[thinkfuture]

We have a project to open the foyer underway. There is a door frame that was opened. In it's place there are 2* 2x4's. Are these supporting pillars? Considering the distance between the 2 existing is the one in between needed? or can I remove this safely?

Existing:

New:

 

[Nealtw]

So you took out a 2x12 and replaced it with a 2x6 and you want to go twice as far. You are playing with fire.
This is what engineers are made for.

 

[Nealtw]

You never want to go with less if i was guessing i would have used 2 LVLs at least as tall as what you took out. Adding another 2" height would be cheaper than an engineer or you can get lost in span tables.

There are 3 places you can put the beam.

#1 Normal is what you have.

# 2Flush is when you remove the top plates and go 3 inches higher

#3 cut the joists and go all the way up and hang the joists



What ever you do you need to add squash blocks between the floor below and the wall below that. Then you really should have studs installed in the wall directly below so this is supported right to the ground.

 

[chandler48]

Is it a doubled 2x8 that you replaced the door header with? That alone will span the less than 8 feet that you have. The one problem that will possibly require the thinking of an engineer is that the vertical support studs are directly under the landing of the staircase and will need something extra. What Neal proposes is viable, but a lot of work. I would call in the troops and let them look at it and see if removing the post will work. Without the staircase in play, I don't think I would have a problem removing it, but............

 

[Nealtw]

Is it a doubled 2x8 that you replaced the door header with? That alone will span the less than 8 feet that you have. The one problem that will possibly require the thinking of an engineer is that the vertical support studs are directly under the landing of the staircase and will need something extra. What Neal proposes is viable, but a lot of work. I would call in the troops and let them look at it and see if removing the post will work. Without the staircase in play, I don't think I would have a problem removing it, but............

I think in some places he can take his plans to the real lumber yard for advice. i missed the stairs. Oops. that real hurts the situation.

 

[thinkfuture]

Thanks for all the input. To be on a safer side I will remove the 2* 2x4 & set 1 supporting 4x4 in place and cover it with a fiberglass post.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks for all the input. To be on a safer side I will remove the 2* 2x4 & set 1 supporting 4x4 in place and cover it with a fiberglass post.

Yous 2 2x4s should be fine, best if it is over a joist, if not you need blocking down to the wall below, if no access cut a hole in the floor to get them there.