Split Level Kitchen Wall Removal: Why You Should Do It!
Do you love to cook, but find your split level kitchen layout less than ideal? If you’re planning a renovation, why not consider opening up the space with a wall removal? This can be a great way to add an island or peninsula, create more counter space, and even open up the room for an adjoining dining area. Not sure if this is the right move for your home? Keep reading to learn more about what’s involved in split level kitchen wall removal.
A split level kitchen wall removal project involves removing one or more walls between these two levels to create an open concept layout. This can be a challenging project as it often requires structural changes to support the new layout, but it can also dramatically improve the function and flow of your kitchen.
The Benefits of Removing a Wall in Your Kitchen
One of the benefits of removing a wall in your kitchen is that it can help to separate the kitchen from the rest of the home. This can be especially helpful if you have a level home, as it can create more distinct living spaces. Additionally, removing a wall can give your kitchen a more modern look and feel. It can also make your interior space appear larger and brighter.
When planning out your new layout, keep traffic flow in mind. You don’t want people bumping into each other while they’re trying to cook or wash dishes. Creating a well-thought-out layout will help make your newly opened kitchen much more functional and enjoyable to use on a daily basis.
Things Required For Removal Of Split level Kitchen Wall
If you’re planning on removing a load bearing split level kitchen wall, you’ll need to determine if the wall is actually load bearing. This can usually be done by looking at the framing of the house. If the beam that runs along the top of the wall is sitting on top of another beam, then it’s most likely load bearing. Once you’ve confirmed that the wall is indeed load bearing, you’ll need to put in some supports before starting any demolition. The easiest way to do this is by installing a couple of jack studs on either side of the wall and running a ledger board across them. You can then remove the drywall and begin demolition without worrying.
Kitchen remodel before and after wall removal as in the picture above can dramatically change the feel and function of your kitchen. Hiring a professional wall removal service is a simple solution. But if you’re ready to get started, you can get some of the items listed below:
- A hammer
- A saw (to cut the 2x4s)
- 2 jack studs (8 feet long each)
- 1 ledger board (same length as the wall you’re removing)
- Some drywall screws
- Drywall
- A drill
- A couple of saw horses
If you believe you can do it yourself, then you will need to find the main load-bearing beam in your house and support it before you start demolition. This is critical, and you must be 100% certain about the load-bearing capabilities of your supports before starting.
How to Maximize Your Kitchen Space By Removing a Split Level Wall?
One way to maximize your kitchen space is by removing a split level wall. This can be a project you tackle yourself or hire a contractor to do for you.
By removing the wall between the kitchen and living room, you can create a more open and inviting floor plan. Not only will this make your home feel bigger, but it will also allow you to better utilize your kitchen’s potential. Here are some tips on how to maximize your newly opened space:
1. Create defined areas
Just because there is no longer a physical wall dividing the two rooms doesn’t mean that they have to blend together into one large space. Use area rugs or furniture placement to create distinct zones in each room so that they still feel like separate spaces.
2. Incorporate visual separators
If you don’t want to use furniture to delineate the different areas, try using other design elements such as lighting fixtures or pendant lights hanging from the ceiling at different heights.
3. Remove clutter
One of the great things about having an open floor plan is that it allows for much easier cleanup since there aren’t any nooks and crannies for dirt and debris to accumulate in. Be sure to keep surfaces free of clutter so that both rooms always look neat and tidy.
4. Utilize all of your space
With an open floor plan, you now have the opportunity to utilize every inch of your kitchen. Make sure to take advantage of this by adding extra storage solutions such as floating shelves or a kitchen island.
5. Let in natural light
One thing that can make a room feel bigger is natural light. If possible, try to remove any obstructions preventing light from coming into the space (such as heavy curtains). You might also want to consider adding skylights or additional windows to really brighten things up!
6. Update your decor
This is the perfect time to give both rooms a fresh new look. Consider l-shaped kitchen island breakfast bar, , it will make your small kitchen looks bigger. Also, it creates a focal point and gives the opportunity to add additional seating space. So don’t forget these l shaped breakfast bar ideas when renovating your house.
If possible, try to avoid damaging any existing plumbing or electrical lines that run through the walls you’ll be removing. This will save you time and money on repairs later on down the road. Moreover, keep the space under your kitchen cabinets dry. Water damage under kitchen cabinets is a common issue that can quickly become costly to repair.
Removing a split level wall between your kitchen and living room is a great way to maximize space in your home. By following these tips, you can make the most of your newly opened up floor plan. The result is a spacious and inviting area that is perfect for entertaining.