Concrete wall cutting — formally called wall sawing or wall sawing — is the technique used to create straight, rectangular openings in vertical concrete surfaces. While core cutting creates circular holes, wall sawing creates square or rectangular cuts: new door openings, window openings, ventilation openings, and structural modifications in load-bearing walls.
Wall sawing is the right choice whenever you need a straight, rectangular cut — especially for load-bearing RCC walls up to 600mm thick.
How wall cutting works
A hydraulic wall saw consists of a diamond circular blade mounted on a track-guided carriage. The track is fixed to the wall surface with anchor bolts. The carriage runs along the track under hydraulic power, driving the diamond blade through the concrete to the required depth. Multiple passes may be needed for thick walls.
Water is pumped onto the blade during cutting for cooling and dust suppression. The saw follows the track precisely, resulting in perfectly straight cuts with smooth edges and accurate dimensions. After cutting, the concrete panel is propped, broken loose, and carefully removed from the opening.
When to choose wall sawing
over core drilling
Use Wall Sawing When...
- ✓You need a door or window opening in a concrete wall
- ✓The opening is rectangular or square
- ✓The wall is load-bearing RCC with rebar
- ✓You need a large opening (above 400mm in any dimension)
- ✓Precise straight lines are critical (e.g. for frames)
- ✓The wall is 150mm–600mm thick
Use Core Drilling When...
- ✓You need a circular opening (pipe, conduit, duct)
- ✓The hole is under 400mm diameter
- ✓Minimal disruption is required
- ✓The job involves many holes in sequence
- ✓You need holes in horizontal slabs (floors/ceilings)
- ✓Speed per opening is the priority
Safety for load-bearing
wall cuts
Cutting openings in load-bearing concrete walls is a structural alteration. In Kerala, any load-bearing wall cut should be designed or approved by a licensed structural engineer. The engineer will specify the lintel beam required to transfer the load above the opening, the temporary propping required during cutting, and whether the cut is safe given the building’s overall structural scheme.
At Palakkad Concrete Cutting, we do not proceed with load-bearing wall cuts without a structural engineer’s drawing or approval on file. We will happily advise you on what information is needed and work alongside your structural team.
Wall cutting costs
in Kerala
Wall cutting is priced per linear metre of cut length, and the cost varies depending on wall thickness, rebar density, blade depth required, and site accessibility. Standard door openings (3 cuts per opening) in a 150–200mm wall typically cost ₹3,000–8,000 per opening inclusive of propping and panel removal.
Thicker walls (300–600mm), heavy rebar grids, or difficult access will increase the cost. Always request a written quote after site survey — avoid any contractor who quotes for wall cutting without visiting the site.
Common wall cutting projects
in Kerala
- ◆New door openings in RCC frame walls
- ◆Window enlargements in older buildings
- ◆Creating ventilation passages in plant rooms
- ◆Connecting adjacent rooms in commercial renovations
- ◆Removing wall sections for open-plan layouts
- ◆Creating access openings for MEP shafts
- ◆Fire safety exit openings in factories
- ◆Facade openings for new window units
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