Sliding Door Installation into an Existing Brick Wall

This project involves installing a Windows Instock 2.4 m (H) × 3.6 m (W) sliding door into an existing double-brick wall — a transformation that opens up the living space and brings in more natural light.

Preparation

According to the approved engineering plan, the structure requires a 200 PFC steel lintel on the internal side and a 200 × 100 × 10 mm steel angle as the external brick lintel.

Protection setup:

• 3 × 1.8 m lengths of 100 PFC steel

• 8 acrow props

Lifting equipment:

• Manual hand forklift

Other tools:

• Framing gun

• Drill + screws / bugle screws

• Angle grinder

• Hammer

Step 1 – Planning and Service Isolation

Switch off all electrical and air-conditioning services.Mark out the new door opening from inside — this can be done either by centring the door to the room or aligning it with the brick course.For this project, the homeowner chose a centred layout for a balanced appearance.

Step 2 – Temporary Support Installation

Install 4 acrow props to support the upper floor joists.In this case, the floor truss runs parallel to the wall being modified.

Step 3 – Steel Lintel Installation

Fit the 200 PFC lintel as per the engineering design.Once the steel beam is in place and properly secured, the temporary protection can be safely removed.

Step 4 – Brick Wall Cut-Out

Support the upper brickwork using 100 PFC steel sections at 900 mm lengths, spaced at 500 mm intervals.This ensures the wall remains stable during brick removal.

Step 5 – Preparing for the Brick Lintel

Remove three courses of bricks to create space for the 200 × 100 × 10 mm steel angle lintel.Position the lintel carefully to maintain even load distribution.

Step 6 – Re-Bricking and Curing

Re-lay the bricks above the lintel using solid packers to prevent mortar sagging.Allow one week for the mortar to fully cure and gain load-bearing strength before removing the props.

Step 7 – Sliding Door Installation

After the curing period, remove all temporary props and install the sliding door.Trim surrounding bricks for a neat finish.Final steps include internal plaster patching and site clean-up.

💡 This project showcases how careful planning, engineering precision, and proper temporary support can transform an ordinary wall into a stunning, light-filled opening.