Residential Structural Coordination

Wantagh Kitchen Opening and W8x40 Steel Beam Coordination

For this Wantagh, Nassau County residential alteration, BAWI coordinated a W8x40 steel beam and steel posts to open the kitchen to the living room while keeping the structural load path clear.

Why the detail matters

Opening a load-bearing wall is not only about the beam above. The new load has to travel cleanly through posts, floor framing and foundation support below. When that path is coordinated early, the finished room can feel open without making the structure feel like an afterthought.

Project Residential kitchen and living room opening

Location Wantagh, Nassau County, New York

Scope Architectural layout, structural coordination and permit drawings

The Goal

The homeowner wanted a better connection between the kitchen and living room. BAWI helped coordinate the opening so the new island could sit below the beam and the structural work could be integrated into the finished ceiling or soffit condition.

The Structural Approach

The renovation used a W8x40 steel beam with steel posts carried down through the structure. One post required a new footing, while the other was positioned to bear at the existing foundation wall. That load-path coordination was central to making the open-plan layout practical to build and finish.

  • Kitchen opened to the living room
  • W8x40 steel beam coordinated above the opening
  • Steel posts carried loads down through the structure
  • One new footing created for post support
  • One post bearing at the existing foundation wall
  • Island planned beneath the beam so the structure works with the room layout

BAWI's Role

BAWI documented the proposed opening, coordinated the beam and post locations, reviewed how the posts would bear below, and prepared the architectural information needed for approvals and construction coordination. The result is a more open first-floor connection with a clear structural strategy behind it.

Wantagh Project Views

Wantagh kitchen renovation in Nassau County with W8 steel beam coordination, shown from the white kitchen view.
White-kitchen view of the Wantagh renovation and coordinated W8 steel beam opening.
Wantagh open-plan kitchen renovation with W8 steel beam coordination, shown from the range and island.
Range and island view showing the open-plan kitchen layout in Wantagh.
Wantagh first-floor interior alteration connecting the kitchen and living areas with coordinated structural design.
First-floor interior alteration connecting the kitchen and living areas.

Planning to Open a Load-Bearing Wall?

BAWI can help evaluate existing conditions, coordinate architectural and structural requirements, and prepare drawings for residential renovations across Long Island and New York City. Explore our architectural services, see more residential projects, or contact BAWI to discuss your project.