Cost to Knock Through a Wall in the UK, £400 to £4,000+

Knocking through a non load bearing stud wall usually costs about £400 to £900. A load bearing wall needs a steel beam and typically costs £1,500 to £4,000 or more all in for a standard opening, which covers the structural engineer's calculations, the steel, temporary props, building control and making good, according to Best Builders' 2026 cost guide.

Working on renovation projects across Kent, I have found that homeowners often focus on the physical removal of the wall, but the overall cost also includes structural support, finishing work, and approvals.

What does knocking through a wall involve

Knocking through a wall is the process of removing part or all of an internal wall to create a larger opening between rooms. In many homes, this is done to combine kitchens and dining rooms or to create open plan kitchen living areas.

The process usually begins with assessing whether the wall is structural. Structural walls carry weight from floors or the roof above and require additional support when removed. Once the structure is understood, a plan can be created to remove the wall safely.

Projects like this often form part of wider renovations, where improving layout and flow is a key goal.

Structural and non structural walls

The biggest factor affecting the cost to knock through a wall is whether the wall is structural. Non structural partition walls are usually quicker and cheaper to remove because they do not carry weight from above.

Structural walls, on the other hand, require additional work. When a structural wall is removed, the load it was carrying must be supported by a beam, often a steel beam known as an RSJ.

Installing structural support requires careful planning and must comply with Building Regulations. Inspections during construction may be carried out by Local Authority Building Control to confirm the work meets required standards.

What it costs to knock down an internal wall

Removing a non load bearing stud wall costs about £400 to £900. A load bearing wall costs about £1,500 to £4,000 or more all in for a standard domestic opening, because the load has to be carried by a new beam. That figure already includes the structural calculations and the building control fees, which Best Builders puts at about £300 to £600 each. These are Best Builders' 2026 figures.

A simple non structural wall sits at the lower end. Structural walls requiring steel beams, calculations, and inspections increase the cost, and so does a wider opening.

Additional costs may include plastering, electrical adjustments, flooring repairs, and decorating to restore the finished space.

Knocking through a kitchen and dining room

The most common version of the job is taking out the wall between a kitchen and a dining room to make one open plan kitchen diner. Best Builders puts a standard room width knock through with a single steel at £2,500 to £4,000 all in, and a wide opening for an open plan kitchen diner at £3,500 to £6,000 or more. The structural part usually takes two to five days for a single beam job.

Taking out a kitchen wall touches more than the wall. Sockets, switches, pipes or a radiator on that wall have to be moved, the two floors have to be made to meet, and the kitchen layout usually changes with the room, so it is worth planning the kitchen layout before the wall is priced rather than after. If new units are going in, the average cost of a new kitchen sits on top of the knock through.

Sarah Ramsden, one of our customers, wrote in a Google review that "Alex transformed our separate kitchen and dining room into a spectacular open plan family space." You can also follow an extension with a knock through and new kitchen on our work page.

Structural calculations and approvals

Before removing a structural wall, structural calculations are usually required. These calculations determine the size and specification of the beam needed to support the load.

Although this adds to the cost, it is essential for safety. Structural work must comply with Building Regulations and may require approval before work begins.

Checking requirements early through the Planning Portal also helps confirm whether planning permission applies. Taking out an internal wall rarely needs planning permission unless the building is listed. A load bearing wall needs building regulations approval, but a non load bearing wall usually does not.

How long the work takes

Knocking through a wall usually takes between two days and one week depending on the complexity of the project. Installing a steel beam may only take a day, but preparation, inspections, and finishing work add time.

Once the beam is installed and the structure is secure, the opening is plastered and finished to match the surrounding space. Flooring and decoration may also need adjustment.

Clear planning helps keep the project running smoothly.

Open plan kitchens and layout improvements

One of the most common reasons homeowners knock through walls is to create open plan kitchens. Combining kitchens, dining areas, and living spaces can significantly improve how a home feels and functions.

After structural alterations are complete, professional kitchen fitting often takes place to complete the new layout. Removing walls early in the project allows kitchen installation to proceed without delays.

Open plan spaces are particularly popular in older properties where rooms were originally smaller and more separate.

Combining wall removal with extensions

Some projects involve both knocking through walls and adding new space through extensions. This approach can dramatically change the layout and usability of a home.

Through projects involving extensions and conversions, internal walls are often removed to connect existing rooms with newly built spaces. Coordinating these stages ensures the structural work supports the overall design.

Combining projects can sometimes be more efficient than carrying them out separately.

Conclusion

The cost to knock through a wall depends largely on whether the wall is structural and what additional work is required. While simple walls may be relatively inexpensive to remove, structural alterations involve beams, approvals, and finishing work that increase the overall cost.

However, when planned properly, removing a wall can significantly improve layout, light, and usability. You can see layout changes like this in our work from across Kent. If you are considering knocking through a wall and would like practical advice before starting, you can contact us to discuss your plans. At AGC Carpentry & Building Services, the focus is on safe structural work, careful planning, and renovations that genuinely improve how homes function.