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When you build a house, do the plans call out the size of joists, headers, etc. or is that something the carpenter figures up based on spans, type of structure above, etc.?
More specifically, I’m cutting into a load bearing wall to put in a powder room in my house. How do I figure a header size for a 6′ opening in an interior load bearing wall. The wall supports one floor and attic above.
Someone’s bound to say I should hire a pro. I see your point already, but I’m stubborn about doing the work myself. I’ve done a fair amount of misc. framing before. I’m confident I can cut this opening in myself, but if I do it without better knowledge, I’ll end up hugely oversizing the header required because I don’t know how much less is acceptable.
How do you pros figure out how to support structural walls when they must be cut into – for new doors, bay windows, etc.? Is there a good book that has tables for such calculations?
Thanks for any and all help.
Replies
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When you build a house, do the plans call out the size of joists, headers, etc. or is that something the carpenter figures up based on spans, type of structure above, etc.?
More specifically, I'm cutting into a load bearing wall to put in a powder room in my house. How do I figure a header size for a 6' opening in an interior load bearing wall. The wall supports one floor and attic above.
Someone's bound to say I should hire a pro. I see your point already, but I'm stubborn about doing the work myself. I've done a fair amount of misc. framing before. I'm confident I can cut this opening in myself, but if I do it without better knowledge, I'll end up hugely oversizing the header required because I don't know how much less is acceptable.
How do you pros figure out how to support structural walls when they must be cut into - for new doors, bay windows, etc.? Is there a good book that has tables for such calculations?
Thanks for any and all help.