Replacing a Window with a French Door

gtruji · 07-31-2006, 01:18 PM

Hi,

I am replacing an existing window with (exterior) french doors, and although the actual installation is going to be done by a contractor, I’m responsible for preparing the opening. I was asked to make a “block-to-block” opening of 73 ¾” X 96 ¾” and to put 1” X 4” pressure treated wood around the opening I’ve looked at a lot of sites on how to prep the opening but I still have a few questions:

1) The wall is made out standard concrete block (8" x 8" x 16"). Do I need to fill in the voids that will be left behind once I cut the wall? If so, do I fill them with concrete (how do I prevent the concrete from falling out as I fill the holes)? If not, how do I attach the 1” x 4” PT wood?

2) Once I make the opening, I guess I will end up with a 8” X 73 ¾” strip of exposed concrete foundation. The interior floor is tiled. Should I put PT wood on top of the exposed foundation? If so, how high should it be with regards to the interior floor (i.e. should it be flush with it)? Also, how wide should I make it (e.g. 4", 6", 8"?)

Any help is greatly appreciated..thanks in advance
-g

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 07-31-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtruji

Hi,

I am replacing an existing window with (exterior) french doors, and although the actual installation is going to be done by a contractor, I’m responsible for preparing the opening. I was asked to make a “block-to-block” opening of 73 ¾” X 96 ¾” and to put 1” X 4” pressure treated wood around the opening I’ve looked at a lot of sites on how to prep the opening but I still have a few questions:
-g

1) The wall is made out standard concrete block (8" x 8" x 16"). Do I need to fill in the voids that will be left behind once I cut the wall? Yes.

If so, do I fill them with concrete (how do I prevent the concrete from falling out as I fill the holes)?
You need to use forms. Plywood, 2x4's, etc. Mix the concrete a little thick too. Without seeing the area you are asking about, this is the best I can offer.

If not, how do I attach the 1” x 4” PT wood? N/A

2) Once I make the opening, I guess I will end up with a 8” X 73 ¾” strip of exposed concrete foundation. The interior floor is tiled.
Should I put PT wood on top of the exposed foundation? No.

If so, how high should it be with regards to the interior floor (i.e. should it be flush with it)? It should be flush with the interior floor. But not flush with the outside, if possible.

Interior side: Tie in the open space of the concrete in front of door with matching tile if possible.

Also, how wide should I make it (e.g. 4", 6", 8"?) Sorry, Not sure what you mean by this? Make it? Make what?

Any help is greatly appreciated..thanks in advance