View Full Version : Convert wall opening to door
chintak86
Apr 7, 2009, 05:48 PM
I would like to convert 3 ft X 3 Ft opening on a wall to a doorway.
There is a metal post coming through the sub floor to the steel "I" beam on the basement. This post is inside the wall adjacent to this opening.
There is about a feet of wall above this opening; and about 4 feet of wall below this opening to the floor.
I would like to confirm that this half wall can be removed without compromising the structure turning the cut-out into a door way.
Please help with your advice.
creahands
Apr 7, 2009, 06:07 PM
Hi Chintak86
What is wall made of? What size door do u plan on putting in?
Let us know and we can help u.
Good luck
Chuck
chintak86
Apr 7, 2009, 06:37 PM
Thanks chuck.
The wall is an interior wall made of dry wall with 2X4 studs.
I am planning to extend the 3' (w) X 3' (h) cut out to a 3' (w) X 7' (h) opening making a door way. I am not going to put a door and leave it as an opening.
21boat
Apr 7, 2009, 07:34 PM
If this wall was added after the I beam was set and that beam has steel post under it down the line then the whole studded wall is not a bearing wall.
I have never seen a wood wall with steel posts together to support a conventional I beam in a house built from new.
My question is this what's is this There is about a feet of wall above this opening; and about 4 feet of wall below this opening to the floor.
What was in that opening to begin with especially having 8 feet vertically used up in wall height?
creahands
Apr 8, 2009, 06:25 AM
U should be able to remove the lower section of opening. The upper section should have a header in it.
Will u have enough height without changing the upper section? If u do, the only thing when cutting out lower section is to be careful that there is no electric running through the studs.
DO NOT REMOVE STUDS ON EACH SIDE GOING FROM FLOOR TO UNDER SIDE OF HEADER.
[[/B][/B]
Let us know how it works out for u.
Good luck
Chuck
chintak86
Apr 9, 2009, 06:51 AM
Thanks 21boat. Sorry about the late response. Following are answers to your questions.
"My question is this whats is this There is about a feet of wall above this opening; and about 4 feet of wall below this opening to the floor."
I was just giving a reference point as to where the opening is on the wall.
"What was in that opening to begin with especially having 8 feet vertically used up in wall height?"
It apparently was a builder option. The same models of the home on the street do not have this wall. Those either have 1 or 2 posts. I am assuming one of the post is for decorative purposes.
The original home owners tells me they have chosen to have the wall and it came with the opening.
chintak86
Apr 9, 2009, 06:56 AM
Thanks creahands.
There is enough height on the upper section.
Thanks for the heads up on electrical wiring and warning on the studs on each side.
I will let you know how the project goes.
U should be able to remove the lower section of opening. The upper section should have a header in it.
Will u have enough height without changing the upper section? If u do, the only thing when cutting out lower section is to be careful that there is no electric running through the studs.
DO NOT REMOVE STUDS ON EACH SIDE GOING FROM FLOOR TO UNDER SIDE OF HEADER.
[[/B][/B]
Let us know how it works out for u.
Good luck
Chuck