How to Make a Hole in a Brick Wall

You may want to cut a hole in your brick wall for any number of reasons. You may want to install a new window to add more lighting to the home, or you might want to add a new door. It might be something as simple as running wires or pipes to another part of the house. Regardless of the reason, you will need to learn how to cut a hole through the brick that does not cause any more damage to the rest of the wall.

Step 1 – Find Out what is Behind the Brick

Before you begin marking or cutting through the brick, you want to know what lies behind it. You might find that the area behind the wall contains electrical wires or pipes and that it would be dangerous to make the cut.

Step 2 – Decide on the Dimensions

Before marking the wall with the chalk, make sure that you know how large of a hole you need. Determine the dimensions for the job, whether it is installing a window, vent, or a door. Double-check the dimensions to ensure accuracy.

Step 3 – Mark the Wall

Using your chalk, mark the area of the brick wall that you need to cut. Check the dimensions a third time after marking the area. If you find that you have made a mistake, you can simply wash away the chalk lines and mark the wall again.

Step 4 – Don Your Safety Gear

Wear your safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask. The safety glasses will protect your eyes from flying debris and the gloves will protect your hands. The dust mask will help keep the brick dust from getting into your throat and lungs.

Step 5 – Start with a Plunge Cut

Use a plunge cut to begin cutting into the brick, but be sure to stay away from the corners. Begin the cut near the middle of one of your vertical chalk lines. If it is possible, cut into the mortar rather than the brick since this area will be easier to cut. Be sure that you do not cut past any of the corners. The corner areas will be finished by hand.

Step 6 – Cut Inside the Lines

When making the cut, be sure that you cut slightly inside the lines that you made. Even though you triple checked for accuracy, cutting inside the lines will ensure that if you make a mistake with the cut you won't ruin any of the other brick. You can file and trim the remaining brick away if you find that the hole is too small.

Step 7 – Remove the Debris

Remove all of the debris from the hole that you made. If you find that you were unable to cut all the way through the brick, you can use a hammer and chisel to remove any of the excess brick and mortar. Before using the chisel, use the drill with the masonry bit to make small holes in the area that you still need to remove. This will make it easier when you begin to chisel.