Cutting an opening in a load-bearing wall: how much it costs in 2026
What makes up the price of an opening, the rates for cutting, temporary propping and waste, and why the cost of the frame and design can only be quoted after a site visit.
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Published 2026-10-20. Rates from VP statyba estimates, excluding VAT.
PriceWhat makes up the price of an opening
The price of an opening in a load-bearing wall is made up of four parts: the design and permit, the demolition work, the steel frame and the clean-up after the work. Demolition work rates are known in advance, while the cost of the frame and design depends on the specific wall, so we quote it after a site visit.
Demolition work rates
Rates from our estimates, excluding VAT, for labour:
| Labour | Pcs | from, € excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond cutting right through (up to 490 mm) | m | 85 |
| Cutting an opening in masonry | m³ | 210 |
| Temporary propping of the floor slab | m | 40 |
| Waste carrying out | m³ | 40 |
| Skip 8 m³ | pcs | 190–280 |
| Dust protection and covering | set | 180 |
Example: a 2 m wide opening in a brick wall
Say you want to join the kitchen to the living room and need an opening 2 m wide and 2.1 m high in a 40 cm thick brick wall.
- Diamond cutting around the perimeter of the opening, approx. 6,2 m: 527 €
- Cutting out and removal, approx. 1,7 m³ of masonry: 353 €
- Temporary propping, about 3 m: 120 €
- Waste removal, approx. 2 m³: 80 €
- Dust protection: 180 €
Demolition work in total: about 1 260 € excluding VAT. On top of this come the steel frame according to the structural engineer's calculation, the design with expert review and the permit, and a skip may be needed for waste removal. Finishing of the opening (plaster, filler, paint) is priced separately.
What changes the price the most
- Wall material and thickness. Reinforced concrete is cut more slowly than masonry, and a thicker wall means more cubic metres and a longer cut.
- Width of the opening. The wider the opening, the stronger the frame needs to be. The cost of the frame often makes up a large part of the estimate.
- Floor and building. On the ground floor the wall carries all the floors above, so the propping and the frame are more complex.
- Access. Whether a skip can be brought up to the building, or whether the waste will have to be carried down the stairs.
How to find out the exact price
The quickest way: estimate calculator, where you enter the wall and opening details in 2 minutes and see an indicative total. We confirm the exact price, including the frame and design, after a free site visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Does an opening in a load-bearing wall require a permit?
Yes. An opening in a load-bearing wall alters the building's load-bearing structure, so a design and a building permit are required. We take care of them.
How long does cutting an opening take?
The demolition work itself, including propping and frame installation, usually takes 1–3 days. The design and permit take the most time, so we start on them immediately after the inspection.
Can an opening be cut without dust?
Diamond cutting is done with water, without impact and with far less dust than breaking. We also cover the floors and the stairwell, and clean up after the work.
Tell us about your project
We reply within one working day. The site visit and estimate are free.