Can you cut an opening into a load bearing wall?

Question

Most of the wall will remain in place - I would like to create an opening between the two rooms on either side of the wall - I plan to leave approx. 12 inches from the top of the opening to the ceiling and will frame out the opening with 2x4's.

Answer 1

I assume you mean a doorway sized opening. Yes, you can-- but you must add a temporary support column (2x4 or 4x4) in center before you cut out the studs in the opening. Then a support header must be installed before the temporary column is removed.

Answer 2

You are transferring the weight of the wall to the sides, a header across the top needs to be large enough to carry that weight, usually a 2 x 10 doubled up.  Then a 2 x 4 under the header for support. This is if it is load bearing.

If not this will work;

http://www.hometips.com/articles/doorway...