Adding a new window is one of the most effective ways to transform a room. Whether you’re bringing more daylight into a dark corner, opening up a living space, or preparing for a renovation project, creating a new opening in a brick wall can make a dramatic difference to how your home feels and functions.
But before you start planning window styles or ordering frames, you’ll need to understand the safest and cleanest way to cut through brick and create the necessary opening. You may find yourself searching how to drill through brick, only to find that the process is far more complex than it first appears.
Cutting a large, structural opening isn’t quite the same as drilling a small hole for a shelf or a cable. It requires careful planning, the right equipment, and professional skill to ensure the job is done safely and cleanly. We’re here to walk you through the process step by step with our top tips, giving you a clear understanding of what’s involved and when it’s best to call in your local diamond drilling professionals to help.
Before any drilling begins, the first step is to assess the structure of your wall. Brick walls can be load-bearing or non-load-bearing, and this makes a significant difference to how the opening must be created. Cutting through a load-bearing wall without correct support can cause cracks, movement or, in the worst cases, structural weakening.
Unsure what type of wall you’re working with? Consult a professional. Even the best guides for drilling through brick won’t tell you how a specific property has been built. A structural engineer or experienced contractor can confirm the safest way forward.
Accuracy is key when adding a new window. Carefully measure the dimensions of the frame and mark out the exact area where the opening will be cut. Double-check heights, widths and clearances, especially if the window needs to align with existing openings or external features.
When we work on domestic or commercial window openings, we always begin with a site assessment to ensure everything is measured precisely. A clean finish starts with careful planning - so don’t just rush ahead with your drill.
If you’ve ever searched how to drill into brick, you’ve probably seen advice about hammer drills and masonry bits. These tools are fine for small holes, but they are not suitable for creating large structural openings.
For cutting a window cleanly, the preferred method is diamond drilling and saw cutting. A diamond-tipped drill or saw produces a smooth, accurate cut without damaging surrounding brickwork. The process is quieter, cleaner and far more precise than traditional impact tools.
This is one of the main reasons many homeowners choose to work with local diamond drilling professionals. With the right equipment, the job is faster, safer and less messy - which is especially important inside your home.
If the wall is load-bearing, temporary supports must be installed before any cutting begins. This is usually done using acrow props and strongboys to support the weight of the wall above the new opening.
This step is essential. Attempting to drill through brick walls without proper support can lead to cracks, sagging lintels or irreversible damage.
A new lintel or steel support will then need to be installed to carry the load permanently. This ensures that once the window is fitted, the structure remains entirely stable.
With measurements complete and supports in place, the cutting begins. Diamond saws or track saws are used to score the outline of the window precisely. This avoids unnecessary damage and ensures the finish is neat and professional.
Diamond drilling is used to create clean corners and controlled cut lines. Because the tools cut smoothly rather than relying on impact, there’s significantly less dust, vibration and disruption.
Many DIY attempts at drilling brick result in uneven openings or cracks along the surrounding masonry. If you’re feeling unsure about cutting through brick, we’d recommend contacting a diamond drilling professional to achieve your desired results safely and efficiently.
Once the outer cuts are made, the brickwork within the opening can be removed section by section. This is usually done using a combination of diamond drilling, breakers and careful lifting.
Removing the brickwork gently and systematically ensures that the surrounding structure isn’t disturbed. It also ensures the new window sits securely and aligns perfectly once fitted.
With the opening cleared, the new lintel can be installed. This load-bearing support transfers the weight of the wall above the window safely to either side of the opening.
Getting this stage right is absolutely key. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed lintel can cause cracks, movement or long-term structural issues. This is one of the main reasons most homeowners choose professional help - it’s simply not worth taking risks with the stability of your home.
Once the lintel is secure and the opening completed, the edges of the brickwork can be tidied, squared and prepared for the new frame. A clean, straight cut means your window installer has an easier job and can achieve a perfect finish both inside and out.
Diamond drilling is ideal here because it requires very little additional tidying. The smooth finish helps avoid time-consuming patching or adjustments later in the process.
While guides for how to drill into brick can be helpful for small DIY tasks, creating a window opening is a far more complex job. It demands an understanding of the structure, professional equipment, and the expertise to prevent costly mistakes. This is why many homeowners choose to work with experienced specialists when drilling brick for a new window.
Professional diamond drilling offers much cleaner results than standard tools. Because diamond equipment cuts with precision rather than impact, it leaves smooth, accurate edges with minimal dust. The process is also significantly faster, allowing the opening to be completed efficiently without compromising safety or quality.
Another major advantage is the reassurance that the structure is properly supported throughout the work. When the job is carried out by trained operators, there is far less risk of cracks, misaligned openings, or accidental damage to surrounding brickwork.
Choosing local diamond drilling experts also means you benefit from quicker response times, clearer communication, and a more personal level of service. With a knowledgeable team guiding the process, you can be confident that the opening is created cleanly, safely and ready for the next stage of your renovation.
With over 50 years of experience, DP Diamond Drilling is trusted by homeowners and contractors for creating clean, accurate openings in all types of brick and concrete. As a family-run company based in Warrington, we combine specialist expertise with a reliable, personal approach. Our domestic services cover the North West, East Midlands and North Wales, and our commercial work is delivered nationwide.
If you’re planning to cut through brick for a new window, the safest and most efficient option is to let our professional diamond drilling team handle the work. We use advanced equipment to ensure every opening is completed smoothly, safely and ready for installation.
To discuss your plans or arrange a site visit, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you achieve the best possible result on your project.
