Determine block wall height so lintel height is correct

[perky416]

Evening all.

Ive ripped down the stud wall around the doorway to my porch and intend to re build it with blocks and a lintel across the opening.

What would be the best way to determine the height of the blocks so the lintel sits at the right height for the door frame?
I read the lintel should rest on full blocks not cut blocks, so i didnt want to build up to height then realise i need to cut a block down when i get to the lintel.
Also assuming id need to cut a block, where is the best place to put it?

Thanks

 

[^woody^]

Put the frame in and build around it

 

[perky416]

What if say i put up the first 8 blocks then realise block 9 underneath the lintel needs to be a slither? Is it just a case of using your noggin and putting the slither at say block 8 so block 9 can be a whole one? Or is there an actual method people use?

 

[tony1851]

Presumably the lintel will be carrying v. little weight, so in practice it doesn't matter what you mortar in to level with the top of the frame eg a brick/a bit slate or roof tile/a piece of cut paving slab etc.

 

[^woody^]

External door frames are 9 course of blocks and then a brick for the bearing.

 

[perky416]

Tony:
Thats great thanks, its about a course and a half of block above the lintel far below what it can take, hopefully ill get away with a brick.

Woody: its internal. When looking at other internal doors in the house they are 8 and a bit blocks tall (these have stud and plasterboard above the opening).
This however will be starting from the porch floor which is a step down. Looks like it will be just under 9 blocks tall.

 

[^woody^]

It's a lining then not a frame. The door to a porch (ie the front door) should be an external grade door and frame to comply with building regulations and so would be 2100 high. If it's a a 2010 lining that works blocks and the lintel is placed a little higher than the lining.