How thick are bearing walls?

Bearing walls typically range from 8 to 12 inches thick, depending on the materials used and the load they need to support. In residential construction, exterior bearing walls are often 2x4 or 2x6 framed, which can translate to about 6 to 12 inches when considering insulation and finishing materials. In commercial buildings, bearing walls may be thicker, especially if constructed with concrete or masonry. The exact thickness can vary based on structural requirements and design specifications.