Cutting A Door Into An Exterior Wall

This methodical approach to cutting the opening minimizes demolition and prepares the opening for the necessary wall framing for the new door unit.

Cutting a door into an exterior wall.

If you are planning to install a new window door or access panel into a brick wall you ll need to cut a new opening in the bricks. If necessary build steps to lead up to the door. Cutting through a block wall but not the concrete footer would. Whether adding a new entrance to your home access to an exterior deck or improving egress the new door requires an opening in the home s exterior wall.

Measure the step tread in order to figure out the spacing of the pre cut stringers. You might choose to use an existing wall stud as a king stud in which case you can cut the opening 1 1 2 inches inside that stud and slip a jack stud into the wall. You ll also learn the best tools to use how to measure and mark up and the best way to knock the bricks out safely. This illustration shows how an interior wall is framed.

Cover the walls and install trim. The frame should be sized to butt against the block on either side and should have a jamb depth equal to the wall thickness. Where there is a door or window the wall studs are removed and the opening is bridged by a header that is supported by extra studs at each end. A 2x6 header is strong enough for a 3 foot wide door opening.

If the opening has been cut accurately you usually don t have to put much effort into installing new drywall except to hide the header. If you are cutting a larger opening as for a patio door install temporary supports and use larger lumber. A bottom plate runs along the base and a top plate is located at the top. Normally done with welded or bolted structural steel outer frame for the door to reinforce the opening you are making then normal door put inside that outer frame and commonly adding reinforcing and or grout filling of the block voids on the blocks surrounding the door opening.

Some doors come pre hung which allows you to install the doors and jambs as a unit. The frame will have dimples punched into the jambs to accomodate masonry anchors. The door casing hides most gaps on the sides of the door. Once determined nail the stringers into the wall for support.

We can show you how to cut into brick using an angle grinder. Purchase a frame designed for installation in existing masonry walls.