Removing the Studs on a Load-Bearing Wall

Measure the height from the finished floor to the finished ceiling 48 inches away from the load-bearing wall. Record the measurements onto a writing pad for future reference.

Cut 2x4s for a temporary support wall to be placed beside the load-bearing wall. Measure, mark and cut the vertical studs for the temporary wall. Subtract 3 inches (thickness of floor and ceiling framing plates for wall) from the measured height of the finished floor to finished ceiling height before cutting the framing studs for the temporary wall.

Construct the temporary wall flat on the floor, spacing the vertical studs 16 inches apart. Nail the stud wall together and stand it in place 48 inches away from the load bearing wall. Plumb the temporary wall with a 4-foot level and drive 3-inch wood screws through the top of the temporary wall and into the ceiling framing to hold the wall in place.

Remove wall sheathing from the load bearing wall with a flat bar or pry bar. Slowly cut into the wall studs at the top and bottom, cutting through the nails at the top and bottom wall plates. Tap the wall studs out slowly and observe the load point to ensure that the overhead load above remains intact.

Replace the studs if the old studs were removed because of rot. Otherwise, install an overhead beam to support the load that the stud wall once held. Failure to support the overhead load will result in collapse.