Cost to Open Concept Kitchen Conversion (Wall Removal) in St. Louis, MO (2026)
If you’re budgeting a open concept kitchen conversion (wall removal) in St. Louis, most projects run $3,571-$15,305, 2% above 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.
$3,571-$15,305 in St. Louis
2% above the national average · 1.02x cost multiplier
In St. Louis, a open concept kitchen conversion (wall removal) runs $3,571 to $15,305 on average - about 2% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in St. Louis
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per wall removed | $510 | $1837 | $3571 |
| Materials | $1,128 | $4,230 | $11,280 |
| Labor | $2,400 | $7,091 | $17,455 |
| Permits | $376 | $564 | $940 |
| Total | $3,904+3% vs. national avg | $12,355+2% vs. national avg | $31,085+2% 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis
St. Louis Estimate
Typical Range
$3,571-$15,305
vs. National Average
2% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.02x
Cost Per wall removed
$510-$3571
This 1.02x estimate prices St. Louis 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 →