Building a Breakfast type bar
#1
03-30-09, 05:49 AM
Building a Breakfast type bar
My wife and I would like to build a breakfast bar in the wall that divides our kitchen and dining room. The idea we have is to cut open the existing wall, frame it, and install a counter top. We have a ranch style home, so I have a few concerns regarding load bearing on that wall and how to determine if it is such. Any tips and pointers would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, Tim.
#2
03-30-09, 08:16 AM
Member
First to find out is find out which way your joists/rafters go then once you do that if they run perpendicular to the wall then it is load bearing, if they run parallel w/ the wall then most likely its not load bearing.
I just went through this and had a friend of a friend stop over who told me what to do, what size header, etc. People on here are very good at giving advice and safety and what not.
Some info also may be needed, like wall span, how much of that are you cutting out, do you have truss's or rafters for your roof, etc.
GOOD LUCK
I just went through this and had a friend of a friend stop over who told me what to do, what size header, etc. People on here are very good at giving advice and safety and what not.
Some info also may be needed, like wall span, how much of that are you cutting out, do you have truss's or rafters for your roof, etc.
GOOD LUCK
#3
03-30-09, 08:41 AM
I will have to check the direction of the rafters, I believe they are running the same direction. What I do know is there is no electrical or plumbing on that wall. Hopefully that makes it somewhat easier. Another question I have is, would it be easier to just gut all the drywall on that wall and then partially cut out the 2X4's to install the counter top? Or is that a little overkill?
#4
03-30-09, 12:02 PM
Member
I wouldn't cut anything until you know 100%. If the wall is running parallel w/ the rafters you probably are fine.
You will wanna first use a drywall saw and just cut out the hole you want and get all that exposed and then worry about the studs. Are you gonna put in overhead cabinets or under the bar cabinets?? Your gonna need something for the countertop to set on?!
Just to let you know, I am not a pro, just an avid diy'er.
You will wanna first use a drywall saw and just cut out the hole you want and get all that exposed and then worry about the studs. Are you gonna put in overhead cabinets or under the bar cabinets?? Your gonna need something for the countertop to set on?!
Just to let you know, I am not a pro, just an avid diy'er.
#5
03-30-09, 01:06 PM
Hi, Tim. Please look in the attic to see if any supports go to the roof (purlins) at mid-span. There could be a structural problem with a rafter that has been suported after it was built. Inside, measure on the floor to a wall, for a reference point from the attic access. Then when in attic, check exact location of the wall, you'll see the top plate from above. Look for vent lines, wires, phone cable, etc. I personally would leave the bottom portion alone (with wires inside?) and cut where needed. If adding wireing, check back here for certain no-no's about recepticles. Be safe, GBR
#6
03-30-09, 04:28 PM
So far I know for a fact that there are no electrical wires on that particular wall, there will be no cabinets goin on that wall, I plan to support the counter top by reneforcing the lower portion of the opening and the attaching support braces on both sides
#7
03-31-09, 12:30 PM
I opened a 2'X2' hole last night to verify that there was no electrical or plumbing and it is not load bearing. Have my tools together to get it opened up and hopefully framed tonight, bought a rotozip to help with cutting the drywall, wish me luck 
