Asked on Sep 07, 2019
Are spindles decorative, and if so, how can I remove them (pic)?
by Bernadette
+21
Hello! Just wondering if we could remove these spindles? And what could remove them easiest. Mostly would like to know if this looks like a load bearing wall and if these spindles are just decorative. Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing back!
No if it was load bearing it would be a full wall no spindles
If removing them just cut them off
Those spindles shouldn't be load bearing, so they can be removed. Remember when you remove them you are going to have to fill the holes top and bottom. Wood stain does not do well over wood filler. You may have to paint.
A relative had the exact same spindles, they just cut them right through and then carefully removed from the base and top. The wood they were attached to needed to be sanded and re-finished, or you could change the top of the half-wall to a small counter to match or complement your other countertops.
Eventually, they did a kitchen remodel and removed the half-wall, putting a movable counter in the space.
Either way, the kitchen looked much better without the dated spindles.
Cut in half. Should be able to rock back and forth to loosen. May have some mails to pull out or cut off.
Most importantly you need to find out if those act as a ceiling support for the room (aka bearing wall). Once you determine that they are not then you could use a saws all to cut them away but you'd likely have some repair to do on the wood it connected to.
No, these spindles are not supporting the ceiling.
Not load bearing. Just cut them out.
Spindles are never used for load bearing. They would never handle the weight. The beam above the spindles is load bearing and the end walls support the beam. Spindles are just decorative filling the space of the knee wall. A 60's 70's look. Sometimes there are shelves for knick knacks (dust collectors).
That IS a load bearing wall. William is right. Depending on the age of the house it may sag if you remove the spindles.
No it won't. The spindles aren't strong enough to hold any weight. The beam above is carrying the load supported by the end walls. They are just a decoration.
Bernadette, please, before you remove the spindles please get someone knowledgeable in construction to tell you if the wall is load bearing or not. A city inspector may be able to help you, or point you in the right direction. And while your ceiling wouldn't immediately fall in if you took them out this weekend, over time (if it's load bearing) it will sag and cause you major issues that would be expensive to repair.