a load-bearing wall be removed?+
Yes — it needs to be replaced with a properly sized structural beam. The cost typically runs $3,000-$10,000.
Need this done right?
Talk to a real contractor.
Free onsite consultation and a line-item estimate you can actually read.