How to Cut an Opening in a Non-Load Bearing Wall

The two kinds of walls are load-bearing and non-load-bearing. Load-bearing walls are structural and focus a building's load, or the downward pull of gravity, from the roof to the foundation; without them, the building would collapse. Non-load-bearing walls are not structural; they divide a building's interior space, they don't support anything and the building would still stand without them. Cutting openings in load-bearing walls should be left to professionals or skilled do-it-yourself individuals. Cutting an opening for a door or window in a non-load-bearing wall, however, requires basic carpentry skills and no special precautions.

Tape measure
Stud finder (optional)
Hammer
Circular saw

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of the opening you want to cut, and use them to outline where you want the opening on the non-load-bearing wall.
- 2
  Locate the studs that you'll cut for the opening. If the wall is covered with drywall, then use a stud finder according to its manufacturer's instructions to locate the studs. Use a hammer to knock out drywall within the outline you marked on the wall, and look for pipes and wires that will be affected by cutting the opening. Consult a licensed plumber and electrician if you are uncomfortable cutting pipes and wires or to follow building codes. The pipes and wires should be dealt with before cutting the opening.
- 3
  Cut with a circular saw along the outline you drew on the wall. Remove the cut studs and insulation in the stud cavities.

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Walls