Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Houston, PA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Houston, PA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY HOUSTON, PA HOMEOWNERS

4.1
Average homeowner rating
33
Verified structural engineering services reviews

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Houston, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Houston, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Houston, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on May 17, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Fabricio Hardwood did an amazing job replacing my engineered hardwood floor. Experienced install team were hardworking and did an excellent job. Great communication and outstanding service.
Fabricio Hardwood Floors Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2025
Really enjoyed working with Avery! He did very good carpentry work. Our structural engineer, who we hired separately, noted the good work that he did and that he wasn’t cutting corners or anything in ways that contractors can pretty easily. We felt good and safe having them around the house...
Av Carpentry
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2024
Final product is beautiful. We use it all the time. George and his team did great work. There was a hiccup in the process, when the roof was designed it ended up needing re-engineered which ended up costing us a little more than expected. I don't usually hold this against contractors because...
George Hunt Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
I have used Mr. Miller twice for my decking project. Both instances involved getting a structural engineer to certify design changes as this was a re-build and the building inspector wanted to be sure that I would do the work correctly. He answered both my concerns in a timely fashion with the...
Gary J. Miller
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
Highly recommend Behrmarc construction! They recently built our back deck and the work was done to absolute perfection; both presentation and structure. They took their time to make sure we were getting exactly what we wanted, and were fast and efficient when getting it done. I have a strong...
Behrmarc Construction, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
I signed up to have a modular log home built on an existing foundation. The builder had a number of specifications that needed to be met to get the foundation ready for the new house. I contacted 8 other companies, but no one could help me with my long list of tasks. When I finally got ahold...
Highlander Waterproofing, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2020
The entire team at Engineered Foundation Solutions was amazing, from start to finish. Everyone was very personable and professional. Shannon at the office kept everything running smooth and communications were always polite and timely. The crew, Colin, Chandler and Randy worked extremely hard...
Engineered Foundation Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2020
The Installation gets pricey if they have to travel 150+ miles and stay overnight but the quality is second to none. The fit, finish, engineering, and construction are equal to that of hand-made furniture from the turn of the century. This was our first experience working with Amish craftsman....
High Point Cabinets
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2020
He does all of our structural welding we do not do in house and I would highly recommend him!
Jakobs Services, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2018
Realistic, Professional, Kind, Courteous, Generous, Accommodating. The scope of work: We wanted to re-build our basement. This was not a standard re-model, but a complete rebuild that involved an architect because we wanted to make the walkout basement into a 2-bedroom 1 full bath apartment for...
Elite Renovation Corp
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Houston

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Gary took the time to evaluate my structural issue and wrote up an assessment. He also gave me recommendations for resolving the problem and explained what was wrong and what actions were needed for repair. I would highly recommend Gary for his expertise and experience in structural engineering."

Response time9 hrs

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Request Quote

JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Emergency services offered

"John has a heart and enjoys his work and it shows. Everything that job required john was always 1 step ahead of project fast and efficient"

Response time2 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dee is a solid guy and excellent engineer. My project required him to design and create the engineering specs to navigate our town's permitting process. His thoroughness exceeded my expectations. I recommend and trust Dee on any future project."

+10

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by54%of homeowners

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"I did not fully appreciate how much a knowledgeable engineer could enhance my reconstruction project until I received his thoughtful report. Now we know the right way to proceed with saving our 1902 structure."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"The engineer was very friendly and professional."

Tolans drill rig for extinguishing mine fire

+23

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Serving Houston, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

"Ed was able to come out and do the job the same day he contacted meand within two days I received his report to pass along to my mortgage broker. His professional analysis and prompt attention helped me to go forward with the purchase of my first home and his report reassured me regarding the structuaral soundness of the home. I would highly recommend Mr. Brenkus to anyone with similar needs. In fact I plan on cantacting him again for additional projects. He was professional, prompt, courteous, and candid."

Recommended by19%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.

The Houston, PA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Em Norton
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Everything to Know About LVL Beams
What is an LVL beam? Read about LVL beams to determine if this material is safe and suitable for your project.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.