What is a load-bearing wall?

A load-bearing wall is a wall that carries structural weight from above — floors, the roof, or other walls — down to the foundation.

Removing or altering a load-bearing wall without a proper beam and support transfers loads incorrectly and can cause sagging or failure. Non-bearing (partition) walls only divide space.

Determining whether a wall is load-bearing requires reading the framing and load path — confirm with a structural professional before removing one.