My Home Design
kitchen remodel - pass through to living room?
we are about to remodel our kitchen and contemplating cutting out a small section of the wall so we can have a pass through bewteen the kitchen & living room (so we can see from the kitchen to living room - actually all the way to the back yard - and let more sunlight into living room). The wall we want to cut through is a supporting wall. What is necessary (in Florida) to put a small pass thru in a supporting wall? I've been told that it's doable to cut a small hole in a supporting wall - there are just extra steps to take?? I appreciate any advice you can give (other than go to home depot/lowes). thanks!
Public Comments
- I am not sure of any special building codes in Florida but normally you will have to use a header (double LVL) above the opening that is supported by 2x4 (jack) studs on each end. To be safe, you should use 2 2x4's on each side of the opening to support the header. The bottom sill can be framed in with 2x4's as well. Depending on the span you want to open, you may want to get an engineer to review the span to make sure the load above is not too much- they can also tell you the size of the LVL to use. LVL's are also called "glue laminated beams"
- First mark your opening, then remove drywall or plaster. Be careful not to disturb any electrical or plumbing. As soon as is possible you should place a temporary support under supporting wall, you may have to angle a couple of 2'X4",s. and secure properly. Depending on how wide your door is you'll need to adjust thickness of beam.A good rule is 1' per 1'', another words if your doorway is 4' or less use a 4"x4" beam, 6' wide door 4"x6" etc... Personally I like to go 1 above or, 4' or less, 4"x6" and 4'-6' wide I'd use a 4"x8" beam. Double 2"x4" 's on both sides, under beam. You want to install a stud from top to bottom of wall at the point where your beam fits snug between the two, and then install studs under beam. Make sure you leave enough room. Hope that helped!
