Load-bearing wall
A load-bearing wall carries structural load from above down to the footing. How it differs from a partition, how to identify one, and why removal needs an engineer.
Ask Chalkline about this →A load-bearing wall is a wall that carries vertical structural load from the roof, ceiling, or floors above and transfers it down through the frame to the footing. It contrasts with a non-loadbearing wall (a partition), which only divides space and carries its own weight.
| Load-bearing wall | Non-loadbearing (partition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Carries load from above | Yes | No |
| Typical stud spacing | Closer (often 450 mm) | Wider (often 600 mm) |
| Can be removed freely | No, needs a replacement load path | Usually yes |
| Sized from | AS 1684 span tables for the load | Minimum framing only |
How to spot one: walls running at right angles to the floor joists or rafters, walls sitting under a beam or a wall above, and most external walls are usually load-bearing. This is a guide only; confirm from the structural drawings rather than assume.
Why it matters in a renovation: a load-bearing wall cannot be removed or opened up without providing an alternative load path, typically a lintel or beam carried on posts down to adequate footings, designed by a structural engineer. Knocking one out without that support is a serious structural defect: floors and ceilings sag, and cracking follows.
Common defect: opening or removing a load-bearing wall without an engineered beam and proper support to the footing below.
Also known as: loadbearing wall, structural wall.
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Last updated: 2026-05-24. Verified: 2026-05-24. Quarterly review for currency.