Walls – Framing an appliance opening in a load bearing wall

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I bought a fridge that is much too deep (first time buying a new house/new appliances) and unfortunately the appliance place does not take exchanges or returns. I am considering recessing the fridge into the wall and framing a door would be practically what I would need to do. Everything is already finished including the cabinets that surround the fridge opening and I am hoping to not have to do anything too destructive. Working around/behind the cabinets would be ideal.

I've looked into putting door openings into load bearing walls and read about king studs/jack studs and their construction but am inexperienced in framing. I've also seen the charts on header size but just want to double check my numbers.

The fridge space is on the 1st floor of a 2 story home with a basement. The fridge would sit against an inner wall. The wall in question is framed by 2x6s and is one side of a set of stairs going to the second floor. The fridge is 36" wide. So if I am trying to figure out what I need to work with in terms of lumber and going of a building width of 36ft, I would need 2 2x8s for the header and 2 jack studs on each side of my span? Wood Wall Framing Chart

I understand I would also have to relocate the water line and outlet. Thanks in advance!

Best Answer

I see no problem with recessing this into the wall and if it gives you more fridge for the space, do it.

Things to think about:

  • Just overdo it. Buy a 2x12 from big box, cut it into the three pieces you need, put two jack studs on each side and a king, 3 cripples on top.
  • I would try to keep the drywall on the other side
  • If you have electrical you should put it in armor to protect it.
  • If you have a water line, I would protect it up the wall to a point - lots of ways to do this.
  • Make sure your fridge will lay flat. Since you are taking out a bottom plate, thinking that will be lower than floor. You will have to fill this in with flooring or some other stable material that will not move when pushing fridge in our out.
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