Removing studs to install a range vent fan?

[Don Alexander]

everybodies definition of small is different
i've seen plumbers and electricians who ought to know better "notch" over halfway through load bearing studs sometimes 5-6 in row or more same for floor joists

1 stud in a basic wall probably wouldn't be too big of a deal , just better for those who don't know for sure to not assume its fine is all
and people tend to pay a bit more attention to "DO NOT" than they do to "you might want to think that through a bit better"

cracked sheetrock joints is "tons of grief" to most folks ; doesn't take much sagging to cause those either

hope that explains where i'm coming from no angst here hopefully none there either

[Ben Franz]

I would suggest that you need a solution that does not reduce the size of the duct. Microwave/vent units are already a comprimise - the sump area that collects smoke and fumes is not very effective and the fans are underpowered compared to "real" vent hoods. That said, it is much better than no vent or a recirculating fan that does nothing useful. The addition of 2 new studs to replace the one in the way isn't hard to do but might run into wiring that will be in the way - you can notch the new studs at the edge and protect the wire with a nail plate. The biggest hassle is having to remove a section of drywall floor to ceiling to get the studs in place.

[Jim Becker]

I would either install two new studs with the required separation, or install a header above the location that the vent needs to pass, just as would be done with any opening in a wall. This would also allow for putting in a more capable range hood/vent fan in the future in a way that will not present questions. And yes, the size of the duct should not be compromised as it will lower the air flow significantly from the fan...and the fans in this type of microwave/hood combinations are already challenged in that department.

That said, it's unlikely that removing one stud would seriously compromise the structure unless that specific stud was lined up to support something else...and if that was the case, it would usually be more than a single stud if the wall was constructed properly.

[brian watson]

You're problem is identical to the same problem my wife and i have -- your microwave may be the same model as well -- we are looking to solve this problem this year but haven't engaged any contractors, etc. -- what make/model # microwave do you have?

[Matt Meiser]

It really shouldn't be that hard to cut out drywall. If you pull the stove, the microwave and the cabinet you could cut the drywall, remove the part of the old stud that's in the way and install new studs. Leave a couple inches of drywall at the top so you don't get into the ceiling. Hire a good drywall guy and he can blend everything in. Then get paint mixed to match a piece of the cut out drywall and paint the wall corner to corner. Only you will know what's been done. The biggest obstacle I see is that there's probably some wiring in there but Ben had a suggestion for dealing with that.