Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 9/26/2008

Question
I need to install two standard doors in a forty inch thick stone load bearing wall. any Advice or information sources would be welcome.
Best regards and Thank You

Answer
Hi Daniel, I guess I need more information.  Stone or masonry is fairly self supporting if installed properly.  You might not have to do much but remove the stone required or cut out the opening. Forty inches thick implies that this in not an ordinary wall.  What is it a castle?  Remember when dealing with masonry or stone construction that in really can't "cave-in" vertically without being able to move horizontally.  In other words if you have enough stone wall on each side of the new opening to keep the walls from moving laterally then the top cannot come down.  Start on one side of the wall and begin your penetration with a large wet saw making the desired cuts.  Don't over cut the vertical side cuts into the header.  Make your horizontal header cut with over cuts of 4-6".  Then you can take a 6"x6"x 1/4" angle and force it into the header cut.  This will hold any loose header stones in place while you remove the first layer of cut stone from the opening.  Do the same on the other side of the wall so that you have two header angles in place, one outside, one inside. Then remove the rest of the stone to make the opening.  To make the interior cuts you will need a chainsaw.  I use concrete cutting companines to make these cuts for me.  They can also make intermediate cuts in the doorway to assist in removing the bulk of the opening. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com