How to Add a Doorway to Concrete Block Wall

Cut Door Opening

• 1

  Mark the opening for the door on the concrete wall with chalk according to the dimensions listed in the installation instructions on your door. Keep the opening 1 inch taller and 2 inches wider than the frame.

• 2

  Measure and mark the steel lintel along the top of the taped marks, keeping it 6 inches above the top chalk line. Extend these marks past the frame on either side by 6 inches. Ensure the marks are straight and level using a carpenter’s level.

• 3

  Drill a hole through the wall at each corner of the marked outline using a 12- or 16-inch-long masonry bit, depending on whether your wall is 8 or 12 inches thick. Locate these holes on the outer wall and join them with chalk to form the outline.

• 4

  Wear your safety equipment and clear the area of bystanders. Cut the opening for the door along the marked lines using a circular saw and masonry saw blade. Grasp the saw firmly in your hands and score the lines 1/2-inch deep for the door opening. Continue this process to cut along the marked lines on the wall.

• 5

  Step outside and repeat the process to score the opening along the lines. Form a 1/2-inch cut through the wall at each pass.

• 6

  Step back inside and knock the concrete block wall down along the scribed lines using a sledgehammer. Work carefully so you do not damage the blocks surrounding the outline.

• 7

  Tap the sides of the opening with a chisel to create a smooth edge along each side. Wedge the steel lintel into the top of the opening until it forms a snug fit.

Install Door

• 8

  Measure the height of the openings along the metal frame and transfer these to either side of the wall hole. These openings on the frame accommodate masonry anchors used during the installation.

• 9

  Bore pilot hole through the marks. Hold the frame within the opening, ensuring it is centered between the block wall on either side. Insert the bolts for your anchors into the openings.

• 10

  Hammer the anchors into the openings along the frame until their heads fall flush with the surrounding section.

• 11

  Secure the hinges to the door using the hardware provided with the door kit. Install the door in the opening according to manufacturer’s directions. You may need to shim the hinges so the door is plumb during installation. Once installed, the gap between the jamb and the door along each side should be equal.

• 12

  Install the door handle according to manufacturer’s directions. Caulk the gap between the concrete block wall and frame.