The number one kitchen remodel request we hear at Wilson & Co is to open up the kitchen by removing the wall between the kitchen and living room. In most Florida homes, this is entirely doable — even if the wall is load-bearing. Here is how we approach it.
First: Is the Wall Load-Bearing?
A load-bearing wall supports the weight of the roof or upper floor above it. Removing it without proper support will cause structural failure. Here is how we determine if a wall is load-bearing:
- Check the roof truss direction — Trusses that run perpendicular to the wall are likely bearing on it
- Look at the wall’s position — Walls running parallel to the ridge line and positioned near the center of the house are often load-bearing
- Check the attic — We inspect above the wall for truss bearing points
- Review the original plans — If available, the structural plans identify bearing walls
Important: Never assume a wall is non-load-bearing based on visual inspection alone. We always verify with structural analysis before any demolition.
The Engineering Solution: Steel or LVL Beams
When a load-bearing wall needs to be removed, the wall’s job (supporting the load above) is transferred to a beam. The beam spans the opening and carries the load to posts at each end, which transfer it down to the foundation.
Common beam types:
- Steel I-beam (W-flange) — Strongest option, minimal depth for maximum span, most expensive
- LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) — Multiple layers of engineered wood laminated together, good for moderate spans
- Flush beam — Installed within the ceiling plane so it is invisible after drywall
- Exposed beam — Left visible as an architectural feature
A licensed Florida structural engineer designs the beam based on the specific loads, span, and building conditions. This is not something you size from a table in a book — every situation is different.
What Does It Cost?
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Structural engineering | $800–$1,500 |
| Beam (steel or LVL, installed) | $3,000–$12,000 |
| Temporary shoring during work | $500–$1,000 |
| Drywall, paint, and finish | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Electrical/plumbing rerouting | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Total | $6,800–$20,500 |
The cost depends primarily on span length and whether utilities run through the wall. A 12-foot opening with no plumbing is straightforward. A 20-foot span with plumbing, electrical, and HVAC in the wall is more complex.
The Process
- Structural assessment — We evaluate the wall and commission engineering
- Permit — Load-bearing wall removal requires a building permit in all Florida jurisdictions
- Temporary shoring — We install temporary supports to carry the load while the wall is removed
- Demolition — The wall is carefully removed, with utilities rerouted
- Beam installation — The engineered beam is set in place with proper bearing points
- Finish work — Drywall, texture matching, paint, and flooring patching
The structural work typically takes 3-5 days. Including finish work, plan for 1-2 weeks for this phase of your kitchen remodel.
Schedule Your Open Concept Consultation
Call Wilson & Co at (904) 792-6175. We will assess your wall and provide a plan for opening up your kitchen.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact Wilson & Co Design Build for a free consultation on your remodeling project.