Are these posts load bearing?
#1
01-07-14, 03:47 PM
Are these posts load bearing?
My wife and I just bought a new house and HATE these four posts in the living/dining room area.
They appear to be stair/bannister posts, that are joined in the middle. The house is on a slab foundation. The problem I'm having is, I don't know if the wall above the posts is self-supporting or supported by these posts.
I've included photos of the attic and circled the approximate area above the posts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Many thanks.
They appear to be stair/bannister posts, that are joined in the middle. The house is on a slab foundation. The problem I'm having is, I don't know if the wall above the posts is self-supporting or supported by these posts.
I've included photos of the attic and circled the approximate area above the posts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Many thanks.
#2
01-07-14, 07:49 PM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Highly unlikely, but it's always best to have someone on site that knows that there looking at look it over first.
Almost always there's a reason someone installed that big a beam in that location. It's sure not for looks.
Almost always there's a reason someone installed that big a beam in that location. It's sure not for looks.
#3
01-07-14, 10:47 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
I, too, would seriously doubt those four posts are anything but decorative.
You have the moldings removed from the top of one of them.... is the post loose ?
Give it a good shot with your shoulder..... it'll probably topple right out of there.
You do have some large beams in the house.
I, too, would seriously doubt those four posts are anything but decorative.
You have the moldings removed from the top of one of them.... is the post loose ?
Give it a good shot with your shoulder..... it'll probably topple right out of there.
You do have some large beams in the house.
#4
01-08-14, 08:09 PM
Hey, thanks for the reply. The posts are not loose, but a couple of them do pivot slightly if I twist them with just my hands. Is there any way of telling if the wall above the posts is supporting itself?
#5
01-08-14, 08:31 PM
Group Moderator
If those spindles were holding any weight they would not spin...... they would not move.
That area above the spindles should be completely solid right to the wall at each end where it's carried down the wall to the foundation or to another beam or columns below.
I illustrated below. I just drew in the right side as it isn't shown.
To have 100% confirmation you'd need to bring in an engineer or possibly a knowledgeable carpenter.
That area above the spindles should be completely solid right to the wall at each end where it's carried down the wall to the foundation or to another beam or columns below.
I illustrated below. I just drew in the right side as it isn't shown.
To have 100% confirmation you'd need to bring in an engineer or possibly a knowledgeable carpenter.
