Framing
Bearing Wall
A wall that supports the weight of the structure above it, transferring loads from roof and upper floors down to the foundation.
🏗️
In the Field
Before removing any wall during renovation, determine if it's load-bearing. Signs include walls running perpendicular to floor joists, walls aligned above each other on multiple floors, and beams or doubled plates in the ceiling above. Always consult a structural engineer before cutting a bearing wall.
📐
Rule of Thumb
In a typical two-story house, exterior walls and center walls running parallel to the ridge are almost always bearing. Never assume a wall is non-bearing without verification.