How to Fix a Rotten Load-Bearing Wall

Remove the wall covering on the rotten wall. Pry the wall covering loose with a pry bar and place it to the side for later reattachment. Wear a dust mask and eye goggles before proceeding with the wall demolition, however.

Place a temporary support wall on either side of the rotten wall using 2-inch by 4-inch studs (2x4s). Measure the of the ceiling from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Cut the 2x4s and build a temporary wall with top and bottom plates and vertical studs. Hammer the temporary wall in place on both sides of the rotten wall, spacing it 48 inches away from the rotten wall.

Cut the rotten load-bearing wall studs with a reciprocating saw. Cut and remove the old nails off flush with the surface of the remaining top and bottom wall plates. Remove one stud at a time and replace the stud with a new stud. These studs may be 2x4s or 2x6s. Measure the stud width and replace with the same size.

Cut the new studs and tap them in place. Attach the studs at the top first, driving 3-inch screws through the top at an angle and into the top ceiling plate. Plumb the stud with a 4-foot level. Tap the bottom in place and drive 3-inch wood screws through the bottom at an angle and into the wall floor plate.

Cover the new bearing wall studs with wall sheathing. Use the old wall covering if it has been salvaged. However, in the case of drywall, replace it with new drywall. Remove the temporary support from both sides of the load-bearing wall.