Hello,

There is a 2x4 running right through the middle of my new stairway opening to the attic. Can I cut it if it may be helping to support the furnace above it? This would leave tone end of the 2x4 not connecting to anything.

Can I just attached 2x4s to the sides of the 2x4 that i cut & attach those 2x4s to studs in the walls on each side to help support that side of the cut 2x4?