A pass-through wall makes two smaller spaces appear larger and more connected. You may often see them in smaller homes to maximize space, provide an open-concept feel, and make adjoining rooms seem brighter. When they separate a kitchen and dining room, they can also add valuable seating and counter space as a breakfast bar. Watch as This Old House general contractor Tom Silva opens a load-bearing wall between a kitchen and family room, and learn tips and techniques to make a pass-through wall in your own home.
Planning Your Pass-Through Wall
For your safety and your home’s structural integrity, always have a plan in place before you start cutting into walls. Follow these steps to plan out your pass-through wall.
Assessing the Wall
First, determine if the wall you’re converting to a pass-through wall is load-bearing. You can still use a load-bearing wall for the project, but it must be properly supported and reinforced both during and after the project. Modifying a load-bearing wall without the proper support can lead to dangerous structural problems or even collapses.
If you’re unsure which walls in your home are load-bearing and which ones are purely for design, consult a structural engineer. Aside from mapping out your home’s structure, they can also suggest what precautions to take if you’re working with a load-bearing wall.
Designing the Opening
As you sketch out how you want your pass-through to look, consider these factors:
- Size and shape of the opening: The dimensions shouldn’t be too small to make them unfunctional or too big to distract from other elements of your home’s design.
- Height from the floor: Passthroughs from a kitchen to a living, dining, or family room will typically align with either your existing countertops or bar height.
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC: You may need to have a plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician reroute pipes, wires, and air ducts that run through the wall. All of these scenarios will make the project more complex.
Obtaining Necessary Permits
Some towns and cities require building permits for making a pass-through. Contact your local building department to determine what’s required and get any necessary application paperwork. If you don’t obtain a permit when it’s required, you may run into expensive fines and penalties.
Tools and Materials Needed to Build a Pass-Through Wall
Use these tools and materials to cut open your pass-through:
- 2×4 lumber for framing
- Drill
- Drywall
- Drywall screws
- Hammer
- Header material (if load-bearing)
- Joint compound
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Paint and primer
- Reciprocating saw
- Safety glasses and dust mask
- Sandpaper
- Stud finder
- Additional items: screws, nails, and possibly a pry bar for initial deconstruction
Step-By-Step Guide To Building a Pass-Through Wall
Follow these steps to create your pass-through wall.
Building a Temporary Support Wall (If Needed)
If you’re building a passthrough in a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to build a temporary support wall from cross-linked 2×4 boards to help bear the load while you work. The support wall should extend from floor to ceiling and be placed parallel to the existing wall. Fasten all the boards tightly together with screws.
The First Cuts
Start by outlining the desired opening on both sides of the wall. Double-check all the measurements to be sure they’re accurate.
Now, so long as any necessary temporary walls are in place, you can put on your safety gear and start cutting along the marks with a reciprocating saw. Pull away the drywall to expose the studs.
Making the Header and Border
Use a pry bar or hammer to remove the studs within the opening area. Install new studs on the sides of the opening for structural support, and make sure they’re level and secure.
Next, install a double sill at the bottom of the opening to define its lower edge. This gives you a base for any future trim or countertops.
Finally, build a header with 2×4 lumber and plywood and install it above the opening. The header redistributes the load that the removed studs previously carried, and it’s an essential component of a pass-through for load-bearing walls.
Once the header, sill plate, and side studs are on, cut the drywall on the opposite side of the wall, following the same measurements as earlier.
Pass-Through Wall Finishing Touches
Finish the edges by installing trim or molding around the opening. Pick a style that complements your existing decor. Prime and paint the surrounding walls, allowing enough drying time between coats for a smooth finish. An accent color inside the opening can turn the passthrough into a focal point if you choose.
Install a countertop as desired to complete a breakfast bar, workspace, or casual dining nook. Whether you choose granite, wood, or laminate, find a durable model and style that goes with your kitchen. Support the countertop with decorative brackets or corbels.
You may also want to add lighting over the passthrough to build ambiance. Recessed lights can go in the ceiling above the opening, or you can install pendants for task lighting directly over the counter area.
