What is a load bearing wall?

A load bearing wall is defined as a wall that supports structural weight, which includes the weight of floors, ceilings, roofs, and other structural elements above it. These walls are critical to the integrity and stability of a building, as they help to distribute loads throughout the structure.

In contrast, non-load bearing walls are designed primarily for spatial division or aesthetics and do not contribute to the building's structural support. While it's true that some load bearing walls can be found on the exterior of buildings, they can also be located internally. The maximum height of a wall is not a defining characteristic of whether it is load bearing or non-load bearing; instead, load bearing capability is determined by the construction materials and structural design. Thus, the essential aspect of a load bearing wall is its role in supporting the weight and stability of the overall structure.