How to Make a Lintel Block

Lintel blocks are essential when building walls with doors and windows.

The U-shaped lintel block is essential for making the lintels that support the walls above doors and windows. While you can purchase lintel blocks from stone masons or a home improvement store, knowing how to make your own is handy in the event that one breaks or you run out. Lintel blocks are simple building materials, but having a few guidelines to follow will make their construction even easier.

Things You'll Need

• Solid concrete block, 8 inches by 8 inches by 16 inches
• Straight edge with inch measurements
• Marker
• Face mask
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Circular saw with masonry cutting blade
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Place the block on one end so an 8-inch-by-8-inch side is facing upward. Your first marks will be on this upward-facing side.

2. Measure and mark a 5-by-4-inch rectangle that shares one 4-inch edge with an 8-inch block edge. Make sure the 4-inch edge is centered on the 8-inch edge. Flip the block and repeat to mark the same rectangle on the opposite 8-by-8-inch side, making certain that the rectangles extend from the same 8-by-16-inch side of the block.

3. Flip the block onto the opposite 8-by-16-inch side so the rectangles open upward. Line up the straight edge on top of the block between corresponding rectangle sides, and mark two 16-inch parallel lines connecting them.

4. Put on the face mask, safety glasses and work gloves, and saw along the marked rectangles and 16-inch lines.

5. Saw a grid pattern between the marks on both the top and the sides of the block to make concrete removal easier. Knock out the loosened pieces with the hammer. Cut out all concrete in the 16 inches between the two rectangles, leaving a squared-off U-shaped lintel block.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions assume a standard block depth of 8 inches. You may need to adjust for your wall's depth.

• For a faster lintel block, you can use a two-section cinder block. However, be aware that this lintel block will not have a closed underside. A knockout block is a better alternative.

• Be familiar with the saw you use to cut the concrete, and exercise caution when it is running.

• Wear your mask and safety glasses snugly because cutting concrete creates a lot of dust in the air.

References

• Lintels Above Doors and Windows
• Bond Beam and Lintel Block Differences

Resources

• Concrete Block Sizes and Shapes