4 Steps to Removing A Wall Between Kitchen and Dining Room
Need more space? If you’re considering a home renovation, removing a wall between kitchen and dining room may be the answer. So, to help you plan your layout, this article will discuss the pros and cons and how to make it work for your home.
The Pros and Cons of Removing a Wall Between Your Kitchen and Dining Room
Most people think about knocking down walls in their home as a way to create more space. And while that is one advantage to removing a wall, there are others that are often overlooked. For example, taking down a wall can also help improve the flow of traffic in your home, make your kitchen feel more open and airy, and give you the opportunity to update your kitchen layout.
There are some potential disadvantages to removing a wall between your kitchen and dining room, however. One is that you may lose some storage space in your kitchen if the wall contains cabinets or shelving. Another is that you may need to reroute plumbing or electrical lines if they run through the wall being removed. If the load-bearing structural support for your house runs through that particular wall, removal could be very costly and complicated.
So before you start tearing down walls in your home, weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide what’s right for you and your home.
Why You Should Remove A Wall Between Kitchen and Dining Room
There are several reasons why you should remove a wall between your kitchen and dining room. The following are three of the most compelling for you to consider.
Make the Most of an Open Floor Plan
One of the benefits of removing a wall between your kitchen and dining room is that it can open up your floor plan. This can give the illusion of more space in your home, as well as make it feel more cohesive. Additionally, an open floor plan can be great for entertaining, as it provides a natural flow from one space to another.
Look at the modest kitchen renovation with an open layout that we discussed before.
Create a More Welcoming Entertaining Space
Another reason to remove a wall between your kitchen and dining room is to create a more welcoming entertaining space. When guests come over, they will be able to move about freely and you won’t have to worry about them feeling cramped or closed off from the rest of the house. Additionally, an open concept kitchen/dining area can be great for hosting dinner parties or other gatherings.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Lastly, removing a wall between your kitchen and dining room can actually increase the value of your home. This is because potential buyers will see it as an update that has been made with their needs in mind, namely, more open living space. If you are thinking about selling your home in the future, this could be a great selling point.
How to Remove A Wall Between Kitchen and Dining Room?
Thinking of removing wall kitchen dining room? Here are some things you should know before you get started:
Prepare for the Project
When you’re planning a kitchen renovation, one of the first things you’ll need to do is decide which walls you’re going to remove. You might want to create a more open concept kitchen by removing a wall that separates the kitchen from the dining room. Or, you might want to remove a load-bearing wall to create a larger space for your new kitchen layout.
Make Sure the Wall is Not Load-Bearing
Before you start tearing down any walls in your home, it’s important to make sure that the wall is not load-bearing. A load-bearing wall supports weight from above and transfers it down through the structure of your home. If you remove a load-bearing wall without proper support, your house could collapse.
If you’re not sure whether or not a wall is load-bearing, there are several ways to find out:
- Check your home’s blueprint or floor plan. If the wall is perpendicular to the supporting beam, it’s probably load-bearing.
- Look up. If there are any signs of sagging or bowing in the wall, it’s likely load-bearing.
- Check fortrusses. Trusses are triangular supports that span across a ceiling joist to keep it from sagging. If you can see trusses in your attic space, they’re likely bearing some of the weight of the roof and upper floors, which means any walls perpendicular to them are probably load-bearing as well.
- If you’re still not sure whether a wall is load-bearing or not, your best bet is to consult a professional engineer or contractor before proceeding with demolition.
Demolish the Wall
Once you’ve confirmed that the wall you want to remove is not load-bearing, you can start demolishing it. To do this, first use a stud finder tool to determine where the framing studs are located so you don’t damage any electrical wiring or plumbing pipes that may be running through the wall. Then use a circular saw fitted with a carbide blade to cut through any nails or screws holding the drywall in place.
This part of the project can be messy and dusty, so be sure to wear protective gear like goggles, earplugs, and gloves while working. You’ll also want to cover any furniture or surfaces nearby with drop cloths before getting started with demolition tools like hammers and crowbars.
Once all of the fasteners have been cut, gently pry away the drywall panels from each stud until they’re all detached from the frame, being careful not to move too quickly and damage them in the process. After that, you can remove any insulation from the cavity before properly disposing of all materials.
Install Drywall and Trim
After the wall has been removed, you’ll need to install drywall to finish the project. To do this, first measure and cut the drywall panels to fit the space. Then use drywall screws or nails to attach the panels to the studs around the perimeter of the opening.
Once all of the panels are in place, you’ll need to apply joint compound to all of the seams and screw heads using a putty knife or trowel. After that, you can sand down any excess joint compound before priming and painting your new wall surface.
Finally, you can install trim around the edges of your newly opened space for a polished look. Baseboard molding or chair rail molding can help define where one room ends and another begins, while crown molding can provide a finishing touch along ceiling edges.
Remove Wall Between Kitchen and Dining Room Before and After
If you understand the arguments and advantages, you will know how to proceed. You’ll find some images below that represent the “before and after” of removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether to tackle this home renovating project.
In short, many homeowners feel that their kitchen area feels claustrophobic and too closed off. They want to open up the space and create a more open concept floor plan. Additionally, some homeowners feel that their original kitchen is too small or outdated, and they want to update it by expanding the size of the kitchen. Ultimately, it is a personal decision and you should consult with a professional before making any final decisions or scheduling any work to be done.