Cutting A Door Into An Exterior Wall

This illustration shows how an interior wall is framed.

Cutting a door into an exterior wall.

If necessary build steps to lead up to the door. 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. The frame should be sized to butt against the block on either side and should have a jamb depth equal to the wall thickness. 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.

A 2x6 header is strong enough for a 3 foot wide door opening. Hollow metal frames are typically used in masonry walls. 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. The door casing hides most gaps on the sides of the door.

Cover the walls and install trim. Purchase a frame designed for installation in existing masonry walls. The frame will have dimples punched into the jambs to accomodate masonry anchors. Http youtu be obixcytesx8 we cut out an opening in a bedroom wall so that we could install a door in order to gain direct access to the attic space above t.

Measure the step tread in order to figure out the spacing of the pre cut stringers. Some doors come pre hung which allows you to install the doors and jambs as a unit. 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. Cutting through a block wall but not the concrete footer would.

Once determined nail the stringers into the wall for support. 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. 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. A bottom plate runs along the base and a top plate is located at the top.

We can show you how to cut into brick using an angle grinder. If you are cutting a larger opening as for a patio door install temporary supports and use larger lumber.