[mcu]

Hi,

I am doing some renovations and would like to modify two supporting walls. I will attach the pics for both. In one (the longer one) there currently is three 2x10s over a 10' span. I would like to remove the 2x6s in between to make a large doorway and was debating wether changing the three 2x10s for two or three 9.5" LVL. Would that be sufficient or impossible to determine?

Second is a doorway i would like to extend from 32" to 60" span (to where the green drywall is cut). Would two or three 2x10s be sufficient or better go with LVL? Also right now it's on a 2x4 stud for support ...should I put that on two 2x4s? The more the better I guess, but would reduce my doorway.

Please send me your feedback ASAP and send me any questions you need answered in order to give an educated reply.

Thanks!

 

[mcu]

so many views not one reply? Don't be shy guys!

 

[Anti-wingnut]

The upper photograph may indicate a previous opening which was walled off. Hunt for evidence of this, and if it is in fact correct, and there has not been additional loading by a subsequent remodel, go full steam ahead.

I would be hesitant to give advice on the lower opening due to a paucity of facts

Contact Toadtheninja for a full load analysis

 

[mcu]

yes i thought this also as you see the header/beam with posts there already, electrical wire going tacked to the beam and not going through any studs, but the 2x6 on the floor is not cut , so why did they change their mind? Was it the owner who changed his mind as he was building??

What other things can I look for to make sure?

 

[mcu]

any opinions on this guys? specifically the smaller span of 64" Do I need to get LVL for it or 3 2x10s enough supported with double 2x6 on each end

 

[Joe Carola]

any opinions on this guys? specifically the smaller span of 64" Do I need to get LVL for it or 3 2x10s enough supported with double 2x6 on each end

No one can answer this. No one knows whats above or below. You have to get a professional in there to tell you. Did you get permits to do this and are you getting it inspected?

 

[mcu]

no one will be inspecting it, but i just want to make sure it will be well done so it does not sag. The opening is already 34" and they have two 2x10 headers, so I would be just opening it about 30". It is a supporting wall as the joists for the 2nd floor cross at this location and also over a supporting wall in the basement.

The other picture with the 10' span is on the same wall just at the back of the home. I figured if they used three 2x10s for 10' span, then using the same for 5' span would be sufficient. Am I thinking wrong?

The house was built 20 years ago, so wondering if better to take off the three 2x10 for the 10' span and replace with LVL, but I guess let's figure out one thing at a time.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

The question you pose is pretty common on this forum. You want someone to design your job for you, and you seem surprised that no one leaps forward to do so. This is serious business removing or altering a load bearing wall. People can and do get killed because they don't get it right. If you were competent enough to design this job yourself, install it correctly, and stay safe, you probably would not be on this forum asking about sizing of elements.

So suppose someone steps up, and tells you no, you are fine, you don't need an LVL. Then you pull the studs, and the house falls down, or maybe the beam sags a little. Would you then be on another forum asking how to sue the person who gave you the bad advice?

This forum is great for discussions about how to do projects, whether it be electrical, framing, plumbing, carpentry. Morphing into over the internet design would be malpractice for a professional, and is at best a bad idea for a non-professional.

 

[Joe Carola]

no one will be inspecting it

Then no one should help you since you don't want to do the right thing. Coming here and asking this is not the right thing. Someone HAS to look at your house to see what you need. The internet cannot do that.