A lintel is a piece of material that is placed on top of a door way to keep the wall above it from caving in. A lintel is generally straight and popularly used when making a door in a wall.
- Step 1: Find a spot for the new door that is away from all air ducts, electrical wires, and plumbing.
- Step 2: Draw the door on the wall so that the sides are each 2 1/2 inches longer and the top is 5 inches taller.
- Step 3: Use these measurements to cut a lintel out of a large piece of wood.
Installing a lintel depends a lot on what type of wall it is. Some types of walls can be removed by hand, but they need supports to hold up the wall. If the wall is made out of a strong material you may have to support the wall while you install it.
Decorating a Lintel
Every lintel is different in style and character. If you want to quickly decorate it you can cover it with crown molding. Some people carve right into the lintel. If you are a talented carpenter you can carve in designs to make the lintel look truly unique.
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