Cost to Open Concept Kitchen Conversion (Wall Removal) in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
If you’re budgeting a open concept kitchen conversion (wall removal) in Salt Lake City, most projects run $3,331-$14,276, 5% below the $7,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Load-Bearing vs. Non-Load-Bearing. On its own it can swing the cost by $1,500 - $12,000 difference, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Confirm whether the wall is load-bearing before getting quotes - a structural engineer consultation ($300-$500) can tell you before you spend money on contractor bids.
$3,331-$14,276 in Salt Lake City
5% below the national average · 0.95x cost multiplier
Homeowners in Salt Lake City typically spend $3,331-$14,276 on a open concept kitchen conversion (wall removal), about 5% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Mountain West region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.
Cost Breakdown in Salt Lake City
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per wall removed | $476 | $1713 | $3331 |
| Materials | $1,248 | $4,680 | $12,480 |
| Labor | $1,923 | $5,682 | $13,987 |
| Permits | $416 | $624 | $1,040 |
| Total | $3,587-6% vs. national avg | $11,506-5% vs. national avg | $29,067-5% vs. national avg |
Budget
Remove a non-load-bearing partition wall. Includes drywall patching, paint, and basic floor repair where wall was removed.
Mid-Range
Remove a load-bearing wall with steel beam or LVL beam installation, temporary support shoring, column or post at ends if needed. Includes drywall, flooring patch, and paint.
Premium
Full structural reconfiguration - multiple walls removed, custom steel beam, flush ceiling integration, electrical/plumbing relocation, high-end finishes throughout affected area.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Salt Lake City may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LVL Beam (Laminated Veneer Lumber) | $50-$200/linear ft installed | Most residential load-bearing wall removalsStrong, dimensionally stable, widely available, easier to handle than steel |
| Steel I-Beam | $100-$400/linear ft installed | Long spans over 20 feet, flush-ceiling applicationsLonger spans, thinner profile (can be hidden in ceiling), very strong |
| Glulam Beam | $60-$250/linear ft installed | Exposed beam aesthetic in craftsman or farmhouse stylesAesthetically pleasing natural wood look, strong, can be left exposed |
| PSL Beam (Parallel Strand Lumber) | $70-$220/linear ft installed | Heavy load applications, longer spansVery strong, consistent quality, good for high-load applications |
| Non-Load-Bearing Removal (No Beam) | $1,800-$4,000 per wall | Partition walls between rooms with no load aboveLowest cost option, no beam required |
Other Projects in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Estimate
Typical Range
$3,331-$14,276
vs. National Average
5% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.95x
Cost Per wall removed
$476-$3331
This 0.95x estimate prices Salt Lake City labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →