The idea is to open it up in the middle with columns on both ends. The opening would probably be about 7-8 ft across. However, I'm pretty sure you're right.

Definitely consult some professionals before doing so. My parents made an opening between the dinning room and living room and just had someone come in to frame it out to make sure it was structurally sound. They did all of the finishing themselves and haven't had any issues :)

If you take out a portion of the support that holds your roof up it's just like removing a section of bone from your leg. The leg will no longer be able to hold the weight of your body to stand or walk. Same with a load bearing wall--your roof could very easily collapse somewhere down the road. We suspect our neighbor removed a load bearing wall without putting in a supporting beam, and my husband is just waiting for it to collapse.

We will definitely contact a professional. Thanks for the advice!

I saw this on HGTV this week. "lets take out that wall!" said with a cheery smile. Then they start to do it, and it turns out it is carrying more weight than originally thought and the beam has to be twice as large, and the HVAC and all the electrical needs to be moved....... Well, you get the idea. Consult a professional and then expect to pay double for the reno. If it isn't double you will be pleasantly surprised.

I stopped watching HGTV as it gives an unrealistic expectation of what renovating a home involves, especially when it comes to taking down walls, adding windows and the like. The viewer is left to believe you can make any changes to any home at any time for very little. HGTV doesn't tell you that the labor is donated, and that the cost is just materials. It's as unrealistic as any other reality show.

Any openings in any wall require a "beam" with one exception.

To answer your question, in a load bearing wall, you always need a beam or header with vertical support. If the beam is steel, the vertical support needs to also be steel. If the beam or header is wood or engineered wood, the vertical support can be wood or steel. (Additional note: masonry or concrete can also support any beam type.)

As an aside: even if the wall has been confirmed to be non-load bearing, and you are adding a door or window, you still new beam, or what carpenter would call a header supported by a jack stud and king stud. See the image attached of typical framing practice.

To recognize the exception: there are cases where a wall can be removed without concern for re-support, but a structural engineer should confirm that the wall is, in fact, non-load bearing.

Sorry Charlotte for belaboring the subject. I think our posts crossed. Glad you are going to talk to someone.