How to Cut Through Blocks & Bricks to Make a Door

Outline the opening for the door with masking tape. Allow enough space for the door, the door frame and the framing material around the door opening. Use the measurement for the nominal size of your door and add 4 1/4-inches to the width and 2 1/4-inches to the height. The nominal size is the size of the door without any frame.

Consult with an engineer to ensure that the wall does not need extra support before you remove the masonry material, or that the opening will weaken any foundational components. Do not attempt to cut through any block or bricks without going over the blueprints of your home first. You can severely damage your property if you fail to take this necessary step.

Drill pilot holes through the block or brick with a hammer drill and a 16-inch masonry drill bit. Place the hole at the bottom edges of the door opening and at the top corners.

Tape the outside of the wall, using the pilot holes as markers for applying your tape so that the outline matches the interior outline.

Use a concrete saw with a 14-inch diamond blade. Put on eye protection, ear protection, a dust mask and work gloves before sawing the wall. Cut along the inside of the wall with the saw, having a helper spray water over the dust with a hand sprayer to cut down on the dust generated by cutting the block.

Take the saw outside and finish the cutting until you have cut around the whole outline.

Use a 4-lb hammer to knock the block and brick from the inside to the outside. Remove the broken block and brick from the area with a wheelbarrow.

Hammer away any uneven pieces with a brick chisel and a hammer until the opening is ready for the door framework. Place the chisel on the broken lines and hit the head with the hammer. This makes removal easier and helps to concentrate the breaking at the appropriate point.