Creating a Wall Opening: Guide & Tips
Turn two rooms into one, or a small space into a large one: creating an opening in a wall lets you design your home just the way you want it. Thinking of grabbing a sledgehammer and just going for it? Better not! We’ll give you tips for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. We'll show you what to look out for, what costs to expect, and which tools are best for making your DIY wall opening project a success.
Wall Opening Checklist: What you need to sort out beforehand
- Written permission, if you are a tenant
- Your home's building plans
- A structural survey
- Possibly a building permit
You can get the building plans from the local planning authority. These will show you which walls are load-bearing, where pipes and cables run, etc. A building permit is required if:
- the opening affects a load-bearing wall,
- it involves an external wall,
- the building is a listed property.
Our tip: When undertaking a major project like breaking through a wall, always play it safe! Be sure to consult with the relevant local authorities and structural engineers. This will not only save you from nasty surprises but also from having to undo your work or facing hefty fines.
Load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing walls – how to tell the difference
Only a structural engineer can determine which type of wall you're dealing with. However, there are some rules of thumb. Load-bearing walls usually include:
- Exterior walls
- Walls with a thickness of 17.5 cm or more
- Masonry walls of 11.5 cm or more (built after 1990)
It gets more complicated with older buildings, where expert advice is especially important.
You can often identify non-load-bearing walls by their sound: if it sounds hollow when you knock on it, it's likely a drywall partition, which you can generally remove easily – as long as there are no pipes or wiring in the way!
What tools do you need to break through a wall?
For breaking through a wall, you'll need to bring out the heavy-duty tools. The most important power tools and hand tools are:
- Rotary hammer: A tool with serious power for solid masonry
- Sledgehammer: For the rough work – perfect for the initial breakthrough
- Angle grinder (with a diamond cutting disc): For cuts in plasterboard or lightweight blocks
- Hammer & chisel: The experts for fine-tuning and lighter materials
- Core drill: For precise, circular openings for pipes
Tool Tip: For thin walls made of plasterboard or similar materials, your hammer drill should have an impact energy of 10 to 20 joules, while 20 to 50 joules are required for stronger walls.
Breaking through a non-load-bearing wall: Guide & tips
Breaking through a load-bearing wall is a job for professionals. To make an opening in a non-load-bearing wall, follow these steps:
- Prepare your tools and put on your protective gear (ear protection, safety goggles, protective clothing, work gloves, safety shoes).
- Cover adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting – including floors, walls, and furniture.
- If necessary, mark out the opening – especially for a door or window. Be a little generous with your measurements.
- First, chisel off the plaster with a sledgehammer or rotary hammer, then switch to the drill function. Drill a hole every 5–10 cm along the line of the opening.
- Remove the rubble, install doors or windows, and plaster the opening – for example, with drywall elements or plaster. Fill any gaps with expanding foam or cement.
Wall Openings: How to Calculate the Costs Correctly
How much your wall opening will cost depends on many factors. There are various ways to calculate the price, which mainly depend on whether you hire professionals or do the work yourself. On top of this, you have labour costs, call-out fees, the cost of rerouting pipes or cables, etc. We recommend getting a few quotes from local tradespeople and comparing their offers. When you do, don't just look at the final price, but pay close attention to what services are included!
