The Right Way to Cut a Hole in a Plaster Wall

There are a number of reasons why you might need to cut a hole in your plaster wall. Maybe, you need to gain access to pipes or eradicate the home of unwanted insects. Whatever the reason, cutting a whole in a plaster wall can be quite difficult. Plaster walls are much harder and denser than those constructed from drywall. If you hope to cut a hole in the wall without destroying the finish on the entire wall you need to follow a specific procedure.

It is best to begin this project only when you know the type of lathe behind the surface of the wall. Depending on the age of your home, there may be wood or rock (metal) lathe. If you know the type of lathe behind the walls you can buy either a saw blade for wood or metal. If you don’t know, you can still proceed. Purchase a saw blade for wood and metal.

Step 1—Mark the Area with a Pencil

Outline with a pencil the area you’d like to remove. You may want to move out a bit from the actual area to ensure that the hole is large enough. 

Step 2—Punch in the Center of the Area

Using your screwdriver and hammer, punch a hole in the center of the area. Place the head of the screwdriver in the center and then tap it with the hammer until the wall gives. Continue in this manner until you have created a hole that is large enough for your saw blade to enter. When you first attempt to punch in the center of the area, you should use a great deal of force. Remember this wall is not made of paperboard. Plaster is much harder and heavier and is going to require more force and effort.

Step 3—Follow the Pencil Line with the Saw

Once the opening in the center of the area is large enough for your saw to enter, it’s time to work with a little more power. A reciprocating saw is not very expensive but for a 1-time job you may want to rent one from your local home improvement store. For a small fee you can have a professional tool without having to pay the full purchase price. The reciprocating saw is going to cut through the wall pretty easily.  You should keep a steady hand and follow the line you outlined as best you can. The saw is going to cut through both the lathe and the plaster. This will enable you to get all the way into the wall. When using the saw, it is best to make a clean cut instead of a jagged edge. This will make the hole easier to repair when the time comes.

That’s it. With a few tools and a little bit of patience, your plaster wall can be opened easily.