how to determine how much weight a wall can hold
#1
08-29-14, 08:53 PM
how to determine how much weight a wall can hold
Greetings,
My husband and I are looking to install a stone veneer (Lowes desert quartz ledgestone) wall above our fireplace. The wall above the fireplace is offset approximately 8" from the main living room wall (total size is 6' x 6') and we are unsure as to whether it is capable of holding approximately 500 lbs of stone. We have identified the studs but are unsure if they are structurally secured to the primary wall frame or if this is just an aftermarket facade. We poked a small hole in the drywall next to one of the studs and saw that the studs are only 2x2's and are not connected to the wall behind them. If anyone has any advice, we'd greatly appreciate it. I'm attaching a few photos of the fireplace. We are looking to put stone over the diamond patterned portion.
Thanks!
My husband and I are looking to install a stone veneer (Lowes desert quartz ledgestone) wall above our fireplace. The wall above the fireplace is offset approximately 8" from the main living room wall (total size is 6' x 6') and we are unsure as to whether it is capable of holding approximately 500 lbs of stone. We have identified the studs but are unsure if they are structurally secured to the primary wall frame or if this is just an aftermarket facade. We poked a small hole in the drywall next to one of the studs and saw that the studs are only 2x2's and are not connected to the wall behind them. If anyone has any advice, we'd greatly appreciate it. I'm attaching a few photos of the fireplace. We are looking to put stone over the diamond patterned portion.
Thanks!
#2
08-30-14, 04:21 AM
If the 2x2 framing isn't attached to the wall, what keeps if from falling over 
I'm a painter not a carpenter [they should be along later] but I suspect you'll need to tear it all out [including the mantel] and build a stronger structure to support the stone. What's directly below that wall?
I'm a painter not a carpenter [they should be along later] but I suspect you'll need to tear it all out [including the mantel] and build a stronger structure to support the stone. What's directly below that wall?
#3
08-30-14, 05:06 AM
Group Moderator
Your 2x2's are probably nailed to the framing behind. How well they are nailed is anybody's guess. I assume you'll have to at least replace the sheeting (sheet rock) on the bump out before you do the stone. That will give you a good opportunity replace the bump-out framing or better attach what's there. Then install the proper backing material for your stone, maybe cement board(?) and stick on your stones.
