wooden Lintel overhang

Thanks for help guys, i have searched but cant find a relevant topic on here.

In my flat, above the sliding doors at the back of the house there is a wooden lintel. This looks in good condition.

The sliding doors need to be replaced and I would like to put wider doors in.

If I widen the opening, what measurement does the lintel need to sit on the existing bricks?

In essence i want to put in the widest doors possible without replacing the lintel.


Thanks for advice.

It is difficult to comment on specific situations but 150mm bearing is acceptable for a majority of (standard load) steel lintel bearings.

Are we talking half brick thick, one brick thick, cavity wall....?

Best to play safe and replace the lintel with any widening of the door. Unless you can prove the lintel works with reduced bearing..

The external wall is a cavity wall.

the width of the room is 3.4m

The wooden lintel is 3m (Centred in the wall)

The current doors are approx 1.8m

I would like to install a door 2.6m,

leaving a 20cm bearing at either side of the lintel.





If i do replace the wooden lintel for a steel as suggested above. it is my understanding this classifies as replacing the lintel as 'like for like' and therefore requires no planning permission etc?