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Canvas BuildsRenovation Contractors

Kitchener-Waterloo · Bradford · Toronto & GTA

Load-Bearing Wall Removal

Removing a wall is the most effective way to turn a closed-off main floor into an open-concept space. When that wall carries the weight of the floors or roof above, it has to be replaced with a properly designed beam and supports.

We manage the whole process: confirming whether the wall is load-bearing, working with a structural engineer on the beam design, obtaining the building permit, installing temporary shoring, and finishing the ceiling and floors afterwards.

Get a free estimateSee before & after
Open-concept main floor after wall removal

What’s included

  • Assessment of whether the wall is load-bearing
  • Structural engineer’s beam and post design
  • Building permit application and inspections
  • Temporary shoring while the wall is removed
  • LVL, steel or flush beam installation
  • Relocating wiring, plumbing or ductwork in the wall
  • Drywall, ceiling, flooring repairs and paint

Why engineering and a permit matter

A load-bearing wall transfers weight down to the foundation. Removing it without a correctly sized beam and posts can cause sagging floors, cracked drywall or worse. In Ontario, structural changes like this require a building permit, and the beam is designed by a qualified engineer or designer.

Flush beams and clean finishes

Where the framing allows, a flush beam can be hidden in the ceiling so there is no dropped bulkhead. We discuss the options with you and the engineer before work begins.

Load-bearing wall removed between kitchen and dining area with floor joists and new beam exposed
Open-concept kitchen after load-bearing wall removal, with navy island, white cabinets and patio doors
DuringAfter
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Featured project

Load-Bearing Wall Removal in Mississauga

Mississauga, Ontario

A wall between the kitchen and the dining area made this main floor feel closed in. We supported the floor above, removed the wall and installed a new beam and posts, so the kitchen now opens onto the dining area and the patio doors.

Drag the slider to compare the opened-up structure with the finished open-concept kitchen.

  • Temporary shoring while the wall came out
  • New beam carrying the floor joists above
  • New posts and framing at each end
  • Drywall, paint and pot lights to finish
  • New kitchen and vinyl plank flooring

Our work

More load-bearing wall removal projects

  • Wall opening framed with a new header during a Mississauga renovation
    Wall opening framed with a new header during a Mississauga renovation

FAQ

Load-Bearing Wall Removal FAQs

Can’t find your answer? Call or send us a message — we’re happy to help.

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

Walls running perpendicular to floor joists, walls near the centre of the house and walls with posts or walls directly above or below are common clues — but only an on-site assessment can confirm it.

Do I need a permit to remove a load-bearing wall?

Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is a structural change and requires a building permit and an engineered beam design.

Can the beam be hidden in the ceiling?

Often, yes. A flush beam sits within the ceiling joists so the ceiling stays flat. Whether it is possible depends on the span and the framing above.

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Get a free load-bearing wall removal estimate

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