Structural Wall Openings &
Expert Modifications.

A flush mount beam is possible when there is enough vertical space within the ceiling joist cavity to accommodate the required structural beam depth and support framing. Joists running perpendicular to the wall are cut and supported with metal joist hangers secured directly into the new beam.

Flush beams may not be feasible when existing floor joists run parallel to the wall, there is insufficient ceiling cavity height for the engineered beam depth, critical mechanical ducts or plumbing stacks cannot be relocated, or ceiling joists cannot be safely severed and re-hung. In these instances, a drop beam or custom coffered ceiling is specified.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Beam sizing depends on the total span (width of the opening), the tributary load from above (including second-floor living areas, roof weight, snow loads, and attic configurations), and the material chosen (LVL engineered lumber vs. structural steel). Sizing is calculated by a licensed P.Eng engineer.

Yes. Removing intermediate support columns doubles or triples the clear span distance, significantly increasing the bending moment and deflection forces. As span length increases, the beam must be substantially deeper or upgraded to structural steel to carry the load safely without sagging.

A T-connection is possible when two structural beams intersect at a 90-degree angle and can properly transfer loads through engineered hardware (such as welded steel saddles or heavy-gauge bolted brackets) down to a designated post and foundation footing.

T-connections are not feasible when there is no direct downward load path to transfer the concentrated point load to the foundation, the existing primary beam lacks sufficient bearing capacity to support a secondary beam, or spatial limitations prevent safe bolting or welding.

A drop beam is typically the easiest and most cost-effective method because it sits directly beneath the existing ceiling structure. The ceiling joists rest on top of the beam, eliminating the need to cut joists, install hundreds of joist hangers, or relocate embedded in-ceiling wires and pipes.

Some disruption is unavoidable, particularly with flush beams where joists must be accessed, cut, and fastened. Drop beams cause significantly less ceiling disturbance. As part of our complete service, our drywall team repairs, blends, and finishes the ceiling to match seamlessly.

Structural demolition will inevitably disturb textured surfaces, and matching decades-old popcorn or stucco textures seamlessly is difficult. Most homeowners choose to take this opportunity to have CMY skim-coat the entire ceiling to a smooth, modern flat finish.

Yes, however, it requires custom load distribution engineering. If walls on the second floor or basement do not align vertically with the wall being removed, our engineer designs transfer beams or offset post assemblies to direct the weight safely down to structural bearing points.

The Ontario Building Code requires adequate support for all structural loads. New concrete footings are required when a new concentrated point load (post) is introduced, existing basement footings are undersized, or the total weight exceeds the bearing capacity of the standard 3–4 inch basement concrete floor slab.