Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

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Q: Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You&rsquo;ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that&rsquo;s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

Q: How long does it typically take to repair a window frame?

• <div><p>Generally completed within a couple of hours, depending on damage extent.</p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

Q: What is considered a structural issue in a house?

• <div><p>Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.</p></div>

Q: Do installations include corner bracing?

• <div><p>Yes, professional installations include reinforced corner posts to ensure durability.</p></div>

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Last update on January 13, 2026

Reviewed in April 2023
Can I give 10 stars?!? Absolutely amazing carpentry and customer service.
America's Floor Source
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Reviewed in May 2022
When we read the reviews of Jeff Prude’s work from A-1 Quality Carpentry, we thought they sounded too good to be true. Words like superlative craftsmanship, professional responsiveness, and conscientious attention to customer service are simply inadequate to describe the quality of Mr. Prude’s...
A-1 Quality Carpentry
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Reviewed in January 2021
We used Unique Hardwood Floor LLC three years ago to work on the floors of a 70 year old home that needed a great deal of work. Some floors needed repairs, some were replaced and others just needed to be refinished. It was a complicated job as they needed to blend the old and the new to create a...
Unique Hardwood Floor LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
I requested competitive bids form multiple contractors. After research, I felt confident in the consultation I received from Paul at Polar Bear. I purchased an A/C system from him, and I would use him again in the future, and I recommend this company to others. I feel Paul is a straight...
Polar Bear Air
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Reviewed in March 2020
I hired Window Worx for a variety of tasks: 1) replacement of rotten wood surrounding picture Windows and the window sill; 2) replacement of wood supports of my deck; and 3) restoration of a portico over my back door that included replacement of rotted wood and fixing the flashing. Work was done...
Window Worx's
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Reviewed in November 2019
BJ Trim Carpentry rescued me in the middle of a do-it-yourself project. I found I needed more expertise than I had...and more TOOLS! BJ Trim Carpentry responded quickly and completed what I needed expertly, politely and with a little humor!
B.J. Trim Carpentry, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2012
I have lived in my house for 15 years. For the past 10 years I've been trying to figure out what to do about the door from the dining room into the garage. The house was built in the early 1950's and they used a 28" wide interior hollow wood door in that location. It is a difficult spot because...
Affordable Interior Finish Carpentry & Floors
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Reviewed in November 2010
I have called upon Sterling before in the past and he's very professional and reliable. He shows up on time prepared and ready to go to work. He and a co-worker came over tore down what was left of the fence, cleared some shrubbery away, dug the post holes, poured the concrete and put up the...
STERLING THE HANDYMAN
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Reviewed in September 2008
Jeff did the initial estimate which was pretty accurate. They were able to work with our tight deadline. Bob did the actual work at our house. After we removed the carpet we found sizable stains, they warned they would not come out (old pet stains from the previous owners). Many of the smaller...
Hardwood Elegance Flooring Co
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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.

Generally completed within a couple of hours, depending on damage extent.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

Yes, professional installations include reinforced corner posts to ensure durability.

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