Make An Access Panel

Nailing framing is part of installing an access panel.

Access panels are made to access mechanical elements inside a house that may otherwise be hidden by walls, floors or ceilings. The most common access panels are in ceilings to access attic spaces. Other common access panels are behind the taps where a bathroom tub or shower shares a wall with another room. These panels are designed to allow a plumber to access the pipes or motors that run special systems in the tub. Other access panels may cover similar mechanical systems that occasionally need servicing. Making an access panel is not difficult.

Instructions

1. Cut the drywall to reveal the mechanical element you need access to. For a bathtub access panel the pipes or motor may be small and require only a small panel. For an attic or panel you need to pass through, the opening should be larger.

2. Measure and add blocking around the drywall opening. If you have pipes in the wall you should add 2-by-4-inch wood from the closest wall stud to within an inch of the pipes. Screw two horizontal blocks at the top and bottom of your drywall opening and one vertical block along the side of the opening. Use long screws and pre-start the screws before inserting the block into the wall cavity. Repeat for the other side. The objective is to support the drywall where you have cut the opening and give your panel a sturdy spot to attach.

3. Cut 1/4-inch plywood 2 inches larger than the drywall hole in each direction. Attach 1-inch self stick PVC camper mounting tape along the back inside edges of the plywood to create an air seal.

4. Attach the plywood access panel cover to the blocking at each corner and in the center along each side.

Tags: access panel, access panels, common access, common access panels, drywall opening