Opening the Kitchen? Make the Most of That Support Post
Before you tear down a wall to open your kitchen to the dining or
living room, you must determine if it is holding up part of your
ceiling. If it is, you will need to install a header beam and one or
more posts in its place to provide the necessary structural support.
Your contractor or architect can confirm if the wall is load bearing and help you sort through the options for post sizes and placement.
Incorporating a new support system into your plan presents some design challenges, but it can also be a useful design element.
Incorporating a new support system into your plan presents some design challenges, but it can also be a useful design element.
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A portion of this modern kitchen
area has a dropped ceiling, and the post and beams appear as one unit
and create an industrial vibe.
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Two posts work well for a wide island, and the symmetry looks pleasing and purposeful. These match the cabinetry.
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In this open and spacious home,
the dropped ceiling adds architectural interest, defines the kitchen
area and makes it feel cozy. The wood posts add warmth while supporting
the ceiling.
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At least two walls were removed,
and multiple posts were strategically placed to define the kitchen,
dining and entry-hall areas in this project.
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Here is a view looking into the kitchen. Beams are convenient and attractive for hanging pendant lights.
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Posts don't have to go from floor to ceiling. These rest on a partial wall dividing the kitchen and family room.
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These tree-trunk posts are two of
a set of six that support an office loft above a dining room. Harvested
onsite, the oak tree trunks were stripped, polished and incorporated
into the structure.
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by Gast Architects
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The posts in this kitchen connect to a beam and a coffered ceiling. Notice how they line up with the cross beams and frame the stove wall.
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