How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall Safely: A UK Guide

How to remove a load bearing wall is one of the most common questions we receive from homeowners. Knocking through a wall is a fantastic way to create an open-plan kitchen or bring more light into your living space, but it is serious structural work. That wall likely supports your floor joists, the roof structure, or masonry above. This guide explains the correct engineering process for removing it safely and legally.

What a Load Bearing Wall Actually Supports

A load bearing wall transfers gravity loads from the top of the house down to the foundations. It usually holds up:

• Floor joists from the bedrooms above
• Roof struts and purlins
• Stud walls on the upper floors
• Chimney breasts or stacks
• Masonry from older extensions

If you remove this support without installing a steel beam, the structure above will drop. That is why every removal needs professional calculation.

Identifying Structural Walls

You can look for clues, but only a structural engineer can give you a definite answer.

Check the Floor Joists

Lift a floorboard upstairs. If the joists run perpendicular to the wall (ends resting on it), the wall is load bearing.

Look in the Roof

If timber struts or supports push down onto the wall line, it is carrying the roof load.

Check Wall Alignment

If a solid wall upstairs sits directly above the wall you want to remove, it is likely structural.

The Sound Test (Rough Guide)

Knock on the wall. A hollow sound suggests a stud partition, while a solid thud suggests brick or block. However, some stud walls can still be load bearing.

Professional Confirmation

If in doubt, never guess. An engineer can confirm the status quickly.

Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

Yes. Removing a load bearing wall is a structural alteration and requires Building Control approval.

The inspector will need to see:

• Structural calculations for the steel beam
• Padstone specifications
• Fire protection details for the steel
• details of temporary supports used during the work

Planning Permission

You typically do not need planning permission for internal alterations unless your property is a listed building.

Why Approval is Vital

You will need the completion certificate if you ever sell your home. Solicitors always ask for proof that the wall was removed legally.

The Role of the Structural Engineer

We do the mathematics to ensure your house stays standing. Our job is to:

• Calculate the weight the wall currently carries
• Design a steel beam (RSJ) strong enough to take that load
• Specify the padstones that the beam will sit on
• Produce the drawings your builder and Building Control need

Cost Guide: How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall

Prices vary based on the size of the opening and where you live in the UK.

Structural Engineer Fees

• £300 to £600 for standard beam calculations
• £600+ for complex layouts or site visits

Steel Beam Costs

• £300 to £500 for a standard 3m beam
• £600 to £1,200 for heavy universal beams

Builder and Labour

• £1,500 to £2,500 for a single doorway width
• £2,500 to £4,500 for a large open-plan knock-through

Finishing Costs

Allow £500 to £1,000 for plastering, skirting, and decoration.

Total Project Estimate

• Standard opening: £2,500 to £4,000
• Large opening: £4,500 to £8,000

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Moving radiators and plumbing
• Rewiring sockets and switches
• Hiring skips for rubble
• Party Wall Agreements (if working on a shared wall)

The Process: How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall Safely

1. Engineering Design

The engineer measures the loads and produces the calculation pack.

2. Building Control Application

Submit a Building Notice or Full Plans application with your calculations.

3. Temporary Support (Propping)

The builder installs Acrow props and 'strongboy' needles to hold up the ceiling and masonry above.

4. Demolition

The masonry is carefully removed to create the opening.

5. Padstone Installation

Concrete padstones are bedded into the wall to support the beam ends.

6. Steel Beam Installation

The RSJ is lifted into place, leveled, and packed tightly with dry slate or mortar.

7. Removal of Props

Once the mortar has cured and the beam is taking the load, the props are removed.

8. Fire Boarding

The steel is clad in pink fire-rated plasterboard to meet regulations.

9. Final Inspection

Building Control inspects the work and issues your certificate.

Choosing the Right Steel Beam

RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist)

The standard choice for most domestic openings.

Universal Beam (UB)

Used for longer spans or heavier loads.

Universal Column (UC)

A square profile used when headroom is limited.

Box Frame

Used when removing extensive walls, requiring columns at both ends.

Real Project Example

• Job: Creating a 3m opening between lounge and dining room.
• House: 1930s semi-detached.
• Beam: 203x133 UB steel beam.
• Engineering Fee: £350.
• Builder Quote: £2,800.
• Total Cost: Approx £3,500 (inc VAT).
• Time: 4 days for the main structural work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Propping

Failing to support the masonry above properly can cause collapse.

Undersized Beams

Guessing the beam size leads to sagging ceilings and cracked plaster later.

Missing Padstones

Without padstones, the heavy steel can crush the brickwork it sits on.

Ignoring Fire Regulations

Steel loses strength in a fire; it must be protected with double boarding.

No Completion Certificate

Skipping Building Control makes your home difficult to sell.

FAQs

Can I do this myself?

No. This is dangerous structural work that requires a competent builder.

Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?

If the beam sits in a shared wall with your neighbour, yes.

How long does the work take?

The messy structural part usually takes 2–5 days.

Will it crack my ceiling?

Minor hairline cracks are normal as the building settles onto the new steel.

Is it worth the money?

Yes. Creating an open-plan layout is one of the best ways to add value to a property.

Conclusion

Understanding how to remove a load bearing wall correctly protects your property and your investment. By hiring a structural engineer first, you ensure the design is safe, the costs are clear, and the Building Control sign-off is straightforward.